Why Pets Get Tear Stains and Saliva Stains: What They Mean and What Actually Helps If your dog or cat has reddish-brown streaks under their eyes or discolored fur on their paws and chin, you're definitely not alone. Those marks, known as tear stains and saliva stains, are one of the most common cosmetic concerns [...]
Joint Supplements That Actually Work: Glucosamine, Omega-3s, Green-Lipped Mussel, and More You've probably noticed it: your dog takes a little longer to get up in the morning, or your cat doesn't leap onto the counter like they used to. Maybe walks are getting shorter, or your pet seems stiff after a nap. These small changes [...]
The Smart Pet Parent's Guide to Choosing Insurance Coverage Many pet owners start thinking about insurance after an unexpected bill, while others begin the search as soon as they welcome a new puppy or kitten. At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, we hear the same questions every day: What does pet insurance cover? How do deductibles [...]
Age Is Not a Disease: How Early Detection Improves Senior Pet Outcomes Preventive screening turns senior care from crisis response into proactive health. Measuring blood pressure can prevent emergencies. Checking thyroid function catches imbalances before they strain the heart or metabolism. X-rays can reveal arthritis so we can manage pain early. These tests cost far [...]
Five Steps to Assess Your Pet's Weight: Body Condition Scoring Made Simple Noticing subtle changes in your pet's shape can be an important early clue about overall health, and body condition scoring offers a practical, hands-on way to understand what those changes mean. At Valley Center Veterinary Clinic, we use Body Condition Scoring, often called [...]
When Snoring Signals Airway Trouble in Dogs Is that cute little snort your dog makes actually a sign of distress? For many pet parents- especially those with short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, or Shih Tzus- snoring is part of daily life. But while some snoring is harmless, it can also signal an underlying problem that’s [...]
Happy Holidays, Healthy Pets: Essential Safety Tips for the Season You’ve finally decorated the tree, the house smells like pine and baked goods, and your dog is already eyeing the ornaments- or your cat is batting at the twinkling lights. The holidays bring joy and warmth, but they also introduce new hazards for our four-legged [...]
Understanding Ear Hematomas and Their Causes One morning, you notice your dog’s ear looks strange- suddenly puffy, soft, and swollen like a water balloon. It’s alarming to see, but this kind of swelling is often an ear hematoma. This common condition occurs when small blood vessels inside the ear flap rupture, typically from scratching or [...]
Heartworm in Southern California: A Hidden but Real Threat You take every step to keep your dog or cat healthy- from regular vet visits to premium food and daily exercise. But when you live in Southern California, there is one threat that often gets overlooked: heartworm disease. Many pet owners assume that because their pets [...]
When Energy Fades: Understanding Hypothyroidism in Dogs If your once-active dog has slowed down, gained weight, or developed a dull coat, hypothyroidism could be the cause. This hormonal condition affects metabolism, leading to fatigue and other subtle changes. With proper diagnosis and daily medication, most dogs regain energy and thrive again. At Valley Center Veterinary [...]
