Creekside Veterinary Hospital Blog

Confining your dog to a crate can have its benefits, but crate training is not ideal for all dogs. In the past, it was thought that dogs preferred crates because of their “den-like” atmosphere; however, observations of free-ranging dogs showed their preferences varied...

Introducing a new cat to your home is a big deal, especially if you already have cats. It is like adding a new member to your family, and you want everyone to get along. So, here is how you can introduce everyone for a smoother and more peaceful transition. 1. Prepare...

Image courtesy of Barb Deg, RVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT Dogs and other species explore and learn a great deal about their world through scent. In fact, that is how they primarily explore the world when they are born. Humans may not understand the importance of giving...

Stationing or platform training is a skill often used in dog training, zoos, or aquariums. It is an important skill for even puppies to learn. Station training is similar to teaching a stay or wait in a specific area. For puppies, use slightly elevated stations so...

Emergency recall is an important skill to teach your dog for management around other dogs, people, and places. This behavior may even save their life by stopping them from darting out into traffic or escaping the yard to chase a deer. When teaching this behavior,...

Kittens are adorable, tiny creatures who provide hours of entertainment. They nap in the strangest places, purr, cuddle, play, explore their surroundings, and develop bonds with those they live with. For the most part, this is an accurate portrayal of life with...

Many dogs struggle with nail trims, so teaching a dog to use a nail board can reduce the stress of nail maintenance, and dogs will look forward to nail care. Teaching a dog to use the nail board for their hind feet is a separate action from the front feet and is...

Adapted from Clincian’s Brief As our pets get older, we may often repeat the common adage, "Age is not a disease." While this is true, there are changes that occur due to the natural aging process, According to the World Health Organization, "at the biological level,...

Beyond the Food Bowl Raising behaviorally healthy dogs requires meeting both their mental and physical needs. When feeding a dog from bowls, many dog owners miss opportunities to meet these critical needs. Dogs are hardwired to scavenge, hunt, sniff, and dig for their...

Water Safety for Dogs It’s hot! Summer is in full force and it is a scorcher! In this area, many of us find the water to be a great cure for the summer heat. Do our dogs think the same? How do we keep them safe, even if they can’t get enough of the water? Here are a...