Is your dog less than enthusiastic when you rattle their food container? Has your cat suddenly started drinking copious amounts of water? Changes in your pet’s eating or drinking habits can indicate a medical problem. Our Companion Veterinary Clinic team explains what these changes might mean and encourages you to be vigilant about any of [...]
Rodenticides (i.e., rat poisons) provide a potentially efficient means when trying to control rodent populations. However, these poisons are created to attract and kill any animal that ingests them, making these chemicals extremely dangerous to curious pets. Rodenticides are widely used, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison [...]
The heat is on here in sunny California, and that means an increased risk for pets for heat-related emergencies. Unlike people, pets can’t check the weather report, dress in shorts instead of pants, or sweat to keep themselves cool. They need their loving owners to make smart choices about their daily activities and care. Protect [...]
Noise aversion (i.e., anxiety or phobia) is a common but often overlooked condition in dogs and cats. Affected pets can experience mild to extreme stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact their quality of life, strain the pet-owner bond, and result in harmful or destructive behavior. If your pet is unusually frightened by specific noises, [...]
Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary care for their four-legged friends. Itchiness can cause an affected pet significant problems. Our Companion Veterinary Clinic team sees numerous itchy dogs and cats every day, and we answer your frequently asked questions about this condition. Question: What causes itchiness in pets? [...]
Heartworm disease is one of the most dangerous illnesses a pet can face. Transmitted by mosquitoes, these parasites can cause significant, life-threatening damage to your pet’s heart and lungs, and prevention is essential to keeping your pet safe. Our Companion Veterinary Clinic team explains how heartworm affects pets, infection signs, diagnosis, treatment, and—most importantly—how to [...]
As pet owners, we’ve all experienced that awful stomach-dropping feeling you get when you step inside the house after a long day at work and see the telltale signs that your pet has been busy eating something they shouldn’t have while you were away. Your pet is either nowhere to be found—probably hiding under the [...]
How much do you think about your pet’s pearly whites? Do you assume the brown, yellow, or grey tartar buildup is normal for cats and dogs? Or, are you as diligent about brushing their teeth as you are your own? Whether you are the sort to toss your pet a dental chew once in a [...]
When the temperature drops, pet owners beware pets get cold quickly from the crisp, chilly air. The Companion Veterinary Clinic team shares tips you need to keep your pet safe in the cold—guaranteed. Pets and frostbite When the temperature gets chilly—though I have soft fluffy hair, I can easily get frostbite from the frigid outdoor [...]
Which traditions will you celebrate this holiday season? Whether you’re staying close to home, traveling to visit family, or throwing an all-out bash, your pet will notice the change in your routine and become curious, and perhaps anxious, about tasty food and holiday decor. The holiday season is rife with opportunities for pet mischief, which [...]