Do I Really Need to Hire a Pet Sitter?

A woman walking four dogs at the park.

If you ever have to leave your pet for any extended time, there are usually two options: boarding or a pet sitter. Boarding can be an excellent choice, especially if the facility is part of or adjacent to your pet’s veterinary hospital (like the St. Francis Pet Resort). The other choice might be to hire a professional pet sitter to come and stay with your pet so they may safely remain at home while you’re away. When faced with this important decision, it’s not always easy to know what’s best for your pet. That’s where we come in.

Continue…

Communicating with a Deaf Dog

A dog listening with a big ear.

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.

Continue…

Toilet Training a Cat: Can It Be Done?

Smart brown cat uses the toilet.

In general, the public does not view the feline species as trainable like their canine counterparts. In reality, though, cats can be taught many things. You just need to know how to motivate them! Things like toilet training a cat are totally possible when you know how, and Godspeed Animal Care wants to share all of our tips and tricks with you.  

Continue…

Choose From These Active Dog Breeds, Achieve Fitness Goals

A Rhodesian Ridgeback gallops through the grass

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.

Continue…

How Much Fluff is Too Much? A Spotlight on Feline Obesity

An obese cat spreads out on a couch.

If you ask, no one will admit to wanting an overweight pet. Just as in people, animals who are obese are at higher risk for many health problems including pet diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The fact remains, though, that over half of our nation’s dogs and cats are obese or overweight. 

Godspeed Animal Care knows that it can be pretty difficult to discern whether your cat is overweight or just fluffy. That’s why we would love to put a focus on feline obesity for you so that you have the tools needed to keep kitty fit and healthy.

Continue…

‘Tis the Season: Holiday Events for Pets

Holiday events for pets.

The holiday season is full of hustle and bustle here at Godspeed Animal Care, and we know how easy it is to get lost in everything. It is important, though, to take some time to remember those who are most precious to us. For many of us, at the top of our list are our pets. Read on to get some festive ideas for including your furry family in the season with our ideas for holiday events for pets.

Continue…

What Indoor Houseplants Are Pet-Safe?

Cat and plants.

Decorating with houseplants does more than spruce up your space: some plants can help purify indoor air, relieve stress and anxiety, or even boost concentration. And as fans of feng shui will tell you, a Money Tree can attract wealth, Snake Plants serve as protectors, and Philodendrons offer a calming, relaxing energy. But if you have pets, it’s important to know that nibbling on some of these indoor houseplants can make our animal companions sick—or worse. 

Continue…

What is Your Dog’s Tail Trying to Tell You?

Dog's tail wagging.

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. 

Continue…