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How to Choose the Best Pet Hospital in Jacksonville, FL

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:11:13 GMT

Caring for a beloved older pet requires special attention and expert medical care. As pets age, they develop unique health needs that demand compassionate and specialized treatment. For pet owners in Jacksonville FL, finding the best pet hospital in Jacksonville FL is essential to ensure their senior companions live their golden years comfortably and healthily. This article explores how to choose the ideal veterinary facility equipped to manage the challenges of aging pets, including the importance of pet geriatric services in Jacksonville, FL.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Senior Pets

Your aging pet may face several common health issues that require professional attention. Knowing these conditions helps pet owners select a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, that provides comprehensive geriatric care.

Arthritis is one of the most frequent problems seen in senior pets. It causes joint pain and stiffness, limiting mobility and affecting quality of life. Kidney disease is another common age-related condition that demands close monitoring and treatment. Many older pets also suffer from dental problems like periodontal disease, which affects their eating habits and overall health. Cognitive changes such as memory loss and confusion can appear in pets, similar to dementia in humans.

Recognizing these health challenges underscores the importance of specialized care. A pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, that offers pet geriatric services in Jacksonville, FL, is best equipped to diagnose and manage these conditions effectively.

Evaluating Expertise in Pet Geriatric Services

When choosing a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, look for practices with dedicated pet geriatric services in Jacksonville, FL. Such facilities typically employ veterinarians and support staff who are trained in the complexities of senior pet health.

These hospitals invest in continuing education and advanced diagnostic tools needed for aging pets. For example, they frequently use diagnostic imaging, blood work, and urinalysis to detect early signs of disease. This high-level expertise allows them to craft personalized treatment plans tailored to each senior pet’s specific needs.

In addition, a hospital with specialized geriatric services understands how to balance medication management, diet, and physical therapy to improve quality of life. This knowledge makes a significant difference in keeping aging pets comfortable and active.

Importance of Regular Wellness Exams and Preventive Care

One of the keys to successful aging in pets is ongoing wellness exams. The best pet hospital in Jacksonville FL emphasizes regular checkups specifically designed for senior pets. These exams include thorough physical assessments and diagnostics to catch and address health issues early.

Preventive care such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and nutritional counseling is integral to maintaining vitality in older pets. A reputable pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, will tailor preventive plans according to each pet’s health status and risks. This proactive approach reduces complications and helps owners avoid emergency situations.

Additionally, monitoring changes in behavior, appetite, and mobility during routine visits enables the veterinary team to intervene promptly when concerns arise. This vigilant care is vital for managing chronic conditions common in senior pets.

Features to Look for in the Best Pet Hospital in Jacksonville, FL

Finding the right pet hospital involves more than just location and hours. Consider the following features that make a hospital stand out when caring for older pets.

Comprehensive diagnostic capabilities are a must. The ability to perform detailed blood panels, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other advanced tests onsite ensures timely diagnosis and treatment.

A compassionate and knowledgeable veterinary team skilled in geriatric care will collaborate closely with you to develop a care plan. Communication is key; choose a facility where staff listen to your concerns and explain treatment options clearly.

Comfortable facilities designed to reduce stress for senior pets also enhance the experience. Quiet exam rooms, gentle handling techniques, and availability of pain management options improve overall care quality.

Lastly, the availability of additional services such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or nutrition counseling can provide holistic support to aging pets.

Questions to Ask When Selecting Your Pet Hospital in Jacksonville, FL

To identify if a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, is the best fit for your aging companion, ask the following questions:

Does your hospital offer pet geriatric services in Jacksonville, FL, tailored for senior pets?
How does your team monitor chronic conditions like arthritis or kidney disease?
What preventive care protocols do you recommend for aging pets?
Can you perform diagnostic tests onsite, or will you refer out?
How do you manage pain and mobility issues in senior pets?
Is the staff experienced in handling cognitive changes in older animals?
What communication methods do you use to keep pet owners informed?

Demanding these clarifications helps ensure you select a pet hospital in Jacksonville FL committed to expert geriatric care.

Why Baywood Animal Hospital Stands Out for Senior Pet Care

Baywood Animal Hospital understands that senior pets deserve specialized attention tailored to their age-related needs. Located conveniently in Jacksonville FL, this pet hospital in Jacksonville FL offers expert pet geriatric services in Jacksonville FL designed to support aging pets through every stage of their golden years.

The hospital boasts advanced diagnostic technology and a compassionate veterinary team trained extensively in geriatric medicine. Baywood Animal Hospital provides personalized wellness exams, pain management, and nutrition plans that focus on enhancing your pet’s quality of life. Patients benefit from a calm and welcoming environment geared to reduce stress and promote healing. The collaborative approach ensures pet owners receive regular updates and guidance, making pet health management a shared priority.

Contact Us Today to Support Your Aging Pet’s Health

Your senior pet deserves the best care possible. Whether coping with arthritis, kidney disease, dental issues, or cognitive decline, choosing the right pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, is essential to maintaining their comfort and happiness. Baywood Animal Hospital offers expert pet geriatric services in Jacksonville, FL, tailored to meet the complex needs of aging pets. Do not wait until health problems escalate. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or wellness exam. Let Baywood Animal Hospital help you provide your beloved pet with compassionate and comprehensive care in their golden years.

Pet Dermatology in Jacksonville, FL: What to Know

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:26:38 GMT

Just like humans, pets can develop complex skin problems that affect their comfort and quality of life. Professional pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL, focuses on diagnosing and treating these issues so your pet feels better faster. Healthy skin isn’t just about appearance—it’s essential to your pet’s overall wellness. Contact us today at (904) 262-1986 to schedule an appointment at Baywood Animal Hospital, your trusted pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL.

The skin is your pet’s largest organ, acting as a barrier against irritants, allergens, and infections. When that barrier is compromised, itching, redness, and discomfort can quickly take over. Fortunately, pet dermatology can identify the root cause and help restore your pet’s comfort.

Common Skin Problems Seen in Pets

Baywood Animal Hospital offers compassionate, effective pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL, treating a wide range of skin concerns for dogs and cats. Below are some of the most common conditions we see and how they’re managed.

Allergies

Allergies are among the top reasons pet owners visit a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL. Pets can develop allergic reactions to pollen, grass, mold, dust mites, or specific food ingredients. These allergies often cause persistent itching, licking, or chewing—especially around the paws, ears, and belly. With professional testing and targeted treatment, we help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort through advanced pet dermatology methods.

Infections

Moist, humid climates like Jacksonville create ideal conditions for bacterial and fungal skin infections. Dogs and cats with compromised skin may develop pustules, scabs, or greasy coats with an unpleasant odor. Using diagnostic tools, our pet dermatology team in Jacksonville, FL, determines whether the infection is bacterial or yeast-based and recommends topical or oral medications for fast relief.

Hot Spots

Hot spots—also called acute moist dermatitis—are painful inflamed areas caused by excessive licking or scratching. These patches can spread rapidly and lead to hair loss or open sores. With proper cleaning, soothing medications, and guidance from a professional in pet dermatology, these wounds can heal effectively, preventing future flare-ups.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mites are small but mighty irritants. Flea allergy dermatitis, for example, can trigger severe itching even from a single bite. Parasites also transmit infections that further damage skin health. Preventive care and regular checkups at a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, ensure these pests don’t stand a chance.

Signs Your Pet May Need Dermatologic Care

Recognizing the signs of skin issues early can make treatment faster and more successful. Here are a few indicators your pet may benefit from pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL:

Continuous scratching or biting at the skin
Patches of hair loss or thinning fur
Red, flaky, or scaly skin
Foul odor coming from the coat or ears
Crusty scabs, bumps, or sores

Even if your pet seems otherwise healthy, these symptoms could indicate underlying problems like allergies or infections. Seeking professional help early at a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, prevents worsening conditions and keeps your companion comfortable.

How Baywood Animal Hospital Can Help

At Baywood Animal Hospital, we combine compassion with advanced veterinary technology to offer top-quality pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL. Our veterinarians are skilled in diagnosing both common and complex skin issues. We focus on understanding the cause, not just the symptom.

Our dermatology care includes:

Detailed skin examinations and microscopic testing
Allergy and sensitivity testing
Parasite identification and prevention
Antifungal and antibacterial treatments
Tailored nutritional and grooming guidance

For more insight into our dedicated team of veterinary professionals, visit our veterinarian page . You’ll see how our specialists approach each pet’s care with attention and empathy—qualities that make pet dermatology not only effective but truly compassionate.

By identifying the root cause of a pet’s discomfort, our veterinarians develop personalized treatment plans that promote long-term healing and comfort. Whether it’s chronic itching, a recurring infection, or unexplained redness, our approach to pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL, ensures your pet receives thorough and effective care every time.

Supporting Your Pet’s Skin Health at Home

Caring for your pet’s skin doesn’t stop at the veterinary clinic. Maintaining good habits at home helps prevent future flare-ups and supports your pet’s health between visits.

Regular Grooming

Routine brushing removes loose fur, dirt, and allergens while improving circulation and distributing natural oils. Pets with longer coats or sensitive skin especially benefit from consistent grooming alongside professional pet dermatology support.

Proper Nutrition

Balanced diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids promote a shiny coat and resilient skin. Nutritional guidance from a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, ensures your pet gets the right nutrients to maintain healthy skin.

Year-Round Parasite Prevention

In Jacksonville’s warm climate, fleas and ticks are active all year. Regular preventive treatments, coupled with periodic skin checks, can stop itching and irritation before they start. With expert advice from our pet dermatology specialists in Jacksonville, FL, you can protect your pet from unnecessary discomfort.

When to Schedule a Dermatology Appointment

If your pet’s scratching, odor, or hair loss becomes persistent, it’s time for professional evaluation. Even small changes in the skin or coat can reveal deeper health problems. Early diagnosis through pet dermatology prevents conditions from worsening and improves long-term outcomes.

At Baywood Animal Hospital, we treat every patient like family—offering compassionate, professional care that restores comfort and confidence. Our team takes the time to educate pet owners about preventive skin care and treatment options available through expert pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL.

Schedule Expert Pet Dermatology in Jacksonville, FL Today

Healthy, itch-free skin means a happier pet. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, infections, or parasites, Baywood Animal Hospital offers trusted care backed by experience and compassion. Contact us today at (904) 262-1986 or send us a message to book a dermatology consultation and get your pet the relief they deserve.

Why Dog Dentistry Services in Jacksonville, FL, Matter

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:20:04 GMT

Dental care isn’t just for humans—it’s vital for your furry family members too. At Baywood Animal Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, our team provides professional care designed to keep your dog’s teeth and gums in top shape. Call us today at (904) 262-1986 to schedule trusted dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL, and protect your pet’s long-term health.

Many pet owners don’t realize how quickly dental issues can develop. Plaque starts forming within hours after eating, and without proper care, it hardens into tartar that irritates gums and causes pain. By choosing professional dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL, you’re not just improving your pet’s comfort—you’re actively preventing serious health complications down the road.

The Importance of Dental Health for Dogs

Dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL, play a major role in your pet’s overall wellness. Dogs use their mouths for everything—eating, playing, and exploring. Without regular cleanings, plaque can build up, leading to painful problems like gingivitis and tooth loss.

Poor dental hygiene can also affect a dog’s entire body. Bacteria in the mouth may enter the bloodstream, harming the heart, kidneys, or liver. Keeping teeth clean isn’t just cosmetic—it’s life-saving.

Regular checkups at Baywood Animal Hospital allow veterinarians to catch early signs of dental disease before they progress. This preventive approach ensures your dog stays healthier and happier and avoids painful complications later in life.

Signs Your Dog May Need Dental Care

Recognizing when your dog needs dental help can prevent bigger issues down the road. Here are common warning signs:

Persistent bad breath.
Yellow or brown buildup on teeth.
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
Difficulty chewing or dropping food.
Pawing at the mouth or unusual drooling.

If you notice any of these symptoms, professional dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL , are the best next step.

Benefits of Professional Cleanings

At-home brushing helps, but professional care goes further. Dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL, offer these advantages:

Thorough plaque and tartar removal.
Prevention of gum disease and infections.
Early detection of hidden issues with dental X-rays.
Improved comfort and quality of life.
Fresher breath for happier interactions.

Cleanings at Baywood Animal Hospital also give your vet a chance to examine the entire mouth, ensuring no underlying concerns are missed.

What to Expect During a Dental Visit

Many pet owners feel nervous about dental procedures, but dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL, are safe and effective. Here’s what usually happens:

Pre-exam blood work checks your pet’s health.
Your dog is placed under anesthesia for a pain-free procedure.
A veterinarian cleans teeth above and below the gumline.
Any damaged or infected teeth may be removed if necessary.
Your dog wakes up with cleaner, healthier teeth.

The team at Baywood Animal Hospital uses advanced equipment and gentle handling, keeping your dog comfortable from start to finish.

Preventive Care at Home

Between visits, simple steps at home make a big difference. After your appointment for dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL, your veterinarian will share tips like

Brushing your dog’s teeth several times per week.
Offering dental chews approved by vets.
Providing chew toys designed to reduce plaque buildup.
Scheduling annual checkups at a trusted pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL.

With consistency, you’ll help extend the benefits of professional cleanings.

Why Choose Baywood Animal Hospital?

Pet parents want a clinic that treats their dogs like family. That’s why Baywood Animal Hospital stands apart for dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL. Our compassionate staff combines years of experience with modern facilities to provide complete care under one roof.

Beyond dentistry, we offer preventive medicine, diagnostics, and surgical services. Our goal is lifelong wellness, not just treating problems when they arise. Clients appreciate our open communication, gentle handling, and clear explanations during every visit.

Long-Term Health Benefits

Investing in dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL pays off in more ways than one. Regular care helps your dog:

Maintain strong, pain-free teeth.
Avoid costly procedures from advanced dental disease.
Enjoy better nutrition thanks to improved chewing ability.
Live a longer, healthier, and more active life.

By staying ahead of dental disease, you’re not just protecting your dog’s smile—you’re adding years to their life.

Scheduling Your Dog’s Dental Exam

Don’t wait until your dog shows signs of discomfort. Preventive care is always easier and more affordable than emergency treatment. Baywood Animal Hospital makes scheduling simple and stress-free.

You can book an appointment today by visiting our contact page or calling (904) 262-1986 . Our caring staff will guide you through the process and answer any questions.

A Trusted Partner in Your Dog’s Health

Healthy teeth mean a healthier dog. Baywood Animal Hospital is committed to providing top-quality dog dentistry services in Jacksonville, FL. From cleanings to extractions, we tailor care to your pet’s needs and comfort.

With our dedicated team, advanced technology, and focus on preventive care, your dog’s dental health is in the best hands. Call us today by calling (904) 262-1986 to schedule your dog’s next appointment and keep their smile bright for years to come.

How to Choose the Right Pet Hospital

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 22:28:04 GMT

When it comes to our pets, we only want the best care for them. Selecting a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, requires careful consideration to ensure your furry companions receive top-notch veterinary services. With numerous options available, it can be challenging to ascertain which pet hospital will provide the highest standards of care and compassion.

Consider the Hospital’s Reputation

Before entrusting your pet to a pet hospital, it’s important to do some research. Start by looking up reviews and testimonials from other pet owners who have used the hospital’s services. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered. Websites, social media, and word-of-mouth recommendations are great places to gather honest feedback.

Evaluate the Services Offered

Not all pet hospitals offer the same range of services. Ensure the pet hospital in consideration provides comprehensive care, including emergency services, routine check-ups, dental care, and surgical procedures. If your pet has unique health needs, confirm that the hospital is equipped to handle them. A hospital that offers a wide range of services is better prepared to address any health issues your pet may face.

Check Qualifications and Expertise

It’s crucial to ensure that the veterinarians and staff at the hospital are highly qualified. Look for veterinarians who are experienced and board-certified in their fields. The qualifications of the veterinary team can significantly impact the quality of care your pet receives. When visiting a pet hospital in Jacksonville, FL, don’t hesitate to ask about the veterinarians’ credentials and experience.

Baywood Animal Hospital, for instance, prides itself on having a team of skilled veterinarians who are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets.

Assess the Hospital Facilities

A visit to the pet hospital can provide you with a first-hand look at the facilities. The hospital should be clean, well-organized, and equipped with modern veterinary technology. A well-maintained hospital can enhance the overall care experience for both you and your pet. Pay attention to the staff’s professionalism and friendliness during your visit, as these can be indicators of how they will treat your pet.

Emergency Care Availability

Emergencies can occur at any time, and having access to reliable emergency care is essential. Ensure that the pet hospital you choose offers 24/7 emergency services or has a reliable partnership with an emergency facility. This ensures that your pet can receive immediate attention in case of an urgent health issue.

Location and Accessibility

While the quality of care should be your primary consideration, convenience is also important. Choose a pet hospital that is easily accessible from your home. This makes routine visits more manageable and ensures that you can quickly reach the hospital in case of an emergency.

Make the Best Choice for Your Pet

Choosing the right pet hospital for your pet’s healthcare needs is a significant decision. By considering factors such as reputation, services offered, qualifications, and emergency care availability, you can ensure your pet receives the highest standard of care. Baywood Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for pets in Jacksonville, FL. Schedule a visit today to see how we can support your pet’s health and well-being.

Allergies or Skin Infection? How to Tell the Difference & Get Help from Jacksonville, FL’s Pet Dermatology Experts

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:11:54 GMT

Skin problems in pets can lead to discomfort, excessive scratching, and even infections. With specialized pet dermatology services in Jacksonville, FL, your furry companion can receive expert care for allergies, rashes, infections, and other skin conditions, helping them stay happy and healthy. But how do you know if your pet has an allergy or a skin infection? Here’s what to look for and when to seek professional help.

Common Signs of Allergies in Pets

Pet allergies can stem from food, environmental factors, or flea bites. If your pet is suffering from allergies, you may notice:

Persistent itching and scratching, especially around the face, paws, or belly.
Red or inflamed skin that may appear swollen or irritated.
Hair loss in specific areas, particularly in patches where the pet has been scratching or licking.
Frequent ear infections, leading to head shaking, odor, or wax buildup.
Licking or chewing paws, sometimes to the point of redness or sores.
Watery eyes, sneezing, or nasal discharge in cases of environmental allergies.
Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea, which can indicate a food allergy.

Allergies often cause chronic symptoms that worsen over time. If your pet is showing any of these signs, pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL, can help diagnose and manage the condition effectively.

Signs Your Pet May Have a Skin Infection

Unlike allergies, skin infections are regularly caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They can be secondary infections due to excessive scratching from allergies. Symptoms of skin infections include:

Sores, scabs, or pustules that may ooze or bleed.
Oozing or foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate a bacterial infection.
Hot spots or raw skin patches that appear suddenly and spread rapidly.
Thickened or crusty skin, particularly in areas that have been frequently scratched or licked.
Behavioral changes like lethargy, decreased appetite, or increased sensitivity when touched.
Skin discoloration, such as darkened or reddened areas, which may signal chronic infection.
Flaky or excessively greasy skin, sometimes with dandruff-like flakes.
Unusual skin growths or lesions that persist beyond a few days.

If left untreated, infections can worsen and cause serious health complications. Pet dermatology specialists can prescribe the right treatment, whether antibiotics, antifungals, or medicated shampoos.

How Pet Dermatology in Jacksonville, FL Can Help

Pet dermatology specialists use advanced diagnostic techniques to determine the root cause of skin conditions in pets. Depending on the issue, treatment plans may include:

Allergy Testing —Identifying environmental, food, or flea-related allergies to create an effective management plan.
Topical & Oral Medications —Using antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatory medications to treat infections and alleviate discomfort.
Medicated Shampoos & Ointments —Helping to soothe irritated skin and manage chronic dermatological conditions.
Dietary Adjustments —Recommending hypoallergenic diets for pets with food sensitivities.
Parasite Prevention —Addressing flea, tick, and mite infestations to protect your pet’s skin and coat health.
Ongoing Dermatological Care —Regular check-ups and long-term treatment plans to keep your pet’s skin healthy and prevent future issues.

Seeking timely care from a pet dermatologist ensures that your pet receives the most effective treatments for their skin concerns. A pet dermatology expert can provide tailored treatments to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being.

Schedule an Appointment With Baywood Animal Hospital Today!

Your pet deserves expert care for their skin issues. Whether it's allergies, infections, or other dermatological concerns, Baywood Animal Hospital is here to help. We provide top-tier pet dermatology in Jacksonville, FL, to keep your pet happy and healthy. Call (904) 262-1986 or complete our contact form today to schedule an appointment!

Enhance Your Senior Pet’s Health with Pet Geriatric Services

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:38:57 GMT

As pets age, they require more specialized care to maintain their health and comfort. Senior pets, just like humans, experience physical and emotional changes that can affect their overall wellbeing. In Jacksonville, FL, pet owners are turning to pet geriatric services to ensure their aging companions continue to live their best lives. Pet geriatric services in Jacksonville, FL are designed to provide personalized care to senior pets, addressing the unique challenges they face as they grow older. These services focus on improving mobility, managing chronic conditions, and ensuring a high quality of life for elderly pets.

