Santa Clarita Animal Hospital

09/12/2021

It's National Pet Memorial Day.

Please share in the comment section a photo and story of your beloved pet(s) that has crossed the rainbow bridge and wait for your reunion. ❤️

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown..."

09/01/2021

Happy Cat Month!
Show off your beautiful and handsome feline friends!

08/26/2021

It's National Dog Day!
Show off your handsome and beautiful pooches!

08/24/2021

Are your pets protected against fleas and ticks?

Below is a recent message from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
"The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) has identified six individuals with flea-borne typhus between February and June 2021.

Flea-borne typhus is a disease that infected fleas can spread to humans. Bacteria (Rickettsia typhi and R. felis) found in infected fleas, and their f***s, spread the disease. Pet dogs and cats that are not treated with flea-control products and allowed outdoors, are more likely to come in contact with infected fleas and carry them to humans. Although pets and other animals do not get sick from typhus, it can cause high fever, chills, headache, and rash in people. The illness can be treated in people with certain antibiotics. Typhus is not transmitted person-to-person.

Flea-borne typhus is considered endemic in LA County, and as a result, veterinarians should always discuss typhus when discussing flea control with pet owners. In recent years, the average number of flea-borne typhus reported cases in people in LA County has increased.

How veterinarians can help protect the community from flea-borne typhus:

CLIENT EDUCATION: Promote appropriate year-round flea control for pets
Advise pet owners on proper use of flea control products on pets. Adequate flea control is the number one way to protect your clients and their pets.
Advise pet owners not to feed wild or stray animals, to avoid drawing more flea hosts into the area.
Advise pet owners to keep their property clean, with trash securely sealed, to avoid attracting rodents and other wildlife and their fleas."

If your pet is not currently on flea/tick control please reach out to us to schedule an appointment to see what products may be right for your pet.
Email: [email protected]
Text: 661-403-5252
Call: 661-259-7387

08/23/2021

Its National Blind Dog:
We know having a blind dog may sound overwhelming or scary but blind dogs can live long, happy and healthy lives!
Here is some helpful tips to help your brand new blind pup or long term best friend who has gone blind adjust to your home.

1. Communication: Your blind dog can only rely on their other sense, their sense of smell, touch and sound. This is the time to start teaching your pet new verbal cues. Dogs can learn verbal cues such as :"step up" "Step Down" "left" "right" and "careful" You can help use these cues to guide your dogs in the home, backyard or out on walks

2. Predictable Environment: Limit changes to your home. Little things you may not notice your blind dog will. That rug by the front door, the change in flooring texture and the location of their beds and food bowls all help them navigate in the home. Blind dogs will learn and remember the layout of your home and can effectively find food, water, dog beds, couches, and doors all by the things in your home. If your home has stairs or a pool for the safety of your blind pet please gate them off to prevent any accidents.

3. If you are a multiple pet household consider putting bells, or jingling tags on their colors so your blind dog can locate them easier.

4. Make sure no sharp or dangerous objects are kept at their level.

5. Lots of patience and lots of LOVE. Remember you pup is capable of many things with just a little bit of time and care.

08/22/2021

August 22nd is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day!
We know many of our feline friends don't get regular trips to see us because it can be quite a stressful event. Follow these helpful tips from Zoetis on how to achieve a stress free vet trip for your cat.

Make the carrier less scary. Chances are, the only time your cat sees their carrier is when you’re about to take them to the veterinarian. You can make the carrier less scary by setting it up like a safe place they can hang out in on a regular basis. To entice them into their carrier, make it a comfortable place they want to spend time by putting a blanket, a toy, and treats inside (this also gives them a familiar smell of home). You can also feed them inside the carrier to get them more acclimated to being in it. Just by seeing the carrier in their everyday environment, your cat will become more used to it and avoid the dread they feel when it mysteriously shows up out of the blue.

Keep your cat calm. Calming pheromones can help your cat calm themselves in their carrier. Simply spray a spritz or two in their carrier the night before the appointment and again on the day of the appointment to allow the pheromones to calm your cat.

