Ashby Animal Clinic’s Pet Health Blog
Whether you’re curious about seasonal pet care, looking for answers about weird pet behaviors, or just love learning new ways to keep your best friend happy and healthy, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re here to share expert veterinary advice, fun facts, behind-the-scenes peeks, and important updates from our animal hospital in Harrisonburg, VA. From heartworm prevention to holiday safety tips, we’re covering it all—one tail-wagging topic at a time.
Check back often for the latest posts—and don’t forget to follow us on social for even more pet-friendly fun!
What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs? 6 Causes and Treatment Options
That unmistakable wave of odor when your dog leans in for a kiss is usually the first clue that something’s off, and what causes bad breath in dogs most often comes down to dental disease, meaning plaque, tartar, and gum infection; though diet and underlying illness can play a role too. One day your dog’s…
Cat Drooling: Is It Normal or a Sign of a Problem?
A little cat drooling can be completely normal, especially when it happens during purring, kneading, or a deep state of relaxation. However, sudden, frequent, or heavy cat drooling can also signal an underlying issue that’s worth looking into. At Ashby Animal Clinic in Harrisonburg, we often hear from pet owners wondering whether their cat’s drooling…
5 Steps for How to Spot a Tick on a Dog
How to spot a tick on a dog comes down to one simple habit: running your hands slowly over every part of your dog’s body, feeling for small bumps while parting the fur to look closely at the skin underneath. Ticks are small, often no bigger than a sesame seed before they feed, which makes…
What Every Pet Owner Needs To Know About Cat Vaccinations
Cat vaccinations protect your feline companion from serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases, including rabies, feline leukemia, and feline distemper. At Ashby Animal Clinic in Harrisonburg, we build a personalized cat vaccination schedule around your cat’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors, so their immune system stays strong for years to come. Whether you’ve just brought home…
When Is The Best Time To Neuter A Dog?
Most dogs can be neutered starting around six months of age, but answering, “When can you neuter a dog?” really depends on breed, size, and overall health. Knowing when you can neuter a dog isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, which is why our veterinary team at Ashby Animal Clinic in Harrisonburg works with each pet owner…
Treatment for Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery
Treatment for kennel cough in dogs typically involves rest, supportive care, and, in some cases, prescription medication to address secondary infection or inflammation. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily wherever dogs gather closely together, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons. Our veterinary team at Ashby Animal Clinic…
Throwing Up 101: Causes of Cat Vomiting and How to Help Your Pet
Cat vomiting is one of the most common concerns that brings cat owners to the veterinarian, and it is easy to understand why. Watching your cat throw up is never pleasant, and figuring out whether it is something minor or a sign of a serious health problem can feel overwhelming. Cat vomiting is defined as…
Is it Normal that My Cat Keeps Sneezing?
A sneeze here and there from your cat is generally nothing to worry about. But when the sneezing becomes frequent, persistent, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is natural to start wondering whether something is wrong. Cat sneezing is one of the most common reasons pet owners reach out to their veterinarian, and it…
Can My Dog Catch My Cold? The Truth About Canine Respiratory Illnesses
You are sneezing, sniffling, and wrapped in a blanket, and your dog is right there beside you, pressing their warm nose against your arm. It is a sweet moment, but it might also get you wondering: can my dog catch my cold? The good news is that the viruses that cause colds in humans are…
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
Your dog is staring at you with those irresistible eyes while you reach into the bag of marshmallows, and the question pops into your head: can dogs eat marshmallows? It is a fair question, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The short answer is that marshmallows are not recommended…