Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital’s Blog

As the winter months come to a close, we look ahead to the coming spring. Uh-oh. It’s that dreaded time when the shorts and swimsuits come out, and many of us will be back out the gym, aspiring for that bikini body and working on our fitness goals.

Along with your own exercise plans, you may also begin to wonder about your couch potato cat or pup. Should they be getting more exercise? What’s enough? What’s too much?

The team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital can help answer the question: how much exercise does a pet really need?

Continue…

Your senior pet has been with you through good times and bad. They’ve seen you at your best, worst, and everywhere in between. And, they still love and adore you!

The deep connection and satisfying companionship of a senior pet is incomparable, and wanting to give them the absolute best in their golden years is commendable. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take a discerning look at senior pet wellness and implement ways to encourage a great quality of life for your furry friend.

Continue…

It probably comes as no surprise that the most popular New Year’s resolution is to get healthy or lose weight. Many of us could stand to eat a little better and move more, and the same could probably be said for our animal companions.

The rise in pet obesity rates over the past several years have corresponded to an uptick in health concerns, namely heart disease, high blood pressure, joint/mobility issues, cancer, and reduced life expectancy. At Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to helping you every step of the way as you strive to keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Continue…

Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet? With 2017 winding down, many of us turn to the coming year with new energy and ready to tackle new goals. Why not set aside a few new year’s resolutions for your pets, too?

If you haven’t thought about this yet, have no fear! We’ve got 5 ideas to add to your list before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Continue…

For parents, welcoming a new baby into the family is one of life’s greatest moments. Unfortunately, this wonderful milestone in our lives may be a confusing and upsetting one for our four-legged family members.

Introducing a pet and new baby can be tricky, but with the right attitude and plenty of preparation, the transition can be a smooth one. Let your team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital pave the way!

Continue…

Certain pharmaceuticals have the potential to bring us great relief. From headaches and allergies to congestion and depression, human medications ease symptoms and eliminate pain. But when half of all pet poisonings are related to them, it’s time for drastic measures to protect your pet.

Script or Not

Prescription medications aren’t necessarily more toxic to pets than over-the-counter ones. The basic rule to prevent pet poisonings is to keep pets and all medications separated. Some animals will tip over a bottle and try out the flavor of whatever spilled out. Others might sniff out the trash and find discarded medication. Please take extra measures to ensure that your curious or bored pet doesn’t ingest human medications.

Continue…

If the warmer weather has you itching to get out into the yard for some lawn and garden prep, you’re not alone. This is the season when many of us choose to beautify our yards with an array of plants, shrubbery, and other vegetation.

For pet owners, however, there are more decisions to be made beyond simply where to plant that new shrub or which flowers to grow. Choosing pet safe plants takes planning and knowledge of plant toxicity.

The Big List of Plant No-No’s

Even for those with a green thumb, figuring out which plants are best for a fur friend can be tough. After all, some of the most popular plants and shrubs are poisonous to pets.

Continue…

Staying home over spring break can be the perfect recipe for familial happiness, but if everyone is bouncing off the walls for a solid week, you might need an alternative. No, we’re not talking about shipping the kids off to Grandma’s or boarding your pet. Instead, we offer realistic solutions to spending spring break with your pet and the kids. On your mark, get set, pack your bags!

Road Trip!

If your family is going nuts at home, hit the open road! We’re lucky to live in a state that offers so much variety. You could hit the beach, scale the Sierra Nevada’s, gawk at the Sequoias, or enjoy some peace in the desert.

Continue…

Around the holidays, many pets are at an increased risk of food-related complications, including pancreatitis in pets. However, few owners understand pancreatitis in pets and how to prevent this potentially devastating illness.

To keep the holidays merry and bright, the team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital encourages you to brush up on the risks of pancreatitis and take the proper steps to avoid a veterinary emergency.
Continue…

Welcoming a new pet into your life is an amazing experience. However, a great deal of thought and preparation goes into becoming a responsible pet owner. If you’re adopting a new puppy or kitten, you have years of fun to look forward to, but you’ll need to be prepared for a lot more than just a few back scratches. Think you’re ready? Let’s find out!

The Starting Line

It’s important to bring your new pal in for a wellness visit. This is a great way to launch a lifetime of healthy habits, and a good time for us to share some basic principles about being a responsible pet owner: Continue…