We treat plenty of ear infections at Cy-Fair Animal Hospital, especially during the Spring and Summer months when seasonal allergies and days of water play abound. Today, I’m sharing  practical tips on spotting a possible ear infection early, preventing ear infections in your pet, and... The post Ear Infections in Dogs and Cats appeared first on Cy-Fair Animal Hospital ..read more

Constipation is an issue many dogs deal with at some point in their lives. Recognizing the signs and knowing the common causes of constipation in dogs can help keep your pet safe and help them get the most appropriate care quickly. Here, we’ll discuss the... The post A No-Go Situation: Understanding Constipation in Dogs appeared first on Cy-Fair Animal Hospital ..read more

As summer temperatures rise with no sign of coming down just yet, it’s crucial for pet owners to understand how to prevent heatstroke in their furry friends. Heatstroke can be life-threatening, but with the right knowledge and precautions, your pets can remain safe and healthy... The post Understanding and Preventing Heatstroke in Pets appeared first on Cy-Fair Animal Hospital ..read more

If you’ve noticed your dog has urinary incontinence, it may be a behavioral issue or a symptom of several different health conditions. Here are some common causes and treatments. What is Incontinence in Dogs? First, it’s essential to define incontinence, abnormal micturition (urination) or abnormal urine streaming.  That can mean your dog is struggling with: Inability to urinate Significant increase in urination (polyuria) Exhibiting a lack of control over their urination Urinating in inappropriate places Straining to urinate If you notice any of these symptoms, the first step to caring ..read more

Caring for your dog’s or cat’s skin and coat is crucial for their health. A shiny, healthy coat can indicate your pet is receiving essential nutrients. A poorly maintained coat can lead to or indicate serious health issues. Here’s expert advice on maintaining healthy skin and coats for your dogs and cats. Preventing Parasites Your pet’s skin hides under its fur, so the first step to keeping it healthy is keeping it free of ectoparasites like mites, ticks, and fleas by ensuring it is on a regular prevention plan. Products like Heartgard, Proheart, Bravecto, and Simparica Trio are great options ..read more

As the temperatures rise, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your dog safe. Here are some essential summer care tips to keep dogs comfortable, hydrated, and healthy. Cutting Your Dog’s Hair in the Summer During the hot summer months, it’s common to wonder if cutting your dog’s hair will help them stay cool. For fluffy breeds like Huskies, shaving them down can be beneficial. Their thick fur traps heat and moisture, making them uncomfortable in the heat. However, slick-coated breeds like Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas do not need shaving. Their short fur is sufficient for temperature re ..read more

Should I Brush My Dog’s Teeth?  In dogs, the most commonly diagnosed disease is dental disease. Just like humans, dogs need their teeth brushed daily. Brushing reduces the amount of bacteria in the mouth that can cause plaque and tartar buildup.  Plaque is a thin layer of bacteria that is invisible to the naked eye. When plaque builds up, it becomes organized into a biofilm that can harden into tartar. This tartar is whitish-to-brownish in color and easily seen, but it can be hard to remove with normal teeth brushing. To remove it, your vet may recommend a dental cleaning that involv ..read more

If you’ve ever been an expectant parent or welcomed a new baby into your family, you’re probably very familiar with the terms ultrasound and sonogram. These non-invasive procedures are just as vital to veterinary care as they are to human medicine. Let’s explore why the ultrasound and sonogram are critical instruments in our diagnostic toolkit for pets. An Overview of Ultrasound Technology An ultrasound is a non-invasive way to look inside the body of your pet by using sound waves without utilizing invasive treatment options. It works using sound waves to bounce off structures within the body ..read more

As our pets age, we may notice behavior that causes concern, such as chattering teeth, rubbing their face on the ground, and/or decreased appetite. These may be signs your pet needs to visit their vet.  Why do my dog’s teeth chatter? There are many reasons a dog’s teeth may chatter, so the first step to aid in a diagnosis is a dental examination. Reasons may include a viral disease called distemper, neuropathy, tartar buildup, or a foreign object stuck in the tooth such as a stick. Just as every dog is different, there are different reasons for this condition. What is distemper? Distemper ..read more

Having a new puppy is exciting and fun! Your new companion adds energy, reduces stress, and comes with a lot of added responsibility including, but not limited to, dental care.  Signs of a teething puppy? There are some common signs when puppies are teething, but it’s important to keep in mind each dog is different. So, they may show all, some, or none of the signs below.  Increased saliva An aversion to hard foods Small amounts of blood as they lose their deciduous (baby teeth) Crying or whining as their adult teeth come in  You can help ease their discomfort by offering soft ..read more