Breeds with wrinkled noses and smooshy faces like Pugs, Bulldogs and Pekingese are undeniably adorable. It is no wonder their popularity has increased more than 400% in the last decade. While they make fantastic companions, it's very important for owners to understand they are also at higher risk for a host of medical issues. These Brachycephalic or "short-faced" dogs have been bred to achieve a shorter lower jaw and compressed upper jaw, which can produce severe to life-threatening changes to the normal function of these structures. Most brachycephalic dogs are not hampered by their anatomy ..read more

As a pet owner, it's crucial to know when your furry friend needs immediate medical attention. While some symptoms can wait for a regular vet appointment, others signal a veterinary emergency. Here are some critical symptoms that warrant an urgent trip to the vet: 1. Difficulty Breathing Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or choking can indicate serious issues like respiratory infections, heart problems, or airway obstructions. Immediate evaluation is essential to ensure your pet’s airways are clear and functioning. 2. Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea While occasional vomiting or diarrhea ca ..read more

This is a rapidly evolving situation, so this information may be modified or updated at some point in the future. What we have been advised thus far is: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to pets (particularly cats and ferrets) can very rarely occur. It has not been demonstrated that transmission can occur from an infected pet to a human. The primary mode of transmission is human to human. We can test pets for SARS-CoV-2; however, there are stipulations:         The pet must have appropriate symptoms.         The veterin ..read more

Before Surgery · You will not be able to bathe your pet for two weeks after surgery, so now is your last chance! The morning of the surgery Your pet can have a small, soft or canned meal no later than 6:00 am on the morning of the procedure. · Dogs: Take your pet for a potty walk to give them a chance for a bowel movement · Drop off is no later than 7:15 am · Mark the masses to be removed with a sharpie, especially if your pet has several growths/masses and you are not removing all of them. ( we also have hair chalk in the office- just ask!) Recovery and Aftercare Food and Water You will be i ..read more

Preparing for the procedure Before Surgery · You will not be able to bathe your pet for two weeks after surgery, so now is your last chance! · Your pet may have a small, soft meal no later than 6:00 am the morning of surgery. · If your pet is not microchipped, consider having this done during the spay surgery. The morning of the surgery · Dogs: Take your pet for a potty walk to give them a chance for a bowel movement · Drop off no later than 7:15am. · Tell our technicians if you believe your pet is in heat. Recovery and Aftercare Food and Water You will be instructed to feed about a ¼ to ½ of ..read more

Core Vaccines Dogs in Southern California need two "Core" vaccines: DHPP and Rabies. Most dogs need Bordetella as well, which protects against kennel cough- a common contagious virus spread between dogs.  The vaccine schedule for puppies can be complicated depending on your pet's age when they start their vaccines and the lifestyle you plan for your puppy. Don't worry; our staff will write down the schedule for your pup, and you will receive reminders from us when these boosters are nearly due. DHPP stands for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus- four very contagious and d ..read more

A little preparation on your part and yummy rewards can make the Vet a familiar place with good associations for your pup. Car Tripping For many pets, car trips seem to end poorly (in the pet's opinion). If you take your dog for car rides to things they enjoy like a hike or a park, or even just a ride around the block, you can retrain them to tolerate trips more readily. Follow the car trip with lots of praise and rewards to ensure the experience is somewhat positive.  Good Scents Synthetic pheromones mimic scents animals create to calm themselves and others, they're available for both d ..read more

As Veterinary Professionals, we are taught that "age is not a disease". What we mean is that pets can live longer lives if problems and illnesses are managed rather than chalking up their stiff gait, cloudy eyes, poor appetite and bad teeth to "old age" and letting them go unaddressed. Pets who receive regular checkups to identify problems before they become serious and life-threatening are living longer than ever before. In summary, older pets need more frequent attention to their health, but many problems associated with old age can be managed. What is a senior pet? It varies based on speci ..read more

Clients often seek treatment for their pet's ear infections because the symptoms of their discomfort are obvious. Ear infections are painful and tortuously irritating. What clients may not know is that under or untreated ear infections can cause ear drum perforation, permanent damage to the ear canal (stenosis) and deafness. Otic (ear) medications prescribed to treat ear infections contain combinations of specific antibiotics, antifungals and steroids to address a particular population of organisms in the ear. These organisms must be identified with cytology in order for the Veterinarian to s ..read more

Nervous pets (and excited ones!) are entitled to a calming medication to ease the stress of a vet visit or procedure. When you or I go to our doctor, we generally know what to expect and can mitigate our unease by communicating with our provider and the staff in the office. Our pets cannot anticipate the process of their vet visits (unless they happen frequently) or ask questions, of course, so they naturally become anxious. Their anxiety is uncomfortable and also can inhibit their care by artificially elevating temperature, blood pressure, and heartrate as well as reducing their general comp ..read more