Scale Shock: How to Manage Pet Obesity

Cute pug on scale.

Weight gain in pets can happen so slowly, it’s almost unnoticeable. For owners that see their pets every single day, it may not even register that their pet’s shape and size is expanding. A few extra pounds on a human may be negligible, but the equivalent of 5 extra pounds is 79 pounds on a cat, or 25-100 extra pounds on a dog (depending on their breed). This has a profound effect on their overall health, and may even decrease lifespan. We can help you prevent pet obesity, and/or safely manage a pet’s weight gain. 

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Tinsel Attack: A Guide to Holiday Pet Safety

Cat with holiday decorations.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that pet emergencies are placed on hold until the season is over. The fact is, pets get into some pretty serious predicaments around the holidays. Between changes in their routines, added foods to the table, and a departure from vigilant supervision, pet emergencies have a much higher likelihood to happen. With our guide to holiday pet safety, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy all the season has to offer with your best friend happily beside you.

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Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Pet Thanksgiving safety.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that many people enjoy with their families, including their furry family members. While it’s great to let your beloved pet in on the fun and festivities, it’s important to keep their safety in mind. There are many food hazards to be aware of when it comes to Thanksgiving holiday, and the team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to help! Check out our Thanksgiving pet safety tips:

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When Good Organs Act Bad: Pancreatitis in Pets

Pancreatitis in pets.

The pancreas is a fairly small organ that resides in the upper abdomen. Most of the time, we forget it is there, but when it is unhappy, it can be quite hard to ignore. Pancreatitis in pets can be painful and make our furry friends pretty sick. At MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital, we think it’s important that pet owners know about pancreatitis in pets and how to prevent it. 

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Loud Noises? How to Calm Your Pet’s Anxiety

El Dorado Hills pet with anxiety

They try to hide in your shirt, and you don’t know why they’re so clingy. Wait for it: yep, here comes a thunderstorm.

Younger dogs are generally not affected by the sounds of a storm. As pets age, they may learn to expect scary loud cracks and rumbles from lightning strikes. When they hear thunder or see flashes of light from lightning or fireworks, the anticipation of what’s to come can set up an anxiety response.

You are the safety captain for animals in your house. They look to you when they’re scared. If you jump, they’ll jump. Sometimes you just can’t help but react to loud noises, and neither can they. Understand that the fear is real and learn how to help calm your pet’s anxiety.

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What to Know About Microchipping Your Pet

El Dorado Hills dog microchipped.

Microchipping is just one element of pet ownership that gives pet owners a semblance of control in unexpected situations. Not a substitute for physical identification tags, microchips add a layer of protection in the case of a lost or missing pet. If you’ve ever wondered about microchipping your pet, we’ve got all the answers for you here:

Pets on the Run

Undoubtedly, many cats and dogs will not willfully take off on their own. Unfortunately, it does happen occasionally.Pets get curious about something they see, hear or smell and take off in hot pursuit. Their intention isn’t to stay away from home, but sometimes they get picked up, or become disoriented about their location. If the right opportunity arises, even a strictly indoor cat might just feel the need to explore. How do you begin to find your pet once they’ve left your property?

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Pet Wellness Matters!

El Dorado Hills Pet Wellness Dog

Most pet owners wouldn’t hesitate to bring their pets to the veterinarian if they were sick or injured, but it’s easy to let those annual checkups slide, especially if your pet seems healthy. 

Pet wellness is about more than a trip to the veterinarian when needed, thouogh. Annual wellness examinations are truly one of the best investments you can make in your pet’s health, happiness, and longevity.

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