Socialization is a broad term that many people believe relates to exposing your puppy only to other dogs when, in fact, socialization pertains to every novel stimulus your pup encounters. So, when you vacuum the living room while your pooch lounges on the couch, slurping on their peanut butter-stuffed Kong, that is socialization. And, when [...]
Scratching is a natural feline marking behavior to communicate territorial boundaries, but what happens when your cat is laying claim—and claw—to your personal belongings or decor? First, don’t get angry—cats don’t scratch out of spite or revenge. Second, know your options—declawing is not the only way to curb destructive feline scratching. Rather than jumping to [...]
“Ugh,” you think to yourself, “it’s taking forever for my pet to get their nails trimmed! Why can’t my veterinarian see my pet today?” You may think that something as simple as a nail trim should be easy to slip into a veterinary practice’s schedule. But the truth is, veterinary teams are so overwhelmed, a [...]
As temperatures drop, you may think you can suspend your pet’s parasite prevention medications, but protecting your pet from external and internal parasites is a year-round commitment. Our team at Driftwood Animal Hospital explains why your pet needs a continuous parasite prevention protocol. Fleas benefit when you don’t provide year-round protection for your pet Fleas [...]
Dietary indiscretions and obesity increase your pet’s risk for pancreatitis, a condition all pet owners should know about, since this disease can cause your pet extreme pain, and have fatal consequences. Our team at Driftwood Animal Hospital wants to provide information about this concerning issue, to help decrease the threat to your pet. Pancreatitis in [...]
It’s almost that time of year when pet owners pull out the treat bag and Fido’s pumpkin costume, get the camera ready, and begin the enthusiastic “look at me” dance—all to get that perfect #HappyHowl-o-ween shot. Costume or not, Halloween can be scary—and dangerous—for pets. Driftwood Animal Hospital has five tips to keep your pets [...]
The school buses will soon be making the rounds to pick up enthusiastic students heading back to school. As the school year starts, you have likely been busy ensuring your child has all they need to return to the classroom, but is your pet prepared? Our team at Driftwood Animal Hospital would like to offer [...]
On average, Florida experiences at least 25 dangerous heat days a year when the temperature reaches 103 degrees or higher. Numerous pets die every year after being left in unattended vehicles, and public safety announcements warning against leaving pets in parked cars are common during the summer months. While you should never leave your pet [...]
Floridians dread the start of the Atlantic hurricane season every year on June 1st, and often have the Weather Channel permanently playing on their television until the end of the season in November. Although tropical storms and hurricanes are a common occurrence in South Florida, you must ensure you and your pet are prepared should [...]
The simple jingle of keys, and happy-go-lucky dogs race to the door, ready for a trip to Driftwood Animal Hospital. Reluctant dogs also will eventually comply, or be coerced with a tasty treat or a flash of their tennis ball. Where does that leave the cat? The cat who saunters by as their owner readies [...]