Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week!
It’s Vet Tech Appreciation Week! October 14th-20th 2018 is Veterinary Technician Appreciation week! We value them all year long, but this week is set apart to let them know just how appreciated they are!! Chances are if you’ve ever brought your pet into the vet, you’ve met a veterinary technician. They wear so many hats […]
NexGard Safety Concerns
Are NexGard and similar products safe for your pet? Have you seen the video circling social media sites recently of pets having seizures and discounting the safety of flea and tick prevention products such as NexGard, Bravecto and Simparica? Have you asked your pet’s vet about it and been told they still recommend these products? […]
Keep the Holidays Happy
There is a chill in the air, friends are stopping by with yummy treats, and everything seems just a little bit merrier this time of year. Keep the Holidays peaceful with these helpful tips to keep your furry and fluffy fur kids safe. Deck the Halls… but do it wisely If you have rambunctious dogs […]
Welcome to our new website!
Thanks for stopping by, please check back regularly as we update you with the latest news around The Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic!
Tick Fever, Lyme, Plague and MORE! What YOU need to know to protect your family and your pets this year!
TICK AND FLEA RELATED DISEASES ARE GOING UP IN ARIZONA! With our lovely weather quickly warming up, ticks are coming out of hiding, and sadly into our yards and homes! Ticks carry a wide range of diseases, some of which can be debilitating, and even deadly! Not only are our furry family members at risk, […]
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOUR PET FROM DOG FLU!!
Beginning in March of this year, news quickly covered news stations and the web, warning of an outbreak of a new strain of Canine Influenza, H3N2, affecting dogs in Chicago and rapidly spreading to other surrounding states in the following several months after. News died down after the strain appeared to be […]
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Sooo many dogs, cats and other pets of all breeds and ages sit in rescues and shelters across the world and it is there that they will spend their holiday season. I remember being a young child and every single year, “A new puppy or kitten” was written on my Christmas list (or a pony! […]
What You NEED To Know About Peanut Butter and Your Pet!
Does your dog go CRAZY for peanut butter? Do you use peanut butter as an occasional treat, to fill up their Kong toy, or maybe as a trick to get them to eat their medications? Well, if you’re like many people, the answer is probably YES! If your dog loves peanut butter, you definitely need to […]
Find Out How You Can Keep Your Pet Happy AND Healthy This Halloween!
Candy, costumes and…….pumpkins! OH MY! Halloween can be a fun and exciting holiday; but for some, Halloween can be a worrisome day for you and your pet. Here are some tips to help keep your pet happy AND healthy during this holiday! Keep your pets inside and protected on Halloween night! With all […]
Could Acupuncture Help YOUR Pet?
It is no surprise that many of the therapies and treatments that have helped humans for many years, have proven to be beneficial for our four legged friends too! One of the more “up and coming” therapies, that is now available for your pet at some practices, is Acupuncture! Acupuncture has been known to reduce pain […]
Is my pet just aging, or could it be arthritis??
Arthritis and musculoskeletal pain are commonly overlooked ailments when it comes to our aging companions. Isn’t it just normal since they are growing older? The answer is no. Although a common, and expected, condition that does occur as our pets age, arthritis and neck or back pain are NOT normal. There ARE things you can […]
HAPPY OCTOBER!!!
October is a great month for animals. It’s National Service Dog Month, National Animal Safety and Protection Month, ASPCA’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and there’s even a shout-out to cats this month on National Cat Day, October 29. With all of these warm and fuzzy feelings circulating in the autumn air, it’s a perfect […]
What’s that “fishy odor” and why is my pet scooting?
Noticing that your pet has been licking or scooting on his behind lately? Have you noticed an odorous, almost “fishy” smell, from your furry companion? Noticing these behaviors MAY be a sign of Anal Gland problems. The anal glands are small, pea-shaped, glands on each side of the inner rectal wall. These glands fill with […]
P is for Parvovirus
“I’ve heard of parvo, but my dog cant catch it can they?” Parvovirus (Parvo) primarily affects puppies and un-vaccinated young or adult dogs. Some breeds are more prone to contracting the virus such as rottweilers, doberman pinschers, labrador retrievers, american pit bull terriers and german shepherds but any member of the canine family can get […]
Why Did My Dog Eat That??
Sometimes we just don’t understand what would entice a dog to eat the strange things they do. The most common items that dogs swallow that can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction are socks(it wasn’t the dryer monster after all?), underwear, pantyhose, rocks, balls, chew toys or children’s toys, corn cobs, bones, hair ties, garbage, and sticks. […]
Secondhand Smoke
Cigarette smoke contains many harmful and carcinogenic ingredients and these chemicals are found in high concentrations on the furniture and carpeting in the homes of smokers. Pets will get these toxins on their fur and ingest them when licking their fur. Also, pet’s noses are very close to the ground and they will breathe in […]
Pet Emergencies: Know the signs and when to seek help!
