What Causes Head Tilt in Dogs and Cats? Vestibular Disease Explained

Dog Tilting Head.

Sometimes the first sign that something is off isn’t dramatic at all. It’s a subtle head tilt in your dog or cat, or some wobbly steps. Pets can’t tell us when the room feels like it’s spinning, but changes in posture and balance often speak volumes. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we regularly help pet parents understand what these signs mean and when they point to vestibular disease in pets.

In many cases, these symptoms point to vestibular disease in pets, a condition that affects balance and spatial orientation. While the signs can look dramatic, understanding what’s happening can help you move forward with confidence and calm.

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Seizures in Dogs and Cats: What to Do and Why Timing Matters

Dog seizure.

Seeing your pet have a seizure can be terrifying. One moment everything seems normal, and the next your dog or cat is disoriented, twitching, or completely unresponsive. While seizures are more common than many pet owners realize, they’re still an emergency that deserves attention. 

At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we believe understanding what’s happening and knowing when timing truly matters can make all the difference for your pet’s health and long-term comfort.

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Do Pet Dental Chews Really Work?

Do Pet Dental Chews Work?

There is much ado about dental treats and chews that promise to give your pet a healthier smile and good breath. The lure to rely heavily on these treats can be tempting for pet owners who dislike the doggie halitosis and want to avoid brushing their pet’s teeth (ah, the struggle). The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to separate fact from fiction when it comes to pet dental chews, as well as recommend some ways to keep your dog’s pearly whites in great condition.

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How Clean Is Your Pet’s Bed?

"How Clean Is Your Pet's Bed?
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With all the other to-dos in your life—like keeping your home clean, feeding the family, or working every day—cleaning a dirty dog bed can seem like a low priority. 

But the truth is that a dirty bed can harbor a whole lot more than a little bit of fur and some muddy paw prints. Over time, it can become a breeding ground for fleas, bacteria, and even allergens that affect both you and your pet. 

Regular washing is key to maintaining a healthy home environment and preventing zoonotic diseases—the ones that can spread between animals and humans. 

Here’s what the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center wants you to know about the importance of keeping the dog bed clean. 

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Decorating for the Holidays: Pet-Proofing Your Home

Decorating for the Holidays: Pet-Proofing Your Home

Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like the wreaths, sparking lights, and flickering candles that we use to decorate our homes. But when it comes to households with pets, there are important dog and cat safety factors to keep in mind. Here are some tips for decorating your home for a pet-safe, celebratory holiday season:

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How to Keep Your Home Clean and Fresh with Pets 

Pet parent vaccuuming floor.

If you love to have a clean, fresh home and you love being a pet parent, it can be hard to find the balance between those extremes. Pets aren’t known for their, um, cleanliness. Especially pets that haven’t been housetrained yet, or pets that have fur, or pets that have paws…you get the idea. 

With the right tools, your house can stay clean, even if it’s not exactly tidy. Who needs tidy, anyway? Here are four tips the East Sacramento Veterinary Center wants to share to help keep your house clean(ish). 

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Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween Pet Safety Tips.

From the hordes of costumed children ringing the doorbell all night and the bowl of chocolate bars left on the end table, to the scary animatronic witch on the front porch, Halloween can be a stressful and even dangerous time for pets.

Fortunately, Halloween pet safety is pretty simple. It boils down to common sense and a bit of planning and supervision. While you make your last minute preparations for the big day, keep our tips in mind to meet your goals for an uneventful holiday for your pets.

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What Is the Gut Microbiome In Dogs?

Dog with healthy meal.

Autumn leaves, tennis balls, belly rubs—and trillions of microbes? Your dog’s gut might not be the first thing on your mind when it comes to their health, but it plays a bigger role than most pet parents realize. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we’re all about helping your pup thrive from the inside out, and gut health is a big piece of the puzzle. So, what exactly is the gut microbiome in dogs, and why does it matter? Let’s take a closer look.

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Why You Should Use Pet Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Cat lying in the sun.

There’s nothing like a sunny day to get you and your pet outside for some fresh air and fun—but before you head out the door, make sure your pet is ready for the sunshine. Just like us, pets can suffer from sunburn and bug bites, and they need a little help staying protected. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we’re here to help you understand why sunscreen and bug spray are just as important for your pet as they are for you.

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Harmful BBQ Foods You Shouldn’t Feed to Your Pet

Harmful BBQ Foods You Shouldn’t Feed to Your Pet.

Summer barbecues are one of the best parts of the season. Juicy, grilled burgers. Ice-cold drinks. Bouts of laughter with family and friends. 

But if you’re a pet parent, it’s important to remember that many popular picnic and BBQ foods are dangerous for your furry companions. Along with the excitement of fireworks and rising summer temperatures that can lead to heatstroke, BBQ gatherings also have toxic foods that can cause serious health issues for pets.

Here’s what the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center wants you to know about pet safety during summer BBQs and cookouts.

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