connected care

House-soiling is one of the most frustrating challenges for cat owners—and one of the leading reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. The important thing to remember is that cats don’t urinate or defecate outside the litter box out of spite. Instead, house-soiling is usually a sign that something in their environment, health, or emotional well-being needs attention. Common Causes of House-Soiling Environmental and Social Stressors: Cats value cleanliness and privacy. A dirt

The H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, has been detected in cats, including pet, feral, and zoo cats according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 2025. Since the 2024 outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle, multiple feline cases have been linked to raw food consumption and exposure to infected animals. Additionally, avian flu has been confirmed in birds in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware over the past few weeks. Wild birds, including bac

Our pets, with their boundless curiosity, can sometimes find themselves in precarious situations, including accidental ingestion of substances like marijuana, illicit, or prescription drugs. As responsible pet owners, it’s essential to stay informed and be prepared for unexpected emergencies.  Let’s discuss the immediate steps to take if your furry family member happens to ingest drugs unintentionally.  But before we do that… NO JUDGEMENT HERE!   To best care for your pet, we

We understand that you love your pets and want them to thrive and enjoy a healthy, happy life and guess what, animal chiropractor visits are indeed a thing. Animal chiropractic care is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues in animals, particularly in dogs, cats, and horses. Just like in humans, chiropractic adjustments for animals can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Dr. Thomas recommends chir

In the world of sugar substitutes, a wolf in sheep's clothing has emerged – "birch sugar/sap". Formerly known as Xylitol, this sweetener has undergone a name change, but its dangers for our companions remain as potent as ever. Xylitol, often lauded for its low-calorie sweetness in human diets, poses a severe threat to dogs, cats, and ferrets when ingested. Now, marketed under the friendlier-sounding term "birch sugar," this substance can be found in a range of products, from

In recent months, a new, highly contagious respiratory illness has emerged among our canine companions, sending concern through the dog-owning community. At AAH we suggest caution rather than panic but as responsible pet owners, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments regarding matters of our pets’ health.  We hope that this post sheds light on the recent surge in cases of dog respiratory illness, exploring it’s causes, symptoms, and preventative measures

Our furry friends can't always tell us when they're in pain, but they often show subtle signs that something is wrong. As responsible pet owners, it's crucial to watch for indicators so we can provide our beloved companions with the care and comfort they need. In this blog, we'll explore some of the signs that may suggest your pet is in pain and what steps you can take to help them. Changes in Behavior: Keep an eye out for sudden alterations in your pet's behavior. This can

Halloween is a spooktacular time for humans, but it can be a bit scary for our furry friends. Here's how to ensure your pets have a safe Halloween. Costume Cautions: While dressing up your pet can be adorable, not all pets enjoy or will tolerate it. If your pet is comfortable in a costume, ensure it doesn't obstruct their movement, vision, or breathing. If your pet shows no interest in wearing a costume, it's best to refrain from putting one on them. Pets can become enta

As we gear up to celebrate Labor Day, it's important to remember that while this holiday often marks the end of summer fun, it can also pose some potential hazards for our beloved pets. The festivities, gatherings, and even the food associated with Labor Day can sometimes present risks to your furry family members. Here are some essential tips to help you ensure a safe and enjoyable Labor Day celebration for your pets. Beware of BBQ Foods: The barbecue is a hallmark of Labor

Poor Air Quality - Are my pets safe? As irritating as smoke can be to people, it can cause health problems for animals as well. Smoke from wildfires and other large blazes affects pets, horses, livestock and wildlife. If you can see or feel the effects of smoke yourself, you also should take precautions to keep your animals – both pets and livestock – safe. Animals with cardiovascular or respiratory disease are especially at risk from smoke and should be closely watched durin

Currently, there is a rapid spread of the H3N2 strain of canine influenza virus in Pennsylvania. We want to answer some basic questions regarding the virus and explain what we are doing at Aardvark Animal Hospital to protect your pet. What is H3N2 Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2 CIV)? Similar to the human flu, canine influenza has several strains and the H3N2 CIV has emerged as a fast-spreading virus. Currently, Pennsylvania is experiencing widespread cases of both the H3N8 CI