Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal disease in both cats and dogs. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of the affected pets. Heartworms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, damage to other organs in the body, and even death. It affects both dogs and cats, but also other mammals which can be carriers as well. 

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos and studies have shown that "indoor" pets are just as susceptible to infection as those who spend more time outdoors.  This is especially true in climates such as ours.  Once a pet is bitten by an infected mosquito, it will take 6 months for heartworm larvae to mature into adults that are detectable by current testing methods.  

Dogs are considered to be a natural host for heartworms.  Heartworms will progress to adults and can live up to 7 years in the heart and lungs, causing damage to these organs the entire time.  Cats are considered to be an atypical host, so heartworms do not usually develop to maturity.  Instead, the larvae can induce a severe immune response that can leave the lungs of infected cats just as damaged as those of an infected dog.

Dogs
Signs of heartworm disease may include:

• A mild persistent cough
• Reluctance to exercise
• Fatigue after moderate activity
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss 

Cats
Signs of heartworm disease in cats can be very subtle or very dramatic. Symptoms may include:

• coughing
• asthma-like attacks
• periodic vomiting
• lack of appetite
• or weight loss.

 Unfortunately, the first sign in many cases is collapse of the cat or sudden death. ​

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by their 3rd birthday.

Plaque, tartar and bacteria in the mouth may lead to periodontal disease which can spread through the bloodstream to the heart, liver and kidneys and shorten your pet's life.

Periodontal disease increases the risk for other, more serious health conditions. Because of this, daily home care in conjunction with annual veterinary dental exams and dental cleanings as needed are essential. In fact, studies indicate that daily home brushing and regular dental care may add as much as five years to your pet's life!

Your pet's overall wellness depends on good oral health. The following factors can contribute to dental disease in your dog or cat:

AGE
Dental disease becomes more common as your pet gets older. Without proper care, dental disease can pose a problem. If nothing is done to care for your pet's mouth, periodontal disease can progress and your pet may even lose teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your pet to avoid or have difficulty eating meals. This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat.

BREED
Some breeds have a predisposition to periodontal disease. This can occur for several reasons. Dog's with short faces like the Pug, Shih-tzu, Lhasa Apso, French Bulldog, and their mixes have teeth that are overcrowded making it more difficult to keep teeth and gums clean. Toy breed dogs have a tendency to develop periodontal disease at an earlier age. Many purebred cats are also predisposed to worse dental disease, especially Siamese, Abyssinians and Persians. 

Nutrition
Poor nutrition can contribute to the development and progression of periodontal disease. Feeding a premium, well balanced diet for your pet's life stage is paramount to maintaining your pet's overall health. 

Home Care
Routine dental home care can significantly slow the progression of periodontal disease. Dental home care is recommended at least 4-5 times weekly. While brushing is best, enzymatic oral rinses and chews can all be part of a proper dental home care routine.

Uh-oh - There's tartar on my pet's teeth!
If you notice your pet has bad breath, tartar build up or other oral concerns, call the office to schedule an appointment for one of our veterinarians to examine your pet.  They can determine if a dental cleaning is in your pet's best interest. During a dental cleaning, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia to allow for airway protection, complete oral examination, full mouth dental radiographs to evaluate the health of the teeth under the gum line and hand/ultrasonic scaling of the tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line. After a thorough dental cleaning, routine dental home care is recommended at least 4-5 times weekly.

If your dog or cat is due for a dental cleaning, make an appointment with one of our caring veterinarians and vet tech staff by calling us at 281-292-4700, or by clicking on the button below.

Heatstroke is a common danger for dogs and cats because they cannot cool down by sweating the way humans do. Dogs will continue to overexert themselves when playing and exercising. As responsible pet owners, it's our obligation to help keep them cool.

In heat and high humidity, play time can quickly turn to heatstroke. Heatstroke can occur in all pets but is seen most often in out of shape pets, pets that are unaccustomed to the heat and short-faced breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, or Pekingese.

