Pets might appear happy and healthy, but just the opposite could be the case. Most pets are adept at eluding the keen observations of their owners, instinctually masking any signs that they are ill or injured. This is why pet wellness care is so important. These exams can detect problems early, and increase the odds of a good prognosis.  Everything Is Fine Many of us go through life assuming we are fine until we are in need of urgent care. This same is true for pets. Pet wellness exams provide the chance to get to know a pet. Establishing a healthy baseline not only helps us maintain the ..read more

With so many distractions this time of year, our priorities can shift overnight. From cookie swaps to toy donation drives, potlucks to caroling, our collective calendars are simply overflowing – a fact not missed by most pets. As a result, the things that usually hold us together get flipped upside down. Luckily, with an eye on prevention you can keep the good times rolling. Holiday pet safety doesn’t have to be confusing, and it doesn’t have to stand in the way of any seasonal fun. Setting the Scene Knowing that the holidays can get a little crazy, pet owners can get ahead of the storm by se ..read more

The holiday season is a time of joy, festivities, and sharing delicious meals with our loved ones. As pet owners, it’s only natural that we want our furry companions to partake in the celebrations. However, it’s essential to be aware that not all holiday foods are safe for our pets. At 10 West Bird & Animal Hospital, we prioritize your pets’ well-being, so we’re here to guide you through the potential hazards of toxic holiday foods for pets. Chocolate and Sweets: A No-Go Zone for Your Pets We all know how tempting it is to indulge in holiday chocolates and sweets. However, chocolate conta ..read more

Just because you suffer from allergies doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get to enjoy a four-legged friend. Depending on the situation, dogs for people with allergies exist, and Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital is all about helping people and pets connect! Pet Allergies and People Allergies to pets are not uncommon (as many as 10-20% of people have them), but not everyone has been formally diagnosed. You might be allergic to pets if you suffer from allergic symptoms including: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Itchy, watery eyes Congestion Cough Wheezing Rash or hives An allergist can help you t ..read more

Are you bringing home a feathered friend for the first time? You’re in for a treat! The bond between a bird and its pet parent can be one of the strongest in the world of pet parenting. But providing appropriate husbandry care for birds takes some effort. If you’ve never cared for a domesticated bird before, learning avian husbandry care is key. The team at 10 West Bird & Animal Hospital would like to share the basics of setting your bird up with a perfect home environment.  Pet Bird Care 101 1. Bird Cage Basics A bird cage should be big enough for your bird to walk around or stretch ..read more

The beauty of spring brings fresh blooms, leaves and flowers and their not-so-lovely additions of pollen, bugs, and allergens. With it all, our pets scratch, itch, and sneeze, just like humans do, and since they are part of the family—and they count on us for care every day—the last thing we want is for them to be uncomfortable. The experts at Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital team are here to help! We gathered up-to-date information to help you understand pet allergies, how to recognize the symptoms, and some of the best ways to find relief for your pet. Causes, Signs, and How to Treat Pet ..read more

Bird ownership is an adventure all its own. From choosing the right species to understanding the unique needs of our feathered friends, Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital is here to guide you on your journey. One of the most common problems that bird owners have is recognizing a sick bird. Catching an ailing avian early, though, is the key to helping them get better quickly. Learn how to tell if your pet bird is sick. Hidden Dangers Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, but bird care is a different experience than owning a dog.  Many species are known for their stoic nature when it com ..read more

San Antonio’s is well known for our hot, humid summers. While many of us love the hot temps (and others loathe them), we must remember summer pet safety. By establishing summer pet safety guidelines, you can keep your pets safe from the heat without sacrificing seasonal fun. Start at the Beginning A good rule of thumb about summer pet safety is to consider how the heat and humidity affects you. If the temperature of the ground is too hot for your bare feet or open palms, it is definitely too hot for your pet’s paw pads. Exposure to sizzling concrete, asphalt, or gravel can result in painful c ..read more

Did you know that pets can be infected with heartworm disease for years before they show symptoms? By the time they’re finally diagnosed, treatment may be limited, expensive, ineffective, or all three. Heartworm disease statistics show infections occurring in all 50 states, and Texas is ranked in the top 10. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm disease prevention is a year-round priority.  Beyond Just Frustrating The thing with parasites is that, well, they’re annoying. However, in addition to mild skin irritation from a flea or mosquito bite, they spread disease to pets and people alike. Whi ..read more

Being a good pet owner can be a lot of work. From selecting the best food to providing good physical and mental stimulation to keeping up with wellness care, there is a lot that goes into taking good care of your furry family member. As your partner in pet wellness, Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital is here to help you along the way. For Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, we would like to focus on the importance of spaying and neutering your pets. All About Surgery Not everyone has medical experience, and surgery can be a little intimidating if you don’t know what is involved. Understanding wha ..read more