If you’re a typical pet owner, you have probably faced this quandary: Your beloved companion may be ill, but you don’t know whether you’re overreacting or whether you should bring him or her in to a veterinarian. And they can’t tell you if something is bothering them, or how serious it is. It can be […]
The Advantages of Spaying Your Female Pet
Some people choose not to spay their female pet because their male pets are neutered or because there are no male animals around. Many people are simply concerned with the possibility of unwanted offspring, and are not aware of the medical risks involved in owning an un-spayed female. Also, too many people are unaware that […]
Heatstroke: A Summertime Danger to All Pets in Arizona!
Between 2000 and 2012, 1,535 humans died in AZ from exposure to excessive natural heat(per Arizona Department of Health Services). The risk of heatstroke is much greater for animals than humans because pets cannot control their own environment as well as we do. Often the severity of heat stroke is not apparent to owners until […]
Having trouble administering medicine to your pets?
Here are a few tips on giving your dog or cat oral medications: Cats: • When giving a medication in pill form first try wrapping it in deli meat, tuna fish or any treat your cat will enjoy. If that does not work, try the options below: • Capsules are easy to break open and […]
DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE or ARTHRITIS
Simply put arthritis is inflammation of a joint. Several things can contribute to this including injury, trauma, genetics, aging and anatomical abnormalities. Signs will include difficulty rising, wanting to lie down for long periods, general stiffness that can get better with movement, refusal to participate in physical activities and crying or whining when they do. […]
VACCINES
WHY WE ENCOURAGE VACCINES Vaccines prepare the immune system in the body to fight the invasion of disease-causing organisms. Antigens in the vaccine look like the disease-causing organism to the immune system but they don’t cause the disease. When the antigens are introduced to the body through the vaccine the immune system is simulated mildly. […]
COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION
This is a puzzling, and progressively debilitating condition found in older felines. The disorder resembles dementia in humans. Behavioral signs tend to be more clear and noticeable when they reach the age of 10 and older. They include wandering away from home to unfamiliar territory, lack of interest in playing, excessive sleeping and altered cycles […]
EVER HEARD THE WORD PYOMETRA?
Pyometra is an infection in the uterus that is the result of structural and hormonal changes in the uterus lining, primarily in unaltered female dogs. It is possible however for humans to have the disease as well as female cats, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, rats and guinea pigs. As a pet owner it is important to […]
CANINE PARVOVIRUS INFECTION
CANINE PARVOVIRUS INFECTION The incubation period for CPV usually lasts four to six days, however it has been reported for periods up to 14 days. When early and aggressive support care is instituted the survival rate can be as high as 80%; however this does mean days in intensive care with periods of time where […]
YOUR DOG WON’T EAT?
If your dog won’t eat it is referred to as anorexia. This is very different then anorexia nervosa, which is the eating disorder found in humans. Anorexia in dogs describes a complete loss of appetite. This can indicate illness and it is important to seek veterinary care, especially if you notice your dog’s eating habits […]
DOES YOUR DOG EAT HIS OWN POOP?
Ever seen your dog eat his own poop? To us it is really gross, but dogs will often see it as just another food source. It is normal behavior, but sometimes it can be a sign that your dog is experiencing stress or that something is missing in the diet you are feeding. Cleaning your […]
FLEAS or Ctenocephalides felis
Fleas or Ctenocephalides felis are generally the leading cause of scratching and itching in both cats and dogs. These tiny critters survive by jumping onto a host animal, ripping open their skin and then feeding on their blood. For most adult pets these tiny bites cause a mild itch, however a heavy infestation on puppies […]
MOUTH PROBLEMS IN CATS
Mouth disease is generally first noticed when your furry friend fails to eat. Generally not eating is caused by mouth pain, not the lack of appetite. Sometimes your cat will just sit beside her food dish, wanting to eat but not being able to because of pain. Not eating is a serious problem for cats, […]
DIABETES IN DOGS
Diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes, is found more common in certain breeds of dogs. German Shepherds, Miniature Schnauzers, Golden Retrievers, Poodles and Keeshonden have the highest incidences, however all breeds can be found with this disease. It is more common in female dogs on a three to one rate, and the onset is generally seen […]
ARTHRITIS IN DOGS: SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
Ever heard the term “hip dysplasia?” If not it is an inherited orthopedic disease that is medically called Osteochondrosis and is a degenerative condition of arthritis that affects one or more joints. Other forms of arthritis in dogs can be from a joint injury or even related to an immune-mediated joint disease or a joint […]
WHEN SHOULD I START VACCINATING MY KITTEN?
You should start vaccinating your kitten at about 8 weeks of age which is when the immunity that it gets from its mother begins to wear off. It is important so as to avoid the diseases that can harm your kitten. There are two big categories, the first is parasites, which is generally internal, such […]
MY DOG IS SMARTER!