Why Pet Geriatric Services are Essential for Senior Pets

Geriatric pets often experience a range of health issues that can affect their mobility, appetite, and overall comfort. Common concerns for aging pets include arthritis, vision loss, weight management, and heart conditions. Without proper care and attention, these conditions can lead to a diminished quality of life. Pet geriatric services in Jacksonville, FL offer tailored treatment plans that help manage these issues and improve your senior pet’s health.

At Baywood Animal Hospital, our expert team specializes in providing comprehensive geriatric care for pets. From specialized nutrition to pain management, we ensure that your senior pet is well-cared-for every step of the way. Our services include regular health assessments, senior wellness exams, and customized treatment plans to manage age-related conditions.

Specialized Care and Nutrition for Aging Pets in Jacksonville

One of the most important aspects of geriatric pet services is addressing nutritional needs. Aging pets often have different dietary requirements and feeding them the right food can make a significant difference in their health. Specialized senior pet food, like the options available from Hill's Pet Nutrition , can help manage weight, maintain healthy organs, and support overall longevity. Our team at Baywood Animal Hospital can recommend the best nutrition plans based on your pet's specific needs, ensuring they get the most out of their meals.

Additionally, geriatric pet services in Jacksonville, FL focus on improving your pet’s mobility. Arthritis and other joint conditions are common in older animals, and our team offers various treatments such as pain management, acupuncture, and physical therapy to keep your pet moving comfortably. Regular check-ups and monitoring allow us to adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure your pet’s comfort.

Improve Your Senior Pet’s Quality of Life with Baywood Animal Hospital

At Baywood Animal Hospital, we believe that aging should not mean a decline in quality of life. Our geriatric services are designed to keep your pet happy, healthy, and active for as long as possible. Whether your pet is struggling with mobility issues, experiencing discomfort from arthritis, or just needs regular health check-ups, we provide compassionate and effective care to meet their needs.

Regular veterinary visits are essential for aging pets. These visits help detect health issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and improving your pet’s chances of living a longer, healthier life. Our dedicated team works closely with you to provide ongoing care, ensuring your pet’s health and happiness remain a priority.

Reach Out for Expert Pet Geriatric Services in Jacksonville, FL

Concerned about your aging pet's wellbeing? Reach out today to learn more about our expert geriatric pet services and give your senior pet the care they deserve in Jacksonville, FL. At Baywood Animal Hospital, we provide specialized care that improves your pet’s health and quality of life. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help your senior pet thrive.

How Animal Health Services in Jacksonville, FL Can Improve Your Pet's Lifespan

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 21:03:09 GMT

As a pet owner in Jacksonville, FL, ensuring your furry friend’s health and happiness is a top priority. One of the best ways to promote a long, healthy life for your pet is by taking advantage of animal health services in Jacksonville, FL . Regular veterinary care, preventive treatments, and personalized wellness plans can make all the difference in extending your pet's lifespan.

Preventive Care with Animal Health Services in Jacksonville, FL

Preventive care is the cornerstone of maintaining your pet’s well-being. Through regular check-ups and screenings, veterinarians can identify potential health risks before they escalate into serious conditions. This proactive approach includes vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine blood tests, all of which are vital in safeguarding your pet’s health.

At Baywood Animal Hospital, preventive care is tailored to your pet’s unique needs. These services not only address immediate health concerns but also establish a foundation for long-term wellness. For instance, vaccinations protect your pet from life-threatening diseases like rabies and distemper, while regular dental cleanings help prevent oral infections that can impact overall health.

Early Detection Through Animal Health Services in Jacksonville, FL

Another significant benefit of animal health services in Jacksonville, FL is the ability to detect health issues early. Routine diagnostic tests and physical exams can uncover underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or arthritis—often before symptoms become apparent.

Early detection enables veterinarians to intervene promptly, improving the chances of successful treatment and enhancing your pet’s quality of life. Regular wellness testing , provides a comprehensive look at your pet’s health. This data allows your veterinarian to create a customized care plan, addressing potential issues before they progress.

Personalized Wellness Plans Through Animal Health Services in Jacksonville, FL

Every pet is unique, and their health care should reflect that. Personalized wellness plans offered through animal health services in Jacksonville, FL focus on the specific needs of your pet based on their breed, age, lifestyle, and medical history.

For example, senior pets may require more frequent check-ups and specialized diets, while younger pets benefit from behavioral training and spaying or neutering services. By tailoring care to your pet’s stage of life, veterinarians at Baywood Animal Hospital ensure that your pet receives the right treatments at the right time.

These wellness plans also emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise. Proper nutrition fuels your pet's body, while physical activity keeps them mentally and physically fit. Coupled with regular veterinary visits, these elements significantly contribute to a longer, healthier life for your furry companion.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Visit Today

Your pet deserves the best care to live a long and happy life. With comprehensive animal health services in Jacksonville, FL, Baywood Animal Hospital is here to help. From preventive care to early detection and personalized wellness plans, their expert team is dedicated to your pet’s health.

Schedule your pet's wellness visits today and ensure they live a long, healthy life with expert care from Baywood Animal Hospital. Together, let’s ensure your pet enjoys many happy, healthy years by your side!

The Importance Of Spaying Or Neutering Your Pet At A Young Age

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:33:47 GMT

You love your pets and want them to live a healthy and long life. One crucial step towards achieving a happy and healthy pet is spaying or neutering your pet at a young age (although you can spay or neuter at an older age). It is vital to understand the advantages and the process involved in spaying or neutering pets. Explore why it is important to spay or neuter your pet at a young age, how you can tell if a female pet is in heat, and what the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet are.

Preventing Unwanted Litters

Many animals end up in shelters because their owners failed to spay or neuter them, leading to unplanned mating and producing unwanted offspring. Spaying or neutering your pet also helps reduce the number of stray animals on the streets, which can cause safety concerns for both the animal and the community. By spaying or neutering your pet, you are helping to control the animal population while ensuring that your pet is happy and healthy.

Knowing When a Female is in Heat

During heat, a female pet's vulva swells, and she may experience bloody discharge. The female pet will also experience various behavioral changes. Not only can she become more affectionate and restless, but she may also exhibit heightened territorial behavior. Moreover, female pets tend to be more vocal and show increased attraction towards male pets. These changes are natural and part of the reproductive cycle in female animals. It is vital to spay your female pet before her first heat cycle to avoid unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of ovarian or mammary cancer.

Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

The benefits of spaying or neutering your pet go beyond controlling their breeding behavior. Spaying reduces the risk of uterine or mammary cancer in female pets, which can be fatal if not detected early. Neutering your male pet reduces the risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems. Spayed or neutered pets also tend to be more well-behaved and less prone to mark their territory or exhibit aggressive behavior. Additionally, spaying or neutering your pet can help increase their lifespan, as they are less likely to engage in dangerous roaming behavior.

Considerations for Spaying and Neutering

It is important to note that spaying or neutering your pet does not change their personality or character and, in fact, can help them lead a happier and healthier life. It's a common myth that spaying or neutering will make a pet lazy and cause it to gain weight, but rest assured, this is not the case. Your pet will retain an active and interactive lifestyle free of the burden of regular heat cycles and the urgency to mate, which is a good thing. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia, and most pets recover quickly. The procedure involves the removal of the reproductive organs, and there are minimal risks involved. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with more information on what to expect during, and after the procedure, especially if you have an older pet you want to get fixed.

While getting a pet spayed or neutered at a younger age is ideal, you can spay or neuter at almost any age. By reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies and stray animals, you are helping control the animal population while providing your pet with a safer and healthier life. Spaying or neutering your pet also reduces the risk of fatal cancers and improves their behavior, lifespan, and longevity. If you're ready to have your pet spayed or neutered, schedule an appointment with us by calling our veterinarian's office at Baywood Animal Hospital today.

Ways to Calm Your Anxious Dog

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 17:12:15 GMT

The anxiety that we experience as humans can also affect animals. Anxiety can affect dogs of all breeds but may present differently in each dog. Although anxiety can be a healthy emotion, if left unchecked for a long time, it can lead to anxiety disorders in your dog.

Pacing, constant lip licking, shaking, low appetite, increased heart rate, drooling, and panting are some of the signs of anxiety in dogs.

Dog owners can use the following techniques to help soothe their dog's anxiety.

Exercise

As anxiety can cause excessive energy, taking your dog on a long walk or playing ball can help. Exercise produces beneficial endorphins that relieve stress.

Along with challenging the body, also challenge their mind. For mental and physical stimulation, engage your dog in activities requiring them to think or solve small puzzles so they use both their brains and muscles.

In addition, you and your dog can participate in various canine sports. Don't give up on your pup if they aren't interested in one sport. Keep trying different sports until you find one that fits your pup's needs and is enjoyable for them.

Physical Contact

Providing love and attention to an anxious dog in a stressful situation can alleviate stress. When your dog shows signs of anxiety, try massages, snuggles on the couch, a good brushing, or a long petting session. Petting a dog can help distract them from their triggers and make them feel safe and at ease.

However, resist over-comforting your dog. Providing too much affection can lead to a dependent relationship and reinforce bad behavior due to positive cues at the wrong time. More behavioral issues may arise, including separation anxiety and vocalization for attention.

Desensitization

Desensitization involves gradually introducing dogs to scenarios or stimuli that trigger anxiety.

Desensitization sessions should begin slowly and gradually increase exposure time. In desensitization, small steps are important since pushing too far too fast can result in reverse progress.

To help your pup associate stressful stimuli with something rewarding, offer your pup high-value treats during the training sessions.

Safe Space

Safe spaces for anxious dogs can be as simple as a quiet corner, crate, or spare bedroom. Taking a break in a safe place can certainly relieve your dog's nerves. Also, encourage relaxation by adding your dog's favorite blankets, toys, or beds to the space.

However, you may only be able to achieve success if your dog has acclimated to their safe zone.

Music Therapy

The benefits of music therapy extend not only to humans but also to our four-legged friends. The sound of music, a radio station, or even a TV show can help calm your dog by providing comfort and distraction and blocking out sounds they may find frightening. Music can also help pets overcome loneliness, boredom, and hyperactivity.

You will more easily rely on music as a soothing mechanism during stressful situations if you use it during relaxing and fun activities.

Classical music, soft rock, and reggae are some types of music that help dogs relax.

Calming Coats

As with a swaddle cloth on a baby, calming coats and t-shirts apply mild, constant pressure to a dog's torso. A dog suffering from travel anxiety, separation anxiety, noise anxiety, or stranger anxiety may benefit from calming coats.

Several brands and models are available, depending on your dog's size. Regardless of the brand or design, the pressure can calm your dog during stressful situations when the jacket fits correctly.

Your puppy or adult dog may respond differently to different calming activities. Even so, if your dog consistently shows signs of stress, see your veterinarian.

For all questions regarding your pet's health or if your pet has a medical situation, contact us today.

Is Your Dog Pregnant? Signs to Look Out For

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:13:11 GMT

The thought of your furry friend welcoming puppies can be exciting. But dog pregnancy comes with a fair share of worry for many pet owners.

First, you cannot certainly be sure of the pregnancy because the signs can be very subtle, and dog owners often fail to recognize them. Also, you may mistake the pregnancy signs for other health issues in your dog.

Fortunately, you can look out for some common signs that suggest that your dog may be pregnant. If you notice any of the following, take your pup to the vet for confirmation and advice.

Behavioral Changes

Most dogs become more affectionate and clingier than usual, while others may be aloof and moody. The dog may become more irritable and not want anyone to bother them.

However, behavioral changes in dogs may indicate more severe issues such as trauma, neurological issues, or pain. So, don't automatically assume that your dog is pregnant if the pet starts to isolate itself or if your furry friend wants you closer than before.

You may also notice that your dog is demonstrating a nesting urge. She may start to collect toys, blankets, and other soft items in one area. This sign is an instinctive behavior that will prepare her for the arrival of puppies.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is one of the most obvious signs of pregnancy. As the puppies grow inside the uterus, your dog will start to gain weight steadily.

The abdomen may grow, but this sign appears late in the pregnancy. The weight gain should start after a few weeks of getting pregnant and may increase as the pregnancy progresses.

Enlarged or Discolored Nipples

If your dog's nipples start to become reddish, that may signify an increase in blood flow, a common sign during pregnancy.

The nipples may also enlarge. This sign appears early in pregnancy and will be visible before other signs take effect. And later, through the pregnancy, the nipples may start to produce milk.

Less Interest in Exercise

Dogs are busy creatures and love to exercise. During pregnancy, however, your pup's energy levels will likely decrease, and she may not be interested in doing the activities that she normally loves.

This change is normal since physical activity can stress their bodies during this crucial period. Your dog may sleep more than usual and appear tired even after a short walk. However, low energy levels may sometimes indicate other health issues, so consult your vet.

Appetite Changes

Your pet's appetite may increase or fluctuate depending on the pregnancy stage. For instance, your furry friend may lose her appetite during early pregnancy. During this period, your dog may vomit and will be choosy on the food.

However, in the late months, your dog may eat more than usual to meet the nutritional needs of her growing puppies. But these changes differ depending on the pet's hormonal level.

You can never know for sure that your dog is pregnant until you take a test to confirm your suspicions. So, take your dog to a reliable vet as soon as you notice any of the above changes. Your vet may perform palpation, hormone tests, or ultrasounds to identify the puppies.

The animal health specialist will advise you on how best to care for a pregnant dog. For example, you may need to adjust the dog's nutrition and activity levels and prepare a comfortable nesting space.

You can trust us at Baywood Animal Hospital for all your pup's needs. We are certified and experienced veterinarians who understand the importance of pet care. We will walk you through your dog's pregnancy journey to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. Contact us for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Influenza

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 15:30:20 GMT

Many people dread the advent of each new flu season and will do whatever they must to protect themselves and their loved ones from these debilitating, highly communicable viruses. However, pet owners should also recognize another similar threat that can make their beloved dogs miserable: canine influenza.

If you care for a canine family member, you'll want to learn some useful facts about this respiratory infection, from its causes and methods of transmission to common symptoms, treatment options, and preventative strategies. Expand your canine influenza knowledge with these frequently asked questions and their answers.

Why Do Dogs Get Canine Influenza?

Canine influenza stems from two viruses, H3N8 and H3N2 , although neither virus actually originated as a canine disease. H3N8 originally spread to dogs through contact with horses, while H3N2 originated in birds before it infected dogs. These strains differ from the influenza strains that commonly infect human populations.

As an airborne virus, canine influenza can prove highly contagious. Infected dogs can easily transfer it to others through sneezing, coughing, and even barking. Water droplets that contain the virus can also find their way into water and food bowls, which creates another means of transmission among dogs that share these items.

Dogs that frequently interact with other animals, especially in close quarters such as boarding facilities, face a higher risk of infection. The germs can linger on kennel floors and walls, on the collars of other dogs, and even on the skin or clothing of kennel workers.

What Symptoms Can Canine Influenza Cause?

Just as the flu can resemble the common cold or other respiratory ailments in humans, canine influenza can mimic the symptoms of other common infectious diseases in dogs, including Bordetella bronchiseptica , better known as kennel cough. The symptoms can vary widely in severity from one case to the next.

Symptoms of canine influenza include sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulties, and fluid discharge from the eyes or nose. The nose discharge may contain pus. Your dog may also run a fever and show signs of lethargy or fatigue. While most cases don't cause complications, a severe infection can lead to pneumonia.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose and Treat Canine Influenza?

Your veterinarian may need to run laboratory tests to tell whether your dog suffers from canine influenza or a lookalike infection. Examination of a nasal swab sample may show antibodies specific to the virus, but only within the first few days of the infection. Beyond that point, the veterinarian may need to perform blood tests instead.

Dogs infected with canine influenza must let the virus run its course, a process that can take two to three weeks . However, supportive care can help your ailing pet feel better. This supportive care may include sufficient fluids, fever-reducing drugs, optimal nutrition, a warm and dry environment, and treatment of any secondary infections.

During your dog's recovery period, you must quarantine it to prevent it from infecting other animals. Cancel regular trips to the dog park, groomer appointments, and any upcoming boarding or doggie daycare stay until your veterinarian says your dog can safely return to its regular routine.

How Can You Protect Your Pet Against Canine Influenza?

Just as humans often protect themselves against the flu through vaccination, dogs can receive vaccinations against canine influenza. However, veterinarians usually administer these vaccinations only to dogs whose lifestyles present an unusually high infection risk. Ask your vet whether your dog needs this protection.

Pay attention to reports of canine influenza outbreaks in your area, avoiding specific neighborhoods or facilities known to harbor these viruses. If you have any interactions with a potentially infected dog, wash your hands and change your clothes before you interact with your own dog.

Whether you worry about flu-like symptoms in your family dog or you'd simply like to keep your dog as safe as possible against this disease, Baywood Animal Hospital can help. Our veterinary team can evaluate your dog's health, administer supportive care, and offer preventative wellness tips. Contact us to make an appointment.

Diet and Exercise Tips to Keep Your Pet in Fit Shape

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 19:13:08 GMT

An effective way to keep your pet healthy and strong is to provide balanced nutrition and regular exercise. If you would like some tips on how to sustain a healthy diet and provide good exercise, explore general tips for people with pets.

Regular Exercise

Just as humans need exercise to regulate their body mass index, pets also need a proper outside environment to walk, run and play. Regular exercise will ensure your pets receive sufficient physical activity to maintain a good body mass index, which can help avoid or manage heart, liver, and kidney problems.

Small rodents like hamsters and mice can exercise in a small container or room with a runner wheel and a miniaturized course. Small rodents require less supervision during their exercise, as they can initiate it without suggestion or training.

Unlike rodents, which can receive adequate exercise with a customized playground, larger canines often need the benefits of a larger environment to exercise to their heart's content. Therefore, a park stroll or morning jog with your dog will expend adequate energy and fat to keep them healthy.

If you are a cat owner, you do not need to take your cat out personally. Cats require hunt-like exercise because, compared to dogs, their playful nature stems from their hunting skills. Therefore, games that involve hunting experiences like motorized toys, manual prey-like toys like feathers attached to a fishing line, and laser pointers can stimulate your cat.

Trained Food Intake

Pets need balanced and controlled food intake to receive adequate nutrients. Most pet owners will have two processed food options: dry and moisturized foods. Dehydrated foods require little to no maintenance to keep them fresh, which can help owners devise an automated food delivery system, create a feeding schedule, or serve their pets and allow self-feeding.

An automated food delivery system uses a programmed framework that provides food for your pets at set intervals. For cats and dogs, this system can pour your pre-programmed serving into their bowls during the day when you are away. A small feeder system based on the same principles can apply to rodents in their container habitat.

However, the owner could also try a self-feeding approach where they serve the pet with adequate food and let them decide when to feed. While this framework removes additional work to schedule feeding times, it could tempt pets to overfeed. Therefore, food rations and self-feeding should be synchronous in this approach.

Apart from food intake, ensure that your pets have access to clean water. Clean their bowls regularly, and change their water if sediments or other dirt appears in their water sources.

Most online resources provide a rough estimate of food proportions based on your pet's characteristics, such as age, breed, activity levels, physical conditions, and medical circumstances. For example, you can provide your dog with a serving of half a pound for every pound of body weight . The same principles often apply to cats as well.

However, the best formula is to evaluate your pet's consumption and metabolism rate and use a mixed strategy of autonomous feeding for dry foods and controlled portions for moisturized meals. If your pets become overweight, you can introduce a dieting regimen to control their food intake.

Consequently, you should provide your pets with a balanced diet, high nutritional value, and low fats.

No matter what your pet’s exercise and diet habits are, if your pets develop or exhibit health concerns, visit a veterinary clinic to assess the underlying issue further. Contact Baywood Animal Hospital today for animal health services. We look forward to seeing you and your pet soon.

Tips for Caring for Your Dog After Surgery

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:49:26 GMT

Has your dog undergone a minor or major operation? Certain surgeries are common for old and young dogs, but the entire experience can be unpleasant. For this reason, ensure your dog feels at ease while recovering.

Learning how to take care of your pet is important, mainly if it's your first experience. You want to give them the best chance to recover and avoid repeating the procedure, which can be difficult for your canine. Read on to learn how you can care for your puppy after surgery.

Take Care of the Wound

Before leaving the vet's office, you'll get guidelines on how to clean your dog’s wound. The advice may include the number of times you should clean the wound, what to use, how to apply antibiotic creams, and how to change bandages. In some cases, vets use glue to close wounds instead of sutures or stitches, so the wound will need to stay dry. You'll need to check it regularly to ensure it isn’t infected.

Whether you need to clean the wound or not, you should follow the vet's instructions. This will ensure the puppy heals quickly and will minimize complications or infections. You may see blood leaking from the wound area, which is normal. However, if the pus or blood is in excess, you'll have to inform the vet because it may be a sign of a severe infection.

Focus on Nutrition

After surgery, most canines refuse to eat because of the distress they experience. If you aren't careful, the pup will not eat enough to replenish its body and enhance the chances of healing fast. Therefore, serve appealing food. You may opt to do the special treats or a meal that's easy to digest, like cooked chicken.

While the objective is to ensure the pup feeds well, you shouldn't overdo it. Give tiny quantities of water and food, and consider spoon-feeding if they refuse to consume the food independently. Your vet should be able to share feeding ideas when you face challenges, so don't hesitate to call.

