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Pet Allergies 101: Understanding and Treating Allergies In Pets

If you’ve ever noticed your furry friend scratching excessively, sneezing, or experiencing skin irritations, chances are they might be suffering from allergies. As responsible and caring pet owners, it’s crucial to understand and address your beloved companion’s health concerns. In this blog, we will delve into the world of pet allergies, discussing common symptoms, potential causes, and available treatment options. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to provide the best care for your pet’s allergies.

Identifying Allergy Symptoms in Pets

Just like humans, pets can develop allergies too. However, unlike us, they can’t verbally express their discomfort. As pet owners, it’s essential to be observant and look for signs that may indicate an allergic reaction.
Common symptoms of pet allergies include:
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Understanding the Causes Of Allergies In Pets

To effectively manage your pet’s allergies, it’s important to identify potential triggers.
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Here are some common causes of pet allergies:

Treatment Options For Your Pets Allergies

When it comes to treating pet allergies, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Depending on the cause and severity of your pet’s allergies, the veterinarian may recommend the following treatment options:
Common symptoms of pet allergies include:
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Allergy Diagnosis & Treatment For Pets In Redondo Beach, CA

As a devoted pet owner, your furry companion’s health and well-being are of utmost importance. If you suspect your pet is suffering from allergies, don’t hesitate to seek professional care. At Pacific Animal Hospital, our team of experienced veterinarians is dedicated to providing comprehensive allergy diagnosis, treatment, and management plans tailored to your pet’s specific needs. We encourage you to give us a call or to schedule an appointment for your pet today!
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Heartworm Awareness Month: Tips For Preventing Heartworm Disease In Your Pup

As pet lovers, we all want to ensure our furry companions stay healthy and happy. However, there are some health risks that can be challenging to detect, and heartworm disease is one of them. That’s why it’s important to raise awareness about heartworm disease, especially during Heartworm Awareness Month.

What Is Heartworm Disease & Who Does It Affect?

According to the American Heartworm Society, the actual number of dogs infected with heartworm disease and those that die from it each year in the US is unknown. However, it is estimated that millions of dogs are at risk of contracting the disease, especially in areas with a high prevalence of mosquitoes, which are the primary carriers of the heartworm parasite.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by the Dirofilaria immitis parasite that lives in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected animals. It can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes and is prevalent in all 50 states of the US.
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Common Symptoms Of Heartworm In Dogs

The symptoms of heartworm disease can be subtle at first but can progress to become more severe over time. In its early stages, your pet may show no symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, you may notice your pet is more tired than usual, coughing, losing weight, and having difficulty breathing. As the disease worsens, your dog may develop a swollen belly, have difficulty exercising, and even worse begin to have seizures.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care right away. A veterinarian can perform a blood test to check for the presence of heartworms, and can recommend treatment options if your dog is diagnosed with the disease.

Tips For Prevention & Early Detection of Heartworm In Dogs

The best way to prevent the disease is to keep your dog on regular preventative medication. As a pet owner, you play a critical role in detecting heartworm disease early on. Regular checkups with your veterinarian are essential, as they can detect heartworm disease even before symptoms arise.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for a successful outcome. This can include monthly medication or injections, depending on your vet’s recommendation. Additionally, you should take steps to minimize your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes, such as keeping them indoors during peak mosquito hours and using mosquito repellents. Always keep an eye out for any changes in your pet’s behavior or health, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary care if you have any concerns.
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Disease Prevention & Treatment For Pets In Redondo Beach, California

At Pacific Animal Hospital in Redondo Beach, we are committed to providing the best possible care for your furry family members. Our team of experienced veterinarians and staff can help you develop a customized heartworm prevention plan that’s tailored to your pet’s specific needs. We also offer a variety of other preventive care services, including vaccinations and parasite control, to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to protect your pet from heartworm disease and other potential health risks. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our preventive care services. Together, we can keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come!
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Blood Testing for Pets: Ensuring Your Furry Friend's Health and Well-Being

As a pet owner, you want your furry friend to be healthy and happy. One way to ensure this is by taking them for regular veterinary check-ups, which may include blood testing. In this blog, we will discuss what blood testing is, why your pet could benefit from it, and what to expect during an appointment for blood testing at Pacific Animal Hospital in Redondo Beach, CA.

