VCA Tanglewood Animal Hospital

06/02/2025

Welcome to Splash Smart with Lifeguard Lucy! 🐶💦
Swimming Safety Tips for Dogs in Austin, Texas

Hi, pups and pup parents! I’m Coach Lucy, your expert lifeguard and tail-wagging swim instructor. Before we dive into Austin’s lakes and creeks, let’s go over some doggone important swim safety tips. Ready? Let’s paddle!

❤️ Rule #1: “If It’s Green, It’s Mean!”
Watch out for blue-green algae.
It might look like pond soup, but it can make us super sick—or worse! If the water looks slimy, green, or smells funky, skip it. And always rinse off after a swim!

🧡 Rule #2: “Never Swim Alone, Even If You’ve Got Bones!”
Supervision is key.
No matter how good you think you are at doggy-paddling, always have your human nearby. We can get tired or stuck—especially in fast-moving water or steep banks.

💛 Rule #3: “Jackets Aren’t Just for Humans”
Life jackets save lives.
Even if you’re a strong swimmer like me, a life vest keeps you extra safe in deep or unpredictable water. Plus, it makes you look paws-itively adorable.

💚 Rule #4: “Don’t Drink the Pool!”
Bring fresh water.
Lakes and rivers can have bacteria, and pools? Yuck—chlorine! Make sure your human brings clean drinking water, so you can stay cool and healthy.

💙 Rule #5: “Know When to Call It a Day”
Rest when you're tired.
Panting too much? Ears back? Slowing down in the water? That’s your cue—it’s time for a break, a treat, and a shady nap.

💜 Rule #6: “Vaccines Aren’t Just for Vet Visits”
Protect against waterborne nasties.
Swimming in natural water? Talk to your vet about leptospirosis shots. Trust me—better a poke than a sick day.

Woof wisely, swim safely, and splash on! 🐾
– Coach Lucy 🐶 (Certified in Good Girl Behavior and Advanced Fetching)

05/30/2025

What better way to end a day than with a good nap 💤

What kind of sleeper is your pet? Comment below and let us know 💙

05/29/2025

🐾 Puppy Party at the Vet! 🐶🎉

Is it just us… or did the clinic get 1000x cuter? 😍

Nova (13 weeks old) showed up full of wriggly, wiggly, floppy-eared puppy energy for her second checkup — and honestly, our hearts are still recovering. 💖 From curious sniffs at the stethoscope to dramatic side-eyes over vaccines (with extra treats after, of course), Nova handled it like a pro!

✅ Vaccines: Check!
✅ Tail wags: So many.
✅ Belly rubs: Unlimited.

We can't wait to see how much she grows!

05/28/2025

📣 GOOD BOY ALERT! 🐶💙

Everyone, meet Hank — an almost 2-year-old Great Dane who’s 105 pounds of pure love and still thinks he’s a lapdog. 😅

At 105 pounds and growing fast, Hank is all legs, paws, and personality! When we told him he needed an X-ray to check on some growing pains, he tilted his head like, “Excuse me… you want me to do what now?”

But with a little gentle encouragement, Hank nailed it. Afterwards he gave us a dramatic sigh, and then immediately cuddled with his favorite dragon toy and took a nap.🐶💤

We’re happy to report he's doing well! We’re obsessed. Can you blame us?

05/27/2025

📣 HEY HOOMANS! It’s me, Baby the Frenchie 🐾
Today we’re talking about something serious (but don’t worry—I’m still adorable): IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease.

05/26/2025

Memorial Day Closure Notice 🇺🇸

In honor of Memorial Day, our hospital will be closed on Monday, May 26 as we pause to remember and honor the brave men, women, and service animals who gave their lives in service to our country.

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.

If your pet experiences a medical emergency during our closure, please contact Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists at 512-284-2877 or Central Texas Veterinary Emergency and Specialty at 512-892-9038.

Wishing you and your pets a safe and peaceful holiday. 🐾❤️

05/25/2025

We're sharing some tips to help make your cat's next visit a success.

05/24/2025

You don't have to climb a mountain to go on an adventure with your favorite dog. Take your dog on a simple walk that can help promote an active life for your pet.

05/22/2025

🧬 Our genetic screening can help identify potential health conditions earlier. 🧬
• Canine panel includes 265+ disorder‑associated genetic variants
• Feline panel includes 45+ disorder‑associated genetic variants
• Largest vet genetics study with 40+ published papers
• Includes pet owner-friendly breed and trait identifications
• Proactively counsel pet owners on risk, diet, exercise, and breeding
• Medication sensitivities — ABCB1 (MDR1) (dog and cat)
• von Willebrand’s Disease Type 1 (dog)
• Intervertebral Disc Disease Risk (dog)
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (cat)
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (cat)
• And many more

Dodge's Top Results in breed categories -
Herding - 41% Australian Cattle Dog, 14% Border Collie
Sporting -15% Golden Retriever
Guard - 5% Boxer
Asian and Oceanian - 9% Chow Chow
Street Dogs - 2% Fijian Street Dog

05/21/2025

1. Littermates Help Each Other Learn “How to Animal”
During the first 8 weeks of life, littermates teach each other bite inhibition, play behavior, and social boundaries through roughhousing and grooming.
Without siblings, puppies and kittens often miss critical social skills unless they’re well-socialized elsewhere.

