Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

Most Texans are pretty used to being around snakes. While many of our native species here in the south are harmless, there are a few that we need to be on the lookout, for.

Texan rattlesnakes are nothing to mess with, especially when it comes to our pets. BeeVet Animal Hospital wants our clients to be sure to know all about the risks of rattlesnakes and what they need to do should their animal encounter one. Rattlesnakes and pets are not a good mix, and being prepared is half the battle.

Rattlesnake Risks

When a rattlesnake bites, it can have deadly consequences. If the snake injects its venom into the tissues of its victim during a strike, a chemical reaction can begin to occur. The venom causes disruption of the blood vessels in the area leading to severe swelling, blood loss, and shock.

Just like humans, animals also suffer from allergies in various forms, but their symptoms are often markedly different from those that we experience. Although allergies in pets can be tricky to diagnose and treat, there are plenty of ways you can help to keep your allergic pet comfortable.

Allergies in Pets

Allergies in both people and pets are the result of the immune system’s overreaction to foreign particles that enter the body. The particles (allergens) can vary widely from pet to pet, but the most common causes of allergies in pets are:

Dog parks offer pooches the perfect chance to enjoy the great outdoors and socialize with other pets. We’re fortunate to have plenty of dog parks in Austin to choose from, and for the sake of everyone’s enjoyment, it’s important to always practice proper dog park etiquette.

Our team at BEEVET Animal Hospital has put together some pointers to help you prepare for your next trip to the dog park. We want you and your dog to set stellar examples for the rest of the pack!

In Austin, we see a lot of pests, including bed bugs, termites, ants, scorpions, spiders, and of course, ticks. These hard-shelled, ectoparasites are often grouped with fleas and mosquitoes because they each pose significant threats to pet health and well-being. As such, we recommend year-round parasite prevention for companion animals. Without a doubt, these bugs wreak havoc, but the fact that they spread harmful disease deserves attention. Lyme disease in dogs is just one of the dangerous effects of ticks, but there are ways to reduce exposure and prevent illness.

It is always better to have something and not need it, than to need something and not have it. This goes for so many aspects of modern living, but when it comes to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires and floods, it is critical to have a plan in place. Unexpected situations are bound to happen and pet disaster preparedness is an essential component of responsible pet ownership.

You’re out hiking or camping with your fur friend when all of a sudden, you hear a yelp as your dog comes running back to you with that unmistakable scent all over their body… 

Being sprayed by a skunk is a common theme for those who live or spend time in forested and natural areas with their four-legged pals. “My dog got sprayed by a skunk!” is a scenario we often hear from concerned pet owners.

The team at BEEVET Animal Hospital is here to explain what you should do to rid your pet of this awful odor. Read on to learn more. 

If you’ve noticed more people jogging, riding bikes, or simply walking around town, there’s a good reason: it’s spring! This is the best time to get moving and shave off some of those unnecessary pounds brought on by all the winter goodies. Before it gets too hot, we encourage all pet owners take advantage of the beautiful weather and longer days.

Picking up the pace this spring is not only great for your pet’s mental and physical health, but helps prevent obesity.

Even with our mild weather, winter can become a bit of a drag for people and pets alike. Sure, there are walks, hikes, and trips to the dog park, but even those can get boring after awhile. With the holidays approaching, it’s only natural to want to incorporate the fun of the season into your pet’s activities, but where to begin? Let the team at BEEVET help with some of our favorite pet-friendly Austin activities this time of year. Enjoy!

All of the Lights

Living in a pet-friendly city has its advantages and when it comes to finding unique opportunities for holiday bonding with your pet, we’ve got you covered. Check out these ideas for a memorable walk (or car ride) through one of Austin’s many beautifully lit neighborhood light displays:

Summer may be halfway over, but Austin residents know that doesn’t mean much. The heat will stay with us for weeks to come, and keeping ourselves and our pets safe are top priorities as the high temps linger (and linger and linger).

Whether you love summer or not, our pet heat safety tips are sure to help you and your pet beat the heat!

Why Worry?

Our pets are much less efficient at releasing built up heat from their bodies. This means heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration and heat stroke, can sneak up on them quickly. It’s up to pet owners to monitor their pet’s exposure to heat and take the necessary precautions to protect them.

Although any pet can overheat, senior pets, very young pets, and brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs, Pekingese, bulldogs, Persian cats) are at an increased risk. These pets should be kept out of the heat as much as possible and monitored closely during warm weather. Continue…

Even with our mild Austin winters, we’re glad that spring has finally sprung! We’re all about getting outside with our pets, and we’re lucky Austin has so many different options when it comes to local hikes with dogs. Let our team suggest some of the best dog-friendly hikes and walks in the Austin area. We’ll also provide some safety tips to keep you both happily on the trail.

Local Hikes and Walks for You and Your Dog

Barton Creek Greenbelt – One of the most well known hikes in Texas, the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a 7.8 mile trail that will delight any outdoor enthusiast, human or dog. The trail has lots of shade, and there are multiple points to access waterfalls and Barton Creek. This park is on-leash only, and you’ll likely encounter hikers, bikers, kayakers, and climbers along the way. Continue…