Consider catnip. This herb can relax your cat, helping them associate a trip to the vet something a lot more fun. Catnip’s effects typically only last for 5–15 minutes, but it doesn’t affect all cats. Occasionally, cats will become agitated when they smell catnip, so it’s a good idea to give your cat a trial dose first to see how (and if) they react before you ever need it for a trip to the vet.

Get your cat used to being handled. Practice holding your cat and examining them from head to tail. This will help your cat feel less stressed when the vet or veterinary technician gives them an exam.

Bring your cat on car rides. It’s likely that the only time your cat rides in the car is on the way to the vet. You can try to disassociate car rides with a trip to the vet to reduce their stress. Some cats will never get used to car rides, but others just need a few minutes in the car or a couple drives around town that doesn’t end up at the vet office to help calm their nerves. If desensitizing your cat to the car works, make sure to take your cat on rides every once in a while to keep them from becoming distressed again.

08/21/2021

Southern California has recently been seeing an increase in Leptospirosis Cases in canines.

What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis (lepto) is a disease caused by a bacteria called Leptospira interrogans. This bacteria can infect dogs, rodents, raccoons, skunks, opossums, cows, pigs and even humans

What are the symptoms in dogs?
Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, fever, increased thirst and urination, Kidney disease or even Kidney Failure are all common signs of this disease.

How is it transmitted?
The bacteria is expelled in the urine of an infected animal. When the bacteria in the urine makes contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or wounds on the skin the animal or person can become infected. Water sources such as rivers, lakes, ponds and mud can also be contaminated with leptospirosis and infect its victim the same way.

The good news? We have a readily available vaccine to help protect your pup!
Contact us today to get your pets leptospirosis vaccination scheduled!
Email: [email protected]
Text: 661-403-5252
Call: 661-259-7387

08/19/2021

The FDA Suspects Tainted Pet Foods Poisoned Hundreds Of Dogs.
"The Food and Drug Administration says more than 130 deaths and 220 illnesses in dogs may have been caused by the dog food brand Midwestern Pet Foods, after inspections "revealed evidence of significant violations" of food safety regulations."
https://www.npr.org/2021/08/18/1029067086/dogs-poisoned-fda-midwestern-per-foods-recalled

Follow the Link to see a full list of foods being recalled
https://midwesternpetfoods.com/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-expands-recall-of-pet-food-for-aflatoxin-health-risk/

More than 130 dogs died, 220 were sickened, and Midwestern Pet Food had inadequate food safety practices, the agency says. The company has recalled several products.

08/19/2021

Just in the month of August 2021 4 different rabid bats have been found in the Santa Clarita/Castaic area. Are your pets rabies vaccination current?
If you aren't sure please email us [email protected], Text us at 661-403-5252 or call us at 661-259-7387 to make sure your pet is up to date or to schedule their vaccination appointment!

08/12/2021

Could your feline friend have Osteoarthritis? An estimated 90% of cats over the age of 10 years have osteoarthritis and their owners don't even know. If you are worried your cat is struggling check out this helpful Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist: https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist-cat?fbclid=IwAR3IODvQ_Ol5ii9V3qfBWbciWK7ruvXmnTHxZ_5qcWZxWjKfoXEgMsXto7k
To schedule an appointment for your senior cat to be seen please call 661-259-7387, Text 661-403-5252 or email [email protected]

07/09/2021

Star is a beloved patient of ours and this is close to the heart as Star is being taken care of by one of our employees. Based on new results this little girl may have a Liver Shunt. She has a CT scheduled for Monday. Ct's are pricey and upwards of $1500. Please share her gofundme to help raise funds for this baby.

*We unfortunately do not have a CT at our clinic so we are not in control of these costs.

Meet Star, this little 4lb Chihuahua needs a miracle. Since June 20th Star has been having episodes o… Donna Owens needs your support for Stars second chance