Understanding and Managing Allergies in Pets

Itchy puppy.

No pet owner wants to see their pet hurting. Often, the symptoms of pet allergies sort of simmer just below the surface. A pet may be allergic to various environmental triggers, food, or even fleas. The levels of sensitivity to different triggers covers the whole range between barely noticeable to outrageous. Pet allergies are becoming more commonplace. Accordingly, understanding and managing pet allergies is an important endeavor.

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How to Handle Pet Anxiety During Firework Season in East Sacramento

anxious dog under sofa.

Firework season is upon us, which means that your pet’s anxiety might shoot through the roof in the coming days. It’s easy to see why when you put yourself in your pup’s paws. Fireworks are unpredictable. They’re loud. They come from an unknown source. For all your dog or cat knows, they’re a sign of terrible danger. So how can you ensure pet safety during a fireworks display in your area? The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center shares 3 tips to reduce pet stress during the firework season.

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Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Puppy scratching himself.

Has your pet been scratching, licking, or biting herself a lot lately? She might be dealing with pet allergies. Our dogs and cats can experience the same over-reactive immune systems that we do when we come into contact with certain allergens. The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center would like to share the common reasons for allergic reactions in pets. We’ll also help you know what symptoms to watch out for—and share how we can help manage your pet’s allergies. 

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5 Common Pet Health Problems and How to Prevent Them

Puppy and kitten with veterinarian.

Here at East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we love spreading the word about the importance of preventive care. But we know that pet health issues can happen despite those annual wellness appointments. That’s part of preventive care, after all—it doesn’t just help your pet avoid health issues. It also helps us catch them early if your pet does develop them. So, what are the most common pet health problems to look out for? 

Here are 5 common conditions we see at our clinic.  

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The Benefits of Walking Your Dog (With Tips!)

Happy dog on a walk.

Getting outside in the fresh air for a brisk walk is an excellent way to boost your health—and your dog’s, too. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we encourage all our pet parents to take their dogs out for a daily walk. Once you read about the benefits of walking your dog, you’ll see why!

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Possible Explanations for Limping in Dogs

Dog limping.

Limping in dogs can be linked to various types of acute injuries, but any disruption to a dog’s normal walk, whether gradual or intermittent, can be deeply concerning (especially if it’s painful or negatively impacting daily activities). 

Limping in dogs should be assessed promptly. We can help you determine the cause of this symptom, reduce pain, and promote mobility, flexibility, and overall health.

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Help, My Dog is Constipated!

Puppy trying to go to the bathroom.

Watching your pet strain in an attempt to go poop is no fun at all. Or maybe you feel like it’s been too long since your dog last pooped. Straining to poop or skipping potty sessions are both signs of constipation. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my dog constipated?” you’re not alone. You can always contact the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center if you’re worried. In the meantime, let’s hope your pup stays regular!

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Making Belly Biscuits: Why Do Cats Knead People?

Close-up of cat paws.

If you are the proud owner of a whiskered friend, one of the best ways to know they’re happy is that tale-tell purr. A warm lap on a cold day, and your cat will be in heaven. Another blissful thing most felines like to do is knead. You know, “making biscuits” or that back-and-forth kneading that is akin to working dough for homemade bread. 

Our cat companions have a wide range of curious behaviors, but many cat owners wonder why cats knead people? You’re in luck! The team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to explain.

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Prepare For and Support Your Puppy’s First Year

New puppy.

The weeks leading up to and shortly following the adoption of a puppy are nothing less than promising. With so much to look forward to (long walks at the park, fun afternoons at the beach, camping, road trips, and life-affirming snuggle time), you can almost forget all the hard work that goes into your puppy’s first year. It is an incredible journey, and we’re here to support you and your new puppy every (baby) step of the way. 

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Pet Dental Care: Why it Matters, and What You Can Do

Pet dental care.

Providing for our pet’s needs is seemingly simple; nutritious food, warm shelter, basic veterinary care, plenty of exercise, and lots of love is a recipe for a happy and healthy pet. Most pet owners are more than happy to take good care of their furry friends, but one aspect is often overlooked: pet dental care.

Although you wouldn’t go days, weeks, months, or years without brushing your teeth or visiting the dentist, (hopefully!) it’s easy to overlook a pet’s oral health. The truth is that pets need dental care as much as humans do, and ignoring it can lead to disastrous health consequences.

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