Do you think your cat may be going blind? Do they seem disoriented or have trouble navigating your home in low light? There are many different things that can cause blindness in cats, including natural aging changes in the eye. Some cats develop cataracts which slowly cause vision loss and eventual blindness while others lose their sight suddenly due to trauma or injury. The good news is, cats are excellent at adjusting to life with lost or limited vision. They rely on their tactile whiskers and excellent hearing to navigate and lead relatively normal, happy lives. Your Cat’s Unique Eye Cats ..read more

Seasonal allergies aren’t just for humans, they can also affect our pets. And when it comes to dogs, spring allergies tend to be the worst. While pollen and ragweed typically cause sneezing and itchy eyes in people, dogs are more likely to suffer from itchy skin, hot spots, and rashes. In this post, we’ll tackle the common spring allergy triggers in dogs, how to avoid them, and the best ways to treat your pup’s symptoms. Seasonal vs. Year-Round Allergies Every year around this time, my dog Finch starts to lick his belly and the insides of his rear legs. Before I know it, he’s covered in scabs ..read more

If you love kitties but hate the way your eyes water and itch when you are around them, you may be wondering if hypoallergenic cats exist. While no feline is 100% allergen-free, several breeds are less likely to cause symptoms for allergy sufferers.  Before welcoming any cat into your home, discuss your health concerns with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to share your life with a kitty. Why are some people allergic to cats? People who are allergic to cats do not react to the animal’s fur but to specific proteins found in blood, sweat, urine, saliva, and dander. When a cat grooms ..read more

If your beloved senior suffers from dog dementia, you may be wondering when it’s time to put them down. While Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is not a terminal condition, it can greatly impact a dog’s quality of life. Several years ago, I adopted a senior Shih-Tzu named Brandy after her owner abandoned her at the animal hospital where I worked. She had cataracts, dental disease, and bladder problems, but was otherwise healthy with a lot of life left to live.  However, about a year after she came home with me, Brandy began showing signs of disorientation and confusion. It was the start ..read more

If you live in West Los Angeles, a mobile veterinarian may be just what you need to get the most from your pet’s medical care. Not only do mobile vets offer the convenience of skipping the LA traffic, they also provide you and your pet with productive, low-stress appointments in the comfort of your own home. In a large metropolitan area like West Los Angeles, you have many options when it comes to choosing a vet. We’ve covered why you should select an independent vet over a corporate practice. Now, Dr. Kent, owner and sole practitioner of Elite Veterinary Care, has all the answers you need to ..read more

It can be difficult to tell when your kitty is sick, that’s why it’s so important to learn how to read cat body language. Cats are known for their independence and stoicism, so signs of illness can often be overlooked, even by the people who love them most. Luckily, there are some common signs and symptoms that indicate when a cat is sick if you know what to watch for. Healthy Cat Body Language When cats communicate with one another, they almost exclusively use their bodies. Most of their vocalizations have adapted over time to help them express their needs to humans. For this reason, their u ..read more

Dog smells run the gamut from delightfully stinky (corn chip paws) to downright offensive (poop breath and fishy anal glands). If your pup is smelling less than fresh, there may be an underlying medical cause.  So, before you break out the hose, let’s talk about the many reasons your dog may smell, and what you can do to fix it! Non-Medical Reasons Dogs Smell Dogs do not sweat nearly as much as humans, so they require less frequent bathing and don’t put off the same body odors. However, even healthy dogs can get pretty stinky. The most common causes are: Poor Grooming Long-haired dogs te ..read more

The corporatization of veterinary medicine is ramping up. In 2021, an industry analysis showed that independent vets still controlled 82% of practices in the US, but that number is expected to drop to just 50% by the end of 2023. To some, this is progress. After all, corporate veterinary practices tend to have more money to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, meaning more resources for the health of your pet. However, as with any “big-box” business, corporate veterinary practices have many downsides. What is a corporate veterinary clinic? Traditionally, veterinary clinics were owned and op ..read more

Cat teeth are one of the most interesting and important features of their anatomy. These sharp little chompers help them rip and tear food, fight off foes, and even groom themselves. And just like every other part of your cat, their teeth are perfectly designed to get the job done.  So, let’s examine some fun facts and learn all about cat teeth: what they do, how they work, and of course, the best ways to keep them healthy! Anatomy of a Cat Tooth Your cat’s teeth are made up of several parts, including: Crown: The entire portion of the tooth above the gum line Dentin: This soft, inner ..read more

Just like humans, dogs and cats often develop lumps and bumps throughout their lives. Luckily, less than half of them turn out to be malignant or cancerous. Still, it is important to check your pet’s skin and body regularly and monitor any growths closely. Since we have already discussed cancerous tumors and skin tags, this post will focus on the benign lumps and bumps you might find on dogs and cats. We’ll cover the many different types, why they develop, and when you should see your vet. Non-Cancerous Lumps and Bumps on Dogs and Cats Although the growths on this list are typically benign, so ..read more