True Confessions: My Pet Eats Bugs (and It’s Probably Okay)

Pet wellness.

Many pets have a tendency to track flying objects with the intent to chomp on and swallow them. It may seem odd, and it’s definitely a little gross, but it is a fairly normal behavior in the animal world. Dogs and cats seem to enjoy snatching up flying insects. If you’ve been cautiously observing this behavior, and wondering why your pet eats bugs, we’ve got the scoop.

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Is Your Dog’s Heartworm Testing Up to Date

Sacramento dog with heartworm.

With the coming of the spring and summer seasons comes an influx of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous vectors of disease and carry some of the most dangerous zoonosis, including heartworm disease. Because of this, it is critical to maintain your dog’s heartworm testing each year and keep them on a monthly preventive. 

East Sacramento Veterinary Center wants to give you an overview of heartworm disease in pets so you know why screening is an essential tool in detecting this serious parasitic disease. 

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The Advantages Of Pet Insurance In A Time Of Urgency

Woman with cat on her lap getting pet insurance

Pet insurance. What does it cover? Is it really important? Will it be a waste of money to get it for my pet? These are common questions pet owners have about insuring their furry friends, and your friends at East Sacramento Veterinary Center want to help you figure out if it is the right option for your pets.

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With These Healthy Pet Treats, Both of You Will Be Satisfied

Sacramento Healthy Pet Treats

Pet owners walk the line between wanting to provide the best care to their best buddies – and spoiling them rotten! Just like the choices we make to treat ourselves may not be healthy in the long run (like ice cream every day), the goodies we give our pets to make them happy or feel extra special can have similar consequences. To keep them at their fittest, we have some ideas for healthy pet treats that tick all the boxes.

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Recognizing Pet Diabetes and How to Care for Your Diabetic Pet

Sacramento CA dog with pet diabetes

November is National Pet Diabetes Month and the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center wants to give our pet owners pertinent education and awareness around this disease. Diabetes in both dogs and cats (although, rare in felines) is on the rise in the United States. Without the proper treatment and at home care, it can cause devastating effects in our four-legged friends. The good news is that we have a better understanding of the disease and options for treating it for a better life for pets diagnosed.

It is important to understand the early signs of diabetes, so that you can get your pet on the correct treatment right away. Let’s take a closer look at pet diabetes.

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Canine Corn Chips: Why Your Dog’s Paws Smell Weird

Sacramento CA dog with frito feet

If you have ever been close to your pet’s feet, you may have gotten a whiff of something unusual. Did the aroma remind you of something? Like a favorite corn chip snack? Yes, that’s right. Many dog owners ask us why their pets’ paws smell like Fritos or corn chips. There are some reasons for this case of Frito feet.

If you have wondered why your dog’s paws smell weird, you are in luck. The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to explain this strange l scent phenomenon. 

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Payment Options and Wellness Plans for Our Pet Patients

A dog and their human playing

There are times in everyone’s life when we are uncertain or have financial constraints. This reality, however, shouldn’t keep your pet from having the good health and happiness they deserve. 

Your team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center understands that veterinary care can come at a significant cost. We want to work with our pet families by creating a better awareness of payment options and wellness plans that are affordable and work with every budget. Ensuring that all of our beloved patients get the right care and treatment necessary for them to thrive is our top priority!

Keeping Your Pet’s Wellness a Priority Through Payment Options

Whether there is a job loss or other financial set-back, the unfortunate reality is that pet veterinary care is put on the back-burner. But this can harm a pet’s general health, especially if they already have an illness or condition that impacts their life.

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The Terrible Trio: Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes 

A happy dog sitting outside


There is nothing better than the weather come spring in Sacramento; unfortunately, the bugs think so, too. Just as soon as we are ready to grill, go camping, or do yard work, do we find ourselves fretting about the insect world. And for good reason. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can be the bane of time spent outside.

But these pesky ones can also be harbingers of disease and illness, as well as infestation, when they are able to thrive. Learn more about these parasites and ways you can keep you and your furry one protected.

The Tiny Flea

The flea is a small, flightless insect that is a part of the order Siphonaptera. Fleas transmit illness through their bite. They feed on warm-blooded hosts, which includes the family pet. Fleas may be small, but they are one of the most prevalent carriers of disease across the world. And once you have them, the infestation is hard to get rid of without resorting to chemicals. 

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A Photo Finish: How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth 

A dog's teeth being brushed

Pets don’t exactly have to be camera ready, but when it comes to their teeth, good habits do matter. That’s because plaque and tartar can lead to much bigger problems for them. In fact, dental disease is the most common health condition in pets, bar none. 

The good news is that a simple plan of routine oral health at home coupled with regular dental exams and cleanings is extremely effective at preventing dental problems. And when you think about avoiding a painful mouth, tooth fracture and loss, and bacterial infections that can lead to organ failure, it’s so worth it. 

With East Sacramento Veterinary Center’s simple tips for how to brush your pet’s teeth, you can start building a habit that can give your pet a lifetime of good health. 

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Cute and Fluffy, But Not Invincible: Why Kitten Care Is So Essential 

A kitten in a blanket

Kittens are among the cutest animals out there, but they are also the most vulnerable. They need a lot of help in the first few months in order to eventually grow into healthy, strong adult cats.

While a kitten’s cuteness goes a long way toward ensuring they get the support they need, not everyone knows how to go the distance. When it comes to kitten care basics, we got you covered.

Why Kitten Care Is So Important

Kittens are usually adopted from shelters or foster homes between 6-8 weeks of age. If you adopt a kitten younger than that you may need to meet their special feeding requirements.

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