The Pet Experts of Elmhurst, IL

The pet experts at Elmhurst Animal Care Center love almost everything about your pets. Yes, we said almost. 

While there is a lot to adore about our furry patients, anal glands are the one part that we could do without. The Elmhurst veterinary care team wants to share the “joy” of pet anal glands and why they are such a pain in the rear. 

One of the biggest problems among our pet companions is getting them to drink the right amount of water to keep them hydrated and healthy. For some pets, drinking a lot of water can pose a risk of overconsumption, while others snub their nose at tap water and refuse to drink enough. 

Here’s some veterinary advice from the team at Elmhurst Animal Care Center to help you understand more about pets and water consumption and how to know how much is enough.

Before being categorized as “adoptable,” animal shelters surgically sterilize pets. But, many cats and dogs are brought home from other sources before they are spayed or neutered. This places the responsibility on pet owners to schedule and commit to the procedure, and provide gentle care in the days and weeks that follow. Supporting a pet after surgery can be very challenging, but it’s much easier when you’re prepared.

Pet adoption is one of the biggest and most important decisions in modern life. Knowing exactly what kind of pet will fit into your home and lifestyle can lead you to the right animal friend. Unfulfilled expectations or surprising responsibilities have unfortunate outcomes for both pet owners and their pets, and adoption advocates can help prospective adopters make the right decision. Elmhurst Animal Care Center recommends taking extra time to consider the best rodent pets before taking the leap into ownership:

Most people who adopt an animal spay their new pet as one of the first acts of care after the adoption is official. Veterinarians recommend pet owners spay their pets to prevent litters of new puppies and kittens that need homes. Pet overpopulation is definitely one of the most important and humane reasons to spay your new pet, but it is not the only one. Dogs and cats that are not spayed are at risk for certain health issues.

The team at Elmhurst Animal Care Center wants to help our clients understand these potential health concerns, especially pyometra and how it can harm a new pet.

With their unique and beautiful appearance, Betta fish tend to catch the eye of any visitor to a pet store. Once entranced by the betta, particularly after watching them bob along in such a small cup, it is hard to avoid bringing one home to add a little more aesthetic appeal to your interior while giving a needy animal a home. This impulsive purchase can actually be harmful to the fish, however, especially if you do not know the proper way to care for these special creatures.

If you’ve left the store with an unexpected betta fish for your home, The Pet Experts at Elmhurst Animal Care Center are here to offer important tips on keeping the betta safe and healthy.

While the experience of owning a dog provides a lot of joy, there are many common worries facing today’s dog owners. Topping the list of potential concerns is what happens if/when their dog bites another animal, or perhaps worse, a person that you may or may not know. 

Without a doubt, dog owners have their work cut out for them. Not only is it crucial to make sure a dog knows what is appropriate behavior, but owners must also know what to do if the worst-case scenario happens.

Asthma is a condition that many of us are familiar with. Whether it be a child, parent, friend, or even ourselves that are affected by it, most people know someone with the diagnosis. 

Often, though, people don’t realize that pets can be affected by asthma as well. The Pet Experts at Elmhurst Animal Care Center are very familiar with pet asthma, though, and we want to share how this disease can affect our patients and what you can do about it.

Rare is the dog that doesn’t try to sneak a kiss or two. Most people are familiar with this decidedly canine behavior, and some even welcome it. That being said, however, there are quite a few dog owners that question the opportunistic tongue. If you’ve ever wondered why your dog licks you (and possibly want them to stop), we’ve got you covered.

The Slobber Factor

Let’s address the health and safety of dog kisses. Like us, dogs have a lot of bacteria in their mouths. It’s reasonable to assume that some of that bacteria gets passed from them to us via a kiss. This can certainly be off-putting, but unless their saliva enters an open wound on your body their kisses will not easily cause illness. Simply wash your hands and face after receiving some good ‘ole doggie affection. 

Strong Genes

Sure, slobbery dog “kisses” can be gross. The important things to remember, though, is that they aren’t trying to alienate you. In fact, just the opposite.

Dogs are simply answering their canine instincts by licking. This action has been relayed through wolf and dog DNA over the years. From their earliest days with their mother, wolf pups learn to eat food that has been regurgitated. They lick their mother’s face and are licked in return to get cleaned up. 

Me Love You!

Since licking is a natural, inherited behavior in dogs, owners may allow a few “kisses” from time to time. After all, pet dogs should feel comfortable expressing their love and devotion to their special humans. If they cannot get close to your face, it’s likely that your dog licks you on the hands, legs, and feet. Some experts believe that they do this to pick up signals of where you’ve been. You might even taste intriguingly salty to them. 

Where Is the Line?

Some owners might be uncomfortable with any and all licking. Others might accept this behavior as part of the territory of dog ownership. It is important to note that when your dog licks you excessively there might be something more going on.

Me. Me. Me?

If your dog licks you more often than you feel is necessary or appropriate, the following could explain why:

• They could be using their kisses to get more attention from you. If you react with laughter, smiling, petting or scratches they may be more inclined to repeat the behavior. Remember that dogs can even seek negative attention which inadvertently reinforces the action. Instead of getting mad, try to simply ignore it. Only reward the type of behavior you want to see.
• Stress and anxiety can trigger obsessive behaviors in dogs. Some dogs will lick things, like furniture, carpeting, toys, household objects, and even themselves repeatedly in an effort to soothe themselves. If left alone, this behavior can get worse over time. Please call us so we can help address your concerns. Animal behaviorists can also be very helpful at redirecting any symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• Boredom, pain, allergies and other health problems may be the cause and require attention and action.

When Your Dog Licks You

Dogs can be trained not to lick. It may take time, but with positive reinforcement they will eventually be less inclined to show this behavior. If your dog licks your face too much, give them a food puzzle or interactive toy. 

To curb excessive licking, be sure that your dog receives abundant opportunities to exercise. Spend time with them every day and keep to a routine.
If you need additional support regarding canine behavior or training, the Pet Experts at Naperville Animal Hospital are always here for you.

With all of 2020’s ups and downs, one thing remained loyal and steadfast by our side – our pets. Their constant love, affection, patience, and compassion has seen us through it all with all the snuggles and tail wags a person could need.

This past year, The Pet Experts at Elmhurst Animal Care Center have remained committed to you, and your pet’s health, too. From curbside, to exam room, and even online, our staff has dedicated themselves to the pets of Elmhurst and beyond through thick and thin.

to celebrate the turning of calendar, and in keeping with tradition, we have compiled a list of our most-read blogs from the past year. We hope you enjoy and appreciate you reading.