What is Blood Testing?

Blood testing is a diagnostic tool that involves analyzing a sample of your pet’s blood to check for abnormalities or signs of illness. The blood test measures various components in the blood, including red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The results of the blood test can provide insight into your pet’s overall health, as well as diagnose potential health problems.

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Why Your Pet Could Benefit from Blood Testing?

Blood testing can help detect a wide range of health issues that may not be visible on a physical exam. This can include:
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Early Detection of Illness:

Blood testing can detect early signs of diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. Early detection of these illnesses can lead to better outcomes and treatment options.

Monitoring Chronic Conditions:

For pets with chronic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disease, blood testing can help monitor their condition and ensure that their treatment plan is effective.

Pre-Anesthetic Screening:

Before undergoing surgery, your pet will undergo a pre-anesthetic blood test to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.

What to Expect at an Appointment for Blood Testing at Pacific Animal Hospital in Redondo Beach, CA

If your pet needs blood testing, you can expect the following at Pacific Animal Hospital:

Physical Exam:

Before the blood test, a veterinarian will perform a physical exam to assess your pet’s overall health.

Blood Draw:

The veterinarian will then draw a small sample of your pet’s blood, typically from a vein in their leg or neck. This process only takes a few minutes and is relatively painless.

Laboratory Testing:

The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Depending on the specific tests ordered, results may be available the same day or within a few days.

Follow-Up:

Once the results are in, your veterinarian will discuss them with you and provide any necessary treatment or recommendations.
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Comprehensive Pet Care In Redondo Beach, California

Blood testing is an essential tool that can help ensure your pet’s overall health and well-being. At Pacific Animal Hospital in Redondo Beach, CA, our veterinarians are dedicated to providing the highest quality veterinary care to your pets. If you have any questions or concerns about blood testing or your pet’s health, please don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment for a wellness exam today!.

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Pet Dental Month: How To Prevent Dental Disease In Pets

February is recognized as Pet Dental Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene for our furry friends. Just like humans, pets need regular dental care to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and prevent a variety of dental problems that can impact their overall health.

Signs Your Pet Could Be Having Dental Problems

Dental problems are common in pets, with up to 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three developing some form of dental disease. These problems can include bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. If left untreated, dental disease can also lead to more serious health issues such as infections and organ damage.
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How To Prevent Dental Problems In Pets

To prevent dental problems in pets, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, dental chews and toys, and annual dental check-ups with a veterinarian.
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Regular Brushing

Brushing your pet’s teeth is one of the most effective ways to maintain their oral health. However, it can be a challenging task, especially if your pet is not used to it. It’s recommended to start slowly and gradually build up the time and frequency of brushing. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed for pets can also help to make the process more manageable.

Dental Chews

Dental chews and toys are another great way to keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. These products work by scraping away plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthy chewing habits and keeping your pet’s breath fresh. However, it’s essential to choose products that are appropriate for your pet’s size and chewing habits, as some products may pose a choking hazard.

Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian are also important to detect and prevent dental problems in pets. During these check-ups, the veterinarian will examine your pet’s teeth and gums, and perform a thorough cleaning to remove any buildup of tartar and plaque.

Caring For Your Pets Oral Health With Help From Pacific Animal Hospital

Pet Dental Month is an important reminder for pet owners to prioritize their pet’s oral health, and if you want to give your furry friend the best dental care possible, consider bringing them into Pacific Animal Hospital for a dental cleaning and exam. Our experienced veterinarians can examine your pet’s teeth and gums, clean away any buildup of tartar and plaque, and provide personalized recommendations for maintaining your pet’s oral health. By prioritizing your pet’s dental health, you can help to prevent dental problems and ensure that your pet lives a happy, healthy life. Contact Pacific Animal Hospital to schedule your pet’s dental appointment today!

