Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals

06/11/2026

🐱🦷 Meet Spaghetti! 🧡

Spaghetti recently visited CVT Emily at Temple Terrace Animal Hospital for his annual dental cleaning, and his visit highlights an important part of pet dental care that many pet owners have questions about: anesthesia.

You may have heard about anesthesia-free dental cleanings, but it's important to know that they only clean the visible surface of the teeth. Most dental problems happen below the gumline, where they can't be seen without a thorough exam and dental X-rays.

That's why professional dental procedures are performed under anesthesia.

Anesthesia allows our team to:
✔ Carefully examine every tooth
✔ Take dental X-rays to look beneath the gums
✔ Clean above and below the gumline
✔ Find and treat painful dental problems early

In Spaghetti's photos, you can see the difference a professional dental cleaning can make. What you can't see is everything happening below the surface. Dental X-rays help us identify problems that could be causing pain long before they become obvious.

We understand that anesthesia can feel scary, but modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe. Before every procedure, we perform a thorough evaluation and closely monitor patients throughout their dental care.

Our goal isn't just cleaner teeth. It's helping your cat stay healthy, comfortable, and thriving for years to come.

Have questions about your cat's dental health? We'd be happy to help!

💻 Check Out Our Blog on The Risks and Realities of Anesthesia-Free Dentistry for Pets: https://www.tampabayvets.net/the-risks-and-realities-of-anesthesia-free-dentistry-for-pets/

Anesthesia-free dentistry for pets sounds appealing, