Maintaining your pet’s well-being requires a thoughtful approach to handling and care, especially for stress-inducing activities such as nail trims or medication administration. Our Willow Wood Animal Hospital team recognizes the importance of incorporating low-stress handling techniques at home to build a positive bond between your pet and you. For guidance on minimizing your pet’s [...]

From frostbite and hypothermia to antifreeze poisoning and chemical burns, cold weather poses unique hazards that can affect your pet's health and safety. While many people assume pets are built for the cold—especially those with thick fluffy coats—all pets are susceptible to the risks that frigid temperatures, icy surfaces, and deicing chemicals pose. Our Willow [...]

Hepatic lipidosis in cats is a potentially life-threatening condition that many owners do not recognize until their cat is critically ill. Understanding this unique feline condition and its potential consequences can help minimize your cat’s risk and, should your cat be affected, support their recovery and avoid future relapses. What is hepatic lipidosis in cats? [...]

When you bring home a new pet, a transition period is required, especially for puppies, who often need intensive training. How you train your pup influences your bond and teaches them how to interact with the world. Housetraining is a particularly important step in the training process, because your dog has more freedom and can [...]

Senior cats don’t usually zoom around the house as frequently as young cats, but they should still be active. Feline arthritis is common, but the condition is often undetected and untreated because many owners dismiss their cat’s arthritis signs as normal aging changes. Our Willow Wood Animal Hospital team wants you to know how to [...]

Scratching is normal and necessary for cats, but if your feline friend uses your furniture or curtains to sharpen their claws, you may find the behavior upsetting. To help prevent your cat’s claw art from affecting your pet-owner bond, our Willow Wood Animal Hospital team explains why cats scratch and provides tips to prevent destructive [...]

You want to ensure your pet is mentally stimulated and physically challenged, but many trendy enrichment toys are expensive. Stop shelling out money for top-of-the-line toys. The truth is, your pet couldn’t care less about the amount you spend on their entertainment. Case in point: A cat can have loads of fun with a cardboard [...]

Wild cats get much of their water when they eat their prey and do not have a strong drive to drink water as do dogs and people. House cats who eat dry kibble need to drink extra water because they do not eat fresh, live prey. However, convincing this notoriously picky creature they should drink [...]

Noise aversion is a common issue that affects many pets, and it can be challenging for pet owners to identify and manage. Loud noises such as July Fourth fireworks can cause extreme anxiety and stress in pets, which can lead to destructive behaviors, barking, and self-harm as they try to escape from the triggering sound. [...]

Leaving your pet behind while you travel can be difficult, whether you’ll be away for a few days or several weeks. While you will always miss your pet when you’re not together, boarding provides a safe and comfortable environment for your four-legged friend. Setting up your pet for a successful boarding experience requires some planning, [...]