Gully Animal Hospital

How to Keep a Pet in Your Home When You Have Allergies

Do your allergies make you hesitant to purchase or adopt a new dog or cat? Fortunately, new developments in modern medicine have made it possible for even allergy sufferers to reap the security, companionship, and comfort of pet ownership. If you have pet allergies, schedule regular grooming appointments for your dog, and follow these tips to keep you and your new family member happy and healthy.

Hypoallergenic Breeds

Many Americans with dog allergies find relief with a hypoallergenic breed recommended by veterinarians specifically for allergy sufferers. If your symptoms are especially challenging, the best breed out there is the American hairless terrier, bred intentionally for its hypoallergenic fur—or lack thereof. Other popular breeds for allergy sufferers include the minimally shedding Bichon Frise, the nearly hairless Chinese Crested, and the low-dander and family-friendly Irish Water Spaniel.

Proactive Strategies

If you already own a dog or cat, be sure to visit your animal clinic for regular grooming. Your veterinarian can help you determine recommendations for your specific breed, but grooming is especially essential for long-haired or especially active puppies who are prone to rolling around in dust and mud. 

Common Treatments

If you suffer from animal-related allergies, your physician may recommend medications to improve nasal allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are available over-the-counter and in prescription strength to relieve an itchy, sneezy, or runny nose, while decongestants can shrink swollen nasal tissues to make breathing easier. If you are especially sensitive, your doctor may recommend allergy shots to “train” your immune system to slowly become accustomed to certain allergens.

Gully Animal Hospital of Arlington is committed to keeping pets in better health through prevention, veterinary treatment, and wellness care. If you live in Arlington or Mansfield, call our animal clinic today at (817) 756-6733 to find out how our superior customer service and compassionate care set our veterinarians apart.

Understanding the Deep Connection Between People and Pets

A human’s bond with a dog or cat can endure for a lifetime. As this video explains, pet owners rarely let anything stand in the way of their pet’s happiness and health.

When Jim and Rene’s friendly, playful dog started limping, their veterinarian ultimately diagnosed a cancerous tumor. After his leg was removed, his owners sold their business and took him on a cross-country trip, anticipating the end of his life. But their puppy has kept playing for a nearly 14-month adventure.

Are you a pet owner in Arlington or Mansfield? Whether your new dog or cat needs emergency care or you want to schedule a grooming appointment with our animal clinic, call Gully Animal Hospital today at (817) 756-6733. Our experienced veterinary staff is here late, seven days a week.

Look at Some Family-Friendly Dog Breeds

Are you and your family considering adopting a dog? Puppies come in all shapes and sizes, and different breeds and mixes have different needs and personalities. When you purchase or adopt a dog, be sure to visit your local animal clinic for all required vaccinations. Here is a helpful overview of the most family-friendly dog breeds.

Beagle

Every member of your family will love the beagle, an amiable hound that is equally at home indoors and out. Beagles are especially recommended for families with small children due to their gentle, tolerant nature, but this independent dog may run off if the trail—or a rabbit—beckons. Beagles do need daily exercise and are happiest when they can divide their time between the house and the yard.

Golden Retriever

A golden retriever’s devout, obedient nature makes it one of the most popular family dogs. These strong, athletic animals need daily physical and mental exercise to keep behavioral problems in check. While a golden retriever’s exuberant personality may not be for everyone, this loyal breed makes for a great lifelong companion.

Pug

The small, squat pug may be famous for its distinctive wrinkled forehead, but this playful puppy is rarely sad. In fact, many attention-loving puppies love to show off. Pugs require a moderate amount of daily exercise and should be kept indoors to avoid overheating. Parents with very young children may appreciate the pug’s very soft bark.

Miniature Poodle

If you want a small, lively, responsive, and intelligent dog that requires relatively little strenuous exercise, the miniature poodle may be for you. Weighing in at only 10 to 15 pounds, the poodle is a natural performer but tends to be devoted to one special person.

Does your new puppy need vaccinations? Gully Animal Hospital of Arlington is a full-service veterinary hospital and animal clinic, and our caring team of veterinarians is dedicated to providing the highest standard of medical care for your dog or cat. Whether you need standard shots or emergency care, call our staff at today at (817) 756-6733 to learn more about our services.

Use These Resources To Learn More About Your Pet's Nutritional Needs

Gully Animal Hospital of Arlington is dedicated to meeting all pets’ regular veterinary and emergency care needs. Whether your cat or dog has fallen ill, needs emergency hospitalization, or simply requires regular vaccines, our experienced veterinarians are available to provide the best and most comfortable pet care. Click the links below to find out even more about how to keep your pet in the best health.

• You can learn everything you need to know about dog nutrition from A to Z with this advice from the National Geographic’s Cesar Milan.
• Find out which feline-specific nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy with this helpful list from the ASPCA.
• Are you unsure of which shots your new puppy needs? Ask your pet veterinarian, and review these canine vaccination guidelines from the American Animal Hospital Association.
• Check out this in-depth report from the U.S. Library of Medicine to find out how a cat’s classification as a strict carnivore affects her specific vitamin and mineral needs. 
• Are you a dog person or a cat person? Find out with this fun quiz from Reader’s Digest.

Gully Animal Hospital is committed to maintaining your pet’s health through prevention, capable treatment, and wellness care. If you live in Arlington or Mansfield, call our animal clinic at (817) 756-6733 to discover why our customers are consistently satisfied with our top-of-the-line veterinary services. 

Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Your Feline

Did you know that dogs are natural omnivores while scientists and veterinarians consider cats to be strict carnivores? In fact, a protein diet is just one of a cat’s many complex nutritional needs. Fortunately, pet owners can take just a few simple, proactive steps to keep their cat’s bones healthy, muscles strong, and eyesight sharp. Here is an overview of a feline’s specific nutritional needs.

Vitamin A

One adaptation scientists point to when they classify cats as carnivores is cats’ inability to digest vitamin A from carotene found in plants. This means that cats rely on preformed Vitamin A from animals. For example, a cat in the wild would satisfy its vitamin deficiency by eating a mouse or rabbit that has already digested grass. Vitamin A keeps your cat’s night vision sharp, supports her immune system, and maintains her healthy skin.

Protein

When you purchase cat food, be sure to look for a nutritional guarantee from the Association of American Feed Control Officials to ensure that the food is complete and balanced. Next, scan the nutrition label for protein-rich ingredients. Protein is necessary for any animal’s growth and development. In any ingredients list, items are listed according to decreasing proportion, so meat, meat byproducts, or seafood should be listed among the first few ingredients.

Water

One of a cat’s most basic needs is proper hydration, and many veterinarians now recommend a canned food diet over dried kibble. Dry food usually has a low water content and a high carbohydrate load, and often relies heavily on plant rather than animal proteins. Poor quality cat food has been associated with everything from urinary and bladder problems to diabetes and IBD. Ask your animal clinic to recommend a high-quality, protein-rich, canned food.

Whether you have a pet health emergency or your cat or dog simply needs regular veterinary care, Gully Animal Hospital is open late seven days a week to cater to all of our clients. If you live in Arlington or Mansfield, call our animal clinic today at (817) 756-6733 to set up an appointment.