Fun Facts Lifestyle

True or False? A wagging tail means a happy dog, while purring equals a happy cat.

Answer: False

While it’s true that sometimes a wagging tail and a purring cat equal a happy pet, sometimes these behaviors take on a different meaning. A purring cat may indicate it’s in pain or uncomfortable; hungry; or it may be expressing fear, nervousness or stress. 

Dogs on the other hand communicate a lot of information with both their tail position and the speed that it’s wagging. A wagging tail can mean excitement (the faster the wag, the happier the dog), insecurity (a slight tail wag may show hesitant interest), friendliness (a full body wiggle) or aggression (a fast wag with a vertically held tail). Remember, a dog may bite, even when wagging its tail. So always ask other pet owners before giving a friendly pat!

 

Is your pet acting out of character? With Live Chat* through the myVCA app, our licensed veterinary professionals are always ready to answer your questions anytime, available day or night. >>

*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

 
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*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.

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**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.

Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.

Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.