Keeping your Pets Safe over the Holidays
By Dr. Ashley Powell, DVM
The holidays are almost here! Soon, we’ll be putting up decorations, preparing holiday meals and treats, and convening with family and friends—furry ones included. To ensure that this time together is safe and enjoyable for you and your four-legged companions, we have compiled a [READ MORE]
What to expect at your pet’s first ocular exam
The value of having animals undergo an annual physical checkup is widely known and practiced. But many pet owners don’t always recognize that eyesight and ocular health are an integral part of their pet’s overall health and wellbeing. You may have wondered what takes place during an initial examination. [READ MORE]
Wear it properly, wear it proud! E-collar tips for you and your pet
Your pet just underwent ophthalmic surgery and has been given an E-collar to wear. It may seem novel or amusing at first, seeing your pet adorned in the “cone of shame.” Soon, clumsiness ensues. Doorjambs, water bowls, even children and the backs of legs get in the way of the [READ MORE]
Advice for New Pet Owners
Animal Vision Center of Virginia is a proud member of the Coastal Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, a charitable organization that supports our region’s veterinary community. As part of the organization’s region-wide educational outreach initiative, they have provided the following tips and advice for new pet owners. We hope it is [READ MORE]
Protect Your Pets from Summer’s Sizzling Rays
Warm weather has arrived in Hampton Roads. That means we’ll be ramping up the fun factor when it comes to outdoor play for us—and our pets. Just as you would protect yourself against summer’s sizzling rays and temperatures, we should also take similar precautions on behalf of our canine and [READ MORE]
Earth-Friendly Lifestyle Tips for You and Fluffy
What are your plans to honor Earth Day this year? Some of our team members will be getting back to nature by hiking in nearby parks, walking on the beach and enjoying time outside. Of course, all of these activities will involve their pets too! This had us thinking about [READ MORE]
Adopting a pandemic puppy? Five tips for socializing your new companion
Hampton Roads animal shelters and rescue groups have received a lot of love from residents who have adopted pets since the COVID-19 coronavirus surfaced. Early in the pandemic, kind-hearted residents answered the organization’s call to “clear the shelters” and adopt. As the weeks became months, still more pet lovers turned [READ MORE]
On Woodsy Walks, Be Sure to Check Your Dog for Ticks
We love these long summer days, giving us more time outside playing, exploring and hiking with our pets in the great outdoors. Just as you would check yourself for ticks after tromping through woodsy areas, you should examine your dog’s coat as well. In addition to causing serious medical conditions [READ MORE]
Summer Eye Issues
It’s fun to take our pets to the beach or park, but we occasionally see ocular problems such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or corneal ulcers from the irritating effects of sand and wind-borne grass and particles on the surface of the eye. Pets are especially prone to these medical issues [READ MORE]
What You’ll Need for a Pet Preparedness Plan
No one wants to think about becoming ill or having a medical emergency, but it’s important to make sure you have plans in place for you and your loved ones—including your pets. We talked about this at a recent staff meeting, as it relates to COVID-19. If one of us [READ MORE]
Good Manners Count When Out with Your Dog
Do you remember Benjamin? We posted his photo on Facebook a few weeks ago, showing the remarkable recovery he made following a dog attack. This good-natured pup suffered severe trauma of his left globe and was initially given a 50% chance [READ MORE]
The Calming Power of Pets
You’re a pet owner, so you already know that spending time with your lovey makes you feel good. But do you know that pets can help boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, lower blood pressure and improve your overall health? That’s the therapeutic power of pets, according to an article [READ MORE]
Superfoods for Super Pets!
What’s on your Thanksgiving menu? Turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes? Sounds good to us, and your pet will probably like these too. As long as the turkey treat doesn’t have bones and isn’t too greasy, that’s fine in moderation. And so are the green beans and sweet potatoes, both loaded [READ MORE]
How to administer eye ointment to your pet
If only giving medications to your pet was as easy as waving a magic wand. Animals have an intuitive sense of reading our emotions. If we’re nervous about having to give them a pill or eye drops, they will become anxious, too.
Over the years we’ve mastered the art of administering [READ MORE]
Stay Cool Out There!
Summer’s here. Can you feel it? If it’s too hot for you to be outside or in a parked car, then it’s too hot for your pets. Be mindful of hyperthermia and heat stroke, conditions that can arise when your dog’s natural ability to regulate temperature by panting [READ MORE]
Hurricane Season is Here. Are You and Your Pets Ready?
Hurricane season began on June 1, and we hope that you have prepared an evacuation plan for you—and your pets. Recently, our staff put together a mashup of the items we’ll be gathering for our pets at the first warning sign of the season. We hope this is helpful to [READ MORE]
How to Give Your Pet a Pill
If only giving medications to your pet was as easy as waving a magic wand. Animals have an intuitive sense of reading our emotions. If we’re nervous about having to give them a pill or eye drops, they will become anxious, too.
Over the years we’ve mastered the art of administering [READ MORE]