Alta Vista Animal Hospital’s Blog

5 Practical Steps to Manage Your Pet's Anxiety Our furry companions hold a special place in our hearts, and we want to ensure they lead happy and stress-free lives. However, pet anxiety, which can be challenging for both pets and their owners. July, with its fireworks...

Safe and Enjoyable: 4 Must-Follow Tips for Dog Park Safety When taking your furry friend to an off-leash dog park, it's crucial to be prepared and prioritize their safety. Discover our top tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your canine...

Unveiling Pet Hot Spots: Understanding the Effects of Heat on Your Furry Friend When your pet's skin becomes intensely itchy, excessive scratching, licking, and chewing can lead to the formation of painful hot spots. Learn more about these discomforting sores and how...

Find out how to get ready for your pet's passing  Even though losing a pet is never easy, being prepared for it beforehand can lessen your mental and emotional pain. Here are four strategies for assisting with grieving and preparing for the eventual loss of your pet....

In honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week, which will take place March 19 to 25, our team wants to share some of the most common household products that are toxic to pets.  #1: Medications One of the most common household hazards that pets ingest are...

Toxin-Proof Training: Teach Your Pet to Avoid Dangerous Substances Our pets are cherished family members, but their instinctual curiosity can sometimes lead them into dangerous situations, especially when it comes to household toxins. Training your pets to obey...

When your pet suddenly develops a limp, you may wonder whether it is a problem that requires urgent care or an issue that can be managed at home with rest. Let’s run through the list of the most common reasons pets limp and when a limp turns into an emergency.  Causes...

Why Chocolate Is Dangerous For Your Dog As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your furry companion safe and healthy. Unfortunately, there are many foods that we humans enjoy that are extremely harmful to dogs. One of the most common, and possibly most...

Winter Pet Safety Guide: Navigating January Hazards The new year brings fresh beginnings, and as pet owners, it's crucial to be aware of potential hazards that may affect our furry companions in January. From chilly temperatures to hidden dangers, understanding and...

Holiday Pet Safety: Protecting Your Furry Friends The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, celebrations, and gatherings. As we decorate our homes, plan festive feasts, and exchange gifts, it's essential to remember that our furry family members require...

Unveiling the Joys of Adopting a Senior Pet Senior pets' wisdom and love often go unnoticed in a world that often focuses on the youthfulness of puppies and kittens. Adopting a senior pet is a remarkable and rewarding experience. In this blog, we will highlight the...

Halloween Pet Safety: Protecting Your Furry Friends With Halloween drawing near, the streets are coming to life with decorations, costumes, and an array of treats. Yet, in the midst of the festivities, it's paramount not to overlook the welfare of our cherished pets....

Ensuring Pet Safety: Understanding Rabies World Rabies Day marks an annual observance on September 28th, dedicated to raising awareness about a deadly disease that continues to claim countless lives worldwide, affecting both humans and animals. Rabies, a viral...

Guidance for Assisting Your Pets in Adapting to the Back-to-School Season As the back-to-school season rolls in, significant shifts in household routines can impact our cherished pets. As families revert to their regular schedules, our furry friends might grapple with...

Exploring Outdoor Activities for Bonding with Your Pet Summer is the ideal season to bask in the sunshine, embrace the great outdoors, and forge enduring memories with your furry companion. Whether you're accompanied by a playful pup or a curious cat, a plethora of...

Decoding the Science Behind a Cat's Purr Cats have long been known for their enchanting ability to purr. This soothing sound can instantly bring us a sense of relaxation and contentment. But have you ever wondered why cats purr and what lies beneath this delightful...

Unveiling the Risks: Understanding Diseases Transmissible from Pets to Humans Zoonotic diseases are more common than you may realize, as pets can pass them on to people. Even if your pet appears healthy, they could be carrying a transmissible condition. Stay updated...

Comprehending Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tears in Pets When you witness an athlete in a sporting event clutching their knee, you instinctively understand that they might have torn their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an important ligament for knee stability. But did...

How to Protect Your Dog from Dog Bites and Prevent Dog Attacks Knowing how to avoid and deal with a dog bite should be a fundamental part of every dog owner's education because no one wants to have to deal with their cherished pet getting wounded. There are numerous...

Orthopedic surgery—or any surgery—is a major event for a pet, and can interfere with their daily function long after they return home. Help your pet get back on their paws more quickly after an orthopedic surgery with the following recovery tips. #1: Restrict your...

Although you show your furry friend just how much you love them every day, Valentine’s Day gives you the opportunity to shower them with even more adoration. While your pet cannot have chocolate, there are many other safe pet treats you can share with them. Try the...

While all pets need exercise every day, the amount each cat or dog requires varies. Follow the guidelines below to create a general exercise plan, and take into account your pet’s age, breed, and health for a personalized activity agenda. Daily exercise requirements...

As your furry pal grows older, regular exercise is critical to help them maintain healthy muscle mass and body condition. However, the same activities your pet enjoyed when they were younger can create too much stress on aching joints and stiff muscles. Change your...

As the year draws to a close, holiday celebrations are still in full swing. But the additional activity and stress present the perfect opportunity for your pet to get into trouble, so keep an eye out for the following holiday pet hazards. #1: Delicious food is...

When the weather outside becomes too cold and snowy, it can be tough to find ways to entertain your pet indoors. Spice up their exercise routine with the following fun interactive games and toys to help your furry pal beat the winter blues.  #1: Create a wish list for...

An overloaded table filled with your favorite dishes is one of Thanksgiving’s highlights. While you are drooling over a heaping plate, so is your pet. However, many popular Thanksgiving foods are dangerous for pets. Let your pet join the feast by preparing a special,...

November is National Pet Diabetes Month, a month dedicated to educating pet owners on the signs and management of this endocrine disorder. By learning how to spot the following signs of pet diabetes, you can help them get the treatment they need to provide the best...

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day falls on October 12, but you should pay attention to your pet’s weight all year long. More than half of the nation’s cats and dogs are considered overweight or obese, which can lead to serious health issues. Overweight pets are at an...

As October 31 approaches, you may be planning all sorts of spooky activities to celebrate Halloween. If you include your pet in the festivities, ensure you do so safely by following our team’s top five Halloween pet safety tips. #1: Avoid sharing candy bags with your...