Isolate the Pup for a While

Although your loved ones and other pets will be excited to welcome the puppy after surgery, you shouldn't let them stay too close. The ailing dog can easily bite or snap at other pets or kids because of what they're going through.

For instance, the pain and discomfort felt after surgery can cause disorientation, so your pet may act unusually. Keeping them isolated for a day or two will help. Also, ensure other pets don't play with your best friend after surgery because intense play might affect the wounds.

Reduce Movement Indoors and Outdoors

Another essential thing you shouldn't forget is to limit your puppy's movements. Make sure your pet lays low for some days to improve the chances of a speedy recovery. Sometimes the pup might not want to play or run around, making things easier.

The duration for limiting movement will depend on the kind of surgery your pet had. For example, if they had limb surgery, try to keep them off their feet for longer. Wrapping the injured leg will aid recovery and reduce pain. Once their strength returns, you may incorporate light supervised movements or exercises into their daily routine.

Don't Forget About Follow-Up Appointments

Depending on the surgery, your vet may schedule several appointments with your canine. Most people prioritize the first appointments but ignore others if the dog seems fine. This is a mistake. You should show up for all check-ups so the vet can check the recovery process.

You can rely on Baywood Animal Hospital when your canine is a candidate for diagnostic services. We have a pet surgical facility and a competent team of vets that offer excellent treatment for pets. Contact us for details, and we'll meet all your dog treatment requirements.

Common Puppy Diseases: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:42:38 GMT

Puppies are a great new addition to a family, and, as with any new addition, you may worry about what could go wrong. Puppies are susceptible to various diseases, some of which can be fatal without timely treatment. Read on to learn some of the most common puppy diseases and their symptoms.

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a serious and often deadly disease that affects puppies. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, which results in severe vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, the virus can lead to dehydration and death.

Parvovirus is particularly dangerous for young puppies, as their immature immune systems are often unable to fight off the infection. And since their immune systems are not yet fully developed, they can quickly become severely ill if they contract the virus.

The virus is also highly contagious and can spread through contact with infected feces. The disease-causing pathogens typically thrive in the feces of infected dogs and can survive in the environment for months. Puppies then contract the virus through contact with contaminated soil, feces, or even if they're close to an infected dog.

The symptoms of parvovirus include the following:

Vomiting
Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
Lethargy
Fever
Loss of appetite

Treatment involves aggressive supportive care with supplemental intravenous fluids and antibiotics. With the right treatment, most puppies will recover from the illness. However, some may suffer from long-term health problems like heart disease due to viral damage.

Prevention is the best defense against parvovirus. Thankfully, vaccines help protect puppies from this potentially deadly disease. You should vaccinate your puppies when they're six weeks old and then booster them every three to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old.

If you need help, reach out to an experienced veterinarian to ensure that your puppy gets the best possible care and protection against parvovirus.

Canine Parainfluenza

Canine parainfluenza is a virus that causes respiratory disease in dogs. The virus is similar to the viruses that cause human parainfluenza and influenza.

The virus spreads through direct contact with infected saliva, mucus, or other respiratory secretions. The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as food bowls or toys.

Canine parainfluenza is highly contagious and has more severe effects in puppies since their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Infected pets may experience a severe cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia and even death.

Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics to help clear the infection, with supplemental supportive care such as increased fluid intake and plenty of rest.

Although canine parainfluenza is a serious illness, most puppies will recover with a proper treatment regimen. However, prevention is always the best option, so keep your puppy up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both animals and humans. The bacteria spread through contact with contaminated urine, water, or soil. Infected puppies will exhibit symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, the disease can lead to kidney failure and death.

While leptospirosis is more common in tropical climates, the disease can occur anywhere with contaminated water. And as a puppy owner, you need to be aware of the risks. The bacteria that cause the disease typically thrive in contaminated water and soil. So, make sure to keep your puppy away from these areas.

If you live in an area where the disease is common, talk to your vet about vaccination for your puppy. Usually, a few vaccination appointments will be enough for complete protection.

If your puppy shows any signs of illness, be sure to take them to the vet for an evaluation. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics and aggressive supportive care. Your vet will inform you on what to do to avoid reinfection in the future.

Most of these diseases are preventable through vaccination, so contact Baywood Animal Hospital to schedule an appointment for your puppy's shots.

Why Do Cats Vomit?

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:12:05 GMT

Cats vomit every once in a while, due to various reasons. Some of these causes may be serious, while others are not and may go away on their own. Nevertheless, if your cat vomits severely and frequently, you need to take your cat to a veterinary for diagnosis.

This article highlights four common reasons why your cat may vomit.

1. Hairballs

Cats are naturally clean animals, and they spend a lot of time grooming themselves. When a cat grooms itself, the hook-like structures on your four-legged friend's tongue pull out loose fur that passes down to the stomach.

When your cat swallows large volumes of fur, they accumulate in the stomach. After some time, the hairs will form hairballs since fur is not digestible.

Hairballs can make your cat throw up occasionally. However, if these hairs make your pet vomit regularly or are painful, you should get concerned.

To prevent hairballs in your cat, buy over-the-counter dietary supplements. Additionally, you may start brushing your cat regularly to get rid of loose fur. As a result, your cat will not swallow these hairs when grooming themselves.

2. Food Allergies

Some cats are allergic to certain foods, especially meat protein . These allergens cause inflammation in your kitty's digestive tract that may lead to vomiting. To know if your cat is allergic to certain foods, you need to observe your cat's behavior before and after eating.

Other signs of protein allergic reactions include:

Itchy skin
Diarrhea
Bald patches

Once you notice these signs, take your furry buddy to the vet for proper diagnosis. If your vet believes that the cat suffers from food allergies, your cat may recommend commercial sensitive system foods.

However, if vomiting persists while on this diet, your vet may advise you to switch to a hydrolyzed protein diet. A hydrolyzed protein diet is simply processed food that contains broken-down proteins. Therefore, when your cat takes this food, your cat's immune system will not identify the proteins.

3. Eating Too Fast

Cats tend to eat too fast when bored or think their fellow cat is about to take their food. When your cat eats too quickly, they may regurgitate undigested food immediately after eating.

To slow down your cat when eating, you can feed them from a food puzzle toy. This toy can make feeding time more enjoyable. Instead of just putting the food in a feeding bowl, place small portions of food in the toy puzzle and let your cat solve the puzzle to get the food. Additionally, this toy provides your cat with the mental stimulation needs when feeding.

Other ways to slow down your cat when eating include changing your cat's menu regularly or giving your cat small food portions. If your cat still regurgitates after using these methods, you need to take your cat to a vet for examination.

4. Gastritis

If your cat eats food that they are not supposed to, it may irritate their stomach lining. The irritated stomach wall may swell and cause stomach pains. As a result, your cat may start vomiting undigested food. In serious cases, you may observe blood or bile in the vomit.

Sometimes, you can manage your cat's gastritis at home by feeding your cat with highly digestible food or in small amounts. If these symptoms persist, you need to visit a vet for a medical prescription.

Cleaning cat vomit can be annoying. Additionally, the gagging sound a cat makes when vomiting can be irritating. To avoid these issues, visit a veterinary to identify the reason why your cat vomits frequently. If you are looking for the best veterinary services, contact Baywood Animal Hospital.

Canine Distemper: Important Points for Dog Owners

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 19:02:57 GMT

Even if you've heard people speak of distemper in animals all your life, you may still have little idea what the term means, and understandably so. This rather vague-sounding name refers to a specific virus that can wreak havoc on your dog's health or even prove fatal if it goes untreated.

Thankfully, the more you know about canine distemper, the more effectively you can help your pet recover from this dreaded virus or even avoid contracting the virus in the first place. Take this opportunity to learn some important points about canine distemper's causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Why Dogs Get Canine Distemper

Although both dogs and cats can come down with distemper, each of these conditions actually stems from a different germ. Feline distemper occurs due to infection with the panleukopenia virus, while canine distemper occurs when dogs (and certain other mammals) become infected with the canine distemper virus (CDV).

The canine distemper virus spreads easily. Your dog can get the virus by sharing food or water with an infected animal. Even simple interactions with other dogs at a grooming salon, boarding kennel, or public park can transmit the virus. The placentas of mother dogs can also pass canine distemper to puppies at birth.

What Canine Distemper Does to Dogs

CDV can damage your dog's health in numerous ways. This relative of the human measles virus first makes its home in the dog's tonsils and lymph nodes before moving on the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.

When symptoms first appear (usually within six to nine days after exposure), they may include a runny nose, eye redness and discharge, fever, loss of energy and appetite, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your dog may also suffer from seizures, paralysis, and behavioral changes as the virus settles into the nervous system.

Some dogs with distemper can develop an uncomfortable issue called hard pad disease. This thickening of the skin affects both the paw pads and the nose.

How Veterinarians Treat Canine Distemper

If your dog shows symptoms of the disease, bring it in for veterinary evaluation and care right away. Your veterinarian may need to run laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis, as many other common infections and ailments can produce many of the same trouble signs. Neurological symptoms may merit a brain scan.

Unfortunately, veterinary science has yet to find a cure for canine distemper. Instead, treatment for canine distemper centers on controlling and easing the symptoms and their potential complications (such as dehydration from diarrhea and malnutrition from loss of appetite). Antibiotics can battle any secondary infections that may occur.

A dog suffering from canine distemper can often recover from the disease with the aid of these supportive treatments, although the entire recovery process may take up to two months. During this time, isolate your dog from any young puppies or unvaccinated dogs in your household to prevent further spread of the virus.

How to Protect Your Dog Against Canine Distemper

In contrast to the many difficulties of treating canine distemper, prevention of this disease consists of just one easy step: vaccination. Veterinarians commonly vaccinate dogs against CDV, rabies, parvovirus, and canine hepatitis. Ideally, your dog will receive these core (essential) vaccinations starting at six weeks of age.

Once your dog has received this initial protection against canine distemper, you'll want to schedule booster shots according to your veterinarian's recommendations, thus preventing any dangerous dips in immunity. If your puppy hasn't yet had all its initial vaccinations, keep it away from other dogs as a safeguard.

Baywood Animal Hospital can serve as your dog's one-stop shop for all kinds of veterinary care, including both distemper vaccinations and supportive treatment for a distemper infection. Contact our clinic today to learn more.

Skunks and Dogs: 4 Things You Should Know

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:04:56 GMT

Whenever you see a skunk, you may instinctively make a hasty retreat, and for good reason. Skunks have earned infamy for their ability (and willingness) to shoot an oily, foul-smelling spray from their anal glands as a defensive mechanism. Unfortunately, your dog may discover this ability the hard way.

Because skunks can spread both foul smells and serious diseases, you need to know how to reduce your canine pal's odds of encountering these creatures and what to do if a skunk sprays your pet despite your best efforts. Keep the following four points in mind to help you keep your pet's life as skunk-free as possible.

1. Skunk Attacks Can Harm Your Pet

If you always thought of a skunk attack as nothing more than a smelly annoyance, think again. Skunk spray contains a variety of volatile oils that bind with an animal's skin proteins, a combination that produces an even stronger stench when exposed to water. This spray can have some serious effects on your dog's health.

Skunks can hit perceived enemies with their spray from several feet away, often hitting a pet in the face, eyes, nose, or mouth. Skunk spray that lands in the eyes can cause sight-threatening damage. Spray in the mouth may trigger drooling, nausea, and vomiting. Inhaling the spray may produce respiratory symptoms.

Some skunk attacks can have even more dangerous consequences. Skunks count as one of the U.S. animals most likely to carry rabies , a deadly disease in dogs not vaccinated against it. Rarely, dogs sprayed by skunks develop a serious reaction known as Heinz body formation, which may lead to serious anemia.

2. Veterinarians Can Treat Skunk Spray Side Effects

Dogs sprayed by skunks need a veterinary evaluation to check for any serious side effects that might call for treatment. Your veterinarian may pay special attention to the state of your dog's eyes, which can grow worse in the hours following a skunk attack.

Although very few dogs develop Heinz body formation from skunk attacks, your veterinarian may perform lab tests to check your pet's blood count and evaluate its vital signs. If your dog seems at risk for the condition, it might need a blood transformation or other intravenous treatment.

3. The Right Solutions Can Get Rid of Skunk Odor

After you've looked after your dog's post-attack health and wellness, you'll need to address the stubborn odor left on its body by the skunk spray. You shouldn't bathe a sprayed pat immediately after a skunk attack since the application of water on fresh spray may only lock the oils more stubbornly in place.

Don't rely on old, ineffective home remedies such as bathing your dog in tomato juice. Your veterinarian can recommend topical products specially formulated to deal with this problem. You can also use a mixture of 3-4 parts hydrogen peroxide, 1 part baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.

4. Preventative Strategies Can Protect Your Pet Against Skunks

Once you've gone through the process of dealing with a skunk attack on your dog, you'll never want to repeat it. Make your property less attractive to local skunks by sealing outdoor garbage and pet food containers, clearing debris that skunks might nest in, and closing any vents leading into your home.

Skunks tend to move around more at night. You can minimize your dog's odds of meeting a skunk simply by keeping it indoors between sunset and sunrise. If your dog needs to go out overnight, always accompany it. Keep your dog close at hand (and away from potential skunk territory) until you both go back indoors.

Perhaps the most important preventative step involves rabies vaccinations. Get your puppy vaccinated against rabies, arranging for future booster shots as your veterinarian prescribes.

If your dog has crossed the path of a frightened skunk, contact the veterinary experts at Baywood Animal Hospital. We can examine your dog for any serious side effects that require immediate care, recommend effective products for removing the odor, and keep your pet up to date on its rabies vaccinations.

2 Kinds of Canine Cardio Problems

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 21:01:46 GMT

Many dogs will develop some kind of heart condition in their lifetime. Dogs can have heart problems for many reasons. Some dogs begin to have problems with their heart as they age. Others are overweight, which can cause strain on their heart.

Nutrition and breed are a few other factors that play a role in heart problem development in dogs. Two of the most common heart issues in dogs include mitral valve disease and a heart muscle disease called canine dilated cardiomyopathy.

Find out more about these two kinds of canine cardio problems.

1. Mitral Valve Disease

A dog's heart consists of four valves, but the one that disease most commonly affects is the mitral valve. The mitral valve is between the left atrium and left ventricle. The primary purpose of the mitral valve is to prevent the blood from flowing backward.

Many dogs that have some kind of heart disease have mitral valve insufficiency. This occurs when the mitral valve receives wear and tear and starts to leak. This condition is also referred to as mitral regurgitation.

The primary causes of mitral valve insufficiency in dogs include:

Ruptured chordae tendinae . The fibrous cords in the leaflets of the valve begin to break.
Endocarditis . The mitral valve becomes infected.

A heart murmur is the main symptom of mitral valve insufficiency. Usually, no other signs of mitral valve insufficiency are present. Eventually, this heart condition can lead to congestive heart failure. Gagging, chronic cough, and a lack of stamina are early signs of heart failure. Eventually, the dog can begin to retain fluid in their abdomen and lungs.

Dogs that experience heart failure will need to be on medication for the rest of their life. Some of these medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, nitroglycerin, and cardiac glycosides. Besides medication, dogs with heart failure should be on a low sodium diet.

Dog breeds that tend to get mitral valve disease include Cavalier King Charles spaniels, poodles, fox terriers, Boston terriers, Doberman pinschers, and miniature schnauzers.

2. Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Disease can affect the heart muscle itself. One of the most common heart muscle diseases in dogs is canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). When a dog has this disease, their heart has difficulty generating enough pressure to pump blood.

Veterinarians are unsure what causes DCM, but it could be related to genetics, nutrition, or infections. When a dog has DCM, all of the chambers of the heart become dilated.

Other signs and symptoms of DCM include:

Lethargy
Weakness
Weight loss
Coughing
Increased respiratory rate
Abdominal distension
Restless sleeping

Canine dilated cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of heart failure in large breed dogs. A number of different drugs treat DCM. Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, vasodilators, and bronchodilators are some of the more commonly prescribed drugs.

Some dogs will develop an arrhythmia of their heart. In this instance, dogs will also need to be on an antiarrhythmic drug, such as a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker. Dog breeds that tend to get canine dilated cardiomyopathy include Great Danes, Boxers, cocker spaniels, and Doberman pinschers. Small dog breeds rarely get this kind of heart disease.

As with mitral valve insufficiency, you have no guarantee how long your dog will live once it has been diagnosed with DCM. Some dogs will live for only a few months upon diagnosis while others will live for years. The best thing you can do is follow your veterinarian's treatment plan and keep your dog as happy and healthy as possible.

If you're concerned about heart disease in your dog, contact Baywood Animal Hospital. Our veterinarian will do a physical examination and diagnostic testing to check your dog's heart. Besides diagnosing and treating canine cardio problems, we provide a variety of veterinary services at affordable prices.

6 Common Reasons For Canine Skin Irritations

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 19:08:47 GMT

When your dog experiences skin problems, its discomfort can be alarming. Your pet may scratch with enough force and consistency to produce open sores on its skin.

Although it is natural for a dog to experience an occasional itch, prolonged or incessant itching can indicate a condition that requires medical treatment. Here are six common reasons for canine skin irritations.

Ringworm

The name "ringworm" is deceiving. The condition is caused by a contagious fungus.

A ringworm infection, which can be passed from your dog to humans and other pets, causes circular, red, hairless patches to appear on the skin. These itchy areas may continue to spread until your pet receives treatment.

Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a topical antifungal treatment to kill the ringworm and allow your dog's skin to heal.

Environmental Allergens

Like humans, dogs are sometimes allergic to substances in their environment, including pollen and dust. It can be difficult to identify an environmental allergen without proper testing.

To diagnose your pet's allergy, veterinarians test its blood. The blood test indicates the types of allergens that your pet reacts to.

Once the allergy has been diagnosed, your vet can prescribe an effective treatment, which typically includes oral medications and shampoos. In some instances, injections may be required.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is the inflammation of your dog's hair follicles. Canines may develop folliculitis as a secondary condition when they are suffering from other skin issues, such as allergies or mange.

The inflamed follicles may cause bumps and sores to appear on the dog's body. To treat the condition, your veterinarian may recommend shampoos and ointments, as well as antibiotics.

Food Allergies

Your dog may be allergic to wheat, certain fruits or vegetables, and even certain kinds of proteins. When it eats these items, it may experience itching, especially on its ears, feet, anus, and face.

The canine's symptoms may improve after the offending items have been eliminated from its diet. Still, identifying the allergy sources can take time.

For several weeks, your dog's vet may ask you to systematically remove suspected foods from its diet. Once the allergens have been found, the vet will likely ask you to ensure your pet avoids the offending items. Additionally, the provider may suggest a new brand or type of dog food.

Mange

Mange is caused by mites that invade your pet's skin and hair. Here are two varieties of mange that may infect your dog:

Demodectic : Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites, which are passed to puppies by their mothers. The mange usually affects dogs in their first year of life and older canines with weakened immune systems.
Sarcoptic : Sarcoptic mange is due to an infection by the Sarcoptes mite and causes hair loss on the extremities, ears, and face. The condition, unlike Demodectic mange, is highly contagious.

Because mange is caused by mites, your pet's vet diagnoses the condition by assessing a skin sample under a microscope. To kill the mites and relieve the inflammation, medicated shampoos and oral medicines may be prescribed.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

A flea infestation can cause dermatitis with intense itching. Flea saliva may incite an inflammatory immunological response that results in red, inflamed skin.

To treat the condition, your vet may prescribe shampoos and oral flea medications to kill the bugs and soothe the skin. Once the condition is under control, a flea preventive may be suggested to ensure that your pet remains protected. Your pet's provider may also suggest that you treat your pet's living area, including your yard.

If your pet has been scratching more than usual, contact Baywood Animal Hospital to schedule a consultation.

Kennel Cough and Your Pet

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:31:52 GMT

Dogs, cats, and certain other household pets can develop a cough now and then, just as humans can. In some cases, however, that nagging, hacking cough you hear coming from your pet may stem from a potentially serious bacterial infection known as kennel cough. This condition may require veterinary intervention.

Because kennel cough spreads easily among animals and can pose genuine problems for high-risk pets, owners need to understand some basic facts about this respiratory infection, from its causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Take a moment to acquaint yourself with the following key information.

Kennel Cough Causes

Kennel cough's medical name, bordetella, comes from the bacterium that causes it, Bordetella bronchiseptica. This germ often infects dogs and cats, but it can also invade the bodies of other mammals such as rodents, pigs, rabbits, horses, and even humans, who may then transmit it to others through airborne water droplets.

Kennel cough tends to spread from animal to animal in closed or tight spaces, especially in humid areas with insufficient ventilation. As the common name for the disease implies, kennels and boarding facilities can easily expose infected pets to non-infected pets. Do g parks and animal shelters also serve as kennel cough breeding grounds.

Kennel Cough Symptoms

Pets who come down with kennel cough typically develop upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. A dog's cough may take on a honking sound characteristic of the disease. Cats may display more issues such as eye discharge, conjunctivitis, and swollen lymph nodes around the jaw.

As in many infectious diseases, kennel cough can have effects on the whole body, not just the respiratory tract. Your pet may show signs of extreme lethargy, loss of appetite, depressed mood, and fever. Since other infections can cause the same symptoms, you'll want to have a veterinarian check your unhappy pet.

