Westarbor Animal Hospital

Westarbor Animal Hospital Westarbor Animal Hospital offers exceptional veterinary care. We strive to treat your pet as a member Only about 15% of U.S. hospitals meet strict AAHA standards.

Serving the pets and families of our community for 40+ years! Our Westarbor Animal Hospital team works to provide high-quality medical care and home care recommendations for the optimum health of your pets. They become part of our family too so we watch for early signs of health issues to keep them healthy and with you longer. We are always happy to listen to your concerns and answer any questions

about your pet's care. Our entire staff is dedicated to providing quality veterinary care, and to giving back to the communities that have been so supportive of us over the years. Westarbor Animal Hospital sponsors many events with our local Humane Society, libraries, and school teams, including the annual "Bark For Life" benefit for the American Cancer Society. Westarbor Animal Hospital has been an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association for over 40 years. We do it because the quality of care we provide to you and your pet truly matters.

Not always. For many double-coated breeds, including Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, the coat actually...
07/30/2026

Not always. For many double-coated breeds, including Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, the coat actually helps insulate against heat and protects the skin from harmful UV rays.

Shaving these breeds can increase their risk of:
☀️ Sunburn
🌡️ Overheating
🐕 Coat damage as it grows back

Instead:
✔️ Brush out loose undercoat regularly.
✔️ Keep plenty of fresh water available.
✔️ Avoid the hottest part of the day.
✔️ Provide shade and air conditioning whenever possible.

Not every breed is the same, so if you're considering a summer haircut, ask your veterinarian or groomer first. Questions? Call (734) 769-5391.

Cats are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable to predators, so they instinct...
07/28/2026

Cats are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable to predators, so they instinctively mask signs of illness or injury.

Subtle changes like hiding more often, decreased appetite, sleeping more, avoiding jumps, or changes in grooming may be the only clues that something is wrong.

Routine wellness exams help us detect problems before they become more serious. If your cat's behavior has changed, call us at (734) 769-5391.

Yes. Biting is a normal part of kitten development. Kittens use play to learn about their environment and develop bite i...
07/27/2026

Yes. Biting is a normal part of kitten development. Kittens use play to learn about their environment and develop bite inhibition. While it may not feel very gentle, this is an important part of growing up.

The best approach is to redirect biting toward appropriate toys and avoid encouraging play with your hands or fingers.

With consistency and patience, most kittens outgrow this stage and learn to play more gently. If you have questions about your kitten's behavior, we're happy to help. Call us at (734) 769-5391.

Severe weather can happen with little warning, so having a pet emergency kit ready before you need it can make all the d...
07/24/2026

Severe weather can happen with little warning, so having a pet emergency kit ready before you need it can make all the difference.

Keep essentials like food, medications, fresh water, veterinary records, ID tags, waste bags, a leash, and a comfortable carrier or bed in one easy-to-access location. Planning ahead helps ensure your pet stays safe if you ever need to leave home quickly.

Do you already have a pet emergency kit? Let us know what's in yours!

If your dog suddenly refuses their regular food but happily accepts treats, don't assume they're just being picky.Dental...
07/23/2026

If your dog suddenly refuses their regular food but happily accepts treats, don't assume they're just being picky.

Dental disease, mouth pain, an upset stomach, or other underlying medical conditions can all affect a dog's appetite. Some dogs will continue eating treats because they're softer or more appealing.

If your dog refuses regular meals for more than a day, develops vomiting or diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or stops eating altogether, they should be examined by a veterinarian. If you're concerned about your dog's appetite, call us at (734) 769-5391.

"Feed me.""Move your hand.""You are sitting in my spot."That's probably about as close as we'd get. 😸 If your cat could ...
07/21/2026

"Feed me."

"Move your hand."

"You are sitting in my spot."

That's probably about as close as we'd get. 😸 If your cat could text you, what do you think their very first message would be? Share your funniest answer in the comments!

After a summer storm, the ground may look clean, but it can actually harbor increased levels of bacteria and contaminant...
07/20/2026

After a summer storm, the ground may look clean, but it can actually harbor increased levels of bacteria and contaminants. Standing water, damp soil, and debris can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, which your dog can pick up on their paws or ingest while sniffing and licking.

In addition, temperatures and humidity often remain high after rain, making it harder for dogs to cool themselves. Pavement can also stay hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads long after the rain has stopped.

Choosing cooler, drier times of the day for walks is one of the best ways to help keep your dog safe. Have questions about summer pet safety? Call us at (734) 769-5391.

Michigan’s State Veterinarian is urging owners to monitor their pets closely amid the statewide air quality alert:​“Anim...
07/17/2026

Michigan’s State Veterinarian is urging owners to monitor their pets closely amid the statewide air quality alert:​

“Animals react to poor air conditions much like humans do, and certain groups—such as birds, young or older animals, and those with heart or respiratory issues—face higher risks during air quality alerts,” said State Veterinarian, Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “MDARD urges owners to monitor their animals for signs of coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, watery eyes, low energy, changes in how they sound, reduced appetite and reduced thirst. If you see anything concerning, contact your veterinarian.”​

Keep your pets safe with these tips:​

- Avoid strenuous exercise outdoors.​
- Limit the amount of time pets spend outdoors.​
- Keep doors and windows closed and keep fans or air conditioning units on. See less

Almost never. Cats don't have accidents to "get back at" their owners.Instead, they're usually trying to tell us somethi...
07/17/2026

Almost never. Cats don't have accidents to "get back at" their owners.

Instead, they're usually trying to tell us something is wrong. Common causes include:
🚽 Urinary tract infections
🪨 Bladder stones
😿 Stress or anxiety
🦴 Arthritis or pain
🧹 Litter box issues

A cat that repeatedly goes in and out of the litter box, strains to urinate, or produces little to no urine could have a urinary blockage, a life-threatening emergency, especially in male cats. If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, don't punish them. Schedule a veterinary visit to find the underlying cause.

📞 We're here to help: (734) 769-5391.

Road trips can be stressful for cats, but a little preparation goes a long way. Travel with your cat in a secure, well-v...
07/16/2026

Road trips can be stressful for cats, but a little preparation goes a long way. Travel with your cat in a secure, well-ventilated carrier, take breaks only when it's safe to do so, and use a harness and leash if your cat will be outside the carrier. Never allow your cat to roam freely inside a moving vehicle.

Safe travels start with planning ahead.

If you have questions about traveling with your cat, call us at (734) 769-5391.

Address

6011 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI
48103

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

Telephone

(734) 769-5391

Website

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