Cats are fascinating creatures known for their grace, independence, and sometimes mysterious behaviors that puzzle their owners. One such behavior is drooling. While it’s not uncommon for dogs to drool, seeing a cat drooling is surprising. Understanding why cats drool can help pet owners address any underlying issues and ensure their feline friend is healthy and happy. Common causes of drooling in cats Cats commonly do not drool unless they have a serious underlying problem that likely requires veterinary care. Here are some of the most common reasons behind your cat’s drooling. Dental problem ..read more

You do your best to make your home comfortable and safe for you and your four-legged companion, but many household items are scattered about that threaten your pet. Many people do not realize the hidden dangers that certain items hold for their cats and dogs, so our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team is here to highlight the unexpected hazards of some household items. Ensure your furry pal does not have access to the following items. Xylitol and pets Xylitol can help prevent dental cavities in people and is also a common sugar substitute in many sweet treats, including sugar-free gum, cand ..read more

When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s crucial that you remember that what works for people is not necessarily safe for your four-legged friend. One common mistake of many pet owners is administering human medications to their pets without first consulting a veterinarian.  To highlight the importance of medicating your pet only under veterinary guidance, our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team explains the dangers of giving pets human medication and lists common hazardous medications. Risks of using human medications for pets Pets, whether they are dogs, cats, or other animals, have ..read more

Because you want your furry friend to be happy and healthy, you do your best to ensure you meet all their needs. However, pets can’t verbally communicate when something is wrong, and their owner is responsible for recognizing pain and illness signs. Knowing what to look out for can be crucial in catching potential health problems early, allowing for an easier treatment and better prognosis. Read our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s guide to common pet health issues and learn about 11 warning signs that you should never ignore. #1: Your pet shows a sudden appetite change If your pet sud ..read more

If the thought of heading to the veterinarian fills you with dread because you know your pet is going to become a nervous, anxious wreck, our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team has just the tips for you. We know veterinary visits can be stressful for pets and their owners, and our goal as Austin’s only Fear Free Certified Practice is to care for your pet’s emotional well-being just as much as for their physical health. By taking some proactive measures and a little preparation, you can transform these visits into positive experiences for everyone involved. To help make veterinary visits as ..read more

Although you may not think about your cat’s teeth unless your feisty kitty latches onto your hand while playing, oral health care is incredibly important for your feline friend’s overall health and well-being. With up to 90% of all pets experiencing some level of dental disease by age 3, there’s a good chance your cat is silently suffering from a periodontal problem.  In addition to stomatitis and periodontal disease, one of the other most common dental issues that affects cats is resorptive disease. Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) go by many names, including: Neck lesion ..read more

When your pet’s breath is minty-fresh, you welcome their slobbery kisses but when your furry pal’s breath stinks, you shirk away from their smooches. While pets generally have a slight mouth odor, a foul smell is a sure underlying health issue sign. Because up to 90% of all pets suffer from dental disease at a young age, periodontal problems are likely causing your furry pal’s bad breath odor. Welcome your four-legged friend’s kisses again by brushing up on their dental health. Follow our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s dental care tips, ensuring good oral health from each tooth’s roo ..read more

The bond people share with their pets is magical. Beyond the joy and unconditional love they bring into our lives, pets are so much more than companions, as reported in many scientific studies.  In response to these findings, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), an organization that focuses on advancing the human-animal bond’s role in health and wellness, has been formed. The institute has funded numerous studies that showcase human-animal interactions’ benefits, and additional research is underway. You already know how wonderful having a furry companion in your life can be ..read more

Ensuring your furry friend stays healthy and happy involves more than just feeding and exercise; you must also keep an eye on their hygiene. One often overlooked aspect of pets’ hygiene is ear care. Regular cleaning allows you to keep a close eye on your pet’s ear health and spot potential problems before they become painful and severe. In our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning your pet’s ears step by step, teaching you how to make the experience low stress and positive for you and your four-legged friend. Ear cleaning supplies for pe ..read more

When our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team reports that your pet’s screening test results are normal, you may not think much about them. However, normal diagnostic testing results can be just as valuable as abnormal ones because normal results reveal critical information. Normal wellness screening results can help: Establish your pet’s baseline values — Serial screening test results establish your pet’s normal values, no matter whether they fall within the accepted normal value range. Detect early stage disease — If your pet’s normal results change over time, an early stage disease proce ..read more