Fleas and ticks thrive in moist, warm areas, which means that your pet in Tampa is at constant risk of flea and tick issues year round. However, the warmer the weather, the higher the population of fleas and ticks will be in the area. When it is the normal flea and tick season, which usually lasts from about March through the end of September, you may want to take additional precautions to protect your pet.

Maintain Flea and Tick Treatment

It is important that your pet has a year-round flea and tick treatment regimen. You have many options for this year-round protection. There are medications that your vet can prescribe that keep fleas and ticks at bay. There are also flea and tick collars, sprays, and other chemical solutions that can be used on both your pets and their surrounding environment. Make sure that if you are using medication or flea and tick collars that you keep up with the routine. Most of these only need to be replaced or given every three months, and it is an easy thing to forget. Make sure to mark your calendar so your pet will remain protected. Read more

Saying goodbye to your pet is often one of the hardest things you will ever have to do. Everyone dreads hearing those words: “There is nothing more we can do.” When those words are spoken by your vet, you have some hard decisions to make. Keeping your pet alive or opting immediately for euthanasia is a choice that only you can make.

What is Hospice?

Veterinary hospice is very similar to the hospice that the healthcare industry uses for human patients. The primary purpose of veterinary hospice is to keep your pet as comfortable as possible for however long is necessary. You may want to keep your pet comfortable and put off euthanasia so that a family member can get home to say goodbye. You may want to allow your pet to die naturally rather than euthanizing them. Or, you may want to keep your pet comfortable for a period of time until you euthanize them on a predetermined date.

When you place your pet in hospice care, the vet will do everything they can to make your pet comfortable. Pain medications and other treatments for symptom management are the primary focus of this treatment. Most vets will also spend time supporting the family in whatever way they need. Read more

It may surprise you that just as humans have allergies, so too can your pets. Allergies can be to a particular item, foods, or seasonal allergies. The most common pets to have allergies are dogs. It can be difficult to tell if your dog has allergies, as the cause of the symptoms may not be apparent. You may also not realize that all of the symptoms are related to the same condition.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of allergies in your pet are similar to allergy symptoms for humans. You will likely notice that your pet’s skin is red and irritated. It may be tender to the touch as well. Pets will often be itchy when they are suffering from allergies, and they may have excessive shedding. Sometimes skin irritations can become infected due to scratching and bacteria entering the skin.

Other Signs Your Pet Has Allergies

There are some things that your pet might do if they are suffering from allergies. Paw licking is a sign of discomfort. Some pets may drag their butt across the floor or lick the anal region. They will likely be biting and scratching themselves as if they have fleas, but without any sign of pests. They may also have chronic ear infections or respiratory problems. Read more

Acupuncture continues to grow in popularity in America, as men and women seek natural and holistic treatment options for their health problems. But humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the ancient art of acupuncture! This practice is even being used on animals! Here’s what you should know if you’re curious about the benefits and safety of acupuncture for your own family pet.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been practiced since the days of the days of the ancient Chinese. Tiny needles are inserted into specific parts of the body to produce a healing response.

This practice identifies precise points on the body and stimulates them for a certain amount of time. The stimulation achieved through acupuncture makes changes to the central nervous system that can relieve pain and resolve other existing problems.

How Can Acupuncture Be Used For Your Pet?

Known as veterinary acupuncture, the process is used the same way it is on humans. The conditions that respond most effectively to acupuncture include musculoskeletal, respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal problems. This means that anything from arthritis, nerve injury, asthma, and dermatitis can potentially be resolved using acupuncture, sometimes in tandem with other mainstream treatments.

Since acupuncture essentially helps the body heal itself by creating specific physiological changes, this can be a powerful tool for vets and pet lovers alike. It is one of the very safest forms of medical treatment for animals, and side effects are very rare. It goes without saying that only a licensed veterinarian is qualified to complete animal acupuncture Read more

You may not think of Halloween as a risky day for your pets, but the spooky holiday actually poses a number of threats to dogs and cats. Take the following precautions to help your pet have a safe and healthy Halloween.

Keep Candy In a Safe Place

It’s no secret that your dog shouldn’t be feasting on Twix bars on Halloween, so make sure all Halloween treats are stored in a place where your pets can’t access them. Chocolate in all forms is extremely dangerous for cats and dogs, and candy presents a choking risk. Some sugar-free candy even contains the sugar substitute xylitol, which is dangerous to animals.

Decorate With Care

It’s fun to decorate for Halloween with pumpkins, decorative corn, jack-o-lanterns, and candles, but think of the risks they pose to your pets. Curious kittens can easily pull decorations down or knock over flames, and dogs love to nibble on pumpkins and corn. Try to decorate your home with a “baby proof” mindset in order to keep your furry friends safe. Read more