Blog

When you have a dog with an upset stomach, it can be unpleasant for both you and your pet. Vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite in pets can have many potential causes. It’s not necessarily easy to tell all the time what the underlying issue is, but South Seminole Animal Hospital thinks it is important for pet owners to understand some common causes of tummy trouble and know when to worry and when to wait it out. 

The endocrine system is responsible for the production of important hormones that stimulate specific responses all over the body. These hormones help the body function effectively. Any slight deviation can affect the delicate balance of hormone production. Perhaps the most recognizable disease affecting the endocrine system is diabetes mellitus. However, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease in dogs are among the most common health conditions facing canines today. 

Environmental allergies in cats and dogs may spike seasonally, but symptoms can also persist year-round. Mold, dust mites, and pollen are common allergens that trigger incessant scratching, licking, ear infections, and, let’s face it, overall misery. How do pet owners help their allergic pets cope with atopy, or atopic dermatitis? It’s not always easy or straightforward, but there are specific strategies to treat and soothe the skin, reduce triggers, and increase comfort. 

Going to the bathroom without incident is something many cat owners take for granted. Their cats simply enter their boxes, conduct important business, and hop out afterwards. While their cats may have strong opinions about the litter quality and scooping schedule, their bathroom habits are relatively uneventful. Unfortunately, not all cats experience such relief and satisfaction. Urinary issues in cats are fairly common, and the warning signs of UTIs in cats are worth recognizing and treating. 

When it comes to parasite prevention in pets, a strong offensive is truly the best method for safeguarding a pet’s health. As fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes launch their attacks this summer, it’s vital to be prepared. 

Many health scares can be entirely prevented with routine check-ups. Pet wellness exams also promote day-to-day wellness that improves quality and quantity of life. If you want your pet to enjoy the happiest and healthiest life possible, wellness exams are essential.

Our pet’s eyes are central to who they are, and how we interact with them. As a result, any illness or injury to the eyes is noticeable immediately. If your pet has watery eyes all of a sudden (or intermittently), we can share possible reasons for this and what you can do to help them.

When extensive details regarding a dog’s lifestyle, diet, and genetics are known, we may have a stronger influence on their future health and longevity. As for disease prevention, daily exercise, proper nutrition, and routine medical care all go a long way toward maintaining or improving overall wellness. Unfortunately, there are certain health conditions that, due to genetics or other factors, are unavoidable. 

In cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, there are some known predictors of this disease. Characterized by the heart’s inability to circulate blood throughout the body, this serious and progressive disease needs immediate and continued intervention.

Walking your dog several times daily provides one obvious benefit. By giving him plenty of chances to pee and poop, he’s less likely to do his business in your house. However, you may not realize that walking your dog also delivers important health benefits. Regular walks can also help your dog to become better socialized.

For Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, your team at South Seminole Animal Hospital is excited to share with you all of the reasons we think these surgeries are so important. We want our pet parents to understand why it is such a vital part of proper wellness care.