VCA Westside Animal Hospital

10/16/2026

🎃 Costumes, PSL's and scented candles... oh my! Be on the lookout for these potential pet hazards this fall. 🍂

And if you need support from your veterinary team, we're just a call away! Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/16/2026

⚠️ Vital Autumn Warning: Keep Antifreeze Safely Away from Pets 🚗❄️

With late October bringing shifting temperatures, many car owners are beginning to winterize their vehicles, flush radiators, or top off fluids. Because of this, our medical team at VCA Westside wants to issue an urgent safety reminder about automotive antifreeze.

Traditional antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a chemical that is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats. To make matters worse, it has a naturally sweet taste and aroma that heavily attracts curious pets to lap it up.

Critical safety protocols for your garage:
💠 Clean Spills Immediately: Even a tiny puddle the size of a dime can cause fatal kidney failure in a cat or small dog. Thoroughly wash down any driveway or garage spills.
📦 Store Securely: Keep all automotive chemicals tightly sealed on high shelves, completely out of reach.
🛒 Switch Options: Whenever possible, purchase pet-safe antifreeze alternatives made with propylene glycol instead, which is significantly less toxic.

If you suspect your pet has ingested or even licked antifreeze, do not wait for symptoms to appear—it is a life-threatening medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency veterinary care.

Please keep those garage floors clear and your furry family members safe this season! 👇✨

10/15/2026

👵 Wellness for Our Golden Oldies 👴🐾

As pets age, their medical and lifestyle needs change. October is a great reminder to pay extra attention to our senior companions (typically pets aged 7 and older). Because animals are experts at hiding discomfort, routine veterinary checks are vital for catching age-related changes early.

Signs your senior pet might need a wellness exam:
📉 Slowing down or stiffness when rising from a nap.
🍽️ Changes in weight, appetite, or water consumption.
💤 Sleeping much more deeply or showing restlessness at night.
💨 Persistent bad breath, which can indicate underlying dental disease.

Our medical team at VCA Westside specializes in senior care, helping manage joint comfort, nutrition, and internal health so your pet can enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

Is your pet a senior? Drop a picture of your gorgeous older pet in the comments below! 👇❤️

10/15/2026

We dare you to swipe through the puppies without saying "awww" 😍

Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/14/2026

💨 Shifting Seasons: Managing Autumn Dry Skin for Your Pets 🛋️🐈

As we head deeper into October and the indoor heating systems start turning on, you might notice a few changes in your pet’s skin and coat. The combination of cooler outdoor air and dry indoor heat can strip the natural moisture right out of their fur.

Signs your pet is dealing with seasonal dry skin:
❄️ Increased dandruff or flaking along their back and tail.
🐾 Frequent scratching, biting, or licking at their paws and skin.
💠 A duller, more brittle coat than usual.

How you can help them stay comfortable:
🐟 Ask About Omega Fatty Acids: Dietary supplements like fish oil are excellent for supporting the skin's moisture barrier from the inside out. Talk to our veterinarians for a proper dosage.
🛁 Use Moisturizing Shampoos: If your pet needs a bath, switch to a soap-free, colloidal oatmeal shampoo that hydrates the skin rather than drying it out.
🔹 Brush Daily: Regular brushing stimulates natural oil production and removes dead skin cells.

If your pet's scratching is keeping them awake at night, our team at VCA Westside can evaluate them for underlying allergies or skin infections to get them some relief.

Has your pet started seeking out the warmest spots in the house yet? Tell us where they are napping today! 👇🍂

10/14/2026

Every surgery starts long before the first incision. It starts with a veterinary technician who has spent years mastering their skills, anticipating needs, monitoring vitals, and showing up fully prepared for every patient who comes through the door.

Vet techs are the heart of every OR team, and their skill and dedication make a difference every single day. At some VCA specialty hospitals, we take surgical collaboration even further. Some of our teams include Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) — professionals who earned specialized degrees specifically to support surgeons in the OR.

The result? Less time under anesthesia. Better outcomes. And a team that truly works as one. 💙

Because every patient is somebody's pet — and they deserve nothing less than the best.

10/13/2026

Think you know your veterinary history? Let’s put it to the test. 🩺

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re looking back at the breakthroughs that have helped shape veterinary care over the past four decades.

Take the 40 Years of Breakthroughs in Veterinary Medicine quiz from Clinician's Brief and see how you score!

👉 Take the quiz - https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/quiz-40-years-breakthroughs-vet-med

10/13/2026

SLOTS FILL FAST: Get 15% OFF Dental Cleanings This November! 🐾✨

Did you know that over 80% of dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by age 3? Dental health impacts way more than just breath—untreated tartar spreads bacteria to the heart, liver, and kidneys!

To help keep your pet’s smile bright, VCA Westside is offering 15% OFF all professional dental cleanings throughout November!

Signs Your Pet Needs a Dental Evaluation:
👃 Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis)
🔴 Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums
⭐ Visible Yellow/Brown Tartar Buildup
💠 Dropping Food or Chewing on One Side

November appointment slots fill up quickly! Beat the rush and schedule your pet’s dental assessment in October to lock in 15% OFF! 👇💙

10/13/2026

What trick do you want to teach your senior dog?! Remember to have their favorite treat on hand 🍬

Curious about more ways to care for your senior pet? Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/13/2026

🐈🐕Happy National Train Your Brain Day! Did you know that ditching the standard food bowl for a puzzle toy or snuffle mat can tire your pet out just as much as a fast walk?

Foraging for food exercises their natural instincts and cuts down on indoor behavioral mischief.

