Americans will soon be partaking in annual patriotic festivities for Independence Day! Good food, good company, and exciting pastimes, including fireworks, are a hallmark of this holiday. However, if your pets were aware of what lies ahead, would they be as excited? Sadly, probably not. Veterinarians from sea to shining sea would like pet owners…

November is National Diabetes Month for humans, but due to diabetes becoming more prevalent in domestic pets, we will consider this month a call to action for pet owners, as well. Diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes in pets, and it can be a difficult and deadly disease. Prevention is possible, and early detection and…

Fall festivities are beginning, and like us, our pets are probably excited for the cooler weather. As we humans make preparations for the large candy-eating fest at the end of October, keep your pets in mind. Many of the delectable treats we consume during and after Halloween can pose life-threatening risks to ousehold animals if…

This article neither recommends nor discourages declawing in domestic cats, but rather recognizes that among domestic cat households, “destructive scratching represents approximately 15% to 42% of feline behavior complaints.” Declawing for many owners presents an option of living with their indoor cat without scratching behaviors. In many cases, declawing is an alternative to surrender and outdoor confinement.…

It is a common and even daily appointment presentation in veterinary hospitals: the pet with a swollen abdomen. Veterinary professionals know it as acute abdomen. Whatever you wish to call it, the symptoms are alarming and potentially life-threatening. Owners often note that their dog seemed fine until its belly suddenly seemed larger and swollen. Heavy breathing and panting usually accompany the abdominal…

Hot dogs belong on the grill, not in your car! Heatstrokes and heat-related illnesses in pets are very common in Central Texas as the peak summer season arrives. Fortunately, these instances are preventable. Don’t let your dog (or cat) become a hot dog this summer! Please remember your pets can overheat quickly, and the results…

Summer is upon us in Central Texas! With the advent of warmer weather, snakebite frequency in domestic pets increases. Rattlesnake bites are the most severe, and unfortunately, one of the most common snakebites treated by veterinarians in the Hill Country. Since rattlesnake envenomation has great potential to be fatal, it is important to have as…

Central Austin has the distinction of being named the Allergy Capital of the U.S.A. by many people. For many Texans and their pets, allergy season may seem as though it is year-round! Your dog or cat can be allergic to numerous things, but the most common allergies seen in domestic pets are to food, fleas, or environmental factors, such…

What you don’t know about fleas may bother you.  Texas is blessed with many natural abundances, including fleas! Due to the almost year-round warm Texas climate, fleas in our state are active throughout the year. Should your pet also receive flea prevention year-round? Should your pet receive flea prevention medication at all? The flea life…

Today’s internet and social media are laden with articles and advice regarding grain-free, raw, organic, gluten-free, holistic, home-cooked, and you-name-it diets for our pets. Current trends even imply that commercially prepared pet foods are substandard for your pet, and that the best pet owners only feed their pet this “fill in the blank” pet food.…