Kennel Cough Treatment

Your veterinarian can diagnose kennel cough by observing the obvious symptoms, measuring your pet's vital signs, and taking throat swabs. The samples on the throat swaps will then reveal the presence of Bordetella bronchiseptica (or another germ responsible for your pet's condition) when subjected to laboratory analysis.

Healthy pets can usually recover from mild kennel cough simply by letting the infection run its course over a couple of weeks. Your veterinarian may recommend supportive care strategies such as rest, hydration, and prescription cough suppressants. If you walk your dog, use a restraint that won't put pressure on the airway.

Pets suffering from more severe kennel cough may develop serious complications such as pneumonia. If your pet shows signs of such complications, your veterinarian may need to hospitalize your pet and provide emergency care. Antibiotics such as doxycycline can help bring severe kennel cough under control.

Kennel Cough Prevention

Vaccination offers the simplest and most effective means of preventing kennel cough in your dog or cat. Although veterinarians don't consider this vaccination one of the core ones that every pet should have, your vet may recommend it if you plan on keeping your pet in close contact with other animals.

Unlike some vaccinations that always involve injections, vaccinations against kennel cough may also take the form of inhaled or oral drugs. Your pet will most likely receive two doses a few weeks apart. You'll also need to schedule a booster for this vaccination every six months to one year; follow your vet's recommended schedule.

Whether your beloved pet needs treatment for kennel cough or you simply want to prevent it from contracting this troublesome illness, Baywood Animal Hospital can help. Contact our veterinary office today to schedule diagnostic testing, vaccinations, or any necessary treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Feline Vaccinations

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:26:40 GMT

Vaccines and vaccination practices have leapt to the top of many people's minds worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While relatively few household cats contract this virus, your feline friend still faces threats from other serious infectious diseases. Vaccines can offer lifesaving protections against germs.

Cat owners can find themselves puzzled by the world of feline vaccines. If you count yourself among them, benefit from some basic explanations of which vaccine protects against what condition to how and when to schedule vaccinations. These frequently asked questions (and their answers) can help you choose wisely.

How Do Vaccines Work?

A vaccine masquerades as a threat to the immune system without actually causing infection. Some vaccines consist of either a weakened version of the actual germ or a killed version of that germ. Others extract only the necessary bits of a broken-up disease organism to deliver the necessary protection.

When your veterinarian gives your cat a vaccination, the parts of it that resemble active, dangerous germs alert the immune system to make antibodies against that disease. It can then continue to make those antibodies, protecting your cat against that specific threat, until the vaccine eventually loses its potency.

What Feline Vaccinations Do Veterinarians Commonly Recommend?

Although different cats may benefit from different vaccination routines, veterinarians typically recommend a few essential vaccinations for most felines. These particular vaccinations guard against common germs that cats can easily come into contact with under normal living conditions.

Like their canine cousins, cats need vaccinations against rabies, a fatal neurological disease that spreads from one mammal to another through bites. When you vaccinate your cat against rabies, you remove the risk of your infected cat giving it to other members of the household, human and non-human alike.

Other core vaccinations protect cats against feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia (also called feline distemper), and rhinotracheitis (also known as feline herpes virus type 1). Your veterinarian can administer all three of these vaccines together in a single injection, administering the rabies shot separately.

When Might Your Cat Need Other Kinds of Vaccinations?

Cats can get many more diseases than the ones prevented by the core vaccines noted above. If your cat's lifestyle or environment poses disease risks above and beyond those that core vaccinations address, your cat may require additional protection with non-core vaccinations.

Non-core vaccines protect cats against diseases such as chlamydia, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia (FeLV), bordetella, and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Cats that go outdoors or spend lots of time in boarding facilities in close contact with other animals may need some of these vaccinations.

When Should Cats Receive Vaccinations?

Kittens normally receive feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis vaccines starting at six weeks of age, with the rabies vaccine administered at eight weeks of age. Your cat can receive a bordetella vaccination at just four weeks of age or other non-core vaccines at six to eight weeks.

Some cat vaccines can lose their potency in as little as one year, while others may provide up to three years of protection. Before the protection runs out, your veterinarian will want to administer booster shots. These follow-up vaccinations can help protect your cat for life, but only if you adhere to the recommended schedule.

Lifestyle changes can result in changes to a cat's vaccination schedule. For instance, an indoor cat who suddenly becomes an outdoor cat may need protection against risks it had never previously faced. Like core vaccinations, non-core vaccinations require periodic reinforcement through booster shots.

What Potential Side Effects Should Cat Owners Know About?

Most vaccination side effects consist of mild discomfort, redness, or swelling where the vaccine entered the body. Your cat may seem tired, sluggish, uninterested in food, or even slightly feverish. These effects should resolve themselves.

If your cat shows more serious symptoms such as hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing problems, bring them to the vet clinic for immediate care. These symptoms often indicate an allergic reaction.

Baywood Animal Hospital can provide your car with vaccinations and many other preventative wellness services. Contact our clinic today to learn more or schedule vaccinations for your cat.

4 Things You Should Know About Canine Spinal Injuries

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 19:14:29 GMT

When your beloved dog has suffered a spinal injury, you may find yourself suffering in sympathy. A dog may have a slightly different spinal configuration than a human (most obviously in the extra vertebrae that support a tail), but dogs can experience many similar kinds of injury to this critical structure, causing pain and loss of mobility.

You can do your dog a huge favor by learning about the causes and symptoms of canine spinal injuries, along with the proper responses to ensure that they receive the right evaluation, veterinary treatment, and home care. Start by learning the following four key points about this debilitating problem.

1. Why Dogs Sustain Spinal Injuries

A condition called intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) counts as the leading cause of acute spinal injuries in dogs. This problem usually develops slowly as an age-related deterioration of the vertebral discs. However, a fall from a height or other stressful action can cause a deteriorated disk to rupture suddenly, pinching spinal nerves.

A disk doesn't have to rupture completely to cause trouble for your dog. Intense activity involving the spine can also cause a tiny piece of disk material to come loose and clog a nearby artery, a problem known as a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). FCE can cut off the normal flow of blood to your dog's spinal cord.

Traumatic injuries related to falls, impacts with automobiles, gunshots, and fights with other animals can damage a dog's spine. Examples of such damage include fractured vertebrae, severed spinal nerve tissue, and subluxation (slight dislocation) of adjacent vertebrae that limits spinal joint motion and may impair nerve signals.

2. When to Suspect a Spinal Injury in Your Dog

A dog with a spinal injury will often have trouble moving around normally. If your dog has a spinal injury, it may stagger drunkenly instead of walking with its normal ease. You may also notice a tendency for your dog to drag or shuffle its rear legs. Other postural oddities may include an arching of the back or tucked tail.

Other changes in your dog's behavior may also alert you to a possible spinal injury. A dog suffering a spinal problem may not want to go for walks, play, or even eat. Some dogs express spinal pain by shivering, while others yelp when handled. A bite wound or high-impact injury may leave lacerations on the back.

3. How Veterinarians Evaluate Spinal Injuries

You'll want to get your dog evaluated for a possible spinal injury as soon as possible. If you must bring your dog in for emergency diagnosis and treatment, place it carefully on a flat board or another device that can serve as a stretcher. Enlist a second person to help you lift your dog without twisting any part of its spine.

Your veterinarian can identify the injury both by looking for outward signs (such as lacerations or gait problems) and by taking X-rays or using other kinds of imaging technology. Pain, numbness, or loss of function in the front or rear legs can also point the veterinarian toward the general location of the injury.

4. What Vets and Owners Can Do for a Dog With a Spinal Injury

Some acute spinal injuries in dogs call for surgery. Your veterinarian may need to fuse vertebrae together, pin pieces of vertebral bone back into their proper positions, or remove some or all of a ruptured disk to take pressure away from spinal nerve tissue. Lacerations and other soft tissue damage may require sutures.

Many spinal injuries in dogs can heal without invasive treatment. For instance, mild nerve damage or an FCE may resolve itself over a few months through a combination of rest, medication, physical therapy, and the use of assistive devices such as wheelchairs that support the rear legs (and sometimes the front legs as well).

Baywood Animal Hospital can address both acute and chronic spinal injuries, giving your dog the treatment it needs to recover as fully as possible and enjoy an optimal quality of life. Contact our office today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mite Infestations

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 15:33:59 GMT

Mite infestations offer proof that sometimes the smallest, most unassuming creatures can cause big problems for pets. These parasites can infest dogs, cats, livestock animals, and even humans, creating chronic irritation and inflammatory skin diseases if you allow them to go unchecked.

Fortunately, veterinarians know how to diagnose mite-based disorders, get rid of those troublesome infestations, and help you keep your pet mite-free going forward. In the meantime, boost your knowledge on this subject with

the aid of the following frequently asked questions and their answers.

Why Do Mites Infest Animals?

Mites live off of decomposing organic matter. Animals provide a ready source for such matter because their skin and hair cells constantly die off, replaced by new tissue. This availability prompts mites to burrow into an animal's skin and take up residence there, producing whole new generations that can lead to a full-scale infestation.

Mites roam free in nature and can attach themselves to pets that play or live outdoors. Some species of mites may then move from one pet (or even one species of animal) to another. This means that if your pet develops a mite infestation, it can end up infesting your other pets or even the human members of your household.

How Do Mites Affect Dogs and Cats?

Different species of mites create different kinds of health problems for pets. For instance, Otodectes cynotis mites commonly irritate the ears of puppies and kittens. Sarcoptes scabiei mites prefer to burrow their way into the groins and armpits of dogs, causing the skin redness and bald patches associated with sarcoptic mange.

Demodex mites normally inhabit a pet's hair follicles in modest numbers, causing skin irritation and hair loss only when those numbers grow out of control. Underlying immune system weakness can encourage this overgrowth.

These kinds of infestations tend to cause more facial symptoms and itchiness in cats than in dogs.

Mite infestations in cats can prove harder to identify, in terms of the actual mite species, than infestations in dogs. Cats tend to show more generalized reaction patterns, with symptoms appearing in less specific body parts. They also groom themselves frequently, removing mites before you can see them.

How Do You Recognize Signs of a Mite Infestation?

While you might not see mites crawling on your pet's skin or know which species of mite has created trouble for it, you can tell a probable infestation when you see one. Look for patchy or large-scale hair loss, skin redness, crusting around the mouth or eyes, dark specks in or around the ears, and the telltale skin flakes of dandruff.

Mite infestations often cause discomfort, which your pet may express through changes in behavior. An infested pet may constantly scratch, chew, or bite the irritated area. A pet infested with Otodectes cynotis mites may paw at its ears as if it has an earache.

How Do Veterinarians Deal With Mite-Related Problems?

Your veterinarian can diagnose the specific type of mite infestation your pet has by taking tiny samples of skin and hair and then examining them under a microscope. If your vet suspects that your pet might have an underlying health condition that makes mite infestations more likely, additional tests can look for such conditions.

Treatment for mite infestation typically involves a soothing medicated bath using an anti-parasitic shampoo that you can bathe your pet with at home. Your pet may also receive prescriptions for topical medications to relieve acute symptoms. More extensive treatments can address health conditions affecting the immune system.

What Can You Do to Keep Mites From Bothering Your Pet?

The most effective way to keep mites off of your pet involves maintaining the cleanest surroundings possible. Vacuum your carpets and wash pet bedding frequently. Ask your veterinarian to recommend flea and tick preventatives that can also kill mites.

Whether your pet currently shows signs of an uncomfortable mite infestation or you simply want to keep it protected against the effects of these annoying pests, Baywood Animal Hospital has the answers. Contact our veterinary clinic today to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.

Dog and Cat Liver Problems: FAQs

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:49:51 GMT

Your dog or cat may seem like a pretty durable member of the household, but they can suffer from many of the same health complaints as any human in your family, including liver problems. When trouble strikes this critical organ, you need to make sure that your pet receives the right care sooner rather than later.

You can protect your dog or cat's liver health and arrange for necessary treatment once you know how to spot potential signs of liver issues and what kinds of care may help your pet thrive again. Start with these answers to some frequently asked questions about dog and cat liver problems and solutions.

Why Do Dogs and Cats Experience Liver Problems?

Dogs and cats can develop many of the same kinds of liver problems, and for the same reasons. Ingestion of certain drugs, medications, household toxins, or even certain kinds of molds spores can cause acute liver injury. A traumatic accident can also damage the liver, reducing its ability to perform digestive and metabolic tasks.

Chronic liver disorders can also affect both dogs and cats. On common problem, fatty liver, may develop when a dog or cat consumes an excessively high-fat diet. Oddly enough, it can also happen when a pet stops eating altogether (triggering are lease of stored fat throughout the body, with the fat accumulating in the liver).

Chronic hepatitis, or liver inflammation, often occurs in dogs as the result of a viral infection. This condition can lead to scarring of the liver and permanent liver damage in the form of fibrosis or cirrhosis. (These advanced stages occur much less frequently in cats.) Cats and dogs may also develop liver tumors or cysts.

Liver disease in dogs and cats may occur alongside (or as a side effect of) other underlying health conditions. Diabetes, bile duct problems, gallbladder disease, and pancreatitis can also affect liver function.

How Can You Recognize Potential Liver Trouble in Your Dog or Cat?

Dogs and cats both show similar symptoms when they struggle with liver problems. Common symptoms include increased thirst, loss of interest in food, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness or lethargy. Urine or feces may contain blood. Cats may go into hiding for no obvious reason.

Jaundice often affects cats and dogs who have developed severe liver trouble. Look for yellowing of the skin, eyes, gums, or tongue. Since the liver plays an important role in blood clotting, animals affected by liver disease may develop nosebleeds or bruising.

Why Do Dog and Cat Liver Problems Require Prompt Veterinary Attention?

Liver problems can lead to serious or even fatal complications without prompt diagnosis and treatment from a skilled veterinarian. One such complication involves a brain disorder called hepatic encephalopathy, in which the brain stores increasing amounts of toxins. This condition can cause everything from depression to seizures.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose and Treat Liver Problems?

Veterinarians can diagnose liver problems in cats and dogs through a combination of techniques. A simple exterior inspection of symptoms such as jaundice can alert the veterinarian to such issues. Ultrasound or x-ray imaging techniques can reveal changes in liver structure. Laboratory tests can detect signs of poor liver function.

Treatment for your dog or cat's liver trouble will depend on the underlying cause. Pets suffering from fatty liver disease may need a combination of a low-fat diet and an exercise program to help them shed excess fat safely. Your vet may also prescribe medications or recommend supplements such as milk thistle.

A pet suffering from an infectious liver disease may require antibiotics to curb the infection. Pets who suffer from liver cysts or tumors may need surgery to remove these abnormal growths.

Baywood Animal Hospital has the answers pet owners need, not only for liver problems but for a variety of health and wellness challenges. Contact our veterinary clinic today to present us with your questions and schedule an evaluation for your furry friend.

4 Pet Health Problems That Can Benefit From Special Diets

Wed, 05 May 2021 14:16:47 GMT

Pets can develop a wide range of health issues, including chronic conditions that can grow progressively worse and hurt their quality of life. Fortunately, the proper treatment can often tame these conditions. A veterinary treatment plan may include multiple approaches, including a special diet.

If your pet suffers from a chronic health challenge, investigate the potential benefits of therapeutic diets and discuss dietary options with your veterinarian. Take a look at four common pet health problems that may benefit from such specialized dietary treatment strategies.

1. Obesity

Obesity represents as much of a danger to pets as it does to humans. Animals who carry too much weight have a higher risk for many kinds of chronic health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, and certain cancers. Extra weight on joints can trigger or aggravate a painful case of arthritis.

If a wellness exam reveals that your pet needs to lose weight, your veterinarian may combine an exercise plan with a special diet to help those extra pounds meltaway. Some weight-loss diets emphasize high proteins and low carbs, while others add fiber to help animals feel full on less food.

Don't take a do-it-yourself approach to help your pet lose weight through dietary changes. The wrong portion sizes or nutritional balance might cause your pet to lose too much weight too fast or suffer from malnutrition. Your pet may also have an underlying metabolic issue that calls for veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes, the inability of the body to control its blood sugar levels reliably, can cause serious problems for dogs and cats. In dogs, the problem usually occurs when the pancreas stops producing adequate insulin. In cats, the condition more often occurs due to insulin resistance, usually with obesity playing a role in its development.

In addition to medication, your veterinarian may recommend that your diabetic pet go on a therapeutic diet. This diet may feature high levels of insoluble fiber, which can slow the breakdown of carbs and thus prevent too much sugar from flooding the bloodstream. In fact, extra fiber may actually prove more helpful than carb reduction.

Water plays an important role in a diabetic pet's diet. Since diabetes frequently causes increased urination, keep freshwater on hand for your pet at all times to prevent dehydration.

3. Arthritis

Even after your pet loses unwanted weight, it may continue to suffer from the joint pain associated with arthritis. In the most common form of this disorder, osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing friction, inflammation, and pain whenever the animal tries to flex or bear weight on the affected joint.

Thankfully, veterinarians can often help to control this pain, not only with anti-inflammatory drugs but also through anti-inflammatory diets. These diets may feature some combination of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Green-lipped mussels also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric may also ease arthritis inflammation and pain in pets, although its blood-thinning properties require careful dose control. If your veterinarian approves of turmeric for your pet's condition, you may add it to your pet's food or administer it in capsule form.

4. Bladder Stones

Pets can sometimes develop problems involving bladder stones. These stones typically form when calcium and an organic acid called oxalate bind together, although stones can also consist of other mineral combinations. Liver disease or infections can also trigger their development.

If your pet suffers from bladder stones, careful adjustments to its diet may help reduce stone formation. Your pet may need more water in its diet to help dilute minerals and acids. Depending on the composition of the stones, your pet may need more sodium chloride, a high-fiber diet, or reductions in protein to help reduce urine acidity.

If you need to address a chronic health problem in your beloved pet, turn to Baywood Animal Hospital for answers. Our team can evaluate your pet's condition and prescribe dietary changes and other treatments as needed. Contact our office today for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Fractured Limbs in Dogs and Cats

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:43:03 GMT

When any member of your family breaks a limb, you naturally want to address the emergency and help that family member recuperate as fully as possible. The dog or cat in your household can experience fractures similar to those of humans. A fractured limb can render your beloved pet lame without prompt veterinary care.

Dog and cat owners need to recognize and understand limb fractures, from the different forms they may take and the symptoms they may display to the most effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Let this guide serve as your introduction to dog and cat limb fractures.

Fractured Limb Causes

Most dog and cat limb fractures occur due to acute trauma. Common examples include an impact from a car, a fall from a great height, a fight with another animal, or an injury sustained during athletic activity. However, even a relatively low-impact action such as an ill-calculated leap from a bed can break limb bones in some pets.

Some dogs and cats have underlying health problems that can make them particularly vulnerable to fractures. These conditions may include degenerative bone conditions such as osteoarthritis, bone infections, and bone cancer (which often afflicts the long bones of older or larger animals).

Fracture Types

A cat or dog's limb can fracture in a variety of ways. One primary difference involves incomplete versus complete fractures. An incomplete fracture may only bend or crack the bone, such as a hairline or greenstick fracture. A complete fracture goes all the way through the bone, severing it into two or more pieces.

Veterinarians also classify limb fractures according to the position of the bone fragments. If your dog or cat has a simple transverse fracture, the bone has broken cleanly, leaving the two pieces in their usual positions. A comminuted fracture produces multiple bone fragments. In an open fracture, the bone sticks out of the skin.

Fracture Symptoms and Owner Responses

A limb fracture in a dog or cat will cause pain and lameness in the affected limb. Your pet will avoid using the limb, holding it up to prevent any degree of weight-bearing. Even if you don't see any exposed bone, the limb may look swollen or have an odd angle indicating displaced bones within.

Although your dog or cat's broken limb needs immediate veterinary evaluation, you can also perform first aid to ease your pet's discomfort and protect the injury. For instance, if your pet has a compound fracture, you'll want to cover the injury gently with a clean bandage and apply light pressure to slow any bleeding.

Fracture Treatment Options

Veterinary evaluation of a possible limb fracture involves X-rays and other kinds of diagnostic imaging to reveal the exact nature and location of the break. At the same time, your dog or cat will receive any other emergency care necessary to prevent shock, control bleeding, and deal with any other trauma-related injuries.

Treatment for a broken limb varies according to both the severity and the location of the fracture, as well as other factors such as your pet's size, weight, overall health, and activity level. Many simple lower-limb fractures require nothing more than a splint or cast to immobilize the bone segments while they knit back together.

Complex fractures and/or upper-limb fractures often require surgery. In this situation, your veterinarian may recommend either internal or external fixation. Internal fixation involves the use of metal plates and screws to hold the bone fragments together. External fixation immobilizes the bone segments with pins attached to external rods.

Fracture Recuperation Strategies

You can play an active role in helping your dog or cat recuperate from a broken limb. Keep your pet safely crated for however many weeks your veterinarian recommends. Administer painkillers, antibiotics, and special bandages according to the vet's instructions. Ask your vet team about physiotherapy to restore limb strength and flexibility.

If your dog or cat has broken a limb, Baywood Animal Hospital can ease your pet's distress and help that damaged limb mend itself. Contact our clinic today to learn more about our treatment services or alert us to a pet emergency.

