Gully Animal Hospital

How to Keep Your Pet Safe and Calm This Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, which means tricks and treats for your whole family. Scary costumes, candy galore, and ghostly decorations make this holiday fun for everyone—with the exception of your family pet. Halloween and all that comes with it can be scary for your furry friend. As a responsible pet owner, it’s your job to make sure your animal is safe and healthy every day of the year—not just on Halloween. Take a look at this brief guide to keeping your pet safe and calm on Halloween and you could avoid a trip to the veterinarian.

Treats are for People:

Your kids are probably excited about all of the candy they will bring home this Halloween. Make sure that the candy stays with them, and does not wind up as a snack for your dog or cat. Chocolate is very dangerous for family pets, and artificial sweeteners can also pose health problems for your four-legged friends. Let your children know that their Halloween haul is not something for them to share with their pets. It is also a good idea to keep pumpkins and other decorative foods away from your dog or cat.

Be Careful with Costumes:

Many pet owners enjoy dressing up their pets for Halloween. If you decide to put your dog in a costume, make sure that it does not impede its breathing, barking, or bathroom functions. Sometimes, a simple costume such as a bandana may be a better choice than an outfit that will cause your pet unnecessary stress. Keeping your pet safe is more important than a cute costume.

Watch Out for Candles:

You and your family may have taken great care in carving pumpkins this year, and they’ll look great on your front stoop. If you illuminate them with candles, take care in preventing your pet from going near them. In addition to the potential of your animal getting burned, your pet could also inadvertently knock the jack-o-lantern over and cause a fire in your home.

To keep your pet healthy all year-round, visit Gully Animal Hospital in Arlington, Texas for your regular vet check-ups. We care about your pets as much as you do, so call us at (817) 756-6733 to schedule an appointment.

Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Your Home

A new dog in your family can provide you with a lifetime of unconditional love and companionship. Before you decide on a puppy to bring home, it is important to consider which breed is right for your lifestyle. Take a look at this short video for a few tips on how to choose the right dog breed for your home.

Veterinarian Dr. Pam Nichols recommends that you consider your lifestyle before you decide on a breed of dog. If you are very active, you may want to choose a breed that is equally energetic and can keep up with you. You should also think about what size of dog you prefer before you bring a new buddy home. Lastly, ask yourself if you’d like a dog that sheds or not.

Once you decide on a new canine companion, bring it into Gully Animal Hospital for top-quality veterinary care. Our Arlington, Texas facility is well-equipped for maintaining the health of your new furry friend. Call us at (817) 756-6733 for an appointment.

Learn More about Grooming Your Pet and the Benefits of Pet Ownership

Caring for your pet is important for your health and for your furry friend. Learn more by taking a look at these informative online resources. At Gully Animal Hospital, our friendly, professional vets are here to offer exceptional and compassionate veterinary care. Schedule an appointment at our veterinary clinic today by calling (817) 756-6733.

• Read through this Animal Planet article to learn about the top five reasons you should get your dog groomed regularly.
• PetMD offers some helpful advice on finding the right groomer to care for your dog.
• Watch this slideshow from WebMD to learn 27 reasons your pet is improving your health everyday.
• This LA Times article talks about new findings that pets even improve the health of infants in your home.
• Check out this NPR story about how humans and animals help heal each other from stressful or otherwise mentally trying situations.

Man's Best Friend: How Your Pet Helps Keep You Healthy

As a pet owner, you probably understand the happiness that your pet brings to you every day. But did you know there are several clear links between your health and your pet? Pet owners are healthier emotionally, physically, and mentally than people who don’t own pets. Keep your pet healthy by scheduling regular trips to see a veterinarian at your local animal hospital.

• Emotional: Studies have linked pet ownership to lowering depression and improving levels of happiness. Even the act of petting an animal for a few minutes elevates chemicals in your brain that make you feel safer and happier. The unconditional love that pets offer their owners leads to an increased feeling of comfort. If you struggle with depression, talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of adopting a loving dog or cat.
• Mental: Pets are linked to lower stress levels and a heightened feeling of companionship. Pets help owners establish new relationships with people that lead to improved moods and a better social life. In addition, even spending time around your furry friends naturally lowers levels of anxiety and stress. If you want to stay mentally healthy and happy, keep your pet by your side with regular wellness exams at your local animal hospital.
• Physical: The health benefits of pet ownership are astounding. Pets are linked to owners being more physically fit and less likely to be obese. Pet owners also have a much lower risk of fatality from heart attacks and a lowered risk of strokes. This may be due to the fact that pet owners also have lower cholesterol and blood pressure than people who don’t own pets. In short, pet ownership can help improve your health.

If you own a pet, keep you and your pet healthy by visiting your veterinary clinic regularly. At Gully Animal Hospital, we offer expert and loving care for your best friend through prevention, treatment, and wellness. Schedule an appointment with a friendly veterinarian today by calling (817) 756-6733.

Why Regular Grooming Sessions are Important for Your Pet

Dogs love to play and get dirty. But keeping up with the maintenance that allows your companion to stay clean, healthy, and happy can be a challenge. Even with regular baths and brushing, most dog owners need to bring their furry friend into the veterinarian for expert grooming services.

• Improved Health: Keeping your pet healthy is important as a pet owner. But without regular grooming at a veterinary clinic, animals risk health problems associated with improper grooming. This can include allergens residing in the fur, problems with fleas and ticks, or mud clumps that make your pet’s self-grooming impossible. Keeping your pet healthy through regular trips to the groomer at your local animal hospital is an important part of pet ownership.
• Better Energy: Having heavy, long, or matted fur can affect your pet’s energy levels and happiness. Especially during warm summer days, your dog may not feel as energized or playful with a long coat of matted fur. Maintaining natural levels of playfulness can help prevent other health problems in your dog that require a visit to the vet, so it’s best to always maintain proper grooming.
• Cleaner Home: No matter how much you love your pet, you also hate a home covered in dirt, dust, and fur. Proper grooming from the experts at your veterinary clinic will keep your pet’s shedding at a minimum and decrease the risk of dirt, dust, and allergens in your home and car. This not only improves your pet’s health, but it will also keep your family healthier and happier.

If your pet could benefit from professional grooming services at your veterinarian’s office, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. At Gully Animal Hospital, our experienced groomers offer high-quality services. We provide pet bathing, haircuts, and fur and nail clippings that will have your pet looking and feeling its best. Call ahead for an appointment at (817) 756-6733.