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A New Joy in Life: Adopting a Shelter Pet

As millions of animals each year are tragically euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters and the lack of adopters, December 5th marks a momentous day for animal lovers everywhere: Shelter Pets Day. It is our mission to bring awareness to this issue and urge people towards adopting their next pet.
If you’ve been considering taking home a furry companion, there’s no doubt that adopting from a shelter is a wonderful option. Not only are you providing an animal in need with the love and attention they deserve, but there are plenty of other reasons to select adoption as your route! Here are a few of the benefits:

Lower Cost Of New Pet

Pets adopted from shelters and rescue groups typically cost less than those purchased from breeders or even acquired for free. When adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group, you can typically expect to pay less than you would if purchasing from a breeder or acquiring the pet for free. The reason for this is that shelters and rescue groups typically have lower overhead costs, meaning they can pass on the savings to adopters. Additionally, many shelters and rescue groups offer low-cost or even free spay/neuter services, which can further reduce the overall cost of adopting a pet.
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Guaranteed Healthy Pet

The adoption fee usually covers vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, deworming and other “extras” that ensure your new pet is healthy and has received some basic training. When adopting a pet, it’s important to know what the adoption fee covers. Most adoption fees cover vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, deworming and other “extras” that ensure your new pet is healthy and has received some basic training. This is important because it helps to ensure that your new pet is less likely to get sick and that they will be well-behaved.

Save A Pet’s Life

When you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group, you are giving that animal a second chance at a happy, loving home. Animals in shelters and rescue groups have often been abandoned or abused, and they deserve to be in loving homes where they will be treated with respect and compassion. Also, by adopting a pet, you are not only saving that particular animal’s life, but you are also making room for another homeless animal to be rescued and adopted.
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Personal Enrichment

Adopting a pet is a rewarding experience that can enrich your life in countless ways. There are countless reasons to adopt a pet, but one of the most rewarding is the enrichment they can bring to your life. Pets provide us with companionship, unconditional love, and a sense of purpose. They can also help us to relax, reduce stress, and boost our moods. In fact, studies have shown that interacting with pets can increase levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, as well as add some joy to your life, consider adopting a pet. Just be sure to do your research first so you can find the perfect furry friend for you.

Veterinary Care For Your New Pet At Pacific Animal Hospital, Redondo!

When you adopt a pet, it’s important to have an experienced veterinary team that can provide the best possible care. At Pacific Animal Hospital in Redondo, we understand just how much your pet means to you and are here to help ensure that they receive the highest quality of medical attention. We offer a wide range of services from wellness exams, spays & neuters, vaccinations, microchipping, diagnostics and more. Schedule an appointment with us today to ensure your pet gets the best start in life!
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What You Should Know: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day is November 7th. At Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach, we like to use the opportunity to help raise awareness with dog owners about this deadly disease and the veterinary medicine advancements that have been made in treating it.

What Is Canine Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects both dogs and humans. There are 30 different kinds of lymphoma that can affect dogs, originating in their lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). These different varieties of lymphoma can cause four different types of canine lymphoma in dogs including:
There is no one cause of canine lymphoma. Typically, it arises as a result of both genetic and environmental factors.
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Signs and Symptoms of Canine Lymphoma

The symptoms of canine lymphoma can vary significantly depending on the type of lymphoma and the organ or part of the body that is affected. Some signs and symptoms can include:
If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, appearance, appetite, energy, or attitude, we encourage you to schedule a checkup right away.

The Importance of Early Detection: Cancer Screening for Dogs

About 50% of dogs over age 10 develop cancer, and it’s even more common in certain breeds that have a predisposition. There used to be no course of treatment for dogs with cancer, other than to help alleviate symptoms with palliative medicine to improve quality of life. Today, however, there are treatments for several types of cancer in dogs. Early detection, however, is key to successful treatment.
In the past, most cancer was diagnosed in dogs after symptoms appeared. At this time, however, the disease is typically fairly advanced, and this makes treatment more challenging.
A new type of genomic test is available that helps to screen pets for cancer by detecting changes and markers in a pet’s DNA that might indicate the presence of cancer. These tests can indicate that a pet needs further testing for cancer – before the disease even begins to cause symptoms. With routine screening and early diagnosis, we can begin treatment incredibly early which gives pets a much better chance at overcoming cancer before it seriously affects their health and well-being.
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Canine Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Redondo Beach

