Your feline friend is skilled at many things—waking you up at 3 a.m. for more food, finding the most comfortable spot on your lap, and leveling you with a hard stare when you stop scratching under their chin. However, your cat is also exceedingly talented at hiding signs of illness and pain. Arthritis is one [...]
The thyroid is a segmented endocrine gland that sits over the trachea in the neck and produces hormones that regulate many important body functions. Thyroid diseases and subsequent dysfunction are common in both dogs and cats, but each species exhibits different signs and symptoms. Dogs commonly develop hypothyroidism (i.e., low functioning thyroid), while cats develop [...]
Before you know it, your squirming puppy or snuggly kitten is looking back at you with milky eyes and a grey muzzle. Their once bouncy gait is suddenly tottering, and their good behavior a bit lapsed, but their tail still wags, and their purr still rumbles when you whisper in their ear. Pets are hard-wired [...]
Vaccines are a normal part of responsible pet ownership for Driftwood Animal Hospital clients—but do you know the diseases your pet’s “shots” protect them against? This information can help you understand the veterinarian’s recommendations and make informed decisions about your pet’s health. To each their own—customized pet vaccine protocols No two pets are alike—including those [...]
Hey, it’s me—your cat. We need to talk. Although I appreciate the safety and security of living only indoors, I’m rather unfulfilled. And, while I know you might think that’s laughable—after all, I’m only a cat—you should know two things: Feline stress can lead to chronic health and behavior problems, including urinary disorders, anxiety, and [...]
Hurricane season is here, and you should ensure your preparedness plan includes your pet, so you can keep them safe if disaster strikes. Prepare for your pet’s safety now, so you will be ready to act quickly when a hurricane is on the horizon. Follow our Driftwood Animal Hospital team’s do’s and don’ts to ensure [...]
Regular wellness screenings for pets are recommended every six to 12 months, and are important at every life stage to prevent certain conditions and detect issues early when they are easier to treat and manage. Our team at Driftwood Animal Hospital wants to explain why these visits are so important to your pet’s health and [...]
July Fourth celebrations bring you good times and great eats, but your pets may struggle with noise aversion, food dangers, overheating, and other hazards. To help your furry pal make the most of an Independence Day celebration, our Driftwood Animal Hospital team shares a conversation between Willow and Nugget,* who are discussing staying out of [...]
Most people have stayed close to home for the past couple of years, but now the world is opening up again, travel is ramping up rapidly. Traveling can be an amazing experience—seeing new places, meeting new people, trying new cuisine—but also can be stressful. Planning, packing, and getting from point A to point B can [...]
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance for pets. They can transmit heartworms, and although this disease is preventable, many pets are affected every year, resulting in life-threatening consequences. Our team at Driftwood Animal Hospital wants to highlight the importance of protecting your pet from these parasites by answering some frequently asked questions about heartworm disease [...]