Anyone who’s ever had a dog probably already knows one fundamental truth — owning a dog isn’t like owning a cat, or any other animal. Dogs, in just about every way, are more high-maintenance than other household pets. While this may be a turn-off to many, dog owners will always testify that the benefits of having a close canine friend far outweigh the costs, whether those costs are time, money, or both. With that being said, unlocking the true “potential” of your dog requires you to be a good and diligent dog owner. And, truth be told, there are always

Summer has officially ended, and as we move into this exciting season of pumpkins, spooky ghosts, turkeys, and Christmas decorations, it’s time to take a moment to talk about a certain type of pet who needs your love this year — black cats. Did you know that black cats are estimated to be overlooked compared to other kitties? Did you know that Halloween can actually be a dangerous season for them, to the point where many shelters put a block on black cat adoptions until the holiday is over? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the plight

Owning a pet bird can be an immensely rewarding, but challenging experience. Depending on the species, caring for your bird can feel like a full-time job, but they also provide a special type of company that no other pet can replicate. At 2nd Street Animal Hospital, we love all kinds of animals, which is one reason why we offer exotic pet veterinary services — but birds have a special place in our hearts. As it is with most things in the world, the more you learn about something, the more you can appreciate it. Do you have a pet bird,

Cats, by and large, are pretty low-maintenance pets. For the most part, they’re easy-going. They do what they want, they don’t demand a ton of your attention, and they take care of themselves without training as long as you provide their food and keep their litter box clean. However, there is one trademark habit of cats that countless owners struggle with: their propensity to rip your furniture and carpet to shreds. Yikes! It might seem hopeless to believe that you could keep your furniture safe from the wrath of your kitty’s claws, but rest assured that it’s entirely possible —

We’re going to make a bold claim and assume that you probably love your dog and want the best for them. That much is obvious, right? Dogs are so cute and loving and compassionate that’s impossible not to want the very best for them. As veterinary professionals in Philadelphia, we treat dogs on a regular basis and it’s touching to see their owners who are concerned about their health and happiness. But while taking your dog to veterinary checkups is an obvious way to care for the health needs of your dog, there are a lot of other things you

Everyone loves a good exotic pet. Okay, not everyone, but you know who you are. And if you’re the type of person who’s considering adding a cool reptile, bird, or amphibian to your home menagerie, it’s important to know the facts. While it’s really great having an exotic pet at home, it’s important to know that they often have a lot of specific care requirements. This couldn’t be truer than with Chameleons. Chameleons are a highly popular exotic pet choice because they’re just so fun to play with and look at. Whereas most lizards and snakes spend the lion’s share