If you have a senior dog (6 years or older), we strongly encourage you to talk with your veterinarian at Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach about canine lymphoma, other types of cancer in dogs, and the possibility of screening your pet. To learn more or schedule a checkup for your dog, we welcome you to contact our office.
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Join Us in Celebrating Pet Obesity Awareness Day by Learning How Weight Affects Your Pet's Health

This year, October 12th is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. It’s a special day that’s set aside each year to recognize the seriousness of obesity in pets while helping to educate pet owners about how they can help their pets maintain a healthy weight to live long and happy lives.

How Weight Affects Your Pet's Health

Overweight and obese pets face a variety of increased health risks including:
As a result of the secondary health problems associated with overweight and obese pets, these animals typically do not live as long as pets that are kept at a healthy weight.
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How to Tell If Your Pet Is Overweight

Pets are generally smaller than people, and this means it takes fewer extra pounds for them to become overweight. As a result, just a little too much daily food, too little exercise, or too many treats can quickly take a healthy pet into overweight and obese territory.
The best way to recognize when a pet is overweight is during a veterinary appointment. We can weigh your pet and provide you with a ballpark healthy weight for your pet to achieve based on their age, size, and breed.
You can also recognize an overweight pet by the shape of its physique. If a pet is at a healthy weight, its body should become more narrow in front of its hind legs; dogs and cats should not be sausage-shaped.

How to Manage Your Pet's Weight

Like managing weight in people, managing a pet’s weight typically requires a two-pronged approach that combines a better diet with increased exercise.
Our veterinarian can recommend a higher quality pet food, a weight-control pet food, or a prescription diet that can help your pet to reach a healthy weight. We can also talk with you about the best and safest way to start exercising more with your pet. It’s important to start slowly and not do too much too quickly to avoid injuring your pet.
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Nutritional Counseling and Prescription Pet Food in Redondo Beach

At Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach, we’re experienced in helping pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight. We can work with you using prescription pet foods, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle advice to help your pet shed some weight and stay healthy. To learn more or schedule a nutritional counseling appointment, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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We're Celebrating National Service Dog Month

For many, service dogs mean the difference between safety and danger or life and death. September is National Service Dog Month, and we’re using the opportunity to celebrate service dogs while educating our clients about service dogs, their importance, and proper service dog etiquette.

What Is a Service Dog?

According to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are dogs that have received special training to perform tasks to help individuals with disabilities. For example, a service dog might be trained to monitor, support, and alert seizures on behalf of a person with epilepsy or a service dog might be trained to safely lead a visually impaired person down the street or through an airport.

Can Any Dog Become a Service Dog?

Not just any dog can become a service dog. For starters, only a select few puppies enter training to become service dogs each year, and only a few of those puppies grow up to successfully complete their training and become service dogs. These puppies are specifically selected for temperament and aptitude. They then enter a rigorous training program that typically lasts for years and involves several steps and tests.

Understanding Service Dog Etiquette and Why It's So Important to Follow

Service dogs are not pets; they are working dogs. Service dogs have very important jobs to do. In fact, a person’s safety or life might depend on the service dog’s ability to stay focused and perform its job well.
For this reason, it is never appropriate or okay to pet, give treats to, interact with, or otherwise distract a service dog from the job they are doing. It’s also important to know that service dogs are legally allowed to go anywhere that their owner has permission to go. This includes restaurants, grocery stores, movies, and the hospital.
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Specialized Veterinary Care for Service Dogs in Redondo Beach

Service dogs are essential to their owners, and so ensuring that they have good veterinary care is a very important step to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of a service dog. At Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach, California, we take special care to provide highly personalized veterinary treatments to each of our patients, including service dogs. This helps ensure that each animal receives the care they specifically need when they need it most.
To learn more about service dogs or the comprehensive services available at Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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Why Is My Dog Scratching Itself?

