Blue Cross Dog & Cat Hospital

06/09/2026

https://www.sovavet.com

06/06/2026

http://www.sovavet.com

06/05/2026

🙀Feline flu is a viral infection that causes symptoms just like a human cold — sneezing, runny nose and eyes, fever, coughing, loss of appetite, and tiredness. It spreads easily through the air, shared items, or even on your clothes or shoes, and once infected, cats carry the virus for life and can pass it on when stressed. Most recover in 1 to 3 weeks, but kittens, older cats, or those with weak immune systems are at higher risk for serious complications.

👍🥰There’s no cure, but vets can help manage symptoms and prevent issues like dehydration or secondary infections. At home, you can make them more comfortable by keeping them warm, wiping away discharge, offering tasty or warmed food, and helping them breathe easier. Vaccines protect against common strains, and keeping sick cats separate plus cleaning well will stop it from spreading further.

Can you spot the signs of feline flu?

06/04/2026

🐾🙀Pets can indeed feel down, usually after big changes like moving house, losing a companion, or shifts in your daily routine. You might notice they sleep much more, lose interest in games or meals, avoid being around you, or act withdrawn—birds may even pluck their feathers. Since these signs can also point to health issues like pain or illness, it’s best to have a vet check them out if the behavior lasts over two weeks to rule out medical problems first.

👍🥰If they’re healthy, you can help them bounce back by spending extra time together, sticking to a steady daily routine, and gently encouraging play or grooming. Trying new toys, offering favorite foods as treats, or making sure they have the right amount of company also makes a big difference. In serious cases, medication might help, but most pets improve with patience, love, and small adjustments to their environment.

Has your pet been a little moody lately? Find out if depression may be to blame.

06/03/2026

🥰🐾Summer safety starts with a few key rules: never leave your pet in a parked car, as temperatures skyrocket fast, and keep walks to cooler times to avoid burning their paws. In the car, always secure them with a harness or carrier in the back seat—letting them roam or hang their head out the window is dangerous. Also, watch them closely near water, since not all pets are natural swimmers, and bring them indoors during the hottest part of the day to prevent heatstroke.

You’ll also want to keep harmful things like lawn chemicals, fireworks, and unscreened windows out of reach. Fireworks are risky both for burns and from the loud noise, so give scared pets a quiet, safe spot inside. Following these simple steps helps keep your pet protected and lets everyone enjoy the season safely.

Do you know how to keep your pet safe this summer?

05/29/2026

In summer, heat can be dangerous for pets, especially for young, old, or short-nosed animals. Keep outdoor time to mornings or evenings, always provide shade and cool water, and never leave them in a parked car — temperatures spike fast and can be deadly. Watch for heavy panting, weakness, or vomiting; if you see these signs, cool them gently and call the vet right away.

Hot pavement, sand, or metal can burn paw pads in seconds, so test surfaces with your hand first and stick to grass or shaded paths. Car parts like buckles and dashboards also get scorching, so cover them or run the AC first. After walks, check paws for cuts, burns, or stuck debris, and consider using booties to add extra protection.

Don't let heatstroke or sore paws keep your pet from enjoying the summer.

05/28/2026

Fleas and ticks become a big problem when the weather warms up, and they carry serious risks. Ticks spread diseases like Lyme disease, which causes joint pain, fever, and long-term health issues, along with other infections that can be dangerous or even fatal. Fleas make pets miserable with constant itching, can cause skin sores or anemia, and quickly spread to your whole home. Be sure to check hidden spots like between toes or under collars after going out, and watch for scratching or tiny black specks in their fur.

You can keep your pet safe by using vet-approved preventatives like spot-ons, collars, or shampoos that kill these pests at every stage. It also helps to keep your yard tidy—trim grass, clear away brush, and use yard sprays—to reduce their habitat. A fence keeps out strays and wild animals that might bring pests in. If you find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers right away; acting fast lowers the chance of illness.

Would you like to keep your pet free of ticks and fleas? Try a few of these tips.

05/26/2026

Coughing in pets usually points to one of three common issues. Kennel cough, very contagious among dogs, causes a dry, honking sound and spreads easily where dogs gather. Most cases are mild and clear up in a couple of weeks, though rest and medication help, and it can get serious for puppies or weak pets. Then there’s pet flu, affecting both dogs and cats, with symptoms like sneezing, fever, and a wet cough. It lasts longer, sometimes weeks, and needs supportive care like fluids and rest, plus antibiotics if a secondary infection sets in. Vaccines exist for both, but they don’t cover every strain.

For cats, coughing often means asthma, where airways narrow and fill with mucus, leading to wheezing or rapid, shallow breathing. Triggers include dust, pollen, smoke, or strong sprays, but switching litter or cleaning products can help reduce flare-ups. It’s managed with medications similar to what humans use, but trouble breathing or blue gums needs urgent care. No matter the cause, if your pet seems sick, has a fever, or struggles to breathe, a vet visit is always the safest choice.

Wondering why your pet is coughing? Check out three common reasons.