2. They Can Develop “Littermate Syndrome” (Mostly in Dogs)
While not an official veterinary diagnosis, littermate syndrome describes a set of behavioral issues—like separation anxiety, aggression, or dependency—seen when two pups from the same litter are raised together without proper individual training.
Solution? Train and socialize them separately, so they develop into confident, independent dogs.

3. Bonded Littermates May Have Synchronized Sleep & Grooming
Especially in cats, bonded littermates often mirror each other’s behavior, including synchronized grooming, napping in the same position, or vocalizing at the same time.
It’s not magic—it’s attachment formed from early-life imprinting.

4. They Can Smell the Difference
Even after being separated for years, some dogs and cats may still recognize littermates by scent.
Their noses store more memory than we realize—smelling a sibling can trigger old play behavior or bonding reactions.

5. Early Rivalries Are Real
Some littermates may compete for mom’s milk, warmth, or space in the nest.
This early competition can shape confidence and behavior later in life—especially in the case of "runt" vs. dominant pups or kittens.

05/20/2025

Heterochromia is when animals (and people!) have two different colored eyes. 👁️

✔️ Congenital heterochromia is inherited genetically and is often harmless.
✔️ Acquired heterochromia can be caused by trauma, inflammation, or disease, such as uveitis or glaucoma, and may require veterinary attention.

It is most commonly seen in specific breeds, including:
🐶 Dogs: Siberian Huskies, Australian Shepherds, Dalmatians, Border Collies

🐱 Cats: Turkish Vans, Turkish Angoras, Japanese Bobtails

🐴 Horses: Especially in Paint or Appaloosa breeds

It’s rare, harmless, and totally stunning. Think of it as nature’s way of showing off. 😎

04/09/2025

Does your dog bark non-stop? It's time for an attitude check! We're sharing some must-knows to see if your dog is experiencing medical or behavioral issues.

04/07/2025

Medical emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning, so it's best to be prepared. A Pet First Aid Kit allows you to have important items available to care for your pet in one area. No one can be prepared for all emergencies, but it's still important to have the basics.

If the emergency is severe, get your pet to your local hospital as soon as possible.

04/04/2025

Meowzart...Bark Twain...Mary Puppins? We love meeting pets with names just as special as they are.

Is your pet's name unique? Let us know in the comments!

04/03/2025

This Heartworm Awareness Month, make sure that your pet has the proper protection against heartworms. Year-round parasite prevention is always the best form of protection.

04/01/2025

It's not every day that you hear the wildest pet stories, but at VCA, it's a daily occurrence!

03/31/2025

What is anesthesia, and why is it so important?

Anesthesia can seem intimidating, but it can help your pet be treated without pain, stress, or discomfort. We're sharing the importance of anesthesia and how it may be necessary to make sure your pet is cared for.

03/28/2025

Pup quiz time! How did you score? Comment below and tell us how many you got right!

03/26/2025

Blood work is an important step in helping your pet get better. It can help diagnose hidden ailments, expose parasites, or uncover what's affecting your pet.

We're sharing a few reasons on how a little bit of blood can make a difference in their care plan.

03/25/2025

While it can cause severe illness in pets, leptospirosis is preventable through routine vaccination for all dogs.

Contact your local VCA to schedule your vaccine now.

03/24/2025

Watch out for this hidden outdoor danger! 🌾🐾 Foxtails may look harmless, but these pesky grass seeds can cause serious harm to your pet on your next hike. Learn more about the risks and how to avoid them!

03/23/2025

There's no greater love than puppy love! Celebrate National Puppy Day with the best gift for your new furry friend—a FREE first exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals!

📍 Find a hospital & book today. New clients only. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit Now: vca.mobi/NationalPuppyDay

03/21/2025

Safety first! Whether you're out for a walk or relaxing at home, the right pet safety gear is a must. We've rounded up our top picks to keep our pets protected. Watch to see our favorites!

03/20/2025

Spring is in the air 🌼 Next time you stop and smell the flowers, make sure they're safe for your pet to sniff too!

What's your favorite Spring activity with your pet? Let us know in the comments.

03/18/2025

Meeting your pet is one of the easiest hellos, but it's also one of the hardest goodbyes.

Jennifer Scanlon, VCA South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital, spoke with Newsweek about pet grief and how important it is to help pet owners navigate these difficult times.

Read More:

An X-ray revealed my 12-year-old dog had hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer known as the "silent killer."

03/17/2025

We're feline lucky cause it's St. Cat-ricks Day 🍀!

03/14/2025

When it comes to pet health, make sure you're in the know. We're debunking a few common myths that can put your pet's health at risk.

03/13/2025

March 13th is

Today is dedicated to the incredible canines out there whose service and sacrifice help to keep us safe.

03/12/2025

Raise your hand if your timeline is just photos of the cutest pets! 😹🤚