Temple Terrace Animal Hospital

09/30/2025

Sometimes the smallest patients, have the largest meows!

09/28/2025

🐾 Raising Your New Puppy Right! 🐾

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! 🐶🎉 Bringing a puppy into your life is such an exciting time, filled with endless snuggles, play, and yes, a little work!

As you settle into your new routine, here are some key tips to keep in mind for a happy, healthy puppy:

🐾 Socialization is SO Important: Once your puppy has had their vaccinations and it’s safe to expose them to other dogs and public places, start socializing them early! Meeting other people, and experiencing new environments will help them grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. Socializing also helps prevent behavior issues like fearfulness and aggression later in life. Just be cautious about the risk of diseases like Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Influenza until they are fully vaccinated.

🐾 Training Starts Now!: It’s never too early to start training! Puppies are eager to learn, and the earlier you start, the better. We recommend working with a Fear Free Trainer to ensure a positive and stress-free experience for both you and your puppy. We highly recommend Courteous Canines for all your training needs—they’re experts in positive, gentle training techniques!

🐾 Regular Vet Visits Are a Must!: Regular check-ups are essential for your puppy's health as they grow! Keep up with their vaccinations, deworming, parasite testing, and heartworm prevention. Certain breeds may also benefit from specialized care, like PennHIP radiographs or Embark genetic testing for potential breed-specific health concerns.

🐾 Pet Insurance = Peace of Mind: We can’t stress this enough—pet insurance is one of the best investments you can make for your puppy's health. Accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen, and pet insurance helps cover those vet bills, ensuring that your puppy gets the care they need without the financial stress. Visit Petinsurancereview.com to see all of your pet insurance options! 🐾

It’s all about setting your puppy up for a healthy, happy, and long life with you! If you ever need advice or guidance along the way, we’re here for you and your pup! 🐕💖

09/27/2025

🌟 Let’s Talk About Spaying Your Pup! 🌟

Did you know that spaying your dog has many health benefits—besides helping control the pet overpopulation crisis? Let’s dive into why spaying can be a great choice for your furry friend! 🐶✨

🐾 What’s Spaying, Anyway?

Spaying (or ovariohysterectomy) is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries and uterus of female dogs, ensuring they can no longer reproduce. The surgery is done through a small incision just below the belly button, and we customize every anesthesia plan to keep your dog comfortable and safe. 🩺💖

🌸 Why Should You Spay Your Dog?

Here’s a few big reasons why spaying can be a game-changer for your pup:

Prevention of heat cycles

Eliminates the risk of pyometra (a dangerous uterine infection that requires immediate surgery and is life threatening)

Limit breast cancer risk

Prevents ovarian and uterine cancer

paying your pup generally helps them live longer, healthier lives—who doesn’t want that? 🌈

🏃‍♀️ When’s the Best Time to Spay?

The best time varies by breed and size—small dogs can be spayed as early as 6 months, but large breed dogs may benefit from waiting until they’re around 18 months to 2 years old for better bone development! Talk to your vet to figure out what’s best for your doggo. 🐕

💉 What’s Involved in the Procedure?

We make sure your pup is relaxed with customized anesthesia plans that are specifically tailored to their needs. Our team is all about keeping your pet calm and comfortable throughout the entire process, and our personalized post-op care ensures a smooth recovery! 🌿

🐕 Post-Op Care: We’ve Got You Covered

After surgery, we recommend lots of rest and gentle leash walks to help your dog recover. We also provide E-collars or alternative protective collars to keep them from licking their incision. Don’t worry—our team will walk you through everything you need to know! 📋💕

If you’re thinking about spaying your pup, our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from pre-op to post-op care! Give us a call and let’s chat about how we can help your dog live their healthiest, happiest life. 🐾💖

09/25/2025

🐱💉 Blood Draws for Cats—Comfort Comes First! 💉🐾

We know that a visit to the vet can be a little stressful for our feline friends, especially when it comes to something like a blood draw. But your cat’s comfort is our top priority! ❤️

😻 Fear-Free & Feline-Friendly Techniques

Our team is trained in fear-free and feline-friendly techniques to ensure your cat feels safe and calm throughout the process. Whether it's a routine check-up or more extensive testing, we take things at your cat’s pace. 🐾

🐱 Where Do We Draw Blood From?

Depending on your cat's temperament and the amount of blood needed, our technician will choose the best, least stressful spot:

Jugular Vein: For larger blood samples, we may use the jugular vein (in the neck). Don’t worry—there are fewer nerve receptors in this area, so it’s actually more comfortable for the cat! Plus, it’s a larger vessel, so we can get the sample quicker. 🐾

Medial Saphenous Vein: If your cat isn’t a fan of their face being held, we may opt for the medial saphenous vein on their leg. This requires your cat to lie down, but don’t worry, they’ll be comfy and relaxed. 😽

Cephalic Vein: Sometimes, we’ll use the front leg’s cephalic vein, depending on what your cat is comfortable with.

