A day that’s all about love, affection, devotion, and soul mates is shockingly similar to every other day when you live with a pet, right? We might own our pets, but they own our hearts in a way that seems to surpass many human relationships. They offer unconditional love without complaint, and provide endless snuggles, kisses, and companionship. It’s time to ring in Valentine’s Day with your pet with even more love than you already give.

It is a pretty scary feeling when one moment you are letting your dog outside to go potty and the next minute they can’t walk normally. What happened? Did something attack your pet? Did they somehow break their leg? Is it an emergency?

While many things can affect a dog’s ability to use its legs, one of the first diagnoses  that needs to be ruled out is intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD. When IVDD affects a pet, it is important for it to be treated as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome. It can cause some pretty intense back pain, decreased function, and even potential paralysis. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about disc problems in dogs.

There are many predatory species in Florida, and even small amphibians, insects, and plants can pose significant threats to a pet’s welfare. To fully assess the myriad risks associated with our flora and fauna, it’s important to remember that some of the stealthiest hunters are not on the ground, growing in the garden, or lurking in the water. Birds of prey are critical members of our ecosystem, but they can quickly and quietly undermine pet safety.

Summer has arrived, and it’s time for sun, sand, and outdoor fun with your pets! While many opportunities for outdoor activities lend themselves to our canine companions, you might have a splendidly social kitty who would enjoy some of these adventures as well.

At Caring Paws Animal Hospital, we fully embrace the belief that our pets are family, and it’s important that we spend as much quality time together as possible. Check out these suggestions for outdoor fun from our compassionate team.

When meteorologists talk about what the weather “feels like” in Florida, they’re combining the temperature with relative humidity. A typical summer day here measures in at, say, 85 degrees. But with a relative humidity of approximately 75%, you should use extreme caution to prevent heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion in pets is a real threat to health and wellness, but certain summer strategies can help prevent serious problems.