Oronoque Animal Hospital

06/19/2026

🐶 Is Your Dog Really Being "Bad"? 🤔

Many unwanted behaviors, like chewing, barking, digging, or getting into trouble, often stem from a surprisingly simple issue: unmet physical or mental needs.

Dogs thrive when they have appropriate exercise, enrichment, training, and routine. Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference.

We're sharing a Dogster article that explores the common causes behind problem behaviors, and how to help set your dog up for success:

👉 https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/behind-most-bad-dog-behavior-is-a-pretty-simple-problem

If you're struggling with a behavior issue, our team is always happy to help point you in the right direction 🐾💙

In most cases, the ‘bad’ behavior has a single, straightforward cause: the dog was bored and found its own ways to fix that.

06/17/2026

🐱 Senior Cat... Already?

Many pet owners are surprised to learn that cats are generally considered seniors around 10 years of age.

As cats age, their needs can change. Regular wellness exams become even more important for monitoring things like:

❤️ Heart health
⚖️ Weight changes
🩺 Kidney function
🦷 Dental health
🏃 Mobility and arthritis

The good news? With proactive care, many senior cats continue to live happy, comfortable lives for years to come.

We're sharing a Catster article that answers a common question: When is a cat considered a senior, and how can you help them thrive?

👉https://www.catster.com/ask-the-vet/at-what-age-is-cat-considered-senior/

How old is your cat? We'd love to hear about the senior kitties in our community! 🐾💙

Watching our cats grow from kittens into adults is full of challenges, laughs, and love. As your cat ages and enters their senior years...

06/15/2026

💧 Know the Signs: Cat Dehydration 🐱

Cats are masters at hiding when something isn't quite right, which is why dehydration can be easy to miss.

🚩 Signs your cat may be dehydrated:
• Lethargy or decreased energy
• Dry or tacky gums
• Sunken-looking eyes
• Decreased appetite
• Reduced water intake

Dehydration can develop for many reasons, including illness, hot weather, digestive upset, or underlying medical conditions.

We're sharing a helpful PetMD article that explains the symptoms of dehydration and what you can do to help:

👉 https://www.petmd.com/cat/symptoms/is-my-cat-dehydrated

If you notice signs of dehydration in your cat, don't wait to seek veterinary advice. Early intervention can make a big difference in keeping your feline friend healthy and comfortable 💙🐾

Learn about common cat dehydration symptoms, what causes a dehydrated cat, and when to see a vet.

06/11/2026

🐱 How Much Cat Shedding Is Too Much?

If it feels like your cat is leaving fur on every surface lately… you’re not alone 😅

While shedding can be completely normal, excessive hair loss can sometimes point to:
• Stress
• Diet changes
• Skin irritation
• Allergies or underlying medical concerns

🚩 Signs it may be time for a check-up:
• Bald patches
• Constant grooming or scratching
• Red or irritated skin

We’re sharing a helpful Catster article that explains why cats shed and when it may be cause for concern:

👉 https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/why-do-cats-shed-so-much/

Not sure if your cat’s shedding is normal? Our team is always happy to help 🐾💙

Cats shed their fur for various reasons, including seasonal changes, grooming, and health issues. Learn more about why cats shed so much and how to manage it effectively.

06/10/2026

***UPDATE***

The PetDesk app is back online and functioning normally!

Thank you for your patience while the service was down. You can once again use the app for appointment requests, prescription refills, and communication with our team.

📢 Client Notice

We are currently experiencing an outage with the PetDesk app. During this time, appointment requests, prescription refill requests, and messages submitted through PetDesk may not be received by our team.

If you need to schedule an appointment, request a prescription refill, or contact us for any reason, please call the hospital directly 203-378-5229.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the issue is being resolved. We will provide an update as soon as PetDesk services are restored.

Thank you, The Oronoque Animal Hospital Team 🐾

06/09/2026

🐾 Sneezing, Scratching, Licking… Could It Be Allergies? 👀

Just like people, pets can develop allergies too, and they can show up in a variety of ways.

Common signs of allergies in pets:
• Itchy skin or ears
• Excessive licking or chewing
• Redness, rashes, or hair loss
• Sneezing or watery eyes

Allergies can be caused by environmental triggers, food sensitivities, fleas, and more.

We’re sharing a helpful PetMD article on what causes pet allergies and how they can be managed:

👉 https://www.petmd.com/general-health/what-causes-pet-allergies-and-how-to-manage-them

If your pet seems uncomfortable or itchy, our team can help determine the cause and discuss treatment options to keep them feeling their best 🐶🐱💙

Learn what causes cat and dog allergies, pet allergy symptoms, and how to manage them through medications, cleaning routines, and other effective strategies.

06/07/2026

🐾 Pet Appreciation Week is Almost Here! 💙

Starting today, Pet Appreciation Week is all about celebrating the pets who make our lives brighter every single day.

Whether it’s extra playtime, a favorite treat, a long walk, or simply a little more cuddle time, it’s the perfect reminder to show our companions just how much they mean to us 🐶🐱

We’re sharing a fun article from Dogster with ideas on how to celebrate Pet Appreciation Week with your furry family members:

👉 https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/pet-appreciation-week

We’d love to see your pets! Share a photo of who you’ll be celebrating this week 🐾

It's never a bad time to appreciate your pets! Learn about Pet Appreciation Week and what you need to know about celebrating the holiday...

06/05/2026

🐱 Myth or Reality? “Cats Cause Schizophrenia” 👀

You may have seen recent headlines making this claim, but the reality is much more nuanced.

What scientists are actually studying:
🦠 A parasite called Toxoplasma gondii
📚 Possible associations with certain mental health conditions
⚠️ Correlation does not equal causation

The good news? Routine veterinary care, parasite prevention, proper litter box hygiene, and hand washing all help reduce risk.

We’re sharing a Catster article that breaks down the research in a more balanced and understandable way:

👉 https://www.catster.com/weekly-mews/do-cats-cause-schizophrenia/

As always, if you have questions about parasite prevention or your cat’s health, our team is here to help 🐾💙

Being a fierce advocate (and occasional recipient of) mental health support and awareness, the term ‘crazy’ is not one I like to fling about.