🐾 We’re All About Comfort!

Our technicians will always keep your cat’s comfort in mind and go at their pace. If your kitty is feeling extra stressed, we can discuss Gabapentin to help reduce anxiety and make future visits even smoother! 🧘‍♀️

We’re here to make sure your cat gets the best care in the least stressful way possible—because we know just how much they mean to you. 💕

If you have any questions or need advice on how to make your kitty’s vet visit even more comfortable, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We're here to help! 😻

09/23/2025

🚗🐾 Traveling With Your Cat? Here's How to Make the Ride Purrfect! 🐱✨

We know… most cats definitely don’t love car trips. But with a little planning, we can make sure your furry friend feels safe, calm, and comfortable during their visit to the vet! Here are some tips for a stress-free journey:

🏡 Get Your Cat Comfortable with Their Carrier at Home

Cats are so much more relaxed when they’re familiar with their surroundings. Start by leaving the carrier out in a cozy area with a soft blanket and maybe even a favorite treat inside! Let them explore at their own pace and get used to it as their new “chill zone” before the trip. 😺💕

🚗 Safe & Secure in the Car

Once it’s time to hit the road, place your cat’s carrier on the floor of the car, never on the passenger seat. The floor is safer (no sudden jolts!), and your cat will feel more secure. Don’t forget to buckle up—yes, even their carrier! Safety first for your pet! 🛡️🚙

😺 Nervous About the Vet Visit?

If your cat gets anxious in the car, we’ve got you covered! Gabapentin (prescribed by your vet) can help reduce stress and anxiety for cats who might feel nervous about travel or the vet visit itself. It’s like a little dose of calm for their journey! 💊✨

💡 Bonus Tip: Keep the Car Ride Calm

Avoid feeding your cat right before the trip to prevent motion sickness, and keep the car ride quiet—no loud music or sudden stops! Let them rest in their comfy carrier while you focus on driving safely. 🐾

Ready for a stress-free vet visit? Let’s make sure your cat’s car ride is as calm as possible! If you need any tips or Gabapentin for your kitty, call us! 🐱❤️

09/21/2025

🦴🐕 Why Neutering Your Dog is a Great Idea! 🐾💙

Did you know that neutering your dog isn’t just about preventing unwanted puppies? It’s about helping your dog live a healthier, happier life and even reducing certain behavioral problems! Let’s break it down:

✅ Health Benefits: Neutered dogs are less likely to develop serious health issues like testicular cancer, prostate problems, and hormone-related diseases like perianal tumors.
✅ Behavioral Benefits: Neutering can reduce mounting, marking, and especially roaming for a female in heat! Neutering also reduces certain types of aggression, which means fewer puppy fights and less stress for everyone.
✅ Longer Life: Neutered dogs tend to live longer lives, with fewer injuries and health complications down the road. 🐾

💡 But Wait—What About My Dog’s Personality?

Don’t worry, neutering doesn’t change your dog’s personality, playfulness, or affection for you. It’s all about health and longevity—your dog will still be the same loveable companion, just without the risk of certain diseases and behaviors. ❤️

🐶 For Large Breeds: Timing Is Key!

Some large-breed dogs may benefit from waiting until they’re around 18 months to 2 years old before neutering. This allows them to fully develop and stabilize their hormones, which can help with their growth and joint health. 🦴💪

🩺 When Should I Neuter My Dog?

The best time varies depending on your dog’s breed, size, and health, so it’s always a good idea to chat with your vet about the ideal timing! 🕒

❓ Any Risks?

As with any surgery, there’s a small risk of complications, but neutering is generally safe and has tons of benefits. We provide preanesthetic blood-work, pain medication pre and post operatively, and extensive cardiopulmonary monitoring. With proper care, your pup will bounce back in no time! 🐕

Neutering is a win-win for both your dog and the community! Ready to give your dog the best chance at a healthy, happy life? Contact us today to schedule a neuter consultation!

09/19/2025

🩺🐾 Your Dog’s Post-Op Recovery: What You Need to Know! 🐾💕

Our furry friends are tough, but after surgery, they need a little extra love and care to recover. Here are some important tips to help your pup feel comfortable and get back to their tail-wagging self!

🛏️ After Surgery: Rest is Key!

When your dog comes home, keep them warm and cozy in a quiet, comfortable spot (preferably away from any hustle and bustle). For the next week, keep activity to a minimum—no jumping, running, or rough play. Think of it like a mini staycation for your dog! 🐾

🍽️ What About Food?

