Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

It’s easy to assume your pet is getting enough water—after all, they have a bowl, and they know how to use it, right? But hydration is a little more complex than that, especially for senior pets. At Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, we’re here to bust some common myths about pet hydration so you can keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and well-hydrated year-round.

The skin is the largest organ, and it can also be the most troublesome if it is not happy. Dermatologic problems are one of the most common reasons pets come to visit us here at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital. Luckily we are equipped to help diagnose and treat a wide variety of pet skin problems.

Keeping your pets mentally stimulated is just as important as keeping them physically fit. Enrichment activities help prevent boredom, curb destructive behavior, and improve your pet’s well-being. 

The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to entertain your furry friend. With these DIY pet enrichment toy ideas shared by the team at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, you can create engaging experiences with items you probably already have at home.

When it comes to entertaining your feline friend, catnip is like the ultimate party favor. Here at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, we love seeing how a sprinkle of this magical herb can turn even the laziest cat into a bundle of energy—or, at the very least, a happy furball! So what’s the deal with catnip, and how can you use it to make your cat’s day? Let’s explore this feline favorite.

While California winters may not be as harsh as in other parts of the country, we do get some cooler weather here, along with the occasional storm. If you live in the mountains or in any sort of elevation, you’ll even see snow. 

As a California pet parent, it’s important to prepare for these not-so-sunny-and-balmy temperatures. Here’s how the team at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital suggests preparing for winters in California.

The holidays can be really overwhelming to pets and people alike. It’s no surprise that pets can start to feel a little unmoored in the weeks leading up to (and following) Thanksgiving. The food, the family, and the absolute departure from their regularly scheduled programming can all threaten a truly pet safe Thanksgiving.

No one likes to deal with dog vomit, but the truth is that the contents of your pup’s puke can tell you a lot about what’s bothering him. 

Here at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, we want to get down and dirty about dog vomit. The next time you hear that hacking sound, you’ll be ready to investigate. 

Perhaps one of the more common conditions we diagnose at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, diabetes in cats is something that feline lovers should be aware of. Knowing what signs to look for and when to bring your cat to see us is paramount to dealing with a disease that is often quite manageable. 

With so many trails to roam and beaches to bask on, California is a sun-lover’s dream. And if you plan on taking your pet to your next outdoor adventure, make sure you bone up on sun safety for pets.

Most pet owners understand that summer’s hot sun can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke if pets aren’t provided with adequate shade and clean drinking water, but it might surprise you to know that our pets—in spite of being covered in luxurious fur—need sunscreen just like we do.

Read on for tips on sun protection for pets so you can keep your cats and dogs safe and healthy during summer fun. 

Caring for a pet is one of life’s greatest joys, but routine veterinary services plus those little surprises that pets are famous for can eat away at family budgets. At Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, our commitment to providing quality, low-cost pet care helps make vital foundational services like spay and neuter surgery accessible for more pet owners.

The ASPCA estimates that the first year of pet ownership can cost anywhere between $1,904 and $3,221, and each year after that can run about $1,149 for cat owners and $1,391 for dog owners. We’re happy to do what we can to lower these costs for pet families in our community, and in this blog, we share our low-cost pet care options.