Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital’s Blog

You take super good care of your pets, anticipate their every need, and yet, you have a nagging sensation that you could be doing something better. Perhaps it’s because they give so much to you and your family, it seems like you’ll always come up short in repayment. Don’t worry. There are always little things that pet owners can do that have a big impact on their pet’s well-being. If you want to improve your pet’s health in the new year, we’ve got you covered. 

Most, if not all, pets enjoy their food and relish meal times. This doesn’t mean that they savor every bite, however. Instead, a common reaction to a bowl of food is to simply inhale it without appearing to chew even a morsel of it. This is true for pets of all ages, but if your puppy eats too fast, he could actually face serious health consequences. 

Every pet needs plenty of TLC, quality veterinary care, and a healthy diet. But finding a food that checks all the boxes—nutritious, delicious, and within budget—can be overwhelming. There are more options now than ever before, with new brands, specialty diets, and textures, and even refrigerated foods for both cats and dogs.  

The holiday season is not known as a time of year where many of us lose weight. Between the buttery, sugary desserts and rich, savory meat dishes, we’re lucky if we keep weight gain to a solid five to ten pounds. Pets are no exception to this trend, but with some healthy pet snacks waiting in the wings, you can keep them satisfied and safe all season long.

Pet toys are important components of health and happiness for pets. The right selection of toys provides mental stimulation, much-needed exercise, and fun – but finding that perfect toy for your little sweetie isn’t always easy. After all, toys can get boring quickly, ripped apart easily, or even be dangerous for your pet. 

We have come up with a list of popular pet toys sure to please even the pickiest furry friend. Our selections are safe, non-toxic, fun, and won’t collect dust in the corner of your living room!

Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to encourage heart health among other things in humans. Omega-3 supplements come in many forms and are one of the top selling dietary products on the market. But did you know that they are advantageous for pets as well? 

The team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital is here to tell you why.

What Are Fish Oil Supplements?

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to develop the cell structure and promote energy. These oils cannot be obtained from your pet’s regular diet. These essential fatty acids are the building blocks of maintaining a healthy heart and brain. Fish oils are found either in pill or liquid form and contain one or more of the following: salmon, pollack, trout, and tuna. 

It can be thrilling to catch a glimpse of a wild animal, but unless you are at a safe distance their actions can be highly unpredictable and incredibly dangerous.

Raccoons, skunks, foxes, porcupines, and opossums are certainly not rarities, but neither are local sightings of rattlesnakes, bears, coyotes, cougars, and various birds of prey.

The bottom line is that when pet safety remains a top priority, we can all move closer toward peaceful (or at least uneventful) co-existence.

If you have spent any time around cats, you will agree when we say that they are certainly not the same as small dogs. This is no different when it comes to what they eat. Feeding your pet properly is essential for good health and a long life.

Thankfully your pet experts at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital know all about cat nutrition and are available to help you find the purrfect diet for your pet.

The holidays are long-gone, but that doesn’t mean seasonal liberation is on the horizon. Instead, we must endure short, overcast, chilly days until the trees and flowers begin to bloom in 2-3 months.

Like kids, pets can start to feel a bit antsy this time of year. Luckily, there are some worthwhile winter pet activities to keep their paws moving and minds working.

As pet owners and animal lovers, we want the best for our furry family members. That means feeding them a high-quality, nutritious diet. With major advances in our understanding of pet nutrition and a broader availability of commercial pet food, this task has has never been easier. Human diet trends, such as paleo, organic, vegetarian, and grain-free, have also infiltrated the pet world, leading to more and more choices, along with more and more confusion.

Unfortunately, some devastating side effects have resulted from these incredible improvements in pet nutrition, specifically the recent incidents of cardiac disease in dogs.