Your pet is a part of the family, and when their birthday rolls around, you like to pull out all the stops to celebrate another year of unconditional love, affection, and loyalty. Your pet may not understand a birthday party’s meaning, but you can bet they will be excited when you shower them with attention, [...]

Pets seem to have a special talent for getting into mischief, but sometimes, their silly antics and curious noses can lead them to danger. By learning what type of hazards hide in your home, you can keep your furry pal safe from toxic substances. Here are six tips to help prevent poisoning in your pet. [...]

You know that you should visit your dentist twice a year, in addition to daily brushing and flossing at home. But, what about your pet? Do they require such frequent dental care? Well, the short answer is—it depends. Each pet has individual needs that determine the most appropriate time frame for their professional dental care. [...]

Respiratory infections are among the most common illnesses that plague cats. When adopting a cat from an overcrowded shelter or taking in a stray, pay attention to whether they are sneezing or have nasal and eye discharge. These are signs that commonly indicate a respiratory infection, which can spread like wildfire among stray and shelter [...]

In cooler climates, cold winters with heavy frost lower the risk of parasite infestations, but parasites are adapted to survive no matter what, so the risk is never completely eliminated. Here in southern California, we enjoy relatively mild weather, so parasites—including fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms—remain a constant threat, regardless of season. Emerald Animal [...]

Every Thanksgiving menu tells a story—often a story passed down through generations that features time honored traditions and secret family recipes. Unfortunately, these classic Thanksgiving menus often feature ingredients that are toxic or harmful to pets. The Emerald Animal Hospital team wants to ensure this year’s food-filled festivities don’t leave a bad taste in your [...]

Over half the pets in the United States are overweight or obese, but many pet owners are unaware of this concerning problem. Carrying excess weight negatively impacts your pet’s quality of life (QOL) and increases their risk for several health problems. Our Emerald Animal Hospital team wants to help by explaining some truths about pet [...]

When you’re feeling lost or turned around, a familiar signpost can help you find your bearings. The same can be said about reading your pet’s blood work. Without any previous knowledge, your pet’s test results are nothing more than acronyms and numbers on a page—but with some basic information, you can recognize specific values and [...]

Your pet has been due for their dental cleaning for some time, but you’ve been putting it off because you’re worried about anesthesia. However, your furry pal’s breath is so rancid, you are avoiding their kisses, and you know their inflamed gums must be painful. But, the day of their dental cleaning has arrived, and [...]

Question: Can my pet get sunburned? Answer: Yes! Your pet can be sunburned on any exposed skin, including their nose, ears, muzzle, eyelids, and belly. And, like people, burned pets can develop skin cancer. Pets with light-colored coats who have fair skin under their fur, pets with thin coats, and hairless breeds are also at [...]