Be mindful of hot surfaces such as patios, decks, sidewalks, etc, and potential for paw damage. When temperatures are high, avoid walking dogs on these hot surfaces. As a general rule, if you cannot tolerate the back of your hand on the surface for 5-10 seconds, then it's too hot for your pet to walk on.

Follow these tips to help prevent overexertion and heatstroke in pets:

• Play and exercise in early morning and late evening
• Avoid exposure to the midday heat
• Wet your pet's coat
• Offer cool (but not iced) drinking water
• Do NOT leave your pet in an unattended vehicle

Leaving or confining your dog or cat in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger their health or well-being could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal. Don't take that chance! 

Even though you are taking every precaution to keep your pet(s) cool, there are certain breeds that are simply more susceptible to overexertion and heatstroke. 

So keep your eyes peeled for the following signs of overheating:

• Body temperature above 104%
• Excessive panting
• Bright red tongue and gums
• Staggering
• Seizures
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting

If you notice these signs, or suspect heatstroke in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately! A dog or cat can suffer permanent damage or death in a very short time when left in a parked vehicle. NEVER leave animals in cars unattended, not just when conditions are hot. Even in cool conditions, car temperatures can be higher than expected. The heat-related death of a beloved pet is a tragic, completely preventable situation. There are no statistics on how many dogs die every year from heat exposure, because the majority of cases go unreported.

Give us a call to make an appointment for your pet and let our front desk staff know if it is an emergency situation.

​

When it comes to taking care of your pet's health, it's important to take them to their vet for their regular check ups, vaccines, parasite prevention and dental care; but don't forget to protect them at home as well. Although some substances that are poisonous to humans are also poisonous to pets, there are many items that we ingest or are surrounded by that can seriously harm your dog or cat. The best thing to be is an educated and aware pet parent! Learn to identify pet toxins in the home and protect your beloved four-legged family member from harm.

Many beautiful flowers and plants in our homes, yards and gardens are very dangerous for our pets.

If ingested, azaleas, oleander, sago palms and yew plants can be fatal to dogs and cats. Many types of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats.

Cocoa mulch in the garden contains theobromine, the same chemical in chocolate that is toxic to dogs and can be deadly when ingested even in small quantities.

Poinsettias, apple seeds, buttercups, English ivy and about 700 other plants are identified as having varying degrees of toxicity for pets. Fertilizers, weed killers, insecticides and other pest control poisons can also cause severe illness.

If your suspect that your pet has ingested any of these materials or other suspicious substances, and exhibits abnormal behavior or symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can also click here for a more comprehensive list of pet toxins courtesy of the ASPCA.

We have 3 locations in The Woodlands to serve you and take emergency visits. 

There are numerous benefits to walking your pet! Make sure to keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date, and make walking part of your daily routine this year. Here are just a few good reasons why you should start today.

Dogs need to release energy
If a dog doesn’t expend extra energy, behavioral issues, such as chewing or separation anxiety, can develop. A tired dog is easier to train than a dog full of energy.  Plus during the walks, you can reinforce training such as heeling, sitting, etc. If your pet is a puller, gentle leaders and harnesses can help.

Help prevent roaming
During the course of a walk, your dog will be exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. Getting out of the house is a way to fulfill a dog’s need to roam and improve his/her sense of direction.

Do It Regularly
Regular walks can improve and lengthen your pet’s life. Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to help improve their heart function, and muscle tone. 

Keep Your Dog Healthy
​Over half of all dogs suffer with complications due to obesity. Exercise helps prevent and manage chronic diseases by keeping your pet at a healthy weight.  Dogs with arthritis and diabetes can benefit greatly from walking. 

As you, your family and pet enjoy walking out doors this season, follow the number one safety tip: Keep your pet leashed while on walks or exercising in public.

No matter how well-behaved and trained your pet is, outside distractions can be dangerous, even deadly. A leash helps prevent your pet from getting lost, fighting with other pets, chasing wild animals or running into traffic. Keeping your pet leashed can also prevent them from eating or drinking something that could make them sick.

