Summer can be extra hot here in sunny Florida. Do you know how to protect your pet from the most common heat-related hazards? Find out in this Driftwood Animal Hospital guide to pet heat safety. Heatstroke and pets Heatstroke is a rapidly fatal condition that occurs when pets cannot effectively cool themselves and their internal [...]
Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, is a condition that occurs in cats who haven’t eaten much, or at all, for several days or weeks. The cat’s body turns to stored fat for energy, which overwhelms the liver and leads to severe illness or death. Cats stop eating for many reasons, including stress, pain, concurrent [...]
While pets and children often become the best of friends, miscommunication can result in bites and scratches. Remember that we speak a different language than our canine and feline companions, and what we may think is acceptable actually may be unpleasant behavior for pets. Learn how to keep your child safe around pets as our [...]
You ensure your pet receives the best veterinary care possible, so they can live a long, happy, and pain-free life. One strategy to help accomplish this goal is to protect your pet from contracting a preventable disease. Heartworm disease is one of the most devastating—and preventable—conditions pets face. Despite safe, proven, and easy-to-administer preventives, the [...]
Although every job has its share of stressors that take a toll on mental health and wellbeing, the veterinary industry is faced with a great deal of challenges. From euthanizing beloved companions, to working long hours while short-staffed, veterinary professionals tackle multiple hurdles in their everyday work lives that can carry over into their personal [...]
Many pet owners know little about the importance of their pet’s dental health. Yet, dental health is an integral part of your pet’s general health, and knowing how to take good care of your pet’s teeth will improve their overall health. In honor of National Pet Dental Health Month—and with the desire to spread awareness [...]
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 [...]
