If your pet is itching, scratching, and licking their skin, you may wonder if allergies are the cause. Allergies can affect cats and dogs, but their reactions appear differently than those of people. People’s allergies often manifest as upper respiratory issues, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and watering eyes. On the other hand, pets’ allergies typically cause skin conditions, including itchiness and inflammation. To help you better understand pet allergies, our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team explains allergy types, signs, and treatments.  Pet allergy types Allergens a ..read more

Is your dog yapping at everything? Are your neighbors complaining about the ruckus? A common complaint among many dog owners is barking. Yes, dogs bark. The behavior is instinctive. However, when barking becomes incessant or excessive, the vocalization can frustrate owners and annoy neighbors. Our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team explains why some dogs bark excessively and how to curb this behavior.  Barking is an instinct in dogs Barking, digging, hunting, and sniffing are all canine behaviors that make your dog who they are. Barking serves multiple purposes, most notably communica ..read more

Your pet’s behavior can sometimes be a mystery. One moment, they’re friendly and well-behaved, then suddenly aloof or chewing the rug. Excessive barking, aggression, or disinterest in exercise are all problem signs in your pet. Understanding your pet’s behavior requires our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s knowledge, insight, and guidance. However, expressing concerns about your furry friend can sometimes be challenging. We provide tips for discussing problem behaviors with our team so we can address these issues together.  Preparation: Observing your pet’s behavior Before your pe ..read more

Cats are fascinating creatures known for their grace, independence, and sometimes mysterious behaviors that puzzle their owners. One such behavior is drooling. While it’s not uncommon for dogs to drool, seeing a cat drooling is surprising. Understanding why cats drool can help pet owners address any underlying issues and ensure their feline friend is healthy and happy. Common causes of drooling in cats Cats commonly do not drool unless they have a serious underlying problem that likely requires veterinary care. Here are some of the most common reasons behind your cat’s drooling. Dental problem ..read more

You do your best to make your home comfortable and safe for you and your four-legged companion, but many household items are scattered about that threaten your pet. Many people do not realize the hidden dangers that certain items hold for their cats and dogs, so our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team is here to highlight the unexpected hazards of some household items. Ensure your furry pal does not have access to the following items. Xylitol and pets Xylitol can help prevent dental cavities in people and is also a common sugar substitute in many sweet treats, including sugar-free gum, cand ..read more

When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s crucial that you remember that what works for people is not necessarily safe for your four-legged friend. One common mistake of many pet owners is administering human medications to their pets without first consulting a veterinarian.  To highlight the importance of medicating your pet only under veterinary guidance, our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team explains the dangers of giving pets human medication and lists common hazardous medications. Risks of using human medications for pets Pets, whether they are dogs, cats, or other animals, have ..read more

Because you want your furry friend to be happy and healthy, you do your best to ensure you meet all their needs. However, pets can’t verbally communicate when something is wrong, and their owner is responsible for recognizing pain and illness signs. Knowing what to look out for can be crucial in catching potential health problems early, allowing for an easier treatment and better prognosis. Read our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s guide to common pet health issues and learn about 11 warning signs that you should never ignore. #1: Your pet shows a sudden appetite change If your pet sud ..read more

If the thought of heading to the veterinarian fills you with dread because you know your pet is going to become a nervous, anxious wreck, our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team has just the tips for you. We know veterinary visits can be stressful for pets and their owners, and our goal as Austin’s only Fear Free Certified Practice is to care for your pet’s emotional well-being just as much as for their physical health. By taking some proactive measures and a little preparation, you can transform these visits into positive experiences for everyone involved. To help make veterinary visits as ..read more

Although you may not think about your cat’s teeth unless your feisty kitty latches onto your hand while playing, oral health care is incredibly important for your feline friend’s overall health and well-being. With up to 90% of all pets experiencing some level of dental disease by age 3, there’s a good chance your cat is silently suffering from a periodontal problem.  In addition to stomatitis and periodontal disease, one of the other most common dental issues that affects cats is resorptive disease. Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) go by many names, including: Neck lesion ..read more

When your pet’s breath is minty-fresh, you welcome their slobbery kisses but when your furry pal’s breath stinks, you shirk away from their smooches. While pets generally have a slight mouth odor, a foul smell is a sure underlying health issue sign. Because up to 90% of all pets suffer from dental disease at a young age, periodontal problems are likely causing your furry pal’s bad breath odor. Welcome your four-legged friend’s kisses again by brushing up on their dental health. Follow our Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital team’s dental care tips, ensuring good oral health from each tooth’s roo ..read more