During warmer weather and heightened outdoor activity, your pet may be tempted to drink from puddles, which could contain toxic chemicals such as car radiator coolant. Antifreeze smells and tastes sweet to your pet but if ingested can be bitterly fatal in even small quantities.
​
Play it safe with your pets this season and keep them on a leash when walking or exercising.
​
Please keep in mind that puppies should be NOT be walked in areas with other dog traffic until they are fully vaccinated to avoid exposure to disease. They should also avoid trails in The Woodlands until fully vaccinated due to concerns about leptospirosis. 

Our animal hospital works with pet parents to make sure that their pet is happy and healthy. If you need to get your pet's vaccines up-to-date, or if you have any concerns about your pet's weight or overall health, make an appointment with one of our caring and highly trained vets! 

To make an appointment for your dog or cat click here.

Pets are prone to environmental and food allergies just like humans. In fact, allergies and their affects are one of the most commonly treated issues in our office. Dogs and cats may show symptoms of allergies in various ways depending on the cause.

Some of the signs of allergies include:

• Paw licking, scratching, chewing, head shaking
• Skin and ear infections
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Skin and haircoat changes

​
These behaviors indicate your pet may have allergies. Allergies from mold spores, pollen, ingredients in food/treats, and/or flea bites can be a lifelong burden for your pet and cause severe dermatitis, skin inefections, unwanted behaviors, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. With allergy season starting earlier and lasting longer, it can also bring more intense reactions. And indoor allergens can crop up any time of year!

Treatment Options For Your Pet Can Bring Them Relief

​Your veterinarian can help by identifying and managing the cause(s) of your pet's symptoms, which may include treatment of external parasites, treatment of skin/ear infections, food trials, and/or medications to help manage the itch sensation caused by environmental allergies. 

Allergies can be seasonal and/or chronic. It's important for you and your veterinarian to work together to identify the triggers and develop a plan to manage your pet's allergies before the symptoms worsen into skin/ear infections and miserable pets. Most of the time, management of allergies requires a multi-step approach and constant communication between pet owner and veterinarian.

Serious Allergic Reactions in Pets

Occasionally, pets can have acute allergic reactions to things like bee stings, snake bites, vaccinations, and/or things in the environment. If treated early, allergic reactions typically resolve quickly but, if left untreated, some severe allergic reactions can progress to anaphylactic shock, collapse and sometimes death. Severe allergic reactions can include:

• Acute vomiting
• Swollen eyes and face
• Hives on the body
• Weakness

If you suspect your pet is having an acute reaction, it is recommended that you proceed to your veterinarian immediately, calling ahead to advise of symptoms if possible.

Do you think your pet may have allergies? Click here to make an appointment.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by their 3rd birthday.

Plaque, tartar and bacteria in the mouth may lead to periodontal disease which can spread through the bloodstream to the heart, liver and kidneys and shorten your pet's life.

Since gum disease increases the risk for other, more serious health conditions, daily home care in conjunction with annual veterinary dental exams and cleanings are essential. In fact, studies indicate that daily home brushing and regular dental care may add as much as five years to your pet's life!

Your pet's overall wellness depends on good oral health. The following factors can contribute to dental disease in your dog or cat:

AGE
Dental disease becomes more common as your pet gets older. Without proper care, dental disease can pose a problem. If nothing is done to care for your pet's mouth, periodontal disease can progress and your pet may even lose teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your pet to avoid or have difficulty eating meals. This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat.

BREED
Some breeds have a predisposition to periodontal disease. This can occur for several reasons. Dog's with short faces like the Pug, Shih-tzu, lhasa Apso, French Bulldog, and their mixes have teeth that are overcrowded making it more difficult to keep teeth and gums clean. Many purebred cats are also predisposed to worse dental disease, especially Siamese, Abyssinians, and Persians. Daily home care is essential and special attention from as early an age as possible is necessary to maintain good dental health. 

