Posts in Category: Seasonal Pet Care

The holiday season brings joy and warmth, but amid the twinkling lights and festive decor, it’s easy to overlook potential hazards to our furry companions. At Bayside Animal Hospital, we’re committed to pet safety. We want to guide you through December pet care essentials, ensuring your holiday remains merry and safe for all family members—including the four-legged ones.

Do you dream of relaxing on a sandy beach with your dog? Or perhaps you’d love to bring your cat along on a family road trip in the RV. You might be wondering, “Can I vacation with my pet?” 

The answer isn’t straightforward. Bayside Animal Hospital has several considerations for you to think about before you hit the road. 

Until the ups and downs of spring level out, snakes stay close to their dens in case it starts to rain or get cold. They can be found under or near their rocks or inside their hibernaculum until weather stabilizes. Then, all bets are off! In search of food, mates, or just expanding their range, snakes explore their surroundings with gusto. Granite Bay residents are all too familiar with snake sightings near homes and on trails. If your home has rock outcrops, freestanding piles of wood or metal, accessible crawl spaces, and infrequently used outbuildings, you might want to start thinking about pet-safe snake repellents. 

Did you know that your pet doesn’t actually need year-round parasite prevention? April Fool’s! On the contrary, the best way to protect your pet from ticks and other vectors is to keep them on a schedule all year long. While many pet owners believe that parasite prevention is only necessary during the spring and summer, the fact is that fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes continue to threaten animal health and wellness no matter the season. 

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a time of giving. But what do you get for the pet who has everything?

When it comes to gifts, these are some of the best trending pet care products this Christmas. Buy one. Buy two. Or get them all! Your pet will love and thank you for it!

Turkey, with all the trimmings, is a Thanksgiving tradition, but is it OK to pass the holiday bird to your cat or dog? Pets and people foods don’t always mix, so follow these tips from our team at Bayside Animal Hospital before caving in to your pet’s hungry eyes and sharing any Turkey Day table scraps.

Dog allergies are itchy business, and we treat many pets with allergies here at Bayside Animal Hospital. If your dog is constantly scratching, biting, or licking part of his body, or if his fur is missing in places, he could have allergies. Read on for an explanation of common dog allergies and symptoms, and what to do if you suspect that your pup has allergies. 

High temps can be hard for pets to tolerate, especially seniors, overweight pets, and those with certain medical conditions. Dog breeds with flat faces, such as pugs and bulldogs, are also at a higher risk of heat-related illness, as are snub-nosed cats like Persians and Himalayans.  

Nothing says summer like family barbecues, apple pie and 4^th of July celebrations. But while you’re marveling at how well the music and fireworks are synchronized, your dog may be experiencing levels of anxiety that could significantly impact his mental and physical health. 

Seasoned pet owners are pretty good about seeing risks long before their pets even approach them. But among the many things that the holidays are good for, lapses in our judgment and vigilance rank pretty high. Don’t worry: with our gentle reminders, your approach to holiday pet safety can quickly and successfully reduce any potential risks to your pet this year.