Holiday Getaway: Air Traveling With Pets

Dog in pet carrier at the airport.

If you’re planning to fly the friendly skies this holiday season with your cat or dog, our team has some helpful hints and recommendations to give you peace of mind and ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet.

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Scratch that Itch: Managing Allergies in Pets

A dog rolling around in a grassy field.

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:

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The Rudest Things You Can Do at the Dog Park

Dog owners with their dogs at the dog park.

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!

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Is A Rabbit the Perfect Pet For Your Family?

Happy child hugging a pet bunny.

With their adorable fluff and affectionate nature, rabbits make wonderful pets. They are quiet, clean animals that adore their owners and can even be trained to do tricks. However, rabbits require more attention and care than people typically expect, as much as a dog in many ways. With a life expectancy of 7-10 years, pet rabbits are a long-term commitment. Keep reading to find out if a rabbit is the right pet for you and your family.

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Pet Vaccines: How Important are Immunizations for Your Indoor Pet?

Pomeranian puppy at the veterinary office.

When it comes to your totally indoor cat or your couch potato pooch, their level of risk for infectious disease is pretty low. They probably don’t really need to be vaccinated… Do they? BEEVET Animal Hospital begs to differ. There are actually some pretty compelling reasons that pet vaccines are important even in homebodies. Read on to learn how vital they are.

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Meow-ouch: Signs Your Cat is in Pain

Human petting a sad calico Maine coon cat that is lying down.

You cat likely chirps, baps, or headbutts when she wants attention or food. But is your normally demanding cat queen forthcoming when she’s in pain? Probably not. Cats are hard-wired to disguise weaknesses that could make them vulnerable in the wild. Which means the onus is on the owner to spot the subtle cues of their discomfort.

We are consummate cat lovers at BEEVET Animal Hospital, and we take pain management seriously. We’re here to help you decode the signals that your cat is in pain.

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Small Pets: What Are Pocket Pets?

small animal pocket pet in shirt pocket

At BEEVET Animal Hospital, we love taking care of creatures great and small—from big, slobbery dogs to pint-sized critters that you can hold in the palm of your hand. For many families, small pets fit perfectly into their lifestyles because they don’t take up much space and they don’t deposit pet fur all over the house. And many of these tiny companions make great pets for kids. If you’re thinking of adding a pocket pet to your household, read on for valuable tips from our team so you’ll be properly prepared to care for your new little family member.

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Lyme Disease In Dogs: What Every Owner Should Know

A dog in the forest.

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.

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The 5 Most Common Pet Birds

A human in a red sweater with a white pet bird.

At BEEVET Animal Hospital, we love animals of all species. Our team is excited when our feathered clients come to see us for veterinary visits, and we love interacting with their human families as well. Although we know there are plenty of different pet bird species sharing homes with human families in Austin, we have found that these are the most common:

  1. Parakeets 

The parakeet, or the budgerigar, is a fan favorite, especially when it comes to families with children. Since they are smaller than some other pet bird species, they do not require as much space. They do need the same care, however, which means regular visits to the bird veterinarian. Parakeets are known for their distinctive whistle, and some can even learn a handful of words and phrases.

  1. Cockatiel

The cockatiel is another pet bird that likes to participate in conversations. Like the parakeet, the cockatiel can learn words, but they usually prefer to mimic sounds like the doorbell. Cockatiels come in an array of beautiful colors and can live for up to 20 years.

  1. Finch

The finch is a tiny bird companion who prefers the company of birds to the constant attention of humans. That makes these tiny avians perfect for pet owners who love passively watching their feathered friends without having to spend a lot of time entertaining them. Unlike many of the other birds on this list, finches have softbills and only measure about 5 inches (or less). With regular wellness visits, they can live for about 10 years.

  1. Lovebirds

If you love parrots but don’t have a lot of space, you might want to bring a lovebird into your home. These tiny parrots are only 5-6 inches, which makes them the perfect companion for apartment or condo dwellers. With the proper care, lovebirds can live for up to 20 years.

  1. Dove

These sweet, calm birds are great for homes with older children or just adults who will not get too excited near the cage. Although they do well on their own, doves do need companionship, so be sure to give them plenty of time outside the cage. Placing mirrors nearby can also help them feel like they’re socializing. 

No matter what kind of bird you have, BEEVET Animal Hospital is here to offer them the veterinary care they need throughout their lives. We also see dogs, cats, and exotic pets. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, call (512) 263-9292.

Pet Disaster Preparedness Makes All the Difference When You Need It the Most

Abandoned dog in the rain after natural disaster.

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.

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