Southbay Animal Hospital

Southbay Animal Hospital Your neighborhood veterinary clinic Southbay Animal Hospital is a new clinic in Riverview. We feature convenient, full service veterinary care.

We provide your pet with medical care throughout its life, from puppyhood to its senior years. Please call us with your questions, or just stop by to meet us!

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 (813) 671-7224.

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 (813) 671-7224.

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 (813) 671-7224.

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 (813) 671-7224.

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 (813) 671-7224.

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: (813) 671-7224.

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 (813) 671-7224.

This adorable little guy, Ollie, at just 8 weeks old, came to visit us for his puppy checkup this week. We think it's sa...
07/10/2026

This adorable little guy, Ollie, at just 8 weeks old, came to visit us for his puppy checkup this week. We think it's safe to say he made everyone's day! 🥰 Welcome to the Southbay Animal Hospital family, Ollie! 🐾

It might be, but don't assume hot weather is the only reason.Some cats eat a little less during the summer, but drinking...
07/10/2026

It might be, but don't assume hot weather is the only reason.

Some cats eat a little less during the summer, but drinking significantly more water while eating very little is not something to ignore.

Excessive thirst can be an early sign of serious medical conditions like:
💧 Kidney disease
💧 Diabetes
💧 Hyperthyroidism

Cats also shouldn't go long without eating. Even 24–48 hours without enough food can put them at risk for a dangerous liver condition called hepatic lipidosis.

If your cat's appetite has dropped, they're drinking much more than usual, or they're acting differently, it's time to schedule an exam. Have questions? Give us a call at (813) 671-7224.

Address

13330 Lincoln Road
Riverview, FL
33578

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+18136717224

Website

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