Blue Cross Dog & Cat Hospital

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

Cats are wired to hide pain—it’s a survival instinct that sticks around even when they’re safe at home. That means you have to watch closely for clues: extra meowing, hissing, or even purring that’s not from happiness; faster or heavier breathing; spending lots of time tucked away in quiet spots; or moving stiffly, struggling to jump, and seeming unable to get comfortable. Their personality might shift too—once friendly cats can get grumpy, while others become clingy, and they may stop grooming properly, skip meals, go outside the litter box, or lose interest in play.

Lots of things can hurt your cat, from injuries and accidents to dental trouble, infections, urinary issues, arthritis, and other illnesses. Even small changes in how they act matter, so if something feels off, don’t wait to call your vet. There are ways to ease their discomfort and help them feel like themselves again.

Do you know when your cat is in pain?

10/08/2026

Dogs losing their sight—often from age-related conditions—can still live happy, full lives: keep furniture where it is, use contrasting tape on stairs, pad sharp corners, and mark key spots with gentle scents to help them navigate. And don’t underestimate them: Norman, a completely blind Labrador, proved just how capable they are when he swam out to rescue a girl caught in dangerous ocean currents, showing that vision loss never stops a dog from being brave and loving.

As veterinary medicine advances, dogs are living longer and longer. With advancing age, more geriatric diseases are becoming prevalent. Problems with vision, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and keratitis, are common. Many of these problems occur so gradually that some people don't know they have a blin...

10/07/2026

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, so we have to rely on changes in their behavior and daily habits to spot trouble. Occasional vomiting might just mean they ate too fast, but repeated vomiting, blood, diarrhea lasting over 24 hours, or loss of appetite all need quick vet attention—these could point to infections, parasites, poisoning, or other serious issues.

Also watch for unusual tiredness, especially if there’s no clear reason like a long walk. If your dog suddenly loses interest in things they usually love, seems weak, or can’t catch their breath, don’t wait. Other red flags include going off food, drinking far more than usual, limping, constant scratching, or any new lump—if these last more than two days, it’s time to call the vet.
Dogs are wired to hide illness, so what looks small might actually be important. When in doubt, always reach out to your vet—getting help early almost always leads to better, faster recovery for your dog.

Identifying the signs of sickness in a dog can be challenging, even for the most vigilant pet owners. Since a sick dog is unable to verbally communicate what hurts, pet owners must pay close attention to identify the signs of illness. Subtle changes in behavior or appetite may be symptomatic of an u...

10/07/2026

Pets are really good at hiding pain, so it’s important to watch for changes in how they act—things like limping, tiring easily, panting, being grumpy when touched, moving more slowly, or losing interest in food. Common causes include injuries, arthritis, and dental trouble, especially in pets over three or four. Watch for signs like bad breath, dropping food, avoiding crunchy meals, eating only soft food, or taking longer to eat—those can mean their mouth hurts.

Your vet will do a thorough exam and may take X‑rays to find exactly what’s going on, then create a care plan with medication, therapy, or surgery. Never give human pain medicine or natural remedies on your own, because what’s safe for people or dogs can be dangerous or even deadly for cats. There are many effective, safe options available through your vet, and keeping your pet comfortable is a key part of helping them heal and enjoy a good life.

There are signs to look for when your pet is experiencing pain. Together you and your veterinarian can identify and help your pet with pain that may be present. The issue of pain in animals is so critical that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) teamed up with the American Association of

10/03/2026

Pets often hide pain instead of crying, so watch for changes in behavior—limping, moving stiffly, tiring easily, panting, being grumpy when touched, or losing interest in food or favorite activities. Arthritis and injury are common causes, and dental trouble is also very common, especially in pets over three or four. Signs like bad breath, dropping food, avoiding crunchy meals, or chewing only on one side mean it’s time for a checkup.

Your vet will examine them carefully and may do X‑rays to find exactly what’s hurting, then prescribe the right treatment—medication, therapy, or surgery. Never give human pain medicine or herbal remedies on your own, because what’s safe for people or dogs can be dangerous or even deadly for cats. Pain management is a key part of healing, and there are many safe, effective options to keep your pet comfortable and happy.

There are signs to look for when your pet is experiencing pain. Together you and your veterinarian can identify and help your pet with pain that may be present. The issue of pain in animals is so critical that the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) teamed up with the American Association of

10/02/2026

https://www.sovavet.com

10/01/2026

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that’s making a comeback—it attacks the kidneys and liver, and can spread from pets to people through water, soil, or food contaminated by infected urine. It’s found everywhere from lakes and streams to beaches and even urban areas, especially where wildlife or rodents are present.

The good news is that newer vaccines are much safer and more effective than older ones: they protect against four strains instead of two, last a full year, and rarely cause reactions. If your dog goes outdoors, visits water, or lives where there are rodents or wildlife, your vet will likely recommend vaccination—two doses three weeks apart to start, then one shot every year after that.

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging disease. This bacterial disease most commonly causes liver and kidney problems in dogs, but can also cause lung, pancreas, and eye symptoms. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transferred from animals to people, in fact, it is the most common zoonotic disease....

09/30/2026

Lyme disease, spread by deer ticks, can make your pet feverish, sore, tired, and lame—so prevention is always best. Stick to open, sunny paths instead of tall grass or woods, and check your pet thoroughly after every walk—don’t forget the neck, head, ears, and underbelly, where ticks love to hide. Monthly tick prevention medication keeps them from latching on in the first place, and is easy to apply to the back of the neck where they can’t reach it.

If you do find a tick, use fine‑tipped tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible—never squeeze the body—and pull straight out steadily. Drop it in rubbing alcohol to kill it, then clean the spot and your hands. Watch for fever, joint pain, tiredness, or loss of appetite afterward; if anything seems off, have your vet check them right away.

How to Prev­ent and Remove Ticks Lyme disease is a top concern for dog owners who enjoy walking with their dog in grassy and wooded areas. Transmitted by deer ticks, Lyme disease can result in fever, joint lameness, fatigue, and general discomfort for your pet. While treatment is available, Lyme di...

09/29/2026

Heart disease is very common in pets—affecting 11% of dogs and up to 20% of cats, and rising sharply as they get older. But it works differently than in people: pets don’t get heart attacks because their arteries don’t clog the way ours do. In dogs, the most common problems are leaky valves—especially in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, where 80–90% develop it—followed by weakened heart muscle in large breeds like Dobermans and Great Danes, plus some birth defects.

Cats face their own main condition: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart wall thickens and can cause blood clots, sudden paralysis in the back legs, heart failure, or even death—often without a detectable heart murmur. Heartworm is another serious threat to both dogs and cats, but it’s fully preventable with monthly medication. If heart disease is suspected, a specialized heart ultrasound done by a veterinary cardiologist is the best way to get a clear diagnosis and plan the right care.

Many diseases of people also occur in pets. A problem that is common in people, dogs, and cats is heart disease. While these disorders have some things in common, many ailments of the heart in pets are completely different than what occurs in people. Recent surveys have shown that 11% of all dogs ha...