Recently, you may have heard about increased cases of Canine Influenza virus. Does your dog socialize at the dog park or visit boarding and grooming facilities? Influenza viruses are most likely to infect dogs that interact with other dogs.

Many veterinary, grooming and boarding facilities are now requiring dogs to be vaccinated against it. The influenza virus can be directly spread from one animal to another via nose-to-nose contact. It can also be acquired through breathing droplets of infected patients or from contacting an infected surface. The onset of clinical signs is quite...

We love it when we see pets reunited with their owners due to pets having a microchip. Because collars with tags can sometimes break, fall off, or info on the tag becomes illegible, we recommend also microchipping your pets. If your pet is found and brought into our office, a shelter, or another pet organization, they will be scanned. If your pet is chipped and the chip is registered, we will be able to call the chip company and retrieve your information. We can then call you and get you reunited right away. We recommend updating your information on your pet’s microchip yearly to ensure...

#1: Beware of the wind!

Pets can accidentally get out through doors and gates that have been pushed open by heavy winds. These winds can also knock down yard decor, which can break and hurt your pet’s paws if they step on it. Debris flying in the air could also land on your pets, and smaller debris could even cause eye injury. We recommend keeping your pets indoors or in a secure area when it is windy. In Southern California, winds can also create fire hazards. If you live in an area where this can be a problem, ensure to have an evacuation plan for you and your...

April is Heartworm Awareness Month.

Heartworm is a very serious disease that can be fatal. Many animals can be infected including dogs and cats. It is caused by worms (heartworms) that can live in the animal’s heart and lungs. They are transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes can travel long distances biting and infecting animals on their way. It only takes one bite from a mosquito to transmit heartworm infection. Mosquitoes can bite through your pet’s fur and thick skin. Keeping your pets indoors will also not protect them as many mosquitoes will make their...

Did you know that fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day? Flea eggs are very hard to see, especially when in your pet’s environment. Flea eggs can also be very sticky, so they tend to stick to fibers like carpet and bedding. A female flea will lay eggs 24-36 hours after she has had her 1st blood meal. Over 50% of fleas will feed on your pet about 5 minutes after they have jumped on them, and 100% of them will be full of blood after an hour of being on your pet.

Temperature and humidity have a lot to do with how quickly a flea egg will hatch. In humid and hot temperatures, about 50% of the...

Knowing what potential poisons may be in your pet’s environment is the first step in keeping your pet safe. March is Poison Prevention Month, and we have compiled a list of some of the top hazards and toxins you should keep out of reach of your pets.

• Over-the-counter medications and human prescription medications
• Veterinary medications: Chewable medications are very appealing to pets. It is important to follow label instructions and store medications out of reach of pets.
• Insecticides: Not following the directions on the label can be very dangerous for...

Part of cat ownership involves coming across furry, slimy tubes, otherwise known as hairballs. Depending on your cat’s hair coat length, you may encounter hairballs with such regular frequency that you become worried about your feline friend’s health. Let’s take a closer look at how hairballs are formed, how they’re eliminated, and how many are considered normal for your cat.

How are hairballs formed?

As cats groom themselves, the tiny hooks on their tongues trap dead or loose fur that they ingest. Whether your cat is long- or short-haired, they will still...

Does your dog’s slurping sound as they lick their paws always keep you awake? Many pet owners become frustrated by the non-stop paw-licking and want to help their dogs overcome this condition. Before busting out the socks or the cone of shame for your pooch, discover the underlying cause, so you can treat and completely cure the problem. Following are three of the most common reasons your dog may be licking their paws.

#1: Your dog has allergies

Environmental allergies frequently affect dogs, and one of the most common signs is itchy, inflamed skin, especially...