Posts in Category: For The Dogs

Animals are pretty instinctual. They rely heavily on their senses to get around in the world. While our domestic pets are much less dependent on their sight, hearing, and sense of smell than are their wild counterparts, loss of a sense can still be a major challenge.

Pets with hearing loss often need a little extra help. If you are a pet parent to one of these furry individuals, Godspeed Animal Hospital has the information you need to communicate with your deaf dog.

Most dogs enjoy the great outdoors, a fact not lost on owners that recreate throughout the year. While they may relish long walks, some pups just aren’t equipped to handle a 10-mile trek through the woods (especially in extreme weather). Their capabilities and endurance should always inform the decision to go hiking with your dog, and special consideration for their health and safety is essential. Virginia is simply chock-full of outdoor destinations to share with your best bud, and we have a few suggestions to help with your plans. 

Dogs are incredible companions, a fact not lost on the millions of American households. They become such a seamless part of our lives, it’s almost like they were meant for us. But, depending on their breed, some dogs could actually be a lot happier if their lifestyles or environments got a fuel injection. Highly active dog breeds need more than love and protection to truly thrive. If you’re looking for an entry into the high-octane world of intelligent, performance-driven dogs, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re the proud owner of a fresh-faced, innocent little puppy, any possible exhaustion is sweetened by the overwhelming affection you have for them. In addition to puppy-proofing your house, yard, and car, you have your work cut out for you regarding parasites. Fleas on puppies too young to receive their first dose of parasite prevention can be common, but there’s a lot you can do to safeguard your puppy’s well-being until then.

There are many subjects that pet owners never thought they’d learn about, let alone try to deal with. Anal glands are one such example of this phenomenon. Without a doubt, this area doesn’t typically come into focus until there’s a problem. Not all pets suffer from impacted anal glands. However, if the anal glands are unable to carry out their important functions, they may require immediate attention and action. 

There are few things that are quite as inconvenient and downright disgusting as the two small sacs of stinky fluid near the rectum that our beloved dogs and cats possess. Godspeed Animal Care knows that you love your pet, though, smelly parts and all. That is why we thought that we would educate you about anal glands and everything you never really wanted to know about them. 

Taking your pet for a fun outing at the local dog park sounds like an enjoyable activity for a lazy summer afternoon. There are definitely some things to consider before packing up the SUV and heading over, though. Public dog parks are not without some potential dangers, and Godspeed Animal Care thinks that it is important for pet owners to be aware of how to avoid trouble. 

Driving with a pet is legal here in Virginia, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfectly safe. Cruising around with the windows open sure is fun for a dog, and yet driving with an unrestrained animal can cause an accident. Criminal charges, claims of negligence, and potential injuries to yourself, other drivers and passengers, and of course, your pet, are all good motivators for safe practices. Choosing pet safety in the car is an important facet of responsible pet ownership, and we’re here to help.

Dogs communicate with us in many ways—through looks, barks, whines, wags of their tails, and more. One form of communication that is often misinterpreted is the wagging tail. Contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail does not always equal a happy dog. Your dog’s tail movements could be signifying something else entirely. 

The leash is the quintessential must-have for dog owners and their Fido friends. They facilitate training, walks, and all the fun, while still allowing all involved a sense of security while you’re out in the world. 

But not all leashes are created equal. Some leashes are not the appropriate size for certain dogs and their activities. If you are asking yourself, “which leash should I choose,” you’re in luck! The team at Godspeed Animal Care is here to help you choose the right one.