Cats scratch for numerous reasons, but their claws can cause significant damage, and your first impulse is likely to yell at your feline friend. But, punishing your cat for scratching can induce stress and exacerbate the situation. Our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team knows that cat owners are frustrated by destructive scratching, so we explain [...]

Spring is a pleasant time for most people, except allergy sufferers who deal with sneezing, itchy eyes, and other hay fever symptoms. Pets with allergies may also dread spring, which can cause them to develop itchy, red, inflamed skin. Parasites and skin infections can also contribute to a pet’s year-round  itchiness. Our Valley Center Veterinary [...]

An estimated 1% of dogs and 2% to 3% of cats have chronic kidney disease (CKD)—a progressive decline in kidney function—but this number increases dramatically as pets age. Around 10% of senior dogs and up to 35% of senior cats may develop this condition. Without adequate kidney function, a pet’s quality of life can rapidly [...]

Nearly every dog will be impacted by intestinal parasites at some point, and chances are high that Giardia will be the one they encounter. Depending on the population studied, researchers have found around 8% to 25% of dogs carry Giardia germs, but many don’t show any signs, which makes Giardia easy to spread. Many dog [...]

Your pet can’t tell you when something feels amiss, but they do communicate by displaying illness signs. Every pet should visit the veterinarian at least once per year for a wellness examination, but concerns often pop up between routine visits. Any change in your pet’s behavior is cause for concern, but some signs are more [...]

Pets are creatures of habit and like to stick to a routine, but as your pet ages or they develop health problems, their habits will change. An increase or decrease in the amount your pet eats or drinks are extremely common disease signs, and you should bring these to the attention of our Valley Center [...]

Mosquitoes transmit heartworms, and pets in all 50 U.S. states have been affected. While infection rates vary depending on weather patterns and annual mosquito populations, the risk is always present. Although this disease is entirely preventable, many heartworm-infected pets die every year with or without treatment. Read our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team’s disease facts [...]

As several popular movies have pointed out, bugs live an entirely strange life and outnumber humans and pets to an exponential degree. With so many bugs out there, bites and stings are nearly impossible to avoid, and pets are as much or more at risk than people. While many bug bites are harmless and heal [...]

SoCal residents and their pets are familiar with year-round heat, but temperatures in summer can soar higher and become more dangerous than at other times of the year. Pets are susceptible to heatstroke when exposed to extreme temperatures, because they cannot cool themselves as efficiently as people, and often need extra help to stay safe. [...]

Your cookout menu is planned, the red, white, and blue decorations are ready, and you know exactly where you will watch the neighborhood fireworks display. You are all set for July Fourth. But, what about your pet? Independence Day celebrations can upset and endanger your four-legged friend. Our Valley Center Veterinary Clinic team offers tips [...]