FOOD
Wet or sticky food can lead to a more rapid buildup of plaque. It's important to remember that the right diet is only one part of maintaining good dental health. Regular dental evaluations and cleanings performed by a veterinarian will always be necessary. After all, we brush our teeth twice a day and still see our dentists twice a year … or at least we should.

Uh-oh - There's tartar on my fur baby's teeth!
If you notice that your pet has tartar build up on their teeth, or if you suspect that your pet has more serious issues with gingivitis, schedule a dental cleaning and consult your veterinarian.

Are you in The Woodlands? We offer state of the art dental cleanings that include full mouth dental radiographs, and our care is second to none!

Make a dental cleaning appointment for your pet today!

January Is National Walk Your Dog Month. If one of your resolutions is to become more active, walking with your dog is a great way to get moving. 

Walking is not just a way for you and your pet to stay healthy, but also has numerous other benefits.​ Keep your pet's vaccinations up to date then, come rain or shine, make walking part of your daily routine. Here are a few good reasons why you should start today:

Dogs need to release energy
If a dog doesn’t expend extra energy, behavioral issues, such as chewing or separation anxiety, can develop. A tired dog is easier to train than a dog full of energy.  Plus during the walks, you can reinforce training such as heeling, sitting, etc. If your pet is a puller, gentle leaders and harnesses can help.

Help prevent roaming
During the course of a walk, your dog will be exposed to a variety of smells, sights, and sounds. Getting out of the house is a way to fulfill a dog’s need to roam and improve his/her sense of direction.

Do It Regularly
Regular walks can improve and lengthen your pet’s life. Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to help improve their heart function, and muscle tone. 

Keep Your Dog Healthy
​Over half of all dogs suffer with complications due to obesity. Exercise helps prevent and manage chronic diseases by keeping your pet at a healthy weight.  Dogs with arthritis and diabetes can benefit greatly from walking. 

Please keep in mind that puppies should be NOT be walked in areas with other dog traffic until they are fully vaccinated to avoid exposure to disease. They should also avoid trails in The Woodlands until fully vaccinated due to concerns about leptospirosis. 

If you need to get your pet's vaccines up-to-date or if you have any concerns about your pet's weight or overall health, make an appointment with one of our caring veterinarians by clicking on the button below. We hope you all have a happy and healthy 2016!

There has been an increase in discussion, media coverage, and worry regarding Canine Influenza (CIV) here in Texas. Considering that Texas ranks as one of the top 10 states with the most number of dog owners, we can understand why. We hope that knowing the facts and understanding how to protect your pet will put your mind at ease, so here are a few facts to consider regarding CIV in Texas:   

FACT #1
To date there has been one documented case of the H3N2 strain of CIV documented in Texas in a dog that had recently traveled from Chicago where the initial outbreak occurred. 

FACT #2
Although there isn't currently a vaccine for the H3N2 strain of canine influenza, one is reported to be in development. Keep in mind that existing CIV vaccines actually provide protection against the H3N8 strain of canine influenza. Vaccinated dogs are shown to develop less severe symptoms and are less likely to spread the disease. What is unknown, though, is if these vaccines provide any cross protection against H3N2.

FACT #3
Canine influenza is spread through exposure to respiratory secretions and can last in the environment for 2 days. So dogs that are at highest risk for CIV are those that spend time in areas with large populations of dogs such as groomers, dog parks, and boarding facilities.

FACT #4
Reducing exposure to the virus is the best way to prevent the canine influenza illness. This includes avoiding exposure to other dogs showing respiratory signs, but it should be noted that infected dogs can be contagious to others several days before showing signs themselves.

Initially, there was a shortage of current CIV vaccinations, but increased production is beginning to meet recent demands. It is recommended that ALL dogs that come into contact with other dogs be vaccinated for Canine Influenza. Contact your veterinarian to update your pet's CIV vaccination.   

While the current risk for H3N2 in our area is low, should your pet be experiencing any respiratory symptoms, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We are always here to address any and all of your pet’s needs!