How to Safely Introduce a New Pet to Your Home

Dog in Box

First impressions count. Bringing a new pet into your home requires a delicate balance to ensure everyone is safe and happy. If you have kids or other pets at home, how they first encounter a new pet will have a bearing on their future lives together. While mistakes are bound to occur, it’s important to everyone’s safety to gradually and positively create opportunities for easy, breezy introductions.

Continue…

Why is My Dog Not Eating?

woman holding dog.

Our pets thrive on a daily routine, and dogs in particular seem to know exactly when it’s mealtime. So when a dog is not eating, it’s understandable why this would be concerning. There are many reasons why a dog might turn his nose up at his food bowl, and not all of them indicate serious illness. Still, when a dog is not eating, it’s important to rule out medical conditions before they progress.

In this blog, our team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center outlines common causes of appetite loss in dogs to help pet lovers find solutions.

Continue…

Heartworm in Senior Pets: Special Considerations and Care

Vet with dog.

As our beloved pets age, their health needs change, requiring special attention and care. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we understand the unique challenges that come with aging pets, especially when it comes to serious health issues like heartworm. 

This blog post will explore heartworm in senior pets, covering prevention, treatment, and the importance of awareness and testing to keep your senior dogs and cats healthy.

Continue…

Hot Dog! 10 Ways to Ensure Your Canine Companion Stays Cool in Summer

pet playing outdoors.

During the dog days of summer, the heat, humidity, and intense rays can take a toll on our fur-covered friends, but fun in the sun with your canine companion is completely doable as long as you practice our team’s tips for keeping hot dogs cool and safe!

Continue…

Safe and Sound: Tips for Soothing Anxious Pets During Fireworks

dog cuddling with stuffed animal.

Research indicates that up to 50% of all dogs feel fear during firework displays. Associated behaviors may include pacing, restlessness, shaking, vocalizing, or hiding. What’s worse, with little-to-no supervision or support, stressed pets may try to flee as a way to find peace, comfort, or security. With no frame of reference for what’s happening, pets become triggered by the unpredictable, discordant sounds of the Fourth of July. With our tips, you can protect and soothe the pain of a worried pet. 

Continue…

Backyard Bliss: Transforming Your Outdoor Area into a Pet Haven

dog playing outside with ball in fenced yard.

With warmer weather and plenty of sunshine, summer is a great time to get outside and play with your pup. You don’t even have to leave your home to have a good time. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we want to make having fun with your pet easy no matter where you are. With our tips for creating a pet-friendly yard, you can step outside to enjoy nature with Fido anytime. 

Continue…

From Furry Friends to Social Butterflies: Nurturing Social Skills in Pets

dogs playing together with toy.

The ability to recognize and adjust to various possible encounters not only yields good vibes, but has the potential to protect pets and their people. Young pets are known to spread joy. But without the skills to fully understand what’s happening around them, puppies and kittens can grow up to be fearful, stressed, and anxious around others. Nurturing social skills is essential to their well-being and is a huge part of responsible pet ownership. 

Continue…

Common Cat Illnesses and Treatments

Wiping cats nose

Cats are incredibly resilient. This doesn’t mean, however, that they’re immune to various health conditions. Many common cat illnesses are missed because of non-existent symptoms or misinterpreted behaviors. Also, the symptoms of different cat health issues are effectively concealed as a method of self-preservation. We can help cat owners identify feline diseases before symptoms become unmanageable, as well as potential treatments for optimal wellness. 

Continue…

Top Signs Your Pet Is Sick (and What to Do)

Sick dog checking temperature

It is often a terrible, helpless feeling to have a sick pet. It is even worse if you don’t immediately realize anything is wrong. East Sacramento Veterinary Center knows how important it is for pet owners to know when something is not right—our ability to help depends on it! 

Continue…