Hypertension in Dogs and Cats: FAQ

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 18:26:41 GMT

Pets such as cats and dogs often show some remarkable similarities to humans, not only in their attitudes and behaviors but also in their health and wellness challenges. One such challenge, hypertension (high blood pressure) can slowly damage your pet's organs if you allow it to go unaddressed.

The first step in protecting your pet against the effects of hypertension involves an understanding of why it develops, what threats it can pose, and how to pursue the appropriate evaluations and treatments. Take a look at the answers to some frequently asked questions about dog and cat hypertension.

What Counts as Hypertension in a Pet?

In hypertension, blood flows through an animal's arteries with too much force for those blood vessels to handle safely or easily, like too much water pushing through a narrow garden hose. Systolic pressure involves the pressure when the heart beats. Diastolic pressure involves the pressure level between heartbeats.

Veterinarians measure blood pressure in terms of systolic over diastolic millimeters of mercury (mmHg). However, normal dogs and cat blood pressure may reach higher levels than normal blood pressure for humans. Readings higher than 160/100 mmHg indicate hypertension in these animals.

How Does Hypertension Affect Your Pet's Body?

Hypertension places an extra strain on the walls of a pet's arteries. This strain may cause blood vessel breakage and bleeding, especially in smaller, more delicate arteries. As the blood vessels leak, they may not deliver enough blood to the internal organs that require it.

Typical complications of uncontrolled hypertension include retinal, kidney, and heart damage. While many pets show no outward symptoms of hypertension, the complications may produce telltale signs such as impaired vision, dilated pupils, excessive thirst and urination, changes in behavior, nosebleeds, or bloody urine.

Why Do Pets Get Hypertension?

The two main categories of pet hypertension include primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension typically has no known cause. Secondary hypertension may occur alongside underlying health problems such as diabetes, thyroid or adrenal gland problems, nerve disorders, and kidney disease.

Pets often face an elevated risk for hypertension as they grow older and start experiencing these secondary health challenges. Obesity presents another, surprisingly common contributing factor. An estimated 54 percent of dogs and 59 percent of cats carry too much weight, increasing their risk for high blood pressure.

How Do Veterinarians Diagnose and Treat Hypertension?

Veterinarians use a variation on the familiar blood pressure cuff to check blood pressure levels and detect hypertension in dogs and cats. In these cases, the cuff may go around either a forelimb or the tail. Your veterinarian may take at least five readings, discarding the highest and lowest ones before averaging the others.

Treatment for cat or dog hypertension often involves two kinds of medications, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors. When given together on a regular basis, these two drugs can help to lower blood pressure. Diuretics may provide additional benefits for pets whose hypertension stems from kidney trouble.

Your pet may also need medical treatment for any underlying conditions responsible for secondary hypertension. In addition to medication, your pet may need a special diet and/or exercise program to shed unwanted pounds and help regulate blood pressure.

How Can You Keep Your Pet From Getting Hypertension?

Although you can't necessarily prevent your dog or cat from developing hypertension, you can take some smart steps to reduce the risks as much as possible. Keep your pet active, watch its weight carefully (with the aid of periodic wellness exams), and feed it a balanced diet based on your veterinarian's recommendations.

Remember that underlying diseases and disorders can produce hypertension, just as hypertension can lead to systemic ailments. If your pet has a systemic health problem that might raise its risk for hypertension, get that condition treated sooner rather than later.

Baywood Animal Hospital has the answers to any systemic health problem your pet might develop, including hypertension and its associated ailments. Contact our office to schedule a wellness exam and learn more about this condition.

4 Key Points About Lick Granulomas in Dogs

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:52:13 GMT

The sight of your dog licking one of its paws or forelegs doesn't normally present any cause for concern. However, obsessive licking of a particular point on the body can damage the skin, leading to an open sore known as a lick granuloma or acral lick dermatitis. A lick granuloma can cause pain and pave the way for infection.

As a concerned dog owner, you can benefit from a basic understanding of lick granulomas, from their causes and symptoms to effective treatment and prevention strategies. Take a look at the following four key points about lick granulomas in dogs.

1. Causes

Dogs may lick their forelegs or wrist joints for a variety of reasons. The more obvious causes include physical pain, itching, or irritation in the foreleg. Osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain), insect bites or stings, and itching from allergies can all cause a dog to lick at the discomfort in an effort to soothe it.

Obsessive licking can also have psychological causes. Repeated licking can spur the release of pleasure-giving chemicals called endorphins, prompting dogs to lick as a response to boredom, anxiety, stress, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

2. Risk Factors

Medium and large breeds of dogs appear to have a higher risk for lick granulomas than small breeds. The condition often occurs in Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, and Great Danes. However, any dog can develop a lick granuloma problem given the right circumstances.

Lick granulomas occur more frequently in highly active dogs who spend large amounts of time by themselves, with nothing to do and no one to interact with (a situation that can create separation anxiety). Dogs who suffer from chronic pain conditions also run a higher risk for developing lick granulomas.

3. Symptoms and Complications

A typical lick granuloma consists of a bare, hairless patch on the foreleg, often near the foot. Less commonly, a lick granuloma may develop on a rear leg or at the base of the tail. The affected area may appear red, inflamed, swollen, shiny, or bloody. Most lick granulomas develop on the left leg.

The open ulceration characteristic of a lick granuloma can easily develop a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. Your dog may also suffer from ruptured hair follicles or sweat glands. Dogs plagued by these complications may display additional symptoms such as malaise, appetite loss, and fever.

4. Treatment and Prevention

Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying cause of your dog's obsessive licking. For example, X-rays can reveal the presence of osteoarthritis, while skin samples can eliminate other possible issues such as mange. Allergy testing can determine whether your dog's itching stems from a particular allergen.

The first step in treatment involves dealing with the wound itself. Treatment with corticosteroid medications can ease pain, inflammation, and swelling. Your veterinarian may also prescribe oral or topical antibiotics to get a secondary bacterial infection under control. You may also receive recommendations for soothing home remedies.

Long-term control of a lick granuloma problem hinges on the treatment of underlying causes and triggers. Some dogs may need ongoing chronic pain management for a joint disorder, while others might need a hypoallergenic diet or other anti-allergy strategies. Anxiety or OCD may call for ongoing medication and/or behavioral training.

You may discover that some changes in your dog's routine can help relieve psychological lick granuloma issues. If your dog enjoys the company of other pets and people, consider placing it in a daycare or boarding facility when you can't spend time with it yourself. This companionship can ease feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

If you notice your dog engaged in obsessive licking habits or see a spot that resembles a lick granuloma, bring your best friend to Baywood Animal Hospital for evaluation and treatment. Contact our veterinary office to schedule an appointment.

Hip Dysplasia: A Guide for Dog Owners

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 13:44:34 GMT

If your dog has trouble standing up or sitting down, you might suspect natural, age-related changes such as osteoarthritis. However, for many dogs, the actual problem lies with an inherited condition known as hip dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia can cause pain and stiffness in the hip joints at any stage of life.

The more you understand about canine hip dysplasia, the more readily you can notice the telltale symptoms and give your dog the veterinary care they need for this chronic problem. Take a look at some key points about hip dysplasia in dogs.

Hip Dysplasia Causes

A dog's genetics play the primary (although not the only) factor in hip dysplasia development. Faulty genetic instructions can cause the ball and socket of the hip joint to grow at different rates during a puppy's formative growth phase. This unevenness can cause the joint to become loose and unstable.

While puppies as young as five months old may show early signs of hip dysplasia, the condition often becomes more obvious once the dog has reached or passed middle age. By this point, the abnormal formation of the hip joint may cause the joint to deteriorate, reducing the joint's ability to function properly.

Larger breeds of dogs have an increased risk for hip dysplasia. Breeds that commonly suffer from the condition include rottweilers, Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, American Staffordshire terriers, mastiffs, golden retrievers, Great Danes, and bulldogs.

Hip Dysplasia Symptoms

Advanced hip dysplasia can lead to lameness in dogs. Your dog may find it painful or difficult to sit down or to rise from a sitting position. The pain and stiffness caused by this condition may make your dog hesitant to climb stairs, run, play, or even go for walks.

Changes in your dog's stance, gait, and physical appearance can also point toward possible hip dysplasia. Your dog may employ a kind of bunny-hop gait to ease pain and compensate for stiffness. Your dog's shoulder muscles may grow as they take on more of the burden, while the thigh muscles may shrink.

Hip Dysplasia Treatment

A variety of conservative treatment options can help dogs with mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), nutritional supplements, light exercise to keep the joints functioning, and a weight loss program to minimize stress on the hip joints.

Surgery can help dogs at different stages of hip dysplasia. Puppies diagnosed with hip dysplasia may benefit from a minimally-invasive procedure that alters the hip joints' growth plates. A double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO) can rotate pelvic bone segments to help the ball of the joint remain in its socket.

More advanced hip dysplasia might call for the removal of the ball of the affected hip joint. After removing the ball of the joint, the veterinarian can either install a metal replacement or simply let scar tissue grow over the joint. The latter option may leave your pet with an abnormal gait, but it also eliminates the pain.

Hip Dysplasia Prevention

Even though you can't change your dog's genetic risk factors for hip dysplasia, you can still minimize other risk factors that promote or aggravate the condition. Make sure that your dog receives a balanced diet as a puppy and as they grow. Good nutrition will give growing bones and joints every chance for healthy development.

A healthy diet also involves an appropriate calorie intake for your dog's breed, age, and activity level. If you let your dog become obese, that extra weight may place unwanted strain on joints, including hip joints affected by dysplasia. This strain can cause the hip joints to deteriorate more rapidly and severely.

If you have concerns about your pet's hip joints or other musculoskeletal features, contact Baywood Animal Hospital. Our veterinary center can diagnose dysplasia, monitor the condition's progress, and prescribe any necessary treatment or preventative care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Senior Pets

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 14:52:24 GMT

You may have noticed that as your friends and family members age, they encounter new health and wellness challenges. The same general rule holds true for non-human loved ones. Geriatric pets may need additional veterinary care, from medical management of chronic conditions to dietary or exercise plans.

If you see signs that your pet has entered this new phase of life, you'll want to understand some basic aspects of senior pet health and wellness. Take a look at the answers to these frequently asked questions on the subject.

When Do Pets Reach Their Geriatric Years?

Determining your pet's age and estimated lifespan involves more than simple calculations of one pet year equaling so many human years. Different animals seem to approach old age at different rates. For example, large breeds of dogs tend to have shorter lifespans (therefore reaching old age earlier) than toy breeds.

Generally speaking, veterinarians consider cats and dogs geriatric at around the age of seven . Up to this point, your pet may not need any more than the usual health and wellness care recommended for adults of its species. Once it becomes geriatric, however, it should start receiving some specialized veterinary attention.

What Age-Related Health Conditions Do Senior Pets Face?

Senior pets grow more vulnerable to many of the same health challenges that younger pets also face to a lesser degree. Examples include periodontal disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.

Certain problems more specifically associated with old age may also pop up during your pet's senior years. Cataracts, hearing loss, incontinence, dementia, and osteoarthritis commonly trouble older animals. Problems that made their first appearance in youth, such as hip dysplasia, may grow more severe.

Obesity becomes a serious issue for older pets that have lost some of their energy and mobility. If a sedentary senior pet keeps eating like a younger adult, those extra calories can turn into extra pounds. Obesity aggravates joint problems while also raising an animal's risk for organ failure and cardiovascular disease.

How Often Should Senior Pets Receive Wellness Examinations?

As your pet moves into its senior years, it should go from receiving one well exam per year to a twice-yearly exam schedule. Your veterinarian needs to keep a closer eye on your pet's health as age-related disease risks rise. Lab tests can reveal illnesses as early as possible, allowing for more effective medical treatment.

In a typical senior wellness exam, your veterinarian will check your pet's vision, hearing, and cognitive responses while also looking for any signs of chronic pain or other distress. The vet team will make sure that your pet's weight range remains normal for its size, breed, age, and activity level.

What Can You Do for a Senior Pet With Chronic Conditions?

If your senior pet has trouble getting around due to chronic pain, several treatment strategies can help reduce discomfort and improve mobility. For instance, arthritic pets may benefit from anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss to reduce joint stress, and exercise to keep the joints from stiffening up further.

Geriatric pet medicine includes managing other chronic issues as well. Your veterinarian can devise a holistic program that includes drugs, a specialized diet, and a gentle exercise routine to help your pet cope with diabetes, hypertension, and various organ dysfunctions.

You may also get some invaluable advice on how you can make your geriatric pet's life easier around the house. For example, if your pet has trouble with incontinence, you might need to move its bed closer to the doggy door or litter box. a pet with a stiff neck or upper back might benefit from a suspended feeding bowl .

Baywood Animal Hospital can help you give your aging pet a higher quality of life through skilled, experienced senior health and wellness care. Contact our veterinary clinic today to schedule a senior pet wellness exam.

4 Key Points About Kidney Problems in Pets

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 15:08:51 GMT

Your pet's kidneys play critical roles in maintaining their health and wellness. These bean-shaped organs filter toxins out of the bloodstream for elimination through the urine. At the same time, they help to maintain the correct balance among minerals such as sodium, calcium, and potassium.

As a caring pet owner, you'll want to know how and why kidney disorders can affect your pet's quality of life, as well as your available resources for treating (and hopefully) preventing such conditions. Take the following four key points to heart in your efforts to preserve your pet's health.

1. Causes of Pet Kidney Problems

Pets may suffer kidney damage due to an acute injury such as a laceration or blunt impact. They may also experience sudden kidney failure if they ingest toxic substances such as drugs, antifreeze, and spoiled food infested with dangerous bacteria.

Animals often suffer from chronic kidney disorders, some of which may have genetic risk factors. In certain dog breeds, for example, Fanconi syndrome can reduce the kidneys' ability to reabsorb certain key nutrients and transport them into the bloodstream, allowing the body to eliminate them instead.

Cats face their own share of potential kidney issues, including a congenital malformation of the kidneys known as polycystic kidney disease. Infections such as feline infectious peritonitis and feline leukemia virus can lead to kidney failure in cats.

Kidney trouble and underlying systemic health problems often seem to occur together. Kidney disease contributes to high blood pressure, while high blood pressure aggravates kidney damage. Diabetes makes animals more vulnerable to kidney infections. The bacteria that cause gum disease may also invade the kidneys.

2. Symptoms of Kidney Trouble in Your Pet

Pets who suffer from kidney problems may lose weight mysteriously while consuming (and eliminating) water at increased rates. Poor coat quality, an odd chemical smell on the breath, loss of appetite, fatigue, depression, vomiting, mouth ulcers, and diarrhea may occur in some pets afflicted with kidney disease.

Since these symptoms commonly occur due to other diseases and disorders as well, you can't know for sure whether your pet has a kidney ailment unless you schedule a veterinary evaluation. Your veterinarian can run laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures to identify the cause of your pet's symptoms.

3. Veterinary Treatment Strategies for Kidney Problems

Veterinary treatment for a pet's kidney problem depends largely on controlling or eliminating the underlying cause. In cases that stem from acute injury or toxin, immediate emergency measures to repair the damage or remove the offending substance can save your pet's kidneys. Drugs can also often tame a raging kidney infection.

Chronic kidney trouble often means managing the condition as opposed to curing or reversing it. If your pet has kidney failure related to hypertension, diabetes, or another systemic health challenge, treatment of that condition can help reduce further kidney damage.

Pets who suffer from kidney failure may need fluid therapy. Injections of fluids into the body a few times a week can keep your pet hydrated and help the kidneys function. A specialized diet plan can also support the kidneys by helping to control your pet's protein and mineral intake. Your veterinarian may also prescribe nutritional supplements.

If your pet hasn't responded to other treatment techniques, your veterinarian may recommend a procedure called hemodialysis. Your pet will lie quietly on a treatment table while an intravenous tube allows its blood to pass through a filtering machine, which then returns the cleaned blood to the body.

4. Preventative Measures for Kidney Health

You can help your pet avoid kidney problems by employing some smart preventative strategies. Clean up any puddles of dangerous chemicals such as antifreeze. Move medicines or cleaning products out of paws' reach. Schedule regular dental care to control oral bacteria that might otherwise migrate to the kidneys.

Trust the compassionate professionals at Baywood Animal Hospital to give your pet the preventative evaluations, expert diagnoses, and any treatments necessary for healthy, well-functioning kidneys. Contact our veterinary clinic today for an appointment.

4 Smart Pet Dental Tips for Owners

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 23:35:38 GMT

Both humans and their pets commonly struggle with dental issues. Despite the anatomical differences between your mouth and that of your dog or cat, the teeth, bones, and gum tissue can fall prey to many of the same problems, from gingivitis and periodontal disease to cavities and fractures.

Fortunately, your pet can benefit from proper preventative dental care and dental treatment just as much as you can. Take the following four smart pet dental tips to heart if you want to give your favorite animal a happier, healthier mouth.

1. Schedule Preventative Dental Care for Your Pet

Those regularly scheduled wellness exams your veterinarian recommends for your pet include dental checkups and cleanings, so don't neglect to schedule and keep these appointments. In addition to preserving your pet's overall health, these checkups give the veterinarian a chance to examine the oral cavity for potentially serious problems.

Dental evaluations for pets usually include deep teeth cleaning under anesthesia. The anesthesia ensures that your pet won't move suddenly, experience anxiety, or bite the veterinarian. Dental scaling and polishing devices remove plaque and tartar that might otherwise promote destructive, painful gum disease and tooth loss.

Adult dogs and cats should receive a dental checkup cleaning each year. If your pet faces elevated risks of dental problems due to age or breed-related factors, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent visits.

2. Make Home Dental Hygiene a Regular Habit

Even if you faithfully attended each of your dental checkups and cleanings, you might not expect a happy report if you'd completely neglected to care for your teeth between those appointments. Similarly, your pet needs a regular routine of home dental hygiene to help ensure year-round dental and oral wellness.

Pet owners can brush their pet's teeth as long as they use a soft-bristled brush and a toothpaste designed for pets. (Since these toothpastes come in various meat flavors, pets may look forward to tooth brushing as a kind of treat.) Introduce your pet to the toothpaste by applying with a finger or cloth before graduating to the toothbrush.

3. Learn How to Recognize Signs of Dental Trouble

No matter how much preventative care your pet receives, a dental problem may still occur. If you can recognize these problems at a glance, you can arrange for a dental evaluation and treatment in time to stop them in their early stages, greatly easing your pet's discomfort and potentially saving his teeth.

Pay attention to any outward changes in your pet's behavior, especially in regard to how they eat, hold their head, or react to being touched on the head or face. If your pet resists human contact, refuses to eat, drools, or paws at their mouth, they may have a fractured tooth or other painful dental condition.

Even if your pet doesn't display any obvious distress, you can still detect a dental or oral problem in the making if you know what to look for. Check your pet's mouth and teeth periodically for trouble signs such as redness, puffy gums, bleeding, foul breath, or the appearance of pus along the gumline.

If you see clear signs of dental trouble, take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent an infection or other serious issue from getting worse. Your veterinarian may treat the problem with antibiotics, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, or surgical removal of soft tissue lesions.

4. Stock Up on Tooth-Friendly Foods and Treats

Dietary choices can play a role (both for better and for worse) in your pet's ongoing dental health. If your pet always eats wet food, ask your veterinarian whether a total or partial switch to dry food or treats might benefit your pet's teeth. Certain products contain ingredients that discourage tartar formation or help to scrub plaque off of teeth.

Chew toys can make valuable additions to your pet's dental wellness plan. These toys can offer sufficiently rough, tough exteriors to scrape tartar off of teeth without damaging the teeth themselves. Your veterinarian can tell which chew toys to seek out and which to avoid.

Baywood Animal Hospital can serve as your pet's dental health headquarters. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

3 Diseases You Can Pass On to Your Dog

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 23:03:01 GMT

One of the best parts of owning a pet is that when you are sick, you can find comfort in your pet and not worry about the animal getting sick. While this is true for most cases, there are specific times where a dog owner can transfer an illness to their pet.

Also known as reverse zoonosis, the transfer of viruses or illnesses to a dog is rare, but something that you should be aware of on a daily basis. Learn about four diseases you could transmit to your dog and the proper vet treatment to help cure your animal.

1. Intestinal Parasites

If you've contracted an intestinal parasite, you could suffer from stomach problems, nausea, and a lack of appetite. As the parasite grows and spreads, the virus will look for a new host, including your pet dog. While dogs have different features to help fight various forms of bacteria, studies have found parasites like cryptosporidiosis passed on from humans to pets.

If your dog has had trouble keeping food down, seems lethargic, or has a swollen stomach, you could see signs of the parasite in the canine. A vet will help treat the dog to ensure the animal is properly hydrated and may rely on various medicines to help kill off the parasite and keep the animal healthy.

Cryptosporidiosis is not the only parasite a dog can get. If your dog gets sick shortly after you've had a disease, communicate the issues with your vet. The information will help the vet diagnose your dog and know what tests to run while your dog is at the vet.

2. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

The disease Mycobacterium tuberculosis or TB is a highly infectious disease in humans that often attacks the lungs, causes breathing issues, and could lead to major problems if left untreated. If you recently had TB, your dog has a likely chance of contracting the disease through the air of your home.

