Paws In Paradise Animal Hospital

08/21/2025

Thelma and Louise: officially cleared for more mischief! 🚗💨

08/19/2025

🐾🐕 As we continue to celebrate Pet Immunization Awareness Month, let's focus on our amazing canine companions and the vaccines that keep them healthy and happy.

Vaccines are the cornerstone of preventive care for dogs, protecting them from a range of dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases. While a dog's vaccination needs can vary based on their lifestyle, location, and age, there are several key vaccines that every dog owner should be aware of:

🛡️ Rabies: This is a core vaccine and a legal requirement in Florida due to its severity and the fact that it can be transmitted to humans. It protects your dog (and your family) from a deadly viral disease.

🛡️ DHPP: This is a combination vaccine that protects against four highly contagious and serious diseases: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. These are considered "core" vaccines, vital for all dogs regardless of lifestyle.

🛡️ Leptospirosis: Commonly called lepto - this is a bacterial disease that affects dogs (and other animals, including humans), and it's considered a core or strongly recommended vaccine in Florida and other warm, humid areas due to the perfect conditions that allow the Leptospira bacteria to thrive in our soil and standing water.

🛡️ Bordetella: Commonly known as "kennel cough," this vaccine is a must for social butterflies! It protects against a highly contagious respiratory infection and is essential for dogs that frequent dog parks, boarding facilities, doggy daycare, or grooming salons.

🛡️ Canine Influenza (Dog Flu): Similar to Bordetella, this vaccine is also considered a "non-core" lifestyle vaccine. It's crucial for dogs that spend time with other dogs, helping to reduce the risk of a highly contagious respiratory virus.

☀️🌴 Each dog's needs are unique. The best way to ensure your furry friend is protected is by having a conversation with your veterinarian about their specific lifestyle and a personalized vaccination plan.

Want to learn more about vaccinations?! Check out our website for frequently asked questions: https://bit.ly/4mr4Jc6

08/17/2025

🖤 Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day!!!! 🖤

08/13/2025

💙🐾 Say hello to Christian—a dazzling American Bully who recently came in for a visit with Dr. Tubbs. This beautiful girl is a standout, not just because of her rare and striking breed, but also for her incredibly sweet and affectionate nature.

American Bullies are known for being loyal, playful, and eager to please, and Christian showcases all of these traits effortlessly. 🥰

08/11/2025

🐾🐶 August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month! 🐱🐾

📅 These next few weeks, we will take the time to highlight the importance of vaccinations for pets.

💉 Vaccinations help protect your pets from serious — and sometimes deadly — diseases like rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and feline leukemia. Keeping your pet up-to-date on their shots also helps protect other animals in your community, especially the young, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems.

During this month, it's recommended to:

👩‍⚕️ Schedule a wellness exam: Consult with a veterinarian to review your pet's vaccination history and determine necessary vaccinations.
📒 Keep records handy: Maintain organized records of your pet's vaccination history for easy reference.
☀️ Discuss core and lifestyle vaccines: Understand the core vaccines recommended for all pets and discuss any additional vaccines based on your pet's lifestyle.

Let’s keep our pets protected — because they’re family. ❤️

08/08/2025

We had the absolute joy of meeting this sweet 9-week-old Rat Terrier for her very first exam with us! 💕 She came in to see Dr. Jon, and stole everyone's heart in under five seconds (we timed it 😉).

Puppy exams are such an important first step to a healthy, happy life—and we’re so excited to be part of her journey from the very beginning. 🐶💉✨

We can’t wait to watch her grow (and see those ears get even more expressive)! 🐾

Welcome to the family, little one! 😍

08/06/2025

🐶 We will be CLOSED until 9am today for a team meeting. Please send us a text or leave us a voicemail at 850-909-0130 and we will return all messages this morning.

📸 Abby & Gracie - both Newfoundland's who are full of smiles, kisses, and love! 😍

08/04/2025

🌟 Meet Our Newest Patient: Bibble the Raccoon! 🦝💖

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Bibble, an 8-week-old raccoon who's just as curious and playful as he is adorable! Bibble is legally owned by a loving family that lives locally, and we’re so excited to have him as our special patient. 🤗

Did you know?
In Florida, owning a raccoon is legal, but it comes with some important regulations. You need a special wildlife permit to have a raccoon as a pet which has to be renewed every 2 years. Raccoons are classified as Class III wildlife under Florida law, which means they require a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for legal ownership. Bibble's parents wanted to be able to take him on walks and out in public which required a separate exhibition license!