Drop a 🐾 if your pet loves food puzzles, or a 💤 if they prefer lazy dining! 👇

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

🌾 Happy National Farmers Day from VCA Westside! 🚜❤️

Today, we are sending a huge thank you to the hardworking farmers who keep our communities fed, as well as the amazing farm dogs, cats, and livestock who help get the job done every single day.

Join us in celebrating the harvest season by dropping a 🚜 or a 🍂 in the comments below! 👇

10/09/2026

PSA: Emotional support toys are welcome here too! Veterinary visits can be nerve-racking, so we love seeing the bravery that our patients exude 🤗

Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/09/2026

🔐 The Safety Net: Why Indoor Cats Need Microchips Too 🏠🐱

We often think of microchips as a tool exclusively for dogs who go on outdoor adventures, but today our medical team wants to talk about our indoor feline companions.

Even the most content indoor cats can become startled by a sudden loud noise, a delivery person at the door, or a loose window screen. Because indoor cats aren't familiar with the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, they are highly prone to panicking and hiding if they accidentally slip outside.

Why microchipping is essential:
🏷️ Collars can slip off: Cats are agile and can easily lose a breakaway collar while navigating bushes or fences.
◾ Permanent Identification: A microchip is a tiny, painless identifier placed safely beneath the skin that can never be lost, altered, or detached.
🏥 Universal Scanning: Every animal shelter and veterinary hospital scans lost pets for a chip immediately upon arrival.

Microchipping takes just a few moments during a routine check-up at VCA Westside and provides a lifetime of protection.

Is your feline family member microchipped yet? Let us know if you need to schedule a quick peace-of-mind update! 👇❤️

10/08/2026

In honor of VCA's 40th anniversary, VCA Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Julia Georgesen, sat down with Dr. Beth Mollison on the Clinicians Brief Partner Podcast to reflect on the profession's most transformative shifts — and what's coming next.

From hand-developing X-rays to anesthesia simulation software, this conversation covers it all:
🐾 The evolution of pain management as a clinical outcome
📊 Preventative care shifting toward predictive medicine
🤝 Team-based care and empowering credentialed technicians
🧠 Why the future belongs to those with not just IQ and EQ — but AQ: adaptability quotient
💬 Heart-centered communication and what clients really remember

Listen now: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/podcast-then-now-next-40-years-veterinary-medicine-dr-georgesen

10/08/2026

Today is ! When was the last time your pet had an eye screening exam? Annual eye screening exams allow for early disease detection to keep their vision healthy 👀

Book your pet's nose-to-tail wellness exam at your local VCA Animal Hospital via https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/08/2026

🐾 Autumn Walks: Quick Tips for Protecting Your Pet's Paws 🍁

As the October weather cools down, we are all spending much more time outdoors exploring local trails and parks. While the crisp air is a welcome break from the summer heat, the changing season brings a few unique hazards for your pet's paws.

Three simple ways to care for their paws this month:
🔎 Check for Hidden Stickers: Dry autumn grass, burs, and stickers are at an all-time high right now. Do a quick check between your dog’s toes and under their pads after every walk to remove anything sharp before it causes a painful puncture or infection.
🐾 Wipe Away Debris: If your pet walks through damp, decaying leaf piles, give their paws a quick wipe down with a damp cloth when you get home. This prevents them from licking off trapped mold spores or dirt that could upset their stomach.
✂️ Keep Pad Hair Trimmed: For long-haired breeds, keeping the fur between their paw pads neatly trimmed reduces the amount of debris and outdoor allergens they track into the house.

If you ever notice your pet limping, licking at a specific paw excessively, or showing signs of a cracked pad, our veterinary team is always here to evaluate them and get them back on their feet comfortably.

How does your pet handle having their paws touched or wiped down? Share your tips with us below! 👇🐶🐱

10/07/2026

The last one is blowing our minds!

Has your pet eaten something they shouldn't? Find your local VCA Animal Hospital at https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

10/07/2026

Today, October 7th, is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. While extra-fluffy pets are undeniably cute, carrying excess weight is a significant medical concern that can directly impact your pet's quality of life and lifespan.

Why maintaining a healthy weight matters:
◾ Joint Protection: Excess weight places massive strain on joints, accelerating arthritis and causing daily discomfort.
◾ Disease Prevention: Overweight pets have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain respiratory conditions.
◾ Lifespan: Studies show that lean pets can live up to two years longer than their overweight counterparts.

During every wellness exam at VCA Westside, our veterinary team calculates your pet's Body Condition Score (BCS). If your pet needs a gentle lifestyle adjustment, we can help you design a safe diet, select therapeutic nutrition, and calculate exact daily caloric needs.

Are you curious about your pet's ideal weight or current Body Condition Score? Let us know if you need to schedule a quick nutrition check-in! 👇❤️

10/06/2026

As the leaves begin to drop and accumulate in our yards this October, it creates the absolute perfect environment for ticks. Many people assume pest season ends when summer does, but several local tick species actually become more active during the crisp autumn months.

How to protect your family this season:
🔹 Manage the Yard: Keep leaf piles raked up and clear brush away from the areas where your children and pets play.
🔎 Do a Post-Walk Check: After spending time outdoors, do a quick pass over your pet’s body—paying extra attention to the ears, underarms, between the toes, and around the collar.
🔹 Stay Consistent on Prevention: The most reliable protection against tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease is year-round preventative medication.

If you need to top off your pet’s regular preventative treatments before heading out on your next autumn hike, our team at VCA Westside is just a quick call away!

Does your pet love jumping into piles of leaves, or do they stick strictly to the sidewalk? Let us know below! 👇🐾