Cat Yowling: What is It and Why They Do It?

Cats use meowing and yowling to communicate with us and the environment around them. A cat’s yowling sound is a long, low-pitched moan that comes from a cat’s throat. The sound is typically very loud and drawn out. Why exactly do cats yowl? Cats may yowl because they are hungry, bored, or they want attention. Furthermore, cats use yowling as a mating call. Finally, cat yowling may be a sign of pain, cognitive dysfunction, or behavior issues. Why Do Cats Yowl? Read on below to learn more about the different reasons why cats yowl. Your Cat Yowls Because They Are
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The 5 Most Common Causes of Bald Spots on Dogs

As a pet owner, you know the struggle of trying to keep your pup looking good and healthy. But what do you do when they start to lose patches of fur? It can be hard to tell what’s going on with them if it’s not just shedding season. If your dog has bald spots that don’t seem related to the time of year or their breed, there may be underlying health concerns to consider. This article will explore the 5 most common causes of bald spots on dogs along with the signs and symptoms to watch for. Fortunately, there are
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5 Reasons Why Your Cat is Losing Hair

Have you recently started noticing patches of hair loss in your cat? Most of the time, it is nothing to be concerned about, but it is still recommended to take your feline friend to a vet for a general health checkup. Reasons your cat may be losing hair could be a poor diet, allergies, fleas and ticks, stress, or even hypothyroidism. 5 Causes of Hair Loss Hair loss in cats is normal. Usually, the causes are simple, and the hair loss resolves on its own or with a few small lifestyle changes. However, you should still monitor your cat for
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Top 10 Cat Emergencies

Cats often become reclusive and hide when they are not feeling well, which makes knowing when they need to be seen by your veterinarian a challenge. They have unique signs of emergency conditions that often go unrecognized by owners. Some injuries are obvious, such as a cat with an open wound, while others have more subtle signs that can be equally dangerous if left untreated. Knowing signs of illness is crucial in determining when to seek emergency care for your cat. Below is a list of some of the most common cat emergencies and their signs. Urethral Obstruction This
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Save Money on Your Pet’s Parasite Preventives

Whether your pet spends most of his time indoors or outdoors, he can still be exposed to certain parasites and vectors like fleas and mosquitoes. These tiny critters are more than just pesky; did you know they can result in diseases for pets, some of which can be fatal? Fleas can cause allergy dermatitis, mosquitoes can cause heartworm disease, and ticks can cause Lyme disease. Palos Animal Hospital recommends that you protect your pet with year-round parasite prevention. Please ask us about our current rebates and incentives to save money on your pets monthly prevention.
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Easter Pet Poisons

The veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline receive hundreds of calls this time of year from pet owners and veterinarians concerning cats that have ingested Easter lilies. “Unbeknownst to many pet owners, Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “All parts of the Easter lily plant are poisonous – the petals, the leaves, the stem and even the pollen. Cats that ingest as few as one or two leaves, or even a small amount of pollen while grooming their fur, can suffer severe kidney failure.” In most situations, symptoms of poisoning will develop
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Benefits of Spay/Neuter

Benefits of Spaying (females): No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted Less desire to roam Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives Benefits of Neutering (males): Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog
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Caring for Pets Since 1958

As pet owners ourselves, we at Palos Animal Hospital in Palos Heights, IL, know how important your four-legged friend is to you. We know you want him/her to have the best possible care, and at our hospital, we give nothing less. Our team is devoted to pets and keeping them healthy for a lifetime while strengthening the human-animal bond. For more than 55 years, our doctors and support staff members have provided high-quality, compassionate veterinary care to dogs and cats of Chicagoland in a family-oriented atmosphere. What Sets Palos Animal Hospital Apart We know you have many options when it
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It may be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but traditionally joyous holiday customs can present special dangers for pets, cautions the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), “We associate the holidays with happiness and joy, but pet owners need to be aware of customs that could pose dangers to their animals,” said Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. “At the start of the celebrating season, take special care to pet-proof your home to avoid emergencies and tragedies”. The ASPCA spotlights three holiday customs that pose particular dangers
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Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations. Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain
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