Coit North Veterinary Hospital

08/04/2026

Pumpkin-flavored treats are everywhere this time of year, but some seasonal ingredients aren't safe for pets.

Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can be toxic when ingested in larger amounts and may cause disorientation, increased heart rate, tremors, or even seizures.

If you think your pet has eaten a large amount of nutmeg or another potentially toxic ingredient, contact us immediately at (214) 618-8282.

08/03/2026

This is false. Providing fresh water and shade is important, but it doesn't guarantee your pet won't develop heatstroke.

Pets can still overheat on hot, humid days, especially if they've been active or have difficulty cooling themselves. Flat-faced breeds, overweight pets, seniors, and those with heart or respiratory disease are at an even greater risk. If your pet is panting excessively, drooling, vomiting, seems weak, or collapses, seek veterinary care immediately. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, and early treatment can save lives.

If you have questions about keeping your pet safe this summer, call us at (214) 618-8282.

08/03/2026

Our August Pet of the Month is..... Kona!!!

Favorite Toy: ­­­­­­RED Ball 🔴
Favorite Activity: going to daycare (we call it school) 🏫
Fun Fact or Silly Moment: she thinks she’s a human girl not a puppy lol. She has a matching hoodie with her mom. We call her long gangly legs her “flops” 👯‍♀️
Favorite Treat: beef jerky 🥓
Additional info: she’s a very time detailed- schedule oriented creature. Every night heads up to bed at 9 pm and gets in bed for mom to spoon her and she rests her “flops” on dad just to know he’s there too! 😊 when dads alarm goes off in the morning, she stays snoozing but when moms alarm goes off, it’s time to get up She also somehow knows Tuesdays and Thursdays because those are her school days and she’s always ready to get her back pack on (her harness) mom and dad might be slightly obsessed (they have no human kids at home anymore)

Congratulations Kona! Don't forget to nominate your pet for next month's drawing!!!

07/31/2026

Have you ever wondered why your cat "makes biscuits" on your lap?

Kneading is a behavior that starts in kittenhood while nursing. As adults, many cats continue to knead when they feel relaxed, safe, and content. Cats also have scent glands in their paw pads, so kneading may help mark familiar people and places as part of their territory.

While not every cat kneads, those that do are usually showing that they're comfortable and trust you.

Does your cat love making biscuits? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!

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 (214) 618-8282.

07/30/2026

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 (214) 618-8282.

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 (214) 618-8282.

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!

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 (214) 618-8282.