Mission Animal Hospital of SLO

08/20/2025

Meet sweet Henry! For the past six months, Henry has been coming in for regular acupuncture sessions with Dr. Mar to help manage hind end weakness—and what a difference it’s made! Since starting treatment, he’s shown steady improvement in his mobility and strength.

Henry is the definition of a gentle soul. He’s always patient during his visits and greets everyone with those soft eyes and a wagging tail.

Henry loves laying on our Barker Dog Beds during his acupuncture sessions. The Big Barker bed isn’t just a cozy place to nap—it’s a specially engineered orthopedic bed designed to support the health and comfort of large and aging dogs!

08/15/2025

: Of all pets lost, 25% of cats and 7% of dogs are never found, which is why it’s so important to microchip your pet. Collars and tags can often go missing, but a microchip provides consistent peace of mind for the lifetime of your pet. Don't know if your pet is microchipped? Stop by to get your pet scanned!

08/13/2025

Just a reminder, the State of California requires that dogs over 4 months of age in California be vaccinated for rabies. There is no statewide requirement for cats to be vaccinated for rabies, but some cities and counties require cats to be vaccinated or licensed. Because rabies is serious and can still be a risk for cats, the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association recommend that all cats be vaccinated for rabies, even if they live indoors only.

08/11/2025

🦷✨ Healthy teeth = a healthy pet! ✨🦷
Did you know that dental disease is one of the most common (and preventable) health issues in pets?

To help keep those tails wagging and mouths clean, Mission Animal Hospital is now offering $100 off dental cleanings until October 31st!

Give your furry friend a fresh start—book their dental cleaning today and help prevent pain, infection, and more serious health issues down the road.

📍Offer valid until 10/31/25.
Blood and urine testing must be completed within 30 days prior to the dental cleaning. Offer valid for dental cleanings only. Excludes exams, extractions, radiographs, and oral surgeries. Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions, except Thrive Plus membership discounts. Thrive Plus members receive their 10% membership discount before the $100 discount is applied.
Limited availability at select locations — call us today to schedule your pet’s preanesthetic labwork and secure your spot!

08/08/2025

08/08/2025

Happy International Cat Day! Would it surprise you to learn that 58.3 Million Pet Cats Live in the U.S.? As animal lovers, that doesn’t surprise us one bit! Give your cat some extra TLC today to honor these remarkable animals. 🐱

08/06/2025

Solensia — the first-ever monthly injectable for managing osteoarthritis pain in cats. Approved by the FDA, Solensia works by targeting NGF, reducing pain at its source and helping cats move more comfortably again.

Owners have reported dramatic changes; jumping, playing, and enjoying life again.

If your cat struggles with arthritis-related pain, ask us whether Solensia might be a good fit. Together, we’ll weigh the benefits and risks, and monitor closely to keep your kitty happy, mobile, and as pain-free as possible. 🐾

08/04/2025

📣 Heartworm Alert: About 1 in 500 dogs in SLO County tests positive for heartworms

We’re seeing more heartworm infections locally, which is a serious concern. They are transmitted through mosquitos. While heartworm used to be uncommon here, recent trends show notable increases even in areas that were previously low-risk.

⚠️ Why should you worry?
Heartworm is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, which lodges in your dog’s heart and lungs. Pets may appear symptom‑free for months—but over time worms damage organ tissues, leading to persistent cough, exercise intolerance, weight loss, and in severe cases, congestive heart failure or death.

💉 Treatment is painful and costly.
Treating a dog with heartworm involves bloodwork, chest X‑rays, and injections. The protocol is intense—your dog must stay quiet for weeks to avoid complications, recovery can be painful, and the overall cost can reach hundreds to over a thousand dollars depending on severity.

💡 Preventive care costs a fraction of treatment.
Heartworm preventives such as Simparica Trio reduce risk by over 99% when given reliably. Prevention is not only easier—it’s vastly more affordable than treating an infection down the line.

✔️ What you can do:
- Schedule an annual heartworm test—even for dogs on prevention year-round
- Stick to a monthly preventive regimen consistently
- Avoid mosquito exposure by eliminating standing water around your yard

At Mission Animal Hospital, we’re dedicated to keeping your dog safe, healthy, and happy. ❤️🐾

08/01/2025

🎉🐾 Happy Dogust 1st! 🐶 Today we celebrate the universal birthday of all shelter dogs — because every pup deserves a special day. Here's to second chances, wagging tails, and unconditional love. 💛

07/09/2025

☀️ Hot days = high risk for heat stroke in dogs! 🐶🔥

Dogs can overheat quickly in summer temps, especially during walks or play. Know the signs:

⚠️ Excessive panting
⚠️ Drooling
⚠️ Weakness or collapse
⚠️ Vomiting
⚠️ Bright red gums

🚫 Never leave your dog in a parked car—even for a minute.
💧 Keep them cool, shaded, and hydrated.

If you suspect heat stroke, treat it as an emergency and contact your vet immediately.

07/07/2025

🍫 Happy World Chocolate Day! 🎉 While we’re enjoying our favorite sweet treats, don’t forget: chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues. 🐶🚫

Even small amounts can be harmful. Keep all chocolate well out of reach, and watch for signs of chocolate toxicity:

⚠️ Vomiting
⚠️ Diarrhea
⚠️ Restlessness or hyperactivity
⚠️ Rapid breathing
⚠️ Increased heart rate
⚠️ Tremors or seizures

If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, don’t wait—get help right away.

📞 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (*a consultation fee may apply)

Celebrate safely—treat yourself and give your pup a pet-safe snack instead! 🐾❤️

07/04/2025

We’re closed for the 4th of July! Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy holiday weekend! 🐾🎆