Why? Because raccoons are wild animals and can pose potential risks to both their owners and the environment. They can be unpredictable and require special care and attention—just like Bibble does!

🐾 Fun Facts About Raccoons 🦝

Raccoons are clever problem-solvers: These little guys are known for their dexterous front paws, which they use like hands to manipulate objects, open containers, and even unlock cages!
They’re nocturnal creatures: Raccoons are primarily active at night, using their excellent sense of touch and keen hearing to find food.
Raccoons are social animals: While wild raccoons usually roam alone, they can form small family groups. In fact, Bibble has dog and cat siblings to keep him company at home!
They ‘wash’ their food: Raccoons are often seen dipping their food into water—though it's not necessarily for hygiene. It's thought to be an instinctual behavior, as raccoons have a heightened sense of touch in their paws, which makes it easier for them to explore their surroundings.

As much as we love having Bibble in our care, it’s important to remember that raccoons are wild animals and need to be respected. If you’re considering owning one (with the proper permits, of course), always do thorough research and ensure you're prepared for the responsibility.

We hope you enjoy following Bibble’s journey as he grows up to be the mischievous and lovable raccoon he’s destined to be!

08/01/2025

🎉 We’re Turning 3! 🎉

It’s hard to believe it’s already been 3 amazing years of caring for your beloved pets—and we couldn’t have done it without the heart and hard work of our incredible doctors/owners. 💙🐾

💬 Today, we’re giving a huge shout-out to them - Dr. George, Dr. Tubbs, & Dr. Jon 👨‍⚕️

These three have given their time, energy, and so much love to our practice—and we’re endlessly proud of the care they provide and the kindness they show every day. 🩺💪

💌 If you’ve had a great experience with one of our doctors, we’d LOVE for you to drop a kind message or memory below ⬇️
Let’s show them how much they mean to this community!

Thank you for 3 wonderful years. Here's to many more—together. 🐶🐱🐾

07/28/2025

🐶🌊 Ocean Safety for Dogs

1. Supervise Near Water
Not all dogs are natural swimmers.
Watch for signs of fatigue or panic in the water.
2. Use a Canine Life Vest
Especially important for small dogs, senior dogs, or dogs with short legs.
Choose a brightly colored vest with a handle for easy lifting.
3. Beware of Waves & Currents
Rip currents can pull dogs away from shore.
Avoid letting dogs swim during strong surf or tides.
4. Prevent Drinking Salt Water
Salt water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse (salt toxicity).
Bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl.
5. Watch for Beach Hazards
Shells, broken glass, jellyfish, and fishing gear can injure paws or cause internal problems if ingested.
Rinse your dog after beach time to remove sand and salt from fur and paws.
6. Limit Sun Exposure
Dogs can get sunburn, especially on noses and bellies.
Use pet-safe sunscreen and offer shade.

🐾 Don't forget to check out which beaches are pet friendly and if there are any special requirements (beach permits, leash laws, etc.)!

07/25/2025

🐾 Say Hello to Our Newest Team Member!🐾

If you've visited us recently and thought, "Wait… was that a British accent?" — you weren’t imagining it! We're thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team, Nicki! 🐦🐍🐱

🦜 Nicki brings over 10 years of experience caring for avian, reptile, and small animal patients, and is now expanding her passion into small animal medicine. Her gentle approach and deep dedication to the well being of all animals make her a wonderful addition to our team.

🐱 Outside of the clinic, Nicki is just as amazing — she's an avid kayaker, a talented cook (seriously, we’re all hoping she brings leftovers), and a proud cat mom to three feline friends. She also enjoys writing, woodworking, reading, and is a strong advocate for mental health awareness.

Next time you're in, don't be shy — say hi and welcome her aboard! (And yes, the accent is real — we love it too. 😉)

07/24/2025

New Blog 🥰🐾🐶

When owners have concerns about their dog and the temperature outside, they’re usually thinking of the dangers of heat exhaustion or overheating. But in the...