As a pet owner, you want nothing but the best for your four-legged friend. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your pet’s health is through routine wellness care. In Guam, where pets often face unique environmental factors, proactive health care measures are even more crucial. To underscore routine wellness care’s importance for your pet, our Guam Pet Hospital team highlights some common conditions that can be prevented through regular veterinary visits. Intestinal parasites in pets Intestinal parasites, such as roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, are a common pet health c ..read more

When your pet becomes ill or injured, you may want to rush them immediately to the nearest veterinary hospital. However, although no one likes to see their four-legged friend in distress, not all situations warrant emergency care. Determining the type of care your pet requires can be tricky, but the main difference between urgent and emergency care is whether the situation is life-threatening. Read our Guam Pet Hospital team’s guide that describes common conditions in pets, and whether they require emergency veterinary care or urgent care. Difficulty breathing in pets Breathing difficulties ca ..read more

Welcoming a new puppy into your family is an exciting and joyous occasion. However, along with all the cuddles and playtime, prioritizing your pup’s health is crucial, and you must ensure they receive necessary vaccinations. Vaccines play a vital role in preventing various diseases and infections, establishing the foundation for your furry friend’s healthy and happy life. Vaccines also protect people from zoonotic diseases, such as rabies and leptospirosis, that can be transmitted from pets to people.  Because of Guam’s large population of stray dogs, infectious canine diseases easily spr ..read more

In addition to regular preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, and screening tests, one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy is to feed them a balanced and nutritious diet. Proper nutrition provides the foundation for your pet’s health and wellness, and feeding inappropriate, poor-quality, or insufficient food can predispose them to a myriad of health issues. To help give your pet the building blocks they need for a strong immune system and overall vitality, Guam Pet Hospital’s Dr. Bob shares key nutrition tips to help your furry pal thrive. Learn abo ..read more

Old friends are the best, especially when it comes to pets. Through the years, you and your pet have learned each other’s routines and rhythms, likes and dislikes, and endearing—and irritating—traits. And, through the ups and downs, you’ve formed a bond that is as close as your shadow and as automatic as your heartbeat. But, as pets age, their health needs change, and we must change the way we care for them. Here are five ways to support your senior pet and continue to show them the love and appreciation they deserve. #1: Increase your senior pet’s veterinary visits to twice per year On the su ..read more

If your veterinarian recommends a new diet for your pet or you simply want to change brands, you must be careful about introducing new food to prevent your furry pal from developing gastrointestinal (GI) upset. Our Guam Pet Hospital team knows how distressing diarrhea can be for both you and your pet , and we explain the link between your pet’s diet change and diarrhea. Learn how you can help prevent your pet from developing this problem or address their signs if they experience GI upset. Why do diet changes cause diarrhea in pets? Most pets eat the same food every day, and an abrupt change in ..read more

Pets’ joints are exposed to a lifetime of wear and tear, often leading to arthritis. This common ailment affects the pet’s joints, causing them pain and reducing their mobility and quality of life, but many effective treatment options are available. In addition, you can help reduce your pet’s chances of developing arthritis, or at least slow the disease’s progression after onset.  If your pet is slowing down with age, having difficulty navigating stairs, or uninterested in play, they may have arthritis. Learn how to identify your four-legged friend’s disease signs and help manage their co ..read more

If your pet indulges in a high-fat meal, they could develop pancreatitis, a painful condition that can make your four-legged friend extremely ill. To learn about pets’ pancreatitis, read our Guam Pet Hospital team’s guide to this condition. A healthy pancreas in pets The pancreas is a glandular organ that lies under the stomach along the small intestine’s first portion. The pancreas has two jobs: Digestive enzymes — The pancreas produces powerful digestive enzymes that are secreted into the small intestine to help digest dietary fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The enzymes are normally safe ..read more

Heat-related illness is common in pets living on Guam where summer temperatures and humidity can soar, but it can happen to any pet, anywhere. The classic scenarios leading to heatstroke are pets left in cars, pets left in backyards without shade or water, or exercising a pet for too long when they haven’t had a chance to get acclimated to the heat.  Heatstroke can lead quickly to death or permanent organ damage, which makes effective prevention critical. The Guam Pet Hospital team shares everything pet owners need to know about heatstroke to protect their pets. What is heatstroke in pets ..read more

A growing trend in veterinary medicine has been the recognition that pets not only have physical health needs, but also emotional and behavioral needs. Ignoring your pet’s mental suffering can diminish their quality of life, but many people don’t recognize when their pet feels fear, anxiety, or stress. The Guam Pet Hospital team wants pet owners to learn to identify abnormal behaviors related to fear and anxiety and help their pets cope with coming events that can lead to distress. How anxious pets behave The first step in helping an anxious or fearful pet feel better is to recognize the most ..read more