Beyond the Scale: Why Body Condition Score Matters More Than Pounds Discovering that your pet feels a little rounder through the middle or seeing their ribs more than usual can raise understandable questions about what healthy weight truly looks like. At Emerald Animal Hospital, we like to reframe the conversation by focusing on body condition [...]

Ear Infections in Dogs: Understanding the Root Cause Do you dread that telltale head shaking, scratching, or the distinct odor that signals another ear infection for your dog? You clean them, you treat them, and yet they keep coming back. Frequent ear infections aren’t just a nuisance; they're a sign that something deeper is wrong. [...]

Puppy and Kitten Emergencies: How to Recognize Danger and Respond Quickly Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is exciting- but it also comes with new responsibilities. These tiny companions are full of energy and curiosity, yet their small size and developing immune systems make them highly vulnerable to illness and injury. Even [...]

From Subtle Limp to Serious Concern: Understanding Pet Mobility Issues You notice your pet limping after a long walk, but the limp persists into the next morning. What should you do? This discomfort may stem from a small injury or indicate deeper issues such as torn ligaments, arthritis, or bone disease. Diagnostics like digital X-rays [...]

Worried About Allergies? How to Keep Pets Comfortable This Season A dog that spends the night licking their paws, a cat that scratches until their fur thins, or a pup that suddenly sneezes non-stop when they step outside- these changes are more than quirks. They are often signs of seasonal allergies, one of the most [...]

Respiratory Red Flags: Coughing, Sneezing, and Wheezing in Pets When your pet suddenly starts coughing, sneezing, or wheezing, it’s natural to feel alarmed. These sounds often signal more than just irritation- they can be early warnings of infection, inflammation, or even systemic disease. At Emerald Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, California, we help pet owners [...]

As a pet owner, you want to do everything you can to ensure your dog or cat lives a long, healthy, and comfortable life. At Emerald Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, we understand how important that goal is—and we’re here to help make it a reality. One of the most effective and underutilized tools in [...]

As our pets age, they may face a variety of chronic health conditions that can impact their mobility, metabolism, and overall well-being. At Emerald Animal Hospital in Los Angeles, California, we understand the importance of early detection and proper management to help senior dogs enjoy a longer, more comfortable life. This guide aims to educate [...]

More Than Just Fleas: What You Need to Know About Flea Allergy Dermatitis Is your pet constantly scratching, biting, or developing red, irritated skin? These could be signs of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)—a common yet often misunderstood condition caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. FAD is not just uncomfortable—it can lead to chronic [...]

Understanding UTIs in Pets: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment for Los Angeles Pet Owners The Importance of Urinary Health in Pets Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in both cats and dogs and can cause significant discomfort if left untreated. As a pet owner in Los Angeles, understanding how UTIs develop, recognizing symptoms early, and implementing [...]