Caring Hands Blog

2020 has been anything but normal!  Wondering why your veterinarian has been so busy this year? Pets may not need to mask up, but COVID-19 and its effects on human society has caused an unprecedented increase in activity at many veterinary practices.  Caring Hands ...

Thinking about a new dog? Check out the local animal shelter for your newaddition. On average, 70% of dogs at animal shelters are pure bred. If you decideto purchase a dog, make sure it’s accompanied by a valid Florida healthcertificate. When you decide on the perfect...

Have you got fleas? Here in Northern Florida, fleas are present year ‘round. Fleainfestations can be severe enough to kill your pet. You have to treat your houseand yard as well as all of your pets to get good control of the pesky critters. Askyour veterinarian for...

Pets don’t show signs of illness like people do, and are often quite sick beforeowners notice that something is wrong. Advance disease is always moreexpensive to treat than one this is found early. Take your pet to your pet to yourpets, like older people should have...

Tips for Pets in Cooler Weather Remember these tips to keep your pets safe in cooler weather: 1. Check Under the hood! Cats often sleep in the wheels of cars during the winter months to keep warm. If you start your car and a cat is sleeping on your tire, it can be...

Vaccines have probably saved the lives of more pets since they were developed than any other single veterinary advancement. We still see these deadly diseases in unvaccinated animals. Vaccines are meant to prevent disease, if your pet is already sick, it’s too late...

If your cat is indoors, you have a litterbox. Your cat views it as a port-a-let, andjust like us when we are camping, they don’t like a smelly latrine. Be sure to cleanthe litterbox daily and sanitize it weekly with hot soapy water. Clumping,unscented litter is...

Have you ever lost a pet? Did you know that 1 of 3 pets go missing sometime during their lives and that 90% of missing pets without identification will not make it back home? A microchip implanted by your veterinarian is a permanent way to identify your pet. If your...

Many of us see our pets as furry children, but just like children, they can haveexpensive illnesses and injuries. Do you have a plan for that unexpected illness orinjury? You might want to consider pet insurance for providing that safety net.There are several good...

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that “you are what you eat”, this is true for ourpets also. Overall, pet fed excellent quality diets have fewer health issues. Newdiscoveries are constantly being made by pet nutritionists. Your veterinarian is a good source for...

Unlike people, pets in pain rarely whine or groan. Instead, you may notice that the dog is slower to get up in the morning or the cat can’t jump on the furniture as easily. Sometimes they sleep more or their appetite changes. Often a painful pet finds it difficult to...

Although it varies by breed, most dogs are considered seniors by age 6 and catsby 10. Senior pets have special needs and need at least annual comprehensivephysical exams which should include diet and pain level assessment. Usually,annual bloodwork is recommended to...

I’m sure you have heard that most Americans are overweight. Did you know thatmost of our pets are overweight too? If you can’t find your pet’s ribs, or your catlooks like a meatloaf – he’s fat! Obese pets are at risk for health problems,especially diabetes and...

Dental disease is present in most dogs and cats by 3 years of age. If your pet hasbad breath, it probably has significant dental disease. These infections are painfuland have been shown to contribute to kidney and heart disease. A completedental can be done by a...

Heartworms infect both dogs and cats. These deadly parasites are carried bymosquitoes an approximately 97% for the mosquitoes in Northern Florida areinfected. Treatment for heartworm infection in dogs is costly. There is notreatment available for cats. Heartworm...

Are you thinking about getting a kitten? I think they are so much fun. Be sure that your new addition is healthy by taking it to your veterinarian for a comprehensive physical examination, a feline leukemia test, intestinal parasite test and appropriate vaccinations....

Intestinal worm tests or “fecals” are important for the health of your pet and your family. Intestinal parasites lead to weight loss, diarrhea, anemia and even death. If your family likes to go outside barefoot, you can sometimes pick them up too. Make sure your dogs...