A Healthier Future: Why Spay and Neuter Is Essential for Pets If you've ever found yourself struggling with a pet's constant urge to roam, marking behaviors, or sudden mood changes, you know how stressful it can be trying to manage these instincts. Caring for a pet means making choices that secure their happiness and well-being. [...]
When Fear Takes Over: Recognizing Anxiety in Pets Thunderstorms, vet visits, or being left alone can trigger fear-based behaviors in dogs and cats. Shaking, hiding, or destruction are all cries for help. Addressing stress through training, environmental control, and veterinary guidance can make life easier for anxious pets. At Krichel Animal Hospital, our AAHA-accredited team [...]
Vaccines at Every Age: Lifelong Protection for Pets As pets grow older, their needs evolve- but protection from disease remains essential. A sleepy senior cat or relaxed older dog still faces invisible risks from viruses and bacteria in the environment. Vaccination is the simplest and most effective way to prevent illness and maintain wellness through [...]
Grass Awns Explained: What Makes Them So Dangerous for Pets A warm afternoon walk through tall grass might seem harmless, but hidden within those golden stalks is a serious threat to your pet’s health: grass awns. These sharp, barbed seeds may appear small, but they can cause painful wounds, deep infections, or even life-threatening complications. [...]
Senior Pet Wellness: How to Identify and Treat Chronic Pain Getting older is part of life- and our pets, just like us, feel the aches and pains that come with age. But unlike us, they can’t tell you what hurts. That’s why chronic pain in senior pets often goes unnoticed. It creeps in gradually, sometimes [...]
At Krichel Animal Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa, we know that the idea of your pet needing surgery can be unsettling. As a pet owner, you’re likely balancing a deep concern for your pet’s well-being with the uncertainty that comes with medical decisions. Our role is to support and guide you through the process—clearly, compassionately, and [...]
Summer in Keokuk, Iowa brings longer days, sunny skies, and more time spent outdoors—but for our pets, the rising temperatures can also bring serious health risks. Dogs and cats are more vulnerable to heat than people, and they rely on us to help them stay safe during the warmest months of the year. At Krichel [...]
Thyroid disorders are among the most frequently diagnosed hormonal conditions in dogs and cats—yet they’re often misunderstood. Whether your pet is slowing down unexpectedly or losing weight despite eating well, thyroid function could be the underlying issue. At Krichel Animal Hospital in Keokuk, Iowa, we know how important early diagnosis and proper treatment are for [...]
Understanding Hair Loss in Pets At Krichel Animal Hospital, we understand that hair loss (alopecia) in dogs and cats can be concerning for pet owners. While shedding is normal, excessive or patchy hair loss may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention. Causes range from parasites, allergies, and infections to hormonal imbalances and stress-related [...]
Foreign Body Risks in Pets At Krichel Animal Hospital, we frequently treat pets that have swallowed objects they shouldn’t. Some of the most commonly ingested items include: Toys (small or broken pieces) Bones, food scraps, or corn cobs Fabric, string, or thread Coins, rubber bands, and household objects Small electronics such as earbuds or batteries [...]