Dog Bite Prevention Week always takes place during the second week of April. This is a pretty serious issue. Every year, roughly 4.5 people are bitten by dogs. While fortunately many of those bites do not cause serious injury, many do require medical treatment, and a small number result in severe injuries. A local veterinarian goes over some information about dog bites in this article. What Are The Statistics On Dog Bites? The figures on this one are pretty concerning. According to data from the AMVA, there are between 84 and 89 million pet dogs in the U.S., and about 8 million in Canada. Or ..read more

National Chinchilla Day is coming up on March 23rd! These adorable little balls of fur can be great pets, but they do need proper TLC to thrive. A local Treasure Coast, FL veterinarian discusses some basics of chinchilla care in this article. Where Is The Chinchilla From? Chinchillas are native to South America, and were originally from the cold, dry Andes. While they were once quite common, they have long been hunted for their soft fur. Unfortunately, wild chinchillas are pretty rare these days. What Should I Consider Before Adopting A Chinchilla? Chinchillas aren’t the most high-maintenance ..read more

Man’s Best Friend has been by our side for more than 30,000 years. That’s a pretty enduring friendship: in fact, it’s likely the oldest human-animal relationship on the planet! While we have learned a lot about dogs in that time, we still don’t know everything about Fido. In fact, we’re still learning new things about our furry pals every day. A Treasure Coast, FL veterinarian lists some interesting facts about dogs in this article. Dogs Can Tell Time … Sort of Have you ever noticed that Fido always seems to know when it’s time for a walk, a meal, or to go to bed? Studies show that our canine ..read more

Did you realize that more than two-thirds of households in America have pets? According to data from the American Pet Products Association, 70% of households have at least one pet. This percentage has been steadily increasing, rising from 56% in 1988. The combination of pets and children is not only heartwarming but also a timeless tradition. Seeing photos of our animal companions with their young human friends always brings a smile. Pets offer numerous benefits to children, enriching their lives in many ways, and they also play a vital role in completing the makeup of our homes and families ..read more

It’s Pet Theft Awareness Month in February. Although this topic isn’t the happiest we’ve discussed on this blog, it’s certainly an important one. Pet theft is a crime that has been on the rise in recent years. These heartbreaking crimes often leave pet owners devastated and searching for answers. Read on as a local Saint Lucie County, FL veterinarian gives some insight into this. How Many Pets Are Stolen Each Year? Something like two million dogs are stolen each year in the U.S. That’s a pretty heartbreaking—and staggering—statistic. Unfortunately, only about one in ten are returned to their h ..read more

January 17th is a day of tribute to our furry friends: it’s National Boxer Day! With their boundless affection and playful antics, Boxers have endeared themselves to countless families. Uncover the charm of this beloved breed with insights from a Saint Lucie County, FL veterinarian.   Delving into Boxer Basics: An Overview   Boxers embody a balance of athleticism and charm, evident in their playful engagements with toys. Typically standing at two feet in height at the shoulder, they enjoy a lifespan of 11 to 13 years and can weigh up to 70 pounds. Originally bred for hunting, Boxers ..read more

Happy New Year from all of us at Morningside Animal Hospital! This month is dedicated to Adopting Rescued Birds! These charming creatures can bring lots of joy and love into a household. Despite their small size, our feathered friends are full of charm and character, and can liven up any day with their cute antics and musical voices. However, bird ownership may not be the right fit for everyone. Our feathered friends have specific needs that may require a bit of a learning curve for first-time bird owners. In this article, a local Treasure Coast, FL veterinarian offers advice on adopting rescu ..read more

If you’re planning to travel in the next few weeks, you’re not alone. According to a study by IPX1031, about 62 percent of Americans will be traveling this month. About 38 percent are going to a nearby state and 12 percent are traveling internationally. The other 50 percent are split between going across the country and staying in their home state.Many pet owners also travel with their furry and feathered friends each year, with approximately 78% of American pet owners taking their pets on adventures. However, there are several factors to consider when traveling with pets. Here are some helpfu ..read more

The holiday season is a wonderful time filled with joy and cheer, but it’s important to remember that it can present some potential dangers for our beloved pets. While we decorate our homes and savor seasonal goodies, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about common holiday hazards that could harm our furry friends.   Read on as a local vet offers up some tips on how to keep your pets safe during the holiday season.   Toxic Holiday Plants   Many of us adorn our homes with festive plants during the holidays, but some of these can be harmful to pets. Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias ..read more

Technology has certainly come a long way in recent years, and our furry friends have not been left behind. One of the most ground-breaking and interesting pet products that’s recently come out is also one of the simplest: the talking paw buttons. These are programmable pads that you can train Fido and Fluffy to step on when they want to communicate certain words. A local vet offers some tips on teaching your pet to use them in this article. Train Vocally First You won’t have much luck getting Fido to ask you to walk him if he doesn’t understand the meaning of the word ‘Walk’ yet. Choose words ..read more