top of page
Animal Medical Center Blog
Expert Tips from Our Veterinarians


Stroller & Kid-Bike Friendly: Easy Fall Walks with Your Dog Around Morgantown
Seven flat, wide rail-trail and garden walks for the whole family — stroller, kids on bikes, senior dogs — with a map and exact trailheads.
Oct 86 min read


Muddy Boots: Six Fall Dog Hikes Around Morgantown — Including Two New Trail Systems
Six real foot trails within 25 minutes of Morgantown for dogs that want roots, rocks and hills — including two new trail systems most people haven't found yet — with a map, exact trailheads, and the vet's checklist.
Oct 16 min read


🎃 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
Halloween is a treat for people — but it can be a tricky time for pets! Here are a few important ways to keep your furry friends safe and stress-free this spooky season.
Sep 254 min read


Doc's Favorite Things: A Fetch Ball Safe for Big Dogs and Little Ones
Dr. Zucker's littlest dog, Posey, is a fetch fanatic, and this is the ball everyone in the house can share.
Sep 241 min read


Wellness Plans: Why We Built Them, and Why We Believe in Them
Ask any veterinarian what keeps pets healthiest over a lifetime, and you won't hear about a breakthrough drug or a piece of equipment. You'll hear something much less dramatic: pets do best when they're seen regularly, and when preventive care happens on schedule.
Sep 114 min read


Why Is My Dog Scooting? Anal Sacs: Everything You Didn’t Want to Know
If you’ve ever seen your dog dragging their rear across the floor, you’ve probably wondered, “Why is my dog scooting?” While it might be amusing at first, frequent scooting is a sign that something isn’t quite right —most often, it’s related to the anal sacs (also called anal glands). What Are Anal Sacs, and Why Do They Matter? Dogs have two small sacs located just inside their anus. These sacs contain a strong-smelling liquid that helps with scent marking—think of it as a d
Nov 17, 20252 min read


Keeping Your Aging Pet Comfortable: Managing Arthritis Pain
Our pets, much like us, can suffer from chronic pain due to conditions like osteoarthritis. Recognizing and managing this pain is crucial to ensure they lead comfortable, happy lives. Recognizing Chronic Pain from Arthritis in Pets Arthritis is a common ailment in aging pets, leading to persistent discomfort. Signs your pet may be suffering include: Decreased Activity : Reluctance to play, walk, or climb stairs. Stiffness or Lameness : Especially noticeable after rest. Diffic
Nov 11, 20252 min read


Toothbrushing 101
Make Dental Care a Positive Experience! Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets, but regular toothbrushing can help prevent painful infections, tooth loss, and expensive dental procedures. However, many pets find a toothbrush intimidating. The good news? Using low-stress techniques can help turn brushing into a positive, rewarding experience for you and your pet! ⚠ Before You Begin: Check With Your Veterinarian If your pet is over two years old and has
Oct 17, 20252 min read


Why Pet Dental Health Is So Important
Keeping Your Pet’s Smile Healthy for a Longer, Happier Life Dental health is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in your pet’s overall well-being. Just like people, dogs and cats can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and painful infections—and without proper care, these conditions can lead to serious health problems. In fact, by age three, most pets already have some degree of dental disease. The good news? Preventing and treating dental disease can add years t
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Helping Your Dog Have a Low-Stress Vet Visit
Vet visits don’t have to be stressful! At Animal Medical Center in Morgantown, WV, we use gentle, low-stress techniques to make your dog’s experience
Mar 17, 20253 min read


Bird Flu has been confirmed in Monongalia County: What You Should Know to Keep Your Pets Safe
Updated March 7, 2025 At Animal Medical Center (AMC) in Morgantown, WV, we know that your pets are family, and their health and safety are a top priority. Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has recently made headlines due to its spread among dairy cattle in the U.S. since March 2024. This serious outbreak has also led to an alarming number of infections in cats, including barn cats, feral cats, indoor pets, and even big cats in zoos. While the risk of trans
Mar 7, 20255 min read


10 Great Places to Walk Your Dog in Morgantown, WV
"A tired dog is a good dog" is usually true! At Animal Medical Center, we understand the importance of regular exercise for your dog’s health and happiness. Whether you’re looking for a scenic nature walk or a convenient in-town trail, Morgantown offers fantastic options for you and your dog. Make your dog's day with an adventure to a new trail! 🥾 Coopers Rock State Forest: Famous for its lofty overlooks with sweeping views of the Cheat River canyon, this state forest offer
Mar 6, 20254 min read


Pain Management for Pets – Why It Matters
Because Every Pet Deserves to Be Pain-Free Imagine having a tooth pulled, a broken bone, or major surgery—without pain relief. It’s unthinkable for humans, yet for a long time, many assumed pets didn’t feel pain the same way we do. Thankfully, veterinary medicine has evolved, and we now know that pets feel pain just like we do—but they rely on us to help them manage it. Recognizing Pain in Pets Pets can’t tell us when something hurts, so it’s important to recognize subtle sig
Mar 4, 20252 min read


What Happens on Your Pet’s Teeth Cleaning Day?
Good dental health can add years to your pet's life expectancy! A Step-by-Step Guide to a Professional Veterinary Dental Cleaning If your veterinarian has recommended a dental cleaning for your pet, you may be wondering, “What actually happens during the procedure?” A professional pet dental cleaning is much more than just scraping off tartar—it’s a comprehensive, thorough oral health assessment and treatment. Here’s what to expect on teeth cleaning day at Animal Medical Cen
Feb 17, 20252 min read


AMC's Guide to Socializing Your Puppy (or Adult Dog) with Low-Stress Handling Techniques
Use this guide, and especially Dr. Yin's checklist, to help you introduce your puppy to the world in a way that is safe, positive . . .
Feb 10, 20254 min read


Puppy Health Tips: Setting Your New Companion Up for a Lifetime of Wellness
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, but ensuring their long-term health starts right away! Puppies are vulnerable to contagious diseases and parasites, so taking the right precautions in their early months is essential. Here are some key health tips to help your puppy grow into a happy, healthy dog. 1. Protect Your Puppy from Contagious Diseases Young puppies are highly susceptible to illnesses like parvovirus, which can be deadly. Until your puppy has completed th
Feb 9, 20252 min read


Gentle, Low-Stress Veterinary Care at Animal Medical Center
At Animal Medical Center, we believe that a visit to the veterinarian should be as stress-free and comfortable as possible for both pets and their owners. That’s why we are proud to be part of a growing movement in veterinary medicine—one that prioritizes gentle, low-stress care and handling. Our team is specially trained in low-stress handling techniques and gentle, patient-centered principles, ensuring that every patient receives gentle, compassionate care tailored to their
Feb 1, 20252 min read
bottom of page