In a majority of cases, a dog will not contract TB, but you should be aware the disease in dogs is a possibility. Dogs with TB may show signs of breathing problems, including short and quick breaths, heavy breathing, or a lack of energy.

Sometimes, TB in humans shows no symptoms, so a TB test is necessary to check your own case. If you have a confirmed case of TB, your vet will help perform tests on your dog to see if the transmission is the root cause of any problems your dog is suffering through.

3. MRSA

One of the hardest bacterial infections to control in the body is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA. The staph infection is referred to as a superbug because of the powerful resistance against antibiotics in the body. If you suffered a cut or recently had surgery, your body could be prone to the infection.

Cases of MRSA have been shown in dogs as dogs carry the bacteria and could pass it back to humans. Your dog may be more prone to the bacteria infection due to specific habits. For example, if your dog chews their paw or another part of their body, the open wounds could become vulnerable to MRSA.

A vet will help treat a dog's wounds and come up with methods to prevent the dog from chewing their paw. If MRSA is detected in the dog, a vet will complete treatments to help reverse the infection and return a dog back to health. If the bacteria spread in the dog's body, their life could be in danger without prompt treatment.

For all of your dog's health concerns, contact us at Baywood Animal Hospital . We will help you diagnose and treat your dog for any symptoms they are currently going through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canine Proptosis

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 19:51:59 GMT

While many serious conditions that affect dogs may appear so subtle as to go unnoticed for a long time, canine proptosis makes itself startlingly evident right away. This condition, in which the eye of a dog may seem to pop partially or completely out of its socket, can lead to blindness without prompt veterinary care.

You'll feel better prepared to deal with a case of canine proptosis once you know a little about what it is, why it happens, and what your veterinarian can do to fix the problem. Take a look at some answers to frequently asked questions about canine proptosis.

What Does Canine Proptosis Involve?

Canine proptosis involves a sudden forward shift in a dog's eyeball. The eyeball may appear to jut halfway out of its orbit (or socket), making the affected eye usually large and bulbous. Without proper eyelid protection and moisture retention, the cornea and/or conjunctiva of the eye may also become swollen and inflamed.

In extreme cases of proptosis, the eyeball may have popped completely out of the eye, with only its connective tissues keeping it attached to the socket. Proptosis may reduce blood supply and nerve function to the eye that results in permanent vision loss, especially without aid of immediate treatment.

Why Does Canine Proptosis Occur?

Most cases of canine proptosis occur as a result of a traumatic injury . A blow to the head or near the eye socket can cause the eyeball to pop out of its socket. A car impact or a fight with another animal can produce proptosis among other injuries.

Any condition that causes excessive pressure to build up in the eye or at the back of the eye socket can force the eyeball outward. A tumor inside the eye socket may also produce proptosis. Even too much pressure from a collar or similar neck restraint can lead to proptosis in one or both eyes.

Which Animals Have an Elevated Risk for Canine Proptosis?

Some dog breeds face a higher risk of proptosis than others. The condition occurs most commonly in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, including Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs. The foreshortened faces and large eye sockets of these animals make eyeball protrusion more likely.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has Proptosis?

If your dog shows signs of proptosis, do not try to push the eye back into its socket. Instead, contact a veterinary center immediately for professional advice and to let them know of your imminent arrival. Bring your dog to the veterinary clinic as soon as safely possible.

The veterinary team will evaluate the state of the eyeball and eye socket carefully. If the affected eye still responds to bright light, the eye still functions and may preserve at least some vision. The attending veterinarian will also examine the outer eye structures for ulceration, bleeding, and other trouble signs.

How Do Veterinarians Treat Canine Proptosis?

If the retina, optic nerve, and most of the eye muscles remain intact, the veterinarian may administer general anesthesia, clean and lubricate the tissues, and then try to restore the eyeball to its socket. Sutures then hold the eyeball in place during the healing process. Recuperation includes a schedule of medication and evaluations.

Over 60 percent of proptosis-afflicted eyeballs suffer too much damage to preserve vision or make restoration practical. If your dog faces this scenario, your veterinarian will surgically remove the eye, a procedure called enucleation. Fortunately, dogs who undergo enucleation adjust to this loss relatively easily.

Whether your dog needs immediate eye treatment or routine wellness evaluations, Baywood Animal Hospital can put your mind at ease by providing a full range of veterinary services. Contact our office for emergency advice or to schedule an appointment.

Beach Tips for You and Your Dog

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:33:32 GMT

Hot sun, warm sand, cool water, and your dog are the perfect elements for a fun beach day. Whether you live near the beach or are planning a vacation to a new area, you can both treasure the trip. To ensure safe, pet-approved, and worry-free fun in the sun, follow these handy tips and tricks before you bolt to that beach.

Choose Your Location

Not every beach is approved for pets, so make sure to research the area to locate a dog-friendly beach. Some allow dogs all day, while others have special hours reserved for canine guests. Look online or contact the local visitor's bureau to find location suggestions. Mind the leash laws for the area, as well. Some have length guidelines. Many do allow off-leash play and swimming.

Pack Your Supplies

Bathing suit? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Ice cold beverage? Check. You know how to ready yourself for the beach. Here's a helpful list when packing for your pooch:

Water . Even if you're visiting a freshwater beach, make sure to pack cool water and a dish. If you get thirsty, chances are your dog will, too!
Shade . A beach umbrella or shelter is essential to offer a cool place for your dog to lie down.
Cooling mat . Consider bringing a pet cooling mat as a place to rest off the hot sand. Many products contain cooling gels or allow you to wet them down.
Pet sunscreen . Do not use sunscreen designed for humans, as these often contain zinc and titanium oxide, which are harmful for your pet. Several waterproof sprays, lotions, and balms specifically for dogs are on the market. Apply to nose, snout, elbows, underbelly, and any other exposed skin.
Paw wax . When visiting a beach during the day, you probably rely on your flip flops to keep your feet safe from the hot sand. Likewise, protect your dog's paws with a paw wax or balm to shield them from scalds, burns, and abrasive sand.
Life vest . A life vest can help train your dog to swim. It can assist in rough water conditions. Even if your dog is a great swimmer, you may want to utilize a life vest. These are designed to keep your pup's head above water, so they don't swallow too much sea water.
Toys . Test a variety of fun retrieval floats and throwing toys. Don't forget a favorite chew for some downtime in the shade.
Doggy-bags . Be a responsible owner and keep the beach clean (and welcoming) for pets and their companions.

The proper supplies will help you make the day fun and safe for your pet.

Hit the Beach

Once you have chosen the perfect location and prepared your supplies, enjoy your day! While at the beach, you can:

Train beach manners . Beaches provide great new opportunities for socialization! Meet these challenges with enthusiasm, and perhaps some high-value training treats, and your dog will learn beach etiquette.
Introduce water play . Water can be great fun, but do not force your pet into the water. Gently encourage your dog. Your pup might take to the water immediately or might be intimidated or even a little frightened. Positive exposure will have dogs loving the beach when they're ready!
Relax in the shade . Whether or not your pet loves the water, take time to cool down under some shelter, relax, and drink water.

Doing a variety of activities during your beach trip will keep your dog entertained all day long.

Be Mindful of Heat Hazards

Overheating is a serious concern in dogs, who can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Learn to recognize the signs of heat distress in dogs, such as excessive panting or drooling, fast breathing, staggering and confusion, and a reddened mouth and tongue.

When you spend time out in the sun, always provide shade and water. Monitor your dog to ensure they are properly relieved. If you have any concerns or fear your pet has suffered heat stroke, bring them to a veterinarian for an assessment.

Enjoy some fun in the sun this summer! Our staff at Baywood Animal Hospital can help with any questions and make sure your dog is prepared for a lifetime of beach-y adventures.

What You Should Know About Brachycephalic Issues in Dogs

Tue, 26 May 2020 17:11:27 GMT

As every dog breed comes with its own unique traits and temperaments, every breed also has its own unique health concerns. If you are getting a brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breed — like a bulldog, boxer, pug, or Boston terrier, you should be aware of the respiratory issues they are prone to and how to treat them.

What Is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)?

Flat-faced dogs are prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which is a group of respiratory conditions resulting from the dog's anatomical structure.

Because flat-faced breeds have short noses and compact skeletal structures, their nasal cavities tend to be smaller, making it harder for them to breathe through their nose. These breeds also tend to have soft palates which can collapse and cause narrow airways, breathing through their mouths, and snoring while sleeping. Also, these breeds tend to have excessive amounts of skin for their compact bodies, which again, can contribute to soft palate collapse.

Some dogs suffer mild effects from BOAS while others may develop conditions that greatly affect their quality of life. For instance, dogs with mild BOAS may occasionally snore or pant harder after walks. Dogs with severe BOAS may have tracheal collapse, digestive issues, poor sleep quality — similar to sleep apnea — and other severe respiratory distress.

What Specific Respiratory Conditions Should You Watch Out For?

The good news is that a veterinarian can evaluate your pup for respiratory issues so that you can nip problems in the bud. Your vet can perform a rhinoscopy to check out the nasal cavity and use general anesthesia to assess your dog's pharynx, larynx, and soft palate.

If your dog does have problems, your vet may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue that could block airways. If your dog has a narrow trachea, the vet can insert tracheal rings or stents to address the problem.

In the meantime, you should be aware of some of the following respiratory conditions and symptoms your dog might experience from BOAS so you'll know if your dog needs a visit to the vet.

Rhinitis

This is a common condition where the nose's mucous membranes become inflamed. Pathogens can cause this issue since dogs with flat faces cannot adequately filter viruses. If your dog has rhinitis, they might breathe through their mouth, develop discharge in the nostrils, or paw at their face a lot.

Trachael Stenosis

This condition causes a narrow wind-pipe, which may cause your dog to be fatigued and have difficulty breathing. If your dog has this issue, they might develop a stridor, which is a high-pitched wheeze.

Stenotic Nares

This condition causes narrowed or collapsed nostrils. Like rhinitis, this condition can cause your dog to breathe through their mouth. The good news is that some puppies do grow out of this issue.

What Can You Do to Reduce Respiratory Issues in Your Dog?

You should feed your puppy the right food for their weight, as overweight and obese dogs have more difficulties breathing. Start taking note of your puppy’s snoring and regular breathing patterns so that you can identify possible BOAS conditions and take your dog to the vet if necessary.

While regular exercise is good for your dog, be sure you aren't walking your dog in very hot or humid weather. Flat-faced dogs can struggle in high temperatures and get heat stroke because they aren't able to take in enough oxygen to cool their bodies. On your walks, it's important to use a harness for your dog instead of a leash so that when they tugs, the airway isn't constricted.

Reach out to us at Baywood Animal Hospital to learn more about you can help your dog and how we can treat BOAS.

How to Ease Your Cat's Pre-Vet Stress

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:23:11 GMT

Are vet visits a challenge for your feline? If in-office appointments make your cat anxious, take a look at some simple steps you can take to reduce your pet's stress.

Reduce Carrier Anxiety

Does your pet's vet visit anxiety start before they reach the car? If the car carrier is a stress factor, you can make this part of the pre-appointment routine easier. To ease the cat-to-carrier transition:

Find the right carrier for your cat . Not all carriers are equal. Some cats prefer the soft surface of a bag-like pet carrier, while others need the security of a hard model. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your pet to turn around in and has plenty of ventilation.
Give your cat time to explore . What is this strange new space? If your pet has never experienced a carrier, let them explore the item in the comfort of their own home. Leave the door open and let them enter the carrier on their own terms.
Try the carrier multiple times . Don't surprise your cat with a sudden carrier ride. Allow them to try out the carrier several different times before the vet visit day.

If your cat refuses to explore the carrier, entice them with a treat or favorite toy. Place the treat or toy in the carrier and let them make the first move.

Enjoy the Ride

Now that your cat is ready to ride in the carrier, it's time to put them into the car. But what happens if your typically docile pet suddenly howls and hisses when they're in the car? To minimize the pre-visit car ride stress:

Have a dress rehearsal . After your cat feels comfortable in their carrier, take them on a pre-vet visit car ride run through. Instead of a full trip to the vet's, drive around the block or down the street.
Bring a blanket . Give your cat the peaceful smell of home — in the car. Add a favorite blanket or bedding item to the carrier in the car.
Give your cat a treat . Give your cat a treat (or a meal) in the car before the vet visit. Every time you try a dress rehearsal, treat your cat to their favorite savory snack. This breeds positive feelings for the car instead of fear.

Even though it's tempting to take your stressed cat out of the carrier for the ride to the vet, this isn't a safe strategy. Your cat could climb under your feet or in some other way interfere with your ability to drive.

Stay in the Car

Does your cat's anxiety escalate when you enter the office environment? The strange setting has new faces, sounds, and smells. While the other animals in the waiting room may not bother you, your cat could feel differently. If your cat tenses when you enter the office, wait in the car and:

Ask the vet office's staff to call or get you when it's your pet's turn . If possible, have the office staff call or text your cell phone when they're ready to take your cat into the exam room.
Keep your cat comfortable . Use the heater or air conditioner to keep the in-car environment fit for your cat.
Wait with your pet . Never leave your cat alone in the car. Not only can this add to your pet's stress, but it could also put your cat in physical danger — especially on a hot day.
Roll down the window . Weather permitting, roll down the window to allow fresh air into the car.

Again, you may feel tempted to let your cat out of the carrier in the car. Even though the vehicle is parked, this could allow your pet to make a hasty escape. Beyond the safety risks, your cat may struggle when you need to put them back in the carrier again. This can add to their stress and add to the pre-visit challenges.

Does your cat need a check-up? Contact Baywood Animal Hospital for more information.

5 Ways to Plan Vet Appointments for Non-Social Dogs

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:29:57 GMT

Many dog breeds are loving and loyal to their owners but have trouble staying calm and quiet around other dogs, especially at a vet's office. The health and care of your animal is an essential part of their well-being, so check-ups and appointments become necessary.

To help your dog cope through a vet appointment, learn about ways to plan ahead. You do not want to stress your dog out because eventually you will become stressed out, and the appointment will not go well without proper planning.

1. Vet Communication

Vets see all types of animals with a variety of temperaments and conditions. Communication with the vet is key to help explain your situation. Speak with the receptionists or technicians beforehand to see what kind of accommodations are available.

At some vets, you may go into a back entrance to avoid interactions with too many other people or pets. A room could be prepared so you go straight to the private room. You could even drop off a familiar blanket or dog bed a few days before the appointment. When your pet arrives for the appointment, they will recognize the scent and may be more comfortable.

2. Reduce Waiting Times

One of the more anxious times for a dog may be the waiting period before the animal is called in. The waiting area of a vet's office is filled with animal scents, other animals, and a lot of strangers. A dog's arrival may spark anxiety and fears which results in barking or physical aggression.

If two people attend the appointment, then one person may wait in the waiting room while another waits in the car. Once the doctor is ready, you may go out and retrieve the animal. If only one person attends, then you may wait outside and request a phone or text notification when the vet is ready to see the pet.

Once inside, you will go straight to the room and the appointment may begin.

3. Physical Barriers

A number of methods will help keep a dog physically restrained from barking, growling, or disturbing other pets within the vet's office. One of the simple options is a muzzle. Vet offices often have muzzles, but if you prepare with your own muzzle, you will have several advantages. You can find a muzzle that fits your dog correctly and is comfortable around their nose.

In the weeks or days leading up to the appointment, you could test out and get the dog used to the muzzle so the use of one does not feel foreign while in the office. For example, every time you go for a walk, place the muzzle on the dog. By the time you have your appointment, the dog will be used to the idea of wearing a muzzle when leaving the house.

4. Anxiety Medication

The reaction a non-social dog has at the vet's office typically stems from high levels of anxiety. A vet may prescribe anxiety medication for the dog to use before the appointment. Medications like trazodone will help a dog relax and reduce stress before the appointment. Only use anti-anxiety medications that are prescribed.

The dosage amount depends on the dog breed and weight, so a vet will know the exact amount to prescribe.

5. Sedation

Some dogs are so strong-willed that even anxiety medication does nothing to help. In more severe cases, you may consider sedation for vet appointments. An injection of a sedation medication like Acepromazine would be done directly at the vet's office around 20 to 30 minutes prior to the appointment.

Once fully sedated, a vet may complete physical exams, X-rays, and other tasks needed during the appointment.

Contact us at Baywood Animal Hospital for more information on setting up an appointment for your non-social dog. We have experienced staff who will help treat your pet with the utmost respect and care.

Why Spay Your Dog?

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 20:58:27 GMT

Should you spay your dog? This common surgical procedure includes the removal of the dog's ovaries and uterus, making it impossible for your pup to procreate. If you're not sure whether to spay, or not to spay, take a look at the top reasons to schedule this surgery.

Decrease the Risk of Mammary Cancer

Humans aren't the only mammals who can develop breast cancer. It's possible for your dog to also battle with this disease. Like the name implies, mammary cancer develops in the dog's mammary glands. This type of cancer rarely affects males and is much more commonly found in female dogs.

Even though spaying your dog won't eliminate the risk of mammary cancer, it can decrease your dog's chances. Tumors are more common in dogs who either weren't spayed until after reaching age two or weren't spayed at all.

According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), a female dog's risk of developing a mammary tumor is only 0.5 percent if she's spayed before her first heat. This number rises to eight percent for dogs spayed after their first heat, and 26 percent for those spayed after their second heat.

Keep in mind, even though spaying your dog early on can dramatically decrease the mammary cancer risk, you should still bring suspicious symptoms to the attention of the vet. Masses in the mammary area, loss of skin tissue over the area, breathing trouble, and swollen lymph nodes are possible symptoms of this canine cancer.

Eliminate Uterine Issues

Without a reproductive system, your dog can't develop uterine diseases. Un-spayed dogs (and dogs who still have some ovarian tissue left) are at risk for a potentially serious bacterial infection known as pyometra. The infection causes the female dog's uterus to fill with pus.

While medications such as antibiotics and prostaglandins are used to treat this infection, most dogs will need a spay procedure to stop the progression of pyometra.

Stop the Heat Cycle

Not only does spaying prevent potentially serious diseases, it can also stop your dog from reaching estrus (or heat). Like human females, canine females also have a reproductive cycle. According to the American Kennel Club, most dogs reach this stage near or just after six months of age. Some dogs, such as smaller breeds, may experience their first heat earlier on.

A dog in heat may try to escape from her yard or bolt during a walk — especially if a male dog is near. This, and other behavioral changes, can make estrus a stressful time for your dog and everyone else in your family. Along with the behavioral changes your dog may exhibit when she goes into heat, she'll also bleed. The only way to completely stop your dog's heat cycle is to spay her.

Reduce the Dog Population

Again, dog in heat is a dog who is ready to mate. This means your of-age dog could become a mother — which forces you into taking care of her new puppies. Unless you want to breed your dog, a spay surgery can stop your pup from adding to dog overpopulation. According to the ASPCA, 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters in the United States each year. Only 48 percent of these dogs are adopted.

While it may not seem like your lone dog's litter won't add to the population problem, consider whether you can keep and care for one, two, three, or more puppies. If you don't have the space, time, or funds to raise your dog's brood, a spay procedure is the way to go.

Do you need to schedule a spay surgery for your female dog? Contact Baywood Animal Hospital for more information.

Environmental Canine Allergies: 3 Tips for Pet Parents

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 20:23:04 GMT

Is your canine companion suffering from environmental allergies? It is not uncommon for dogs to develop an allergy to substances found in the environment. Natural substances such as pollen, mold, dust, or dander can cause a negative reaction if your pet is allergic.

While it may seem like a struggle to keep allergies at bay, there are ways to counteract the effects and save your furry friend from the discomfort.

Here are a few tips every pet parent should follow to help an allergic pooch.

1. Recognize the Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Canines

Before you can prevent or treat an environmental allergy in your pet, you need to recognize the signs. It's not difficult if you know what to look for. Here are a few tell-tale signs:

Sneezing: If your dog has been sneezing a lot lately, especially several times in succession, a seasonal allergy may be the reason why. Along with the sneezing, your pet may have a runny nose.

Red, irritated, itchy eyes: Just like humans, a dog with allergies may develop red, itchy eyes. The eyes may seem cloudy and watery. Some dogs may rub their face against something to relieve the itch and irritation.

Itching and scratching: Seasonal allergies may cause itchy skin in some dogs. Excessive scratching is another sign to be alerted to.

Scabs or hot spots on the skin: Check your dog's skin for signs of scabbing and dry patches.

If your furry best friend is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, you might want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Your pet may need treatment or medication.

2. Determine the Suspected Allergen

In order to help your dog avoid the misery of allergies, it is important to determine what is causing the symptoms. You can keep a journal and document when your pet experiences the sneezing, scratching, and other symptoms.

Does your pet's reaction occur after a walk in the park or near the woods? Is your pet sneezing a lot after coming in from a romp on the lawn? If so, the pollen from trees and grass may be causing your pet's reaction.

Try not to expose your dog to the outdoors if the pollen count is high. Pollen is typically higher in the early morning hours, so walk your dog later in the day whenever possible. Also, limit your pet's outdoor time on days with a particularly high pollen count.

