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On guard!
Ancient ancestors of our pets were constantly on guard for predators. They positioned themselves in order to keep a close watch on their environment, likely circling according to wind patterns that would allow them to pick up the scent of intruders.
Family members are protective of each other. By turning around they can survey the surrounding area for family or pack members that are slow to gather and take one last look for predators before settling down for the night.
Temperature control
Unlike our pets today who live in the comfort of our climate-controlled homes, their ancestors didn't have this luxury. In colder climates, wild dogs and cats circled to wind themselves into tight balls to conserve body heat. Wild dogs would also circle to reposition snowbanks to use as a wind block. In addition, other pack members gathered together in a tight circle to share body heat.
In warmer climates, wild dogs and cats would scratch at the ground to clear away soil and grass that held the heat from the day. Removing the topsoil exposed cooler soil underneath, giving some relief from the heat.
Comfort and to ward off unwanted guests
Preparing a comfortable “nest” at night meant patting down tall grass, moving prickly underbrush and rooting out rocks, sticks and even unwanted guests such as snakes or poisonous insects.
It can be fun to watch our pets arrange and rearrange their bed at night, but if your pet has difficulty settling down or getting comfortable, consult your veterinarian to rule out arthritis or a back or spinal cord issue.
Learn more about what makes pets great companions with our Know Your Pet article library! >>
*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.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**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.
