At Bayside, we love your pets as much as you do, and we’ve been doing some digging to help explain how those deep, loving bonds are formed. Do our pets feel the human animal connection as deeply as we do?! We’ve learned a lot on our journey and, to no surprise, discovered that 68% of US households are home to a pet (including four-, two, or no-legged varieties).

While cats and dogs are by far the most common choices for household companions—in studies and here in the clinic—it got us thinking: What is it about our furry friends that keep us coming back for more? And how important is the connection with pets to our health?

We’ve all heard the old wive’s tale that dogs have the “cleanest mouths.” But if you’ve ever met a dog, we’re sure you’ve questioned that more times than you can count. Every dog owner knows that their beloved pup will put almost anything in their mouth—from scavenged “food” finds and dirty toys to someone else’s waste. If you get our drift.

So, it would seem perfectly normal—natural even—that your dog would have a bad case of doggie breath, right? Wrong: Dog breath, while extremely common, can be a sign of larger oral health issues and may lead to more serious health complications as your pet ages.

Outside of regular, professional dog dental care, dog owners can turn to these vet-recommended preventative measures to keep their pup’s pearly whites clean and dog breath smelling oh-so fresh.

Holidays are a time of joy, festive gatherings, and gift-giving! And if you’re a pet owner, you know that your furry friends love to participate in all of the festivities, from snacking to unwrapping new toys. Here at Bayside Animal Hospital, we dive into our holiday decorating by keeping these simple dos and don’ts in mind. These will ensure that all of our clients have the best season yet— and holiday decorating with pets is filled with the ultimate care, love, and joy the season brings, as well as pet holiday safety.

Pet parasite prevention should be of the utmost importance to a pet parent. Taking precautions throughout the year to prevent pet parasites will extend your pet’s health & longevity. Every pet deserves the best health care possible, including year-round pet parasite prevention. It’s much less expensive and risky to prevent a parasite problem than treating a pet infected by a parasite. The staff at Bayside Animal Hospital is here to provide the best information so you can protect your pet’s health. After all, pets are family, and we want them to live long, healthy lives by your side. 

The busy days of back-to-school are upon us, and they can be stressful for everyone, including your pet. While dogs often feel the stress more than cats, the stress of spending more hours alone can affect everyone. You can take some proactive steps to reduce pet separation anxiety for your furry friend–here are some of our team’s top suggestions.

Heartworms and worms are a risk to all beloved pets. It’s important to have dogs and cats visit a veterinarian annually for a wellness visit, especially right after adopting a new dog or cat. Newly adopted pets have an increased risk for both heartworms and worms. Be sure to get a pet wellness check by an AAHA accredited veterinarian, like our expert team here at Bayside Animal Hospital.

Dog exercise is just as important as human exercise. At Bayside Animal Hospital, we are always happy to help owners discover fun ways to connect with their pets through play. Puppy games can set your pup up for a lifetime of wellness, and they’re a blast to share together, too.

Here are a few of our top suggestions for games for puppies, as well as puppy exercise tips. It’s spring, the perfect time of year to get your puppy outdoors to enjoy some fresh air and learn some new ways to get puppy energy out.

Adopting a new pet into the family is always an exciting time. Your newly adopted puppy will quickly become your best friend, and at Bayside Animal Hospital, we want to ensure that you and your puppy start your life together on the right paw.

Today we are exploring the basics of new puppy adoption and new puppy care that every puppy parent should know.

It’s a new year and an opportunity to pursue healthy changes in your life. Whether you have other New Year’s resolutions or not, now is an ideal time to step into the year with your pet by creating healthy goals you can both share. Pursuing these New Year goals with your pet can bring additional health and happiness into both of your lives. 

The holiday season is one of joy, sharing, and cheer–and what better friend to experience that with than your pet? It’s common this time of year to travel to visit those you love in other places. Many of us consider bringing our pets with us. If you’re considering doing so, it’s important to create a list and prepare ahead of time if you plan to travel with your pet. Holiday travel with pets will be a breeze if you know what to expect and have plans in place before you go. It will also help reduce fear and anxiety in your pet while you travel for the holidays.