Perhaps your pet is allergic to an indoor substance, such as pet dander from your parrot's feathers during a molt. When other pets are present in the household, vacuum your carpets often.

3. Bathe and Groom Your Four-Legged Friend Regularly

Pollen and other irritants tend to adhere to a dog's fur. The best way to counteract this is through regular bathing and grooming. If your dog has skin allergies, you might want to trim the hair and keep the coat at a shorter length.

When bathing your dog, always use a pet-safe, gentle shampoo that is hypoallergenic. Ask your vet or groomer for a recommendation. Also, wash your pet's toys and bedding frequently in a mild soapy solution.

If your pet continues to experience symptoms of a seasonal or environmental allergy, see your vet for treatment. In some cases, desensitization therapy may be recommended.

Therapy may include a series of shots, where a small amount of suspected allergen or serum is injected into your pet. If successful, their immune system may become desensitized to the allergen, making your pet less likely to experience symptoms over time.

Ask us at Baywood Animal Hospital what else you can do for your allergic pet. We can also rule out any other medical causes for your pet's symptoms.

Canine Hip Dysplasia and Your New Puppy

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 21:14:20 GMT

Welcoming a new dog into the family can be fun and exciting. While you might assume that your new puppy is happy and healthy, you need to monitor him or her carefully for signs of hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a condition that is often associated with older, large breed dogs, but it can affect dogs of all sizes and ages.

Learn how to notice and deal with hip dysplasia if your new puppy is a breed that is prone to the condition (such as a bulldog, pug, German shepherd, or Labrador). 

Causes of Puppy Hip Dysplasia

When you know some of the more common causes of hip dysplasia, you can protect yourself against bringing home a puppy with this debilitating condition. The most prominent contributor to the development of hip dysplasia in dogs is genetics.

Your puppy's parents can be used as a benchmark to help you determine the risk of the puppy developing hip dysplasia in the future. The genetic mutation that causes the condition is inherited from one or both parents.

Environment can be an influencing factor in whether or not a dog displays severe outward signs of hip dysplasia, so you shouldn't let the fact that your puppy's parents seem healthy lull you into a false sense of security.

Only purchase from a breeder who can provide proof of genetic testing and a clean bill of health for both parents. If neither parent is a carrier of the gene for canine hip dysplasia, your puppy shouldn't be affected by the condition during his or her lifetime.

Diagnosing Hip Dysplasia in Puppies

Reputable breeders will typically give you time to secure an independent health check by your veterinarian after you purchase your puppy. If any problems (like the presence of canine hip dysplasia) are identified, you may be able to return the puppy for a full refund.

Your veterinarian will use many different techniques when assessing your puppy to determine if he or she has hip dysplasia.

A physical assessment of mobility will be administered to test for any pain or stiffness in the hip joint. Your puppy will be put through his or her paces so that your veterinarian can check for the tell-tale bunny-hop gait that many dogs with hip dysplasia exhibit. 

Finally, your puppy will undergo an X-ray so that your veterinarian can visually inspect the hip joint for evidence of the ball sitting loosely in the joint. Each of these tests can help confirm or rule out a hip dysplasia diagnosis for your puppy.

Treating Hip Dysplasia

A healthy diet and regular exercise routine will be critical when caring for your puppy if he or she is diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

Excess weight can put a lot of stress on the hip joint, exacerbating the pain caused by hip dysplasia. You and your veterinarian will work together to create an exercise schedule that can strengthen the muscles near the hip joint and prevent cartilage degradation over time.

Some forms of exercise can actually accelerate the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint, so a puppy with hip dysplasia should only participate in structured exercise. 

Veterinarians can recommend surgery to correct hip dysplasia in severe cases and prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain medications for the duration of your puppy's lifetime. Careful attention to detail and ongoing medical care can help you manage your puppy's hip dysplasia successfully.

Contact  Baywood Animal Hospital if you think your new puppy is exhibiting symptoms of hip dysplasia. We can help you diagnose and treat this debilitating condition so that you can enjoy a full and satisfying life with your puppy.

Canine Seborrhea: What You Need to Know

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:53:45 GMT

If your dog has very flaky or very greasy skin and fur, then he or she may have canine seborrhea. Canine seborrhea, sometimes called doggy dandruff, is a very common skin disorder in dogs and is easily treatable. Although mild canine seborrhea is not a cause for concern, you should address the issue since it can cause secondary skin infections if left unchecked.

What Are the Symptoms?

Your dog may have dry, scaly skin. When you brush your dog or take him or her to a groomer, seborrhea can be quite apparent because brushing can cause flaky skin to slough off.

While some dogs may experience dry skin, other dogs with canine seborrhea may have greasy skin. Seborrhea causes your dog's skin to exude a waxy, smelly substance that is especially noticeable on ears, armpits, and stomachs.

Besides producing a foul odor, seborrhea can be uncomfortable to your dog. He or she may start losing clumps of hair. He or she could scratch excessively and inadvertently cause wounds that could get infected.

What Causes This Problem?

Numerous causes exist for canine seborrhea. Discover just a few to know about.

Your Dog's Genes

Every breed is predisposed to certain health issues. Breeds that are more likely to develop seborrhea are Spaniels, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.

Your Dog's Diet

Canine seborrhea can be caused by a poor diet. You should always feed your dog the right foods for his or her weight, breed, and nutritional needs. Your vet can recommend the right foods for your dog. Proteins, Vitamin A, and Omega-3 and -6 Fatty acids are essential nutrients that can help regulate your dog's production of sebum, a naturally occurring oil secreted by sebaceous glands in your dog's skin.

Your Dog's Environment

Your home or your yard may have allergens that affect your dog's skin. Some grooming products may even cause an allergic reaction that triggers seborrhea. Besides allergens, be aware of the air quality in your home. Dry air can cause flaky skin, so you may need to use a humidifier in your home.

Your Dog's Health

While canine seborrhea isn't a serious condition on its own, it can be indicative of other issues. For instance, seborrhea can be a side effect of bacterial infections, parasites, or fungal infections — like ringworm. Keep an eye out for not only dry and flaky skin, but other symptoms of health issues.

What Can You Do to Treat the Issue?

If your dog's seborrhea is from allergic reactions, talk with your vet about all-natural grooming products. Shampoos with honey and oatmeal can be great since they soothe the skin and help it retain moisture.

Keep in mind that bathing your dog too frequently can also cause seborrhea. While some breeds may need a bath every week or every two weeks, others may need a lot less.

Visit your vet to make sure that your dog's vaccines are up to date and to make sure that the seborrhea is not indicative of another issue, like parasites. Your vet can scrape a small piece of skin off your dog to look at under a microscope. Your vet can use these skin-scraping tests to check for parasites. Your vet can also perform bloodwork to rule out dietary deficiencies or disease.

Lastly, your vet can give your dog a medicated bath. These baths can remove allergens and ease itchiness and swelling so that your dog is not tempted to scratch and make his or her skin worse. Contact Baywood Animal Hospital for more information about canine seborrhea. We offer medicated baths, nutritional counseling, and checkups.

Tracheal Collapse in Small Dogs | Baywood Animal Hospital

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 03:54:59 GMT

Small dog breeds, such as Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, toy poodles, and pugs, can be at risk for a condition called tracheal collapse. If you have a small dog, you'll want to learn more about this condition, how to prevent it, and how to treat it.

What Causes Tracheal Collapse?

The trachea in layman's terms is the windpipe. Your dog's trachea is made up of C-shaped rings of cartilage that surround a windpipe of tissue. Sometimes, these cartilage rings aren't strong enough and can become constricted, which makes it hard for your dog to breathe properly.

This collapse of the trachea can sometimes be inherited and progress as a dog ages. Smaller breeds are more prone to it because they are small in size and naturally have smaller, weaker cartilage in the windpipe.

However, other things can cause this issue or exacerbate it further. For instance, if your dog is overweight or obese, the extra fat can place pressure on the trachea. Certain collars are also bad for small dogs and can restrict their airways.

If you smoke or live in an area with lots of air pollutants, your dog may end up coughing more. Too much coughing can cause the trachea to weaken as well.

When Should You See a Veterinarian?

If your dog can't seem to handle exercise, breathes hard, or has a honking cough, you should get them checked out at the vet for tracheal collapse.

Your veterinarian may take a fluoroscopic x-ray to see how narrow your dog's airway is. Once your veterinarian sees how severe the condition is, then they can direct you on the appropriate path, whether that's through medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.

If your pet has trouble breathing due to over-excitement, the vet may prescribe a sedative. When breathing issues are caused by poor air quality, then your vet may prescribe a bronchodilator. In severe cases, your vet may recommend surgery to place a stent inside the trachea; this will prevent it from collapsing further.

What Can You Do to Reduce Symptoms or Prevent the Issue?

If your dog has tracheal collapse because he or she is overweight, establish a graded exercise regimen and a proper diet. Being overweight not only hurts your dog's trachea, it can raise its risk of developing osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Be sure to also switch your dog's collar to a harness when you take him or her for a walk. While you may already know that choke-chains and prong-collars are bad for your dog, regular leather or nylon collars an be an issue too. If your dog tugs the leash a lot on a walk, a regular collar can place undue pressure on your dog's throat. A harness is better because it displaces the pressure over a larger area of your dog's body.

You may want to visit an obedience school if your dog still pulls too much with a harness. The school can teach you effective methods to calm your dog so that they don’t unintentionally place pressure on their own windpipe.

Consider the irritants in your home. You may need to clean your air filters more or invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) system. Regular exercise is good for your dog; but, avoid taking your dog out on days when there is a lot of smoke, especially if you live in area with lots of wildfires.

Lastly, ask your vet about regular check-ups. You’ll want to monitor this condition so that it doesn't get worse and require your dog to get a stent. Contact Baywood Animal Hospital for more information about tracheal collapse and other issues your small dog may face.

Common Reasons Why Your Pet Is Refusing to Eat

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 21:35:34 GMT

You may become concerned when your pet suddenly starts to eat a lot less or stops eating altogether. Sometimes the reason for the change is benign, and sometimes it is indicative of a serious problem. Because all animals need to eat in order to live, you must take steps to determine why your pet is not eating and know when to see a veterinarian. Here are some of the top reasons why your dog or cat may refuse to eat.

Their Teeth Hurt

When your pet has a broken or severely decayed tooth or infected gums, then eating becomes painful, especially if you give your pet a dry food diet. Your pet should have regular dental checkups to identify and prevent dental problems. Make sure you brush your pet's teeth with pet-specific toothpaste to help reduce the possibility of tooth and gum problems.

Their Stomachs Hurt

Gastrointestinal problems are not uncommon in dogs and cats, and many health issues cause stomach issues. Parasites and kidney diseases are two of the most common causes of stomach problems, but medications and food allergies are also contributors. Signs of stomach upset include vomiting and diarrhea as well as weight loss. Take your pet into a vet if they have these symptoms.

They Don't Like Their Food

Some pets are simply picky eaters by nature and will turn their nose up at just about any food. Other pets get bored if they've been eating the same food for a while. If you don't give treats right now, then try to reasonably incorporate them into your pet's diet. Try adding food with strong, attractive odors to your pet's existing food occasionally, and ask a vet what foods are best for your pet.

Their Food is Spoiled

Pet food has an expiration date and many pets won't eat their food if they sense even a hint of decay. Also, if your pet's food has any type of insect contamination, such as ants, then they may not eat that as well. Try to keep pet food well-sealed and don't buy more food than they can eat before the expiration date.

They Don't Like Their Bowl Location

If your pet's bowl is in a busy area, or, in the case of cats, too close to the litter box, then they may refuse to eat from it. Likewise, if you've had the bowl in the same location for a long time, then suddenly change where it is, then that, too, can throw your pet off their food.

They Get Too Many Treats

Most pets love treats, but try to limit treats to special activities and events such as training or as a reward. Treats, including human food, are often high in calories or fat, so they can cause weight gain and health problems if used too often. Plus, just like with humans, too many snacks between meals throws their appetite off.

Their Environment Changed

If you are traveling, then food refusal from your dog or cat is perfectly normal. Many pets get distressed when moving to a new location. Some pets also get travel sickness and nausea as well. Likewise, if you have recently changed home's activities or routine, then that, too, may cause appetite problems.

They Are Aging

Some pets have a natural decline in appetite as they get older, but they should not stop eating altogether. If your older pet is eating so much less that they are losing weight, then see a veterinarian to check for health issues.

If you have checked over the situations above and you are still not sure why your pet is not eating, then you should bring your pet in for a veterinary checkup. Baywood Animal Hospital offers comprehensive veterinary services, so we can give your pet a full examination. We even have dentistry and nutritional services if those are determined to be your pet's issue. Call us for an appointment at your convenience.

What Not to Feed Your Cat | Baywood Animal Hospital

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 01:48:32 GMT

Should you cat eat the same food you do? While your cat probably doesn't beg for table scraps like your dog might, human food isn't always the best choice for your feline friend. If you're not sure what your pet shouldn't eat, take a look at the items to keep away from your cat.

Dairy Products
Can cats drink milk or eat cheese? Contrary to popular opinion, cats and dairy don't mix. A saucer of cold milk or a spoonful of ice cream is not a treat for your cat. Even though your pet may eagerly lap up milk or eat your cheese sandwich, dairy can cause serious gastrointestinal issues for felines.

Why shouldn't you feed your cat dairy products? The top reasons include:

Lactose intolerance . While not every cat experiences this GI issue, many felines can't adequately digest milk proteins. This can lead to diarrhea, abdominal aches, and other uncomfortable stomach issues.
Age-related changes . Like other infant animals, your cat nursed from their mother as kitten. If your young cat can drink milk, why can't your older one? As cats age, the levels of lactase (the enzyme that allows them to break down lactose) decreases.
The milk type . Kittens drink cat's milk, not cow's milk. Dairy products from different animals have different biological make-ups. These differences can make it more difficult to digest cow's milk and other items made from it.
Added ingredients . Ice cream with high sugar content or products that contain artificial sweeteners aren't acceptable foods for your pet to eat. Xylitol (and artificial sweetener) is toxic to pets. Never feed your pet anything with this or other similar ingredients.

Dairy products aren't the only human foods your cat should avoid.

Chocolate Treats
You've heard chocolate is potentially dangerous for dogs. But what about cats? Like canines, felines can also have serious adverse reactions to chocolate.

Chocolate and cats don't mix due to:

The ingredients . Caffeine and theobromine in chocolate are potentially toxic to cats.
The sugar content . High-sugar foods aren't healthy for pets. While the sugar itself may not make your cat sick, it can contribute to weight gain and related chronic conditions.
The results . Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, muscle rigidity, low blood pressure, or increased heart rate in cats. It can also cause seizures or cardiac failure.

If your cat eats chocolate accidentally and experiences GI, cardiac, respiratory, or any other symptoms, contact the veterinarian immediately. The vet will need to examine your pet, diagnose a possible caffeine or theobromine overdose, and provide treatment options.

Raw Meat
You cat is a meat eater. But that doesn't mean they should eat what you trim off your dinner during the food prep process. Why shouldn't you feed your cat raw beef, chicken, fish, pork, or other meat product? The top reasons include:

Bacteria . Uncooked meat may harbor potentially dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli. These microorganisms can cause GI infections and other illnesses in pets.
Parasites . Raw fish or pork can also contain parasites, such as tapeworms or Toxoplasma.
Cross-contamination . Not only are raw foods bad for your cat, but they can also pose a risk to your family's health. Uncooked meat products left on the floor or bacteria on your cat's mouth can pass microorganisms along to adults and children in your household.

Even though raw diets have grown in popularity recently, never attempt to feed your cat uncooked meat products without the vet's go-ahead. If you want to explore alternative dietary options, the veterinarian can guide your choices in a healthy way.

Do you need help planning your pet's menu? Contact Baywood Animal Hospital for more information.

How to Gain Control of Your Dog's Chronic Ear Problems

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 06:10:04 GMT

An occasional ear infection is common with dogs, but some canines seem to suffer ear discomfort continually. There are many potential causes of ear problems. Foreign objects, bacteria,allergies,and other health issues can all lead to discomfort. Thankfully, pet owners have many ways to help their dog feel better.

Improve Their Diet

A healthier diet can help many dogs to have fewer ear infections and less discomfort. Low sugar content in a dog food formula avoids an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast feeds off sugar and multiples quickly when there is a warm, moist environment. Ears with a yeast over growth will develop a strong odor, a discharge, and become very itchy.

Itchy, inflamed ears are also common in pets with allergies. Hypoallergenic foods can soothe the skin and reduce inflammation because they do not have common pet allergens like wheat or corn. Omega 3 fatty acids in a diet can also help to reduce inflammation.

A nutritional diet boosts the immune system. A dog with a strong immune system will have the ability to fight off infection or heal faster when an infection occurs. Consider the addition of some fresh, lean meat and fresh vegetables to the pet's diet along with a high-quality kibble.

Dry Their Ears

Excess moisture can also cause ear discomfort in dogs. In the bath, do not spray water around the head or ears because it could get deep into the ear canal. Use a wet cloth to wash the head and ears instead. Towel dry the inner ear or use cotton balls to remove moisture after the dog swims or spends time out in the rain.

Water in the ear, heated by body temperature, becomes a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and fungi

Remove Foreign Objects

Check dog ears after walks or outside play for any seeds or other foreign matter that could irritate them. The most concerning are foxtail seeds because they have barbs that latch onto the fur or skin, so the pet cannot shake them off. Some seeds may fall too far into the ear canal to make them visible. Go to the vet if the pet shakes their head a lot or scratches habitually at their ear.

Parasites like fleas and mites also cause ear issues. Use preventatives to keep fleas (and ticks)away. The presence of mites is not always easy to detect early because of the small size of the parasite. When mites are present a bacterial infection may occur.

A few drops of olive oil in the ear canal will kill the mites. Clean and dry the ears thoroughly after using the oil. Visit a veterinarian if the ear stays red or there is a discharge because these symptoms could signal an infection.

Keep Them Groomed

Wash pet ears occasionally to avoid a buildup of ear wax and to remove any dirt or debris. A veterinarian can suggest the best ear cleaner and show owners the proper way to clean the ears at home. Use cotton balls and not swabs during every cleaning because swabs can push wax deeper into the ear canal.

Some pets also need to have hair pulled from their ear canals. Certain breeds, like poodles, have hair that grows inside the ear. Ear wax buildup collects on the hair and leads to infections because the ear can not drain adequately. Dog owners can ask their vet to demonstrate how to pull the hair or ask the groomer to remove the hair during their regular grooming session.

At Baywood Animal Hospital , we know that a comfortable pet is a much happier pet. Contact us if your dog has ear problems that never seem to go away. We will work with you to find a solution. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Table Scraps You Shouldn't Feed Your Dog

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:45:31 GMT

Your dog may enjoy table scraps, and you can give them certain things, so long as you don't feed them any food that's harmful to a canine's health. Here are some common foods that people eat regularly but you should never give to your dog.

Nuts

Nuts cover a broad category that encompasses many different specific kinds of nuts, and some of these are more dangerous to your dog's health than others. All nuts, however, shouldn't be eaten by dogs for one reason or another.

Macadamia nuts, various walnuts, hickory nuts, and pecans are some of the most dangerous nuts for dogs and should never be given to them. These nuts all either contain toxins in them or can grow molds that generate mycotoxins, both of which can harm your dog's health.

Almonds are potentially dangerous for a very different reason. Although these don't have the toxins or mycotoxins that other nuts can have, according to the American Kennel Club, the unique shape of almonds makes them difficult for dogs to digest. Once ingested, they can cause gastrointestinal problems that lead to vomiting, gas, diarrhea, discomfort, and other symptoms.

A few nuts, like cashews, are technically safe for dogs to eat. Because they contain so much fat, though, giving your dog these can lead to obesity and other health issues. Thus, it’s better for your dog's health if you avoid offering them any nuts as a general rule. Peanuts, while a legume and not a true nut, also fall into this category.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are harmful to dogs. While many people enjoy the stimulating effects of these chemicals, dogs process them much more slowly than humans. Thus, their bodies can't handle the chemicals well.

If you want to determine exactly how a piece of chocolate will affect a dog, the process is a lot like how you determine a single alcoholic drink will impact a person. The level of toxicity depends on the amount ingested, concentration of the chemicals, size of the dog (or person), and other factors. All of these factors can play a part in how your dog handles chocolate.

Since you can't know how a dog will react to chocolate until after the fact, the safest practice is to never give dogs chocolate (and make sure they can't access it when you're not around).

You can offer your dog other, healthier alternatives for a sweet treat that won’t hurt them. Honey is a potential option.

Garlic

Garlic, along with onions, leeks, and chives, are all harmful to dogs. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, these plants are part of the Allium family, and they contain chemicals that are poisonous to canines. Of the foods in this family, garlic is the most dangerous — it's around five times more potent than leeks and onions.

Importantly, the effects of garlic or these other plants may not show up for an extended period of time. Symptoms include nausea, drooling, oral irritation, increased heart rate, weakness, and collapse, and they can set in as much as a few days after eating.

In most cases, your dog ingesting a minimal amount of garlic won't cause severe health issues. Some breeds are more sensitive to these foods than others, though, and any substantial amount could be dangerous.