Ever wonder about the intelligence of your dog? Like human intelligence, dog intelligence comes in various forms. While it is true that the best in any breed can be nurtured by an owner that is willing to put in the time and effort, there are certain fixed realities of inherent qualities in the various breeds. […]
GUM DISEASE
Gum disease is usually silent and can be devastating in its advanced stages. When it starts there are no outward signs or even symptoms, but it will eventually cause chronic pain, eroded gums, loss of teeth and bone. Regrettably gum disease is common in dogs, fortunately it doesn’t have to go down this road, and […]
WHAT IS A HOT SPOT?
At your wit’s end over listening to your dog scratch, or seeing him lick his paw or bite his tail constantly? If you think you are just imagine how your dog feels. Scratching, licking and chewing compulsively are quite common in dogs and have a variety of causes. They may also be harmful. A term […]
EAR MITES
Otodectic mites tiny insects living in the ear canal and feeding by piercing the skin in the canal. Very contagious to animals, but not humans, these are the most common cause of ear symptoms in most puppies and young adult dogs. Don’t confuse ear mites with the mites that cause sarcoptic mange, entirely different infestation […]
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DOG FOOD?
Ever looked at the dog food aisles in your local market and notice the dozens of brands and wonder which one you should feed your pet? Dry food, canned food, semi-moist food, labeled with words like natural, holistic, super-premium, and the infamous “organic”, how do you know which is right for your dog? In this […]
KENNEL COUGH (BORDETELLA)
If your dog is hacking away or constantly making noises that make it sound like he’s choking on something, he may have a case of kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Although kennel cough can sound terrible, most of the time it is not a serious condition, and most dogs will recover without treatment. What […]
CANINE PARVO VIRUS
A highly contagious acute disease in canines that was first discovered and named in the early 1970’s. This is a virus that tends to attack fast reproducing cells like those found in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The virus will be in its greatest concentration in the stool of highly infected canines for several […]
PET GROOMING
One of the most misunderstood arts and sciences is pet grooming. The benefits are the improvements in your dog’s health, appearance and social acceptance. Often asked questions include the following: Why have my dog groomed? Many pet owners don’t understand “grooming” with a haircut which often is referred to as clipping. Clipping is what is […]
DOG SKIN PROBLEMS
DERMATOLOGY The sound of a dog constantly scratching or licking can be as irritating as nails on a chalkboard. But don’t blame your pooch for these bad habits — a skin condition is probably the culprit. Possible causes range from parasites to allergies to underlying illness. WebMD has compiled images of some of the most […]
TOP 10 DOG POISONS
Dog poison No. 1: Medications for people. Drugs that might be beneficial, or even life-saving, for people can have the opposite effect in pets. And it doesn’t always take a large dose to do major damage. Some of the most common and harmful medications that poison dogs include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or […]
DANGEROUS FOODS FOR DOGS
Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what’s in it. A chip with guacamole can cause your dog some real problems. In fact, there’s a lot of people food your dog should […]
DENTISTRY FOR DOGS
DENTISTRY FOR DOGS You wouldn’t go years between dental exams and teeth cleanings. Should your dog? The idea of regular dental care for our pets is new to most of us. But once you know your dog (and cat) can suffer from the same oral health problems you do — plaque, gum disease, tooth loss, […]
FIVE COMMON MISTAKES PET OWNERS MAKE
One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent is finding a quality health care provider for your furry friend. Selecting the right veterinarian is a personal decision, but you’ll want to choose a practice that offers the highest available standard of care. Mistake 1: Not Getting Preventive Care Houston’s Canine Health […]
ARE YOUR DOGS TEETH HEALTH?
Most of us are just learning how important dental care is for our dogs and cats. Along with regular oral exams and brushing our pet’s teeth, most vets say offering tooth-friendly toys and treats can be a great way to help keep our pet’s pearly whites shining. But which treats, chews, and toys really work? […]
DENTAL MONTH – BAD BREATH
We all know bad breath — also known as halitosis — when we smell it. Bad breath is the result of a build-up of odor-producing bacteria in your dog’s mouth, lungs, or gut. Persistent bad breath can indicate that your dog needs better dental care or that something is wrong in his gastrointestinal tract, liver, […]
MY PET VOMITED WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Vomiting is a very common problem in dogs and cats. There are many causes of vomiting. Primary or gastric causes of vomiting are those that are due to diseases of the stomach and upper intestinal tract. Secondary or non-gastric causes of vomiting are caused by diseases of other organs that cause an accumulation of toxic […]
INAPPROPRIATE BATHROOM HABITS WITH YOUR CATS
Inappropriate bathroom habits are the number one reason cats are surrendered to animal shelters. One of the most common complaints veterinarians hear from cat owners is about “inappropriate elimination”. Inappropriate elimination is different from “territory marking ” or spraying. Spraying is depositing a small amount of urine onto a vertical surface, such as a wall. […]
CLEANING AND MEDICATING YOUR CATS EARS
Ear cleaning and medicating can be messy, so cover good clothes and work on a surface that is easy to clean. Most cats do not like having their ears cleaned. Some cats will happily sit in your lap or on a table while you clean or medicate their ears but many require some form of […]