You can offer about half of their regular dinner a few hours after getting home. If they're still hungry, give them the rest after an hour. Smaller meals = less chance of nausea, which is pretty common after anesthesia. Water is always good though! 💧

😴 Sleepy Pup? Totally Normal!

After anesthesia, your dog might feel extra sleepy or groggy. Give them the next 24-48 hours to fully recover—by then, they'll be back to their energetic selves (or close to it)! 💤

🐾 That Shaved Leg? It's All Good!

If your dog has a shaved spot on their foreleg, it's likely from an IV or anesthesia injection site. Don’t worry, it’s just part of the process! The shaved area may have a bandage—usually, you can remove it the day after surgery unless otherwise told. 🐕

🤧 Coughing? It Happens!

A slight post-op cough is common and can be due to the tube placed during anesthesia. It’ll usually go away on its own in a few days. If the coughing gets worse, though, let us know! 🐶

🐾 No Licking!

If your dog starts licking their incision, it's time for an Elizabethan collar (aka the cone of shame 🦴). It’s super important to stop them from chewing at their stitches—just a few seconds of chewing can cause serious issues! If you don’t have one, let us know, and we can help! 💪

💉 Incision: What’s Normal?

Your dog’s incision should look clean and closed, with some pink or slight bruising around it. A small amount of blood is also normal, but if you see any continuous bleeding, swelling, or pus, it’s time to call us. We're here for you! 💖

🗓️ Stitches? When Do They Come Out?

Most stitches come out in 7-14 days, depending on the procedure. If dissolvable stitches were used, no removal is necessary. If you’re unsure, we’ll let you know exactly what to do and when! ✂️

🐕 Ready to Play Again?

Your dog will need to take it easy for 1-2 weeks (depending on the surgery) to allow the incision to fully heal. No baths, swimming, or rough play until we give you the all-clear! 🏖️

💊 Medication Reminder!

If your dog was prescribed any pain or other medications, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. We’re here if you have any questions! 📋

If you’re ever unsure or have concerns, give us a call or message us anytime. We're here to help your pup heal and feel better every step of the way! 🐾💕

09/17/2025

🐾 Purr-fect News for Our Feline Friends! 🐱✨

We’ve created a cozy new cat-only exam room designed just for your favorite whiskered companions! 🐈💕

No barking, no stress—just a calm, comfy space made with your kitty’s comfort in mind, featuring:

📺 Cat TV (bird watching, anyone?)
🧴 Feline pheromones to help soothe & relax
🐾 Treats like Churu (yum!)
🛏️ Cat cubbies for hiding, lounging, or judging us from afar

Because let’s face it… cats deserve VIP treatment. 😻

📅 Call us today to book your cat’s next visit in their new favorite room!

09/15/2025

🦷🐶 Doggy Breath? It’s More Serious Than You Think! 🐾

Did you know that over 80% of dogs over the age of 3 have active dental disease? 😱 That stinky breath might be more than just unpleasant—it could be a sign of serious health issues below the surface.

So, what happens during a professional dental cleaning?

✅ Pre-anesthetic bloodwork – to make sure your pup is safe and ready
✅ Full-mouth exam & dental X-rays – we check above AND below the gumline
✅ Scaling & polishing – just like a human dental cleaning (but with more tail wags!)
✅ Fluoride or antibiotics – for added protection and comfort
✅ Extractions, but only if needed – because a painful tooth is no fun for anyone and your pet may be hiding their pain!

❗ Anesthesia is key: It’s the only way we can safely and thoroughly clean below the gums, where the real problems hide. "Awake cleanings" may look helpful, but they don’t treat disease—they only scratch the surface (literally).

🦴 Healthy teeth = a healthier, happier pup!
Book your dog’s dental exam today—we'll help those pearly whites shine again! ✨

09/14/2025

09/12/2025

🐾🎶 RESCUE FEST: Music 4 Mutts 🎶🐾
A day of music, mutts & making a difference!

📅 Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1–7 PM
📍 Off The River Bar & Grille Event Stage – Port Richey, FL

Join us for a heartwarming celebration featuring live music, delicious food, raffles, and adorable adoptable pets - all to support local animal rescue efforts.

Event Highlights:
🐶 Pet Adoptions – Meet pups looking for forever homes
🎵 Live Music – Local artists rocking the stage all day
🍔 Food Vendors – Festival favorites you’ll love
🎟️ Raffles – Win prizes while giving back

💲 Free Admission – Bring your family, friends & (leashed!) dogs for an unforgettable afternoon.

Presented by JTaylor Entertainment & Productions in proud partnership with Unrefined Brewing, Off The River Bar, On The Fly Creations, Outlaw Mile High Beer, Fresh Grass Landscaping, and A&D Arts & Crafts.

Let’s make some noise for rescue animals!

09/10/2025

Porthos loves to be the center of attention. See him "helping" Emily.