Ice Cream

Although ice cream isn't toxic to dogs like some of the other foods listed are, there are several reasons to think twice before offering your canine friend a lick of your ice cream cone.

First, ice cream is laden with sugar and fat. Just as these aren't good for people, they also aren't healthy for dogs. A single lick won't make a dog obese, but they will become fat if you offer too much ice cream too often.

Second, your dog actually may be lactose intolerant. Your dog may experience digestive problems shortly after having even a little ice cream.

If your dog has ingested a food they shouldn't have and needs treatment, contact Baywood Animal Hospital .

4 Do’s and Don'ts to Help Your Canine Lose Weight

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 20:03:51 GMT

Has your furry friend been packing on the pounds? Being overweight can have negative effects on dogs, just as it does on humans. If you believe your dog is overweight, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian, who can inform you of the ideal weight for your dog and how to achieve it. Also, consider the following tips for helping your canine companion slim down for optimal health and quality of life.

1. DO Seek Advice From the Veterinarian

Before you make drastic changes to your dog's diet or daily routine, it's a good idea to head to the animal hospital for a canine evaluation and examination. In addition to performing a physical exam, the vet might want to check for signs of disease that could be contributing to your pet's weight gain. The vet might suggest tests and blood work rule out medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid issues.

While you are at the animal hospital or clinic, ask your vet how much weight your dog needs to lose. You might want to purchase a scale that can measure your dog's weight accurately. The veterinarian might recommend a special diet for your pet, as well as suggestions on how to control your dog's weight. Your vet might tell you to measure your dog's food and the vet may tell you how to do so.

2. DON'T Leave Food Out 24 Hours a Day

Leaving your pet bowl out all day or replenishing it with food for your dog to binge on isn’t a good idea. If your dog is allowed to eat at all times throughout the day, weight gain will be an issue. Instead, feed your dog a meal at a designated time each day.

Allow a set time of about a half hour for your pet to eat. Take away any uneaten portions and don’t refill the bowl until the next scheduled meal. At the same time, do leave water available for your pet at all times.

3. DO Encourage Your Pet to Exercise

A dog that is left to lounge around all day and live a sedentary lifestyle may quickly put on weight. If you are trying to help your pet lose weight, you need to incorporate exercise into the daily routine.

If your dog has been inactive and not accustomed to daily exercise, begin slowly. It is best to gradually work up a daily exercise routine. You might start off by taking your dog for longer daily walks. Play with your dog in the yard or at the park. Toss a Frisbee around or play fetch with some toys.

Once your pet becomes used to a more active lifestyle and loses some excess weight, amp up the exercise routine a bit. You might take your dog swimming with you or out hiking. Learn which activities your pet seems to enjoy the most and go for it.

Watch out for signs of over-exertion, however. If your dog is panting heavily or appears uncomfortable, slow down and stop. Always offer your pet fresh water after exercising.

4. DON'T Invite Your Dog to Dinner

When it's time for dinner, don't invite your dog to join you at the table. Begging for food may become a daily habit that can lead to weight gain for your pet. When you and your family sit down for a meal, don't allow your dog access. It is best to place your dog in another room to avoid the puppy-dog eyes that beg for tidbits of fattening food.

As a general rule, always seek approval from your veterinarian before altering your dog's diet or initiating an exercise routine. Senior dogs or those with medical conditions might have special requirements.

5 Tips for Leaving Your Anxious Pet With a Sitter

Tue, 21 May 2019 19:45:31 GMT

Summer is coming. This is a time of year when many pet owners go on vacation and leave their pet with a sitter. When this happens, some pets can suffer from problems like anxiety. If you're a pet owner who will be going away for a while this summer, prepare your pet before you go.

The following tips will help you get your pet ready so your pet will feel comfortable staying at home. Here's what you need to know to keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe while you're away.

1. Introduce Your Pet and Sitter

Some pets start to feel anxious if they're left in the company of strangers. Introducing your pet and the sitter before you leave on your trip will help ensure that your pet and the sitter both feel comfortable when you're gone.

Allow your pet and the sitter to spend a little time acclimating to one another. If your pet needs extra time, allow the sitter to take your pet on a walk while you stay at home.

2. Keep Routines the Same

Many pets thrive on routines. Keeping your pet's routines the same will give your pet a feeling of stability that will help them stay relaxed until you're back. To ensure your pet's routines are the same, leave specific instructions for the pet sitter.

As you're writing your instructions, consider the following questions: What does your pet eat? When? How much? Do you give your pet snacks? What does your pet like to play with? Does your pet have a nighttime routine? A morning routine?

Answer these questions and more about what your pet does when you're at home. Send the instructions to the sitter in advance so the sitter will have time to read them and ask follow-up questions before you leave.

3. Give the Sitter Instructions to Deal With Anxiety

Your pet's sitter will need to know how your pet reacts to anxiety, what symptoms to look for, and how to alleviate the problem. Leave the sitter a list of procedures to help your pet feel better when managing anxiety. Some pets do best when they're taken for a walk, others need to be petted or play games.

4. Visit the Vet Before You Go

Your pet may find it even more difficult to deal with anxiety if they're not feeling their best. Take your pet to the vet before leaving on your trip. Get a wellness checkup and a vaccination booster if one is due.

Tell the veterinarian about your upcoming trip, and ask the vet if they have any tips and tricks for keeping your pet calm while you're gone. Since the vet is familiar with your pet, the vet may have insights specific to your pet about keeping your pet happy while you're gone.

5. Talk to the Vet about Anti-Anxiety Medication

Some pets suffer from such great anxiety that the best way to keep them calm is to provide them with anti-anxiety medication. If you believe that your pet may be a good candidate for this kind of medicine, talk to their vet. Your pet's vet can write a prescription if need be.

If you do get a prescription for anti-anxiety medication, leave the sitter with very specific instructions regarding when and how to administer the medicine.

Contact Us to Make an Appointment

Anxiety can leave your pet feeling miserable when you're away. The best thing you can do is prepare the pet sitter and work with your pet's vet to ensure your pet is safe. For more information about how to manage pet anxiety while your pet is with a sitter, contact Baywood Animal Hospital . We'll be happy to answer your questions and give you advice.

What Do You Need to Know About Cats and Fleas?

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 17:53:06 GMT

Your cat is scratching, has an obvious irritation,and seems generally uncomfortable. What's wrong with your usually friendly feline?It's possible that fleas are the culprit behind your cat's woes. If you suspect this pest, take a look at these answers to common questions about fleas.

Can an Indoor Cat Have Fleas?
Fleas are notorious hitchhikers that require an animal host to live. Infestations often start outside, when a flea(or a few fleas) hop onto the animal. The pet then brings the fleas indoors and into your home. But this isn't the only way your cat can get fleas

An indoor cat can have fleas if:

You have another pet that goes outdoors. Your dog can pick up fleas on their daily walks, bringing them into your home and straight to your cat.
Wild animals live near by your home. Raccoons, squirrels, mice,and other wild mammals can bring fleas near or even inside your home.
Your home already has fleas. A new rental or recently purchased home could have an existing infestation in the furniture or carpeting.
You bring them in. While not as common, humans can bring hitchhiking fleas into the home.

Along with these possible causes,a new pet can bring a flea infestation into your home. Cat owners should make sure that newly adopted cats, dogs, or other mammals are flea-free and have had adequate preventative treatment before moving them in.

What Are the Symptoms of a Flea Infestation?
How do you know that your cat has fleas? Common symptoms include:

Itching. Your cat may suddenly scratch themselves often. While this is a top sign of an infestation, other issues (such as a dermatologic condition or other irritant)can also cause itching in cats.
Red skin. The constant scratching can cause noticeably red, irritated skin. Your cat may also have small sores.
Fleas. Look for the small, dark bugs on your cat's belly area or around their tail. Use a flea comb to carefully investigate their fur.
Flea dirt. The small, black flecks are flea feces. A flea comb can expose these as well

If you're not sure whether the signs you see are fleas or not, a trip to the vet is necessary. The veterinarian can evaluate your pet, make a diagnosis,and recommend a treatment plan

Can a Cat Use Dog Flea Treatments?
While cats and dogs can benefit from flea treatment and preventative methods, the specific medications given to each type of animal differ. Using your dog's flea treatment on your cat can prove fatal. Specific types of treatments that cat owners should avoid include:

Pyrethrins/pyrethroids . These are common ingredients in many commercially prepared spot flea treatments (the type you drop on your dog's neck). Cats are extremely sensitive to this ingredient and can experience allergic reactions, tremors, seizures, or death from exposure.
Organophosphates . Commonly used in garden insecticide sand dog flea collars, over exposure in cats can prove fatal or causes ymptoms that range from drooling to seizures.
Citrus extracts . Even though these products may seem like a natural choice for cats, in felines citrus extract can cause liver damage or failure

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any flea treatment or preventative medication.

What Flea Treatments Are Available for Cats?
If you can't use your dog's treatment, what can you use on your cat? The answer depends on your cat, their health,and the infestation. Common options include:

Spot treatments . Even though these behind-the-neck treatment doses may seem like the same medication you give to a dog, feline versions are specially formulated for a cat's delicate physiology
Oral medications . Your vet may prescribe an oral medication (pill) to stop and prevent fleas from infesting your cat.
Home treatment . Along with treating your cat, you also need to remove the fleas from your home. A pest control expert can help you to do this in a pet-safe and effective way.

Discuss preventative treatment with your vet. Failure to continue treatment may result in are infestation.

Does you rcat have fleas? Contact Baywood Animal Hospital for more information.

Canine Arthritis: 5 Measures Pet Owners Should Consider

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 02:07:30 GMT

Arthritis, a condition that causes joint inflammation, is common in dogs as they age. If your dog is affected by this condition, it may become difficult to move around or rise from a lying position. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication to treat the inflammation and discomfort. In addition, you can take a few measures to make your pet more mobile and comfortable.

1. Consult Your Veterinarian

If you suspect your dog has arthritis, it's best to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian to discuss the matter. Do not make the diagnosis yourself. Your vet is qualified to make a proper diagnosis and rule out other medical conditions which may mimic the disease.

The vet may note symptoms, such as the inability to climb stairs freely, or difficulty getting up after sitting or lying down. A physical examination and blood work may also be taken. The vet may determine your canine companion is afflicted by degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis is commonly caused by wear and tear on joints as the animal ages.

If the vet diagnosed this condition, he or she can then begin a treatment program. If your veterinarian feels it is necessary, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. Joint supplements may also be recommended. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often prescribed, or in more severe cases, the vet may prescribe steroids.

2. Avoid Cold, Damp and Drafty Conditions

Because cold, damp and drafty conditions may worsen your dog's arthritic symptoms, you need to use caution. Keep your pet out of drafts, especially while sleeping. If the weather is chilly or damp, you might want to provide a light sweater or dog coat when venturing outdoors. Also, if the dog's fur becomes wet, dry him or her off as soon as possible.

3. Keep Your Dog Active

Although it may take some effort, your dog needs to exercise the joints so they do not stiffen up. Staying mobile may help relieve the discomfort in the long run. As always, consult the veterinarian before beginning any type of exercise regimen for your pet. With the vet's approval, begin slowly and cautiously.

Try low impact exercise such as a long walk around the neighborhood daily. If your dog enjoys the water, swimming may help ease aching joints. Look out for signs of over-exertion, such as heavy panting. Slowly cool down and allow the dog's breathing and heart rate to gradually return to normal.

4. Buy an Orthopedic Dog Bed

You probably have heard of the benefits of memory foam mattresses for humans. It's good to know that the same approach helps provide benefits for pets as well. An orthopedic dog bed made of comfortable memory foam padding may help relieve pressure points that cause stiff and achy joints. Orthopedic dog beds may also help your furry friend sleep better as well.

Some pet beds come with removable microfiber liners for easy care and cleaning. Other models are equipped with a built-in raised pillow. Be sure to choose the appropriate size for your breed of dog.

5. Massage the Achy Joints

Pet massage has become popular and may benefit a dog with achy, arthritic joints. Before you attempt massaging your dog, seek approval from the vet. Your vet may demonstrate the best way to massage your pet. Once you learn the right technique, you may begin with gentle massage.

Does your canine companion awaken with stiffness in the joints? In such a case, a morning massage may help. Be sure to stroke the animal with light strokes to avoid discomfort or injury. You might want to talk soothingly to your pet as you stroke and massage the muscles.

If any or all of the above measures do not seem to improve your pet's condition, or if your dog's symptoms worsen, consult the vet at once. An underlying medical cause behind your pet's symptoms may need attention and further treatment.

How to Help Your Dog Recover After Spaying or Neutering

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 20:03:55 GMT

Spaying and neutering may require anesthesia and surgery that makes you feel anxious for your pet, but it's also necessary for a long and healthy life. Unaltered dogs in particular are more susceptible to some cancers and tend to develop unwanted behaviors like leg mounting or the urge to wander.

Recovery after this kind of surgery takes longer without proper care. With some extra attention and a few restrictions, your beloved dog can be back to normal in no time regardless of their gender or breed. Here are five steps you must take for a quick and painless recovery process after your dog is spayed or neutered.

1. Plan for 2 Weeks of Care

Your pet will need a minimum of two weeks or more to fully heal from spaying and neutering. Many pet owners think that the neutering of male dogs is a simpler procedure and therefore has a quicker recovery time. However, the incision made on males is nearly the same size as the one needed for females, so the recovery period is the same for both genders.

Consider taking some time off from your normal routine or hiring a pet sitter during the first two weeks of recovery. Since dogs need supervision almost constantly during this initial healing period, it's not safe to simply go to work and hope they'll be fine for eight hours or longer.

2. Create a Private Space

The drowsiness and other side effects from anesthesia often linger for a few hours after surgery. If you have a large dog, the hangover from the anesthesia may last longer due to the use of more of the medication during surgery.

Your pet is likely to be stressed from the pain of the surgery and traveling back and forth from an unfamiliar environment. This may cause them to act out of character and possibly react aggressively until they get a chance to rest. Set aside a room or crate where you can be close by for the first day or two while giving them privacy.

3. Watch for Complications

During the healing process, check the incision area daily. The area should not be more than a little red around the very edges of the incision. If the redness spreads or if the area swells and becomes hot to the touch, infection has set in.

Watch your pet for excessive licking in the incision area as well, which indicates discomfort. Look a little closer than you might usually when taking your pup out for a bathroom break. Signs of pain like whimpering or pacing and blood in the urine or stool are all indicators of a problem.

4. Avoid Bathing

Bathing your pet within the first two weeks after neutering or spaying can introduce harmful bacteria to the incision area even with the use of soap. Water can also dissolve the outer sutures.

If your pet needs to be bathed because of something irritating like urine in their fur, a dry shampoo will work the best. You can also wipe your pet’s coat down with a damp cloth as long as you keep it away from the incision area.

5. Control Their Activities

You need to keep your pet’s activities to a minimal for a full 14 days, even if they seem like they're back to normal within a day or two. This means no running, jumping, rolling or wrestling.

If you have other dogs, keep them apart for the two weeks. Your dogs can spend time together for short periods with plenty of supervision but shouldn't be left alone together even briefly due to the risk of damage to the surgery site.

Plan your dog's spaying or neutering surgery with our team at Baywood Animal Hospital for a stress-free recovery process with as few complications as possible.

5 Common Symptoms of Eye Problems inCats

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 14:15:11 GMT

Your cat's eyes need protecting just as much as your eyes do. But since pets cannot tell their owners when something is wrong, you need to be able to identify your cat's eye problems quickly and safely - especially if your cat has vision troubles. To catch eye problems in your cat, be observant to changes in your pet's behavior, personality, and external appearance.

To help you identify eye difficulties that call for medical attention, look for these five common symptoms.

1. Discharges

A discharge is simply a strange substance leaking out of an orifice - in this case, the eye. Discharges can be subtle, appearing as excess liquid on the fur around your cat's eye or eyes. Or it could have an unusual color and appear thicker. Conjunctivitis , for instance, often manifests as a green, yellow, or red discharge in the affected eye.

In addition, infections from debris, scratches, or foreign objects can cause the eye's defenses to try to remove the problem with a liquid discharge. Have a veterinarian treat suspected infections quickly to prevent permanent damage - including vision loss or disfigurement.

2. Rubbing

When your eye bothers you, you probably rub it to get out the irritation. Your cat can do the same. If your cat starts pawing at their eyes consistently, they may have something in them. Even if the item isn't visible, rubbing on the eyes can be a sign that the cat can't see well or that an infection is inside the eye structure.

3. Pain

Cats are good at hiding their troubles, especially pain. So you cat might indicate its pain by somewhat unrelated personality changes. If your cat becomes moody and starts to bite or scratch when you touch (or even come near) some areas, those areas may be in pain. Changes in pupil dilation - inappropriate dilation or uneven dilation - are symptoms of pain in cats and could also be symptoms of eye trouble.

Other pain indicators may be more generalized, but they show that the cat is having physical trouble. Lethargy, a reluctance to jumping, and a lack of energy could show distress, as well as decreased appetite, obsessive grooming of an area, or changes in walking or sitting habits.

4. Cloudiness

As with humans, cats can develop cloudy lenses caused by glaucoma or cataracts, especially as they age. These cloudy lenses obscure vision.

Cataracts may gradually develop as a milky film over your cat's eyes. The veterinarian can do a simple eye exam to determine if the cat does indeed have cataracts or if the cloudiness is simply a part of aging. Cataract surgery may be necessary, but it cures the condition for good.

5. Impairment

Since animals can't tell you when they have trouble seeing, keep an eye out for signs of distress. These signs often include bumping into furniture, walls, or debris left on the floor.

If your cat is easily startled by things that should be in their field of vision, they may not be able to see them well. And if they are hesitant to move easily about their normal living area, they may have serious eye problems.

Think about how you would act if you couldn't see your home well. Would you be vocal about your problem, asking for help or complaining about the challenges? Then your cat may also vocalize more. Unusual or persistent meowing could be an indication that the cat is seeking help when they're lost.

If you notice strange new behavior in your cat toward their eyes or if something seems off about their eyes' appearance, consult with your veterinarian right away. At Baywood Animal Hospital , we have been helping protect the health and quality of life for Florida pets and their owners for more than 20 years. We can help your pet, too.

To Vaccinate Your Pet or Not

Wed, 20 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A growing number of people feel they shouldn't have their pets vaccinated. Some feel they know best how often they should vaccinate, if at all. Some others attempt to administer vaccinations to their pets themselves. If you have any questions about vaccinations, you should first speak to your vet. Here's why you shouldn't make any hasty decisions regarding pet vaccinations.

Why Vaccinations Are Important for Your Pet

Vaccinations aim to trigger the immune system of your pet in order to fight specific future infections. In this way, the vaccination can lessen the symptoms of the infection if it strikes your pet at some point. Sometimes, it can outright prevent the infection from occurring altogether.

Vaccinations can also save time and resources by preventing the need for expensive treatments for some infectious diseases. Occasionally, your town or HOA may require your pet have vaccinations to protect the health of other pets and even humans. It's just one of many services aimed at improving the health of your pet and its quality of life.

Not all vaccines are for all pets. Which vaccines your pet should receive will depend on several factors. For example, a dog that spends a lot of time on a farm may need different vaccinations from a dog that spends most of its time indoors.

Why Someone May Not Want to Vaccinate Their Pet

There are various reasons many people want to avoid vaccinations for their pets. While many of the reasons are legitimate, they're also broadly misunderstood. For example, some people feel their pets receive vaccinations far too often, so they cut vaccinations altogether.

Some people are fine with one type of vaccination but are leery about another. This too can sometimes cause people to cut out vaccinations altogether. Here are some of the things you should know before deciding to forego vaccinations.

Vaccinations Do Come With Risks

Pet vaccinations come with risks. Vaccinations are a medical treatment, and all medical treatments have risk. For pets, the risks are typically negligible.

Some pets may have a bad reaction to the vaccination. Usually, it's a mild reaction that doesn't last. Symptoms can include some discomfort or swelling. They can also include some coughing or fever.

However, a select few animals will have a severe reaction. These reactions can include emergencies involving hives, difficulty breathing, vomiting or a full collapse.

It's rare, but it's a possibility. In the end, it's up to you to weigh the low possibility of potential harm against the many benefits vaccinations bring to pets and the community around them.

Some Vaccinations Must Occur Regularly

Many vaccinations aren't one-and-done shots of protection. Remember these pet vaccinations aim to build up immunity. That process happens over time. Some vaccinations will require yearly visits or other regular scheduling. That's just how they work. If you stop a series of vaccinations, you will leave your pet with only partial protection.

Why You Should Speak to a Veterinarian First

One common misconception people have about vaccinations is they're all the same. Understand every dog or cat doesn't need or receive the same vaccinations. Your pet requires a vaccination plan tailored to their breed, lifestyle, health and various other factors.

That's why it's important to speak to a vet first about vaccinations. You may think your pet will receive too few or too many vaccinations. Only a veterinarian can help you figure out what kind of vaccination schedule will work best for you and your pet.

Many of the fears associated with pet vaccinations fall away once you speak to a veterinarian. It's important to gain a better understanding of how vaccinations work and how they will specifically work with your pet.

The Baywood Animal Hospital is here to help educate pet owners on what they should consider when it comes to vaccinations. Northeastern Florida pet owners with questions should contact us first.