Piper Glen Animal Hospital Blog

Veterinary Technicians play a vital role in your pet’s health. Without Veterinary Technicians, veterinary practices would not function as they do today. Veterinary Technicians and Nurses undergo rigorous training in animal care and handling, laboratory testing, radiography, surgical and anesthetic procedures, nursing care, and many other technical procedures and practices. But what exactly does a Veterinary Technician or Nurse do in the practice?  They perform many of the same tasks that nurses, laboratory technicians, and other specialized technologists provide to people. Check out this list below of just some ( not all! ) of a Veterinary Technician's daily duties:  Often, Veterinary Technicians are the first point of contact with the patient or client, discussing the medical issue that has brought the client to the practice. They collect a patient’s medical history by carefully asking all the right questions, obtain vital signs, and collect blood or urine sam...

Ensuring your pet maintains a healthy weight is one way to help keep Fido or Kitty in your life for a long time. This week included the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Many us spend countless hours worrying about the health of our pets, but many of our pets are overweight or obese. “What’s one more treat?” The reality is those extra treats add up and can lead to some serious health issues for your dog or cat. Those extra treats, too much food at mealtimes, and lack of exercise all contribute to obesity. It is so easy to over-feed your pet without even realizing it.   A decrease in exercise due to poor weather conditions (snow, ice, or persistent rain storms) without a corresponding reduction in the amount of kibble in your dog’s bowl can quickly lead to a gain of a few extra pounds. Even using an inaccurate measuring cup can be a source of overfeeding. Weighing your pet’s food with a kitchen scale, or using a measuring cup specifically designed for your pet’s br...

In honor of National Senior Pet Month,  P iper Glen Animal Hospital   would like to take a moment to celebrate the  benefits of adopting and owning an older pet. While most of us can’t help but dote on a new puppy or kitten, the reality is that caring for a young pet requires a lot of time and energy. Obedience training and curbing behavioral problems is hard work, which is why you might consider adopting a more mature or senior pet. Unfortunately, senior pets often get overlooked. At shelters and rescues, they are the ones who have the hardest time getting adopted. Many people assume younger is better, and their prejudices (which are often rooted in misinformation) keep stellar seniors from finding their forever homes. What Makes a Senior Pet Incredible If you’re considering adopting a pet, seniors make wonderful companions. Especially if you’re looking for a chill couch buddy or a low-maintenance friend who won’t chew on your designer shoes. Here are so...