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It’s hard not to worry when you notice your dog limping, especially if they’re usually active and eager to follow you from room to room. Sometimes it’s something minor that improves quickly, but other times, that limp is your dog’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. At South Seminole Animal Hospital in Casselberry, FL, we’re here to help you understand what to look for and when it’s time to take the next step.

One day you’re buying puppy treats and feather toys, and the next you’re noticing a little gray around the muzzle or a longer nap in the afternoon sun. Pets age faster than we’d like, and with that comes new needs. At South Seminole Animal Hospital in Casselberry, FL, we focus on thoughtful senior pet care to help your dog or cat stay comfortable, active, and well supported through the years.

We all wish our pups would live as long as we do, but the sad reality is that their lives are shorter and sweeter than ours. But how long is that, exactly? How long do dogs live? With advancements in veterinary medicine, has the dog’s life expectancy become any longer? 

Below, the team at South Seminole Animal Hospital explores four factors that play a part in the average dog’s lifespan. 

At South Seminole Animal Hospital in Casselberry, FL, we’ve always been committed to staying at the forefront of veterinary science, and 2025 has been a year full of surprises. From AI-powered diagnostics to cutting-edge therapies once reserved for humans, the future of veterinary care is looking brighter (and smarter) than ever.

Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting pet healthcare innovations making headlines and how they could impact the way we care for your furry family members.

In veterinary medicine, some conditions and diseases are more devastating than others. At South Seminole Animal Hospital, perhaps one of the most terrible things that we diagnose is a fatal viral disease amongst kittens called panleukopenia. Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is nothing to ignore. Thankfully we can protect our patients with modern medicine. 

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. 

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. 

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.