Steckelberg Vet Clinic Blog

Are you ready to enjoy warm summer days with your furry friend? With summer just around the corner, it’s essential to make sure you and your pets are prepared for some fun in the sun.

While parasite prevention is essential for your pet’s health, it can also play a critical role in keeping you and your family safe. Some of the parasites that affect pets can be spread to people.

In this article, we’ll discuss which parasites could be a risk to you and how to keep you and your pets parasite free.

It's a new year, which means it's a perfect time to reflect on the special bond you and your pet share. You love your pet. And they love you! Pets are treasured members of our families, so it just makes good sense to consider the year ahead and plan ways to help your pet stay in tip-top shape! Read on for 8 simple ways you can make your pet's life even better.

Celebrating the holidays with your pet is a wonderful gift. However, these celebrations can pose some potential risks to your pet’s health. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to help keep your pet safe this holiday season.

It crosses every pet owner’s mind: “Is my pet in pain?” And this question comes up more and more as our pets get older. One of the most difficult things about being a pet owner is that our pets cannot verbalize how they’re feeling. This leads us to wonder if our dogs and cats are living their best lives. The last thing you want is your pet struggling with chronic or acute pain, after all. And while your pet will likely never learn to speak human, they often send more subtle signs that they’re in pain. Here are 3 of the most common signs that your pet is in pain:

Cats are wonderful pets; in fact, over 25% of US households share their home with a feline companion, according to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). They’re cute, cuddly, comical, and provide delightful companionship! But there are some things you will want to keep in mind to keep your cat's health in tip-top shape. Since August 22 is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, we're sharing 5 habits that positively impact the health of your cat!

As summer approaches, so do the booms, blasts, and excitement that come along with this commotion-filled season. From thunderstorms to the Fourth of July, pets experience an array of experiences that can bring out their anxiety. Preparing for the noise, hustle and bustle, and celebrations can reduce your pet’s stress and prevent young pets from trauma that could lead to life-long fears. Unsure how you can prep for booms and blasts? Here are our top tips for helping your pet through the summer celebrations and downpours.

You would never take risks when it comes to your pet’s safety, health, and wellbeing. Would you? Well, with the rise of counterfeit prescription drugs and rogue online pharmacies, you may inadvertently be putting your pet at risk [1]. Your pet’s health has always been our top priority which is why you trust us to provide them with the best care.

Did you know that March is Pet Poison Prevention Month? This month is dedicated to keeping pets safe from accidental poisonings and educating pet owners on how to do just that. Some curious pets cannot help but get into trouble when it comes to exploring household items that can pose a danger. Others may incidentally walk across the garage floor, garden, or sidewalk and wind up ill. To help you better safeguard your pets, check out these common household pet poisons that most people don’t think about.

As you’re shopping for the holiday season, you may ask yourself, “What’s the best gift I can give my pet?” While pet sweaters are cute and can make for adorable holiday cards, we believe the best present a pet parent can gift their pet is a healthy, happy life. When you invest in your pet’s wellbeing, you’re giving the most heartfelt gift a pet could ask for (if they knew how to speak). As a pet parent, you are your pet’s advocate for a better life. You’re like Santa but better--you have the opportunity to make your pet merrier every day of the year.

Despite all that has happened in 2020, this year has its hidden gems. From having more time to snuggle with the cat to greeting neighbors working from home on walks with the dog, there is still so much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving.

2020 has been scary enough, so there’s no need for any extra worries this year. To help keep your pets safe this October, we’re offering you our top tricks to keeping the treat in this sweet month.

Pain and your pet: two things you never want to think about together. When our pets hurt, our hearts break. We do everything we can to help our beloved companions avoid the irritation and anguish of physical discomfort. Yet it can be challenging to recognize how your pet experiences pain and exhibits distress. It would be so much easier if our furry family members spoke human!

Does your dog or cat run and hide when there’s a thunderstorm? What about the Fourth of July? Between unpredictable weather and fireworks, your pet may be dreading summer.

While COVID-19 quarantines continue across the country, you may be spinning your wheels to stay busy, productive, and positive. Luckily, our pets provide a great deal of comfort and companionship despite the isolation and stress caused by the Novel Coronavirus. As dogs and cats get used to having you at home, you may need to add some new activities to your repertoire to help keep them busy and make the most of your time together.

Are you ready to hop into spring? We sure are. In spite of the uncertainties of this unprecedented time, we are happy to see so many people (distantly) uniting and finding creative ways to be the community we’re proud to serve. From treasure-hunt style Easter egg hunts to the resurgence of “Victory Gardens,” it’s heartwarming to see folks looking out for each other while staying safe and healthy.

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? We love that this month is devoted to your canine’s canines, your kitty’s chompers, and your pet’s pearly whites. While your companion’s mouth may be a source of kisses and smiles, pet parents may overlook how much their pet’s dental health affects their overall well-being.

Are you ready to ring in the New Year with some new tricks to teach your dog or cat? Yes--cats can learn tricks, and they’re rather good at it! January is “Train Your Pet Month”. You can celebrate with your best friend by teaching them a few new moves to impress the neighbors. It’s also a great time to make an appointment with our clinic to work on breaking some bad habits if you’re concerned about new or recurring behaviors that are getting in the way of the bond you share.

When you see the holiday through your pet’s eyes, the big guy in the red suit may seem kind of frightening. And that’s not all - the home filled with scents of tasty but possibly unhealthy and dangerous foods, the noise of the door opening and closing as guests arrive makes their hearts race, strangers scare them, and ornaments look an awful lot like toys. Plus there’s the tree - which looks like an indoor bathroom to your dog.

Don’t let your pet “fall” into some of the most common safety hazards we see this time of year. Fall may be the most beautiful season to some, but there are unique risk factors you can prepare for. If you’re anything like most people, you breathe easier this time of year.

Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Fourth of July and pet dangers. We tried to answer some questions you may have and suggest ways you can help keep your pet safe this Independence Day!