Our Veterinary Blog: Your Source for Pet Health Tips in Danbury, CT

Why is my dog suddenly scratching so much? How often does my cat really need a dental cleaning? Is that new behavior something to worry about, or simply something to keep an eye on? Caring for a pet comes with plenty of questions, and reliable answers can help you feel more confident about what to do next.

Browse our veterinary blog below to find answers, tips, and insights from the Plumtrees team.

Are Over-the-Counter Pain Medications Harming Your Pet?

Seeing your pet in pain hurts you almost as much as it hurts your pet. That’s why many pet owners turn to their own medicine cabinet when it’s late at night and their beloved companion is suffering. But, these medications can be poisons in disguise. Side effects of human over-the-counter pain medications range from mild…

A Solid Start: Set Your New Puppy or Kitten Up for Success

Welcoming a fluffy puppy or kitten into your home is a wonderful moment. Then, nighttime rolls around, and you wonder what you were thinking. Crazy antics in the middle of the night, pitch-black potty breaks, and howling when confined can leave you second-guessing your decision to add to your family. But, if you properly train…

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets

In the heat of summer, we enjoy getting outdoors for our favorite warm-weather activities. Including our pets in the summer fun can be tricky, especially for pets who have flat faces, thick coats, excess weight, or medical conditions. But, with our list of hot weather do’s and don’ts, you can help your pets safely enjoy…

6 Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe on July Fourth

The Fourth of July is the culmination of many fun summer activities, such as cookouts, pool parties, and fireworks. While parties and fireworks are fun for people, they can be scary for our pets, and are the main reasons pets misbehave or run away—in fact, July Fourth is the busiest day of the year for…

Arthritis in Pets: Signs and Treatment

Arthritis comes on gradually, and you may miss the early signs. You may first notice your pet is slowing down—she doesn’t want to walk as far anymore, or chase the ball as much. Then she has difficulty walking on your hardwood floors or climbing up and down the steps when she goes outside. She may…

It’s in the Air: Atopy in Pets

Atopy, or inhalant or environmental allergy, will soon be making its springtime appearance as blooming flowers, budding trees, and spring plantings fill the air with pollen, mold, and dust. This common cause of skin issues in pets occurs when particular proteins, or allergens, enter the body through inhalation or direct contact. Inhalant allergies often are…

Protect Your Pet from Fleas and Ticks

When spring returns and the threat of frost subsides, pesky critters like fleas and ticks emerge and search for their first blood meal. Flea and tick prevention is an important part of your pet’s  medical care, because these blood-sucking parasites can transmit dangerous diseases not only to your pet but also to you. Fleas Most…

8 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe in Cold Weather

Keeping your pet safe and happy all year long is a top priority. Summer safety gets a lot of attention due to the risk of heat stroke and paw damage from hot pavement. But the cold temperatures, ice, and snow that come with the winter months also pose a danger to your pet. Here are…

Why You Should Train Your Pet Using Positive Reinforcement Methods

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” —Benjamin Franklin   The quote doesn’t only apply to humans—it applies to our pets, too. Using negative training techniques—telling your pet “no” or punishing her when she misbehaves—is like telling her what you want. And, you’re telling her in…

The Importance of Dental Care for Your Pet

Your pet’s dental health plays a vital role in her overall health. If left untreated, dental disease can lead to more advanced health issues. To help prevent dental disease, be diligent in maintaining proper dental care, including regular oral hygiene habits at home and annual veterinary exams.   What is periodontal disease? When your pet…

Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

Whether you’re hitting the open road or hopping on an airplane, traveling with your pet can be a great bonding experience. But, if you’re going to embark on a trip with your furry friend, do your research and plan properly to avoid potential problems. Here are our tips to make traveling with your pet as…

Getting to the Heart of the Matter About Grain-Free Diets for Pets

As a pet owner, it’s understandable that you want to feed the best possible food to your beloved companion. But, with so much money spent on pet food marketing, it can be a challenge to weed through the claims and determine what food is best. All too often, pet food trends follow the latest trends…