Pruritus is the clinical way to refer to itching or itchy skin. When a dog is itching, scratching, licking, or biting at itself excessively, this itchiness can be an indication of an underlying issue.

5 Reasons Why Your Dog Might Be Scratching

1. Fleas

Many dogs are allergic to flea saliva. In these dogs, the bites of fleas and subsequent exposure to their saliva results in a skin condition called flea allergy dermatitis which is marked by excessive itchiness (in addition to a rash). Parasite preventatives are the best way to protect your dog from fleas. If they have already been exposed to these parasites, however, a medicated bath can do the trick.

2. Ticks

If your dog has one or more ticks on them, this can result in itching and allergic reactions – not to mention exposure to a variety of serious contagious diseases. We strongly encourage our clients to keep their pets on a solid routine of tick and flea preventatives.

3. Mange

The mite known as sarcoptic mange is a type of skin parasite that burrows into the layers of a pet’s skin. As they bite their way through the skin, they cause lots of inflammation and discomfort which can result in excessive scratching.
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4. Environmental Allergies

Many pets have environmental allergies. Like in humans, these allergies can cause respiratory issues in pets. However, they more commonly result in skin issues, such as excessive itchiness. Pets might be allergic to allergens that are only around seasonally such as pollen and mold. They can also be allergic to things that are around all year like dust mites, perfumes, smoke, and household chemicals.

5. Food Allergies

In addition to environmental allergies, some pets also experience food allergies. Typically, pets with food allergies are allergic to a specific type of protein that might be present in their diets. Food allergies can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, but they also result in dermatological issues like itchiness, rashes, hot spots, and hair loss.

Relief for Your Itchy Pet at Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach

No matter the cause of your pet’s excessive itchiness, our veterinarians at Pacific Pet Hospital of Redondo Beach can help you get to the bottom of their symptoms and provide your pet with treatments designed to relieve their itching while addressing the underlying cause. To learn more about excessive itching in pets or to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Pet Owners

Dogs have been awarded the honor of being man’s best friend for many reasons, and if you’re thinking about becoming a first-time dog owner, then you’re in about to begin one of the best relationships of your life.
Dog ownership isn’t quite as simple and straightforward as it seems. With it, comes many responsibilities, and every dog has different genetics that lend it a unique personality and its own set of needs. Some dogs present different challenges to their owners than others. For example, some breeds tend to be stubborn, certain breeds are more active than others, and purebred dogs often have genetic predispositions to medical issues that will require special attention and care.
If you’re a prospective pet owner, considering adopting a dog, consider the following breeds for your first-time pet.

5 Great Dog Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners

1. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds for families. They tend to be wonderful and gentle with children. They’re also loyal, affectionate, playful, and energetic.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs have a puppy-like appearance that stays with them for life. They’re adaptable and do well with children of all ages.

3. Boxer

These dogs are instinctive protectors, and they forge strong bonds with children that will run and play alongside them.

4. Labrador Retriever

Labs are loyal and affectionate, active and playful, intelligent, and adaptable to many different situations. They also do well with children.

5. Mixed Breed Dogs

If you aren’t sure which breed is right for you, you might consider adopting a mixed breed dog from your shelter. The shelter employees can usually give you a general idea of the dog’s primary breed in addition to their temperament and information on how well they fare with other dogs, cats, children, and new people. Plus, mixed-breed dogs tend to have fewer health issues than purebreds.
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New Pet Appointments at Pacific Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach

As a first-time dog owner, you’re about to step into a rewarding world of loyal companionship and fun. You’re also accepting a big responsibility in the care of your new pet. One major part of being a responsible pet owner is establishing care right away with a veterinary office to ensure your pet has all the wellness and preventative veterinary treatments necessary to lead a healthy and happy life. Additionally, our veterinarians can help you ensure your pet has the proper nutrition, training, socialization, supplies, and activities to set them up for the best possible life with you.
To schedule your pet’s first appointment, we welcome you to contact our animal hospital in Redondo Beach today.