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Directly following a carbohydrate-rich meal, the digestive system breaks food down into glucose, the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Glucose is absorbed in the gut making blood sugar levels rise. The pancreas responds to these changes by producing the important hormone insulin.  

Diabetes in pets occurs when the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or the body’s cells don’t respond properly to the amount of insulin secreted (Type 2). The effects of untreated diabetes can be extremely dangerous to long term health. 

If you have lived through any natural disaster, you know that every second counts when evacuating or sheltering in place. Each disaster, whether it be a hurricane, tornado, forest fire, or the like, has its own manner of getting to safety. You may even have a disaster plan for your family in place. We have certainly had our share of wildfires this year that have devastated California and the Pacific Coast, as well as the West.

In this age of unpredictability, it makes sense to prepare for the worst. For those of us in the west, this means getting ready for wildfire season every year. Between packing up necessities in case of an evacuation and planning the quickest escape route, we can easily overlook the effects of smoke inhalation. 

A wildfire doesn’t have to be in our backyards to suffer from dangerous side effects. As a result, pet fire safety should be one of our highest priorities.

If the title of this blog sounds a bit like “how can you stop the rain from falling”, we get it. Snakes are instantly captivating (from a distance), but cats cannot help messing with them. 

Many cats find it endlessly amusing to swat at and pounce on them, and their super special owners are “lucky” to get a snake trophy from time to time. It might seem impossible to train cats to distinguish venomous snakes from harmless ones. A better strategy would be to reduce (or eliminate) any snake encounters. 

So, how can you keep your cat safe from snakes? 

The phrase “It’s a good thing you’re cute!” is a common one among owners of young animals. Indeed, their charm and innocence wins us over every single time they have an accident inside the house.

But just because they are adorable and deserving of our unending love and affection, soiling inside the house is an unsustainable practice to carry beyond their first year. So, what’s the best way to house train your pet? 

Summer evenings in Auburn are absolutely lovely, but we have to go through a lot to fully enjoy them. Slogging through the super hot days of August is not easy (or pleasant), but that’s what air conditioning is all about, right? 

We could all stay indoors until the sun goes down but that’s not always an option for pets. Dogs have to go outside to relieve themselves, but many other pets find themselves outside during the hottest times of the day. Don’t forget: Pet hydration is the key to their health and safety this summer. 

If your pet has had surgery of any kind, it’s only natural that they will need lots of rest before they’re back on their paws. There will, of course, be a set amount of time for them to heal and work their way back to good health and well-being; but exercise, enrichment, and play? 

Movement is critical to the recovery process, too. It allows for better healing and maintains your pet’s energy, stamina, healthy weight, and mental health. There are some cautions, though, to be aware of when you get your recovering pet moving again. 

Lucky for you, your friends at Bowman Veterinary Hospital are here to advise on how to exercise your pet after surgery, for a great and safe recovery!

Equipped with extra joints and mobile jaws to swallow prey larger than their heads, snakes have earned the reputation of terrifying predators. While many varieties aren’t venomous, and some aren’t longer than 10 centimeters, snakes generally inspire dread and fear.

Unless you live in a place where they don’t exist, such as Hawaii, New Zealand, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, and other small islands throughout the world (which we don’t), it may be a challenge to keep your pet safe from snakes at home.

Cats are the ultimate pets, an idea supported by the sheer number of them that share our homes. They’re cute, entertaining, and comforting to have around. Plus, their quiet, reserved natures make them really easy to care for, right? 

When we take the time to truly understand a cat’s needs and preferences, cat care can be relatively uncomplicated, but if we aren’t especially tuned into their unique natures we might miss a thing or two. Luckily, effortless (and yet, totally involved) cat care is attainable – and we can help!

It’s high time for all of us to be outside enjoying the sights and sounds of Mother Nature. Our cats and dogs also enjoy this season to embrace the sunny days and outdoor recreation. Yet, summer poses some risks to our pets that you may not consider, until there is an emergency. 

To avoid having a scare, the team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital is here with some tips for summer safety for cats and dogs. Let’s take a closer look!