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You know your pet better than anyone, and yet they still probably surprise you. Just when you think you’ve got them pegged, they do something (or opt-out of the expected behavior) that makes you wonder if all is well. When it comes to assessing how they feel physically, it can be anyone’s guess. Because they are hardwired for self-preservation at all costs, the animals we share our lives with could be suffering needlessly. That’s why it’s imperative to know and be able to recognize the five common signs of pet illness never to ignore or dismiss.

Cats certainly have a bit of mystery about them and are notoriously difficult to understand. MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital knows, though, that when you really start to pay attention, there are definitely ways to tell how your cat is doing. Taking a periodic at-home cat health assessment is an easy way to make sure your cat is happy and healthy.

Scratching the occasional itch behind his ears or vigorously licking his chops at dinnertime is perfectly normal dog behavior for your canine companion. But if he starts to incessantly scratch, lick, or even bite part of his body, it’s time to schedule a checkup. 

All pets require and benefit from daily exercise, but the routine can go from fun to humdrum in no time flat if you are always doing the same activities. With our favorite games to play with your pet, you can enrich their mental and physical well-being and yours as well!

Caring for a pet is a rewarding experience that teaches children responsibility, empathy, and compassion. When choosing your child’s first pet, careful consideration should be given to the amount and type of care the pet will require, and the ability of your child (and the rest of the family) to provide it.

The pet experts at Marketplace Veterinary Hospital have put together some tips to guide you and your child toward finding the perfect pet.

Pet owners know that there are few things worse than becoming separated from their pets. Whether they simply wander too far or run after prey and become disoriented, the struggle to keep pets safe is very real. Luckily, there are some elements, like collars/ID tags and microchips, that make a swift reunion possible. Preventing a separation is different than knowing what to do if/when you ever come across stray animals or lost pets. We have some pointers that will keep you ahead of the curve.

What could be better than going for a walk with your dog? Exercising together is the best way to get to know one another and begin to bond. And while it might seem counter-intuitive, not every dog comes equipped with the skills to walk on-leash. Some pull or yank, others drift, dawdle, or fall behind. Whatever the case may be for your newly adopted dog, it’s worth the time and energy to train them to embrace their leash, keep step with you, and not bolt after every squirrel they see. These dog walking tips are just for you.

Your neighbor’s well-behaved Weimaraner has set the bar high: he’s calm, obedient, and walks in perfect lockstep with his owner. Meanwhile, your high-energy Labrador barks at insects, leaps at everyone he meets, and drags you down the sidewalk like you’re his living, breathing pull-toy. We can help!

They might seem completely random and mysterious (if not inconvenient), but pet zoomies are perfectly appropriate. Humans have their own spontaneous responses to energy that include compulsive cleaning, impulse shopping, or even exercise. As for the cats and dogs we share our homes and lives with, they could be going about their business only to seemingly freak out, run around in circles, tear up the throw rugs, and zip up and down the hallway. What is really behind pet zoomies, and how should we react to them? The team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to explain the phenomenon of pet zoomies and how to respond to them. 

Few things compare to the lovely sweetness of a new kitten. On the adorability scale, kittens are truly off the charts. What they lack in the coordination and life experience departments, they make for with their overwhelming playfulness, curiosity, and innocence. These special features make them irresistible to humans.