Because informed pet parents raise healthier, happier animals.
⚠️ Florida Heartworm Season is Year-Round. Is your pet protected? If you've missed a dose, call us — we may need to re-test before resuming prevention.
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten? Here's everything you need to know about the first year.
Read time: 8 min
8, 12, 16 weeks + rabies at 16 weeks
8, 12, 16 weeks + rabies at 12-16 weeks
6 months for cats, varies for dogs by breed
Avoid grain-free boutique diets unless medically indicated — ask us why
3-14 weeks is critical for puppies
Bring any records from breeder/rescue, list of current food, list of questions
Learn how to read labels, why 'grain-free' isn't always better.
Read time: 6 min
What to look for on every bag
We recommend Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet
Dilated cardiomyopathy linked to boutique grain-free diets
Most pets are overfed
Kidney disease, urinary issues, food allergies
Plain chicken, carrots, blueberries, green beans
Grapes, raisins, xylitol, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts
87% of dogs have dental disease by age 3. Here's what to watch for.
Read time: 5 min
Bad breath, drooling, dropping food, pawing at mouth, swollen gums
Can't take dental x-rays on an awake patient, can't probe below the gumline safely
We do not recommend or perform it
Daily brushing with pet-specific toothpaste (not human toothpaste — xylitol is toxic)
Helpful supplements but not replacements for professional cleaning
Annual dental exam minimum, professional cleaning every 1-3 years depending on breed and condition
Learn the signs of aging, when to start senior screenings.
Read time: 7 min
Cats: 10+. Small dogs: 8-10. Large dogs: 6-8. Giant breeds: 5-6.
CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, thyroid, blood pressure
Arthritis, kidney disease, dental disease, cognitive dysfunction, cancer, heart disease
Decreased appetite, reluctance to jump, sleeping more, personality changes, panting at rest
Ramps, orthopedic beds, raised food bowls, non-slip mats
How to know when your pet is struggling vs. having a bad day
Living in Central Florida means year-round parasite pressure and heat risks.
Read time: 5 min
Transmitted by mosquitoes, year-round risk in Florida, monthly prevention is non-negotiable
Year-round in Florida (no winter kill), use veterinary-recommended products only
No walks on hot pavement (test with your hand — 5 seconds), no cars even with windows cracked
Bufo toads (cane toads) are toxic — if your dog mouths one, rinse mouth immediately and call us
Coral snakes and water moccasins are present — keep dogs leashed in wooded areas
Blue-green algae in lakes is toxic to dogs — check local alerts before lake visits
Have 2 weeks of food/medication, know your evacuation zone, carrier for cats
Not sure if your pet's situation is an emergency? Use this guide.
Read time: 4 min
Not breathing, unconscious, actively seizing for >3 min, hit by car, known toxin ingestion, bloated abdomen with retching, profuse bleeding
Vomiting >3 times in 24hrs, not eating for >24hrs (cats) or >48hrs (dogs), limping/non-weight-bearing, eye injury/squinting, difficulty urinating, bloody diarrhea
Mild intermittent limping, occasional vomiting with normal energy, skin lumps/bumps (not rapidly growing), ear scratching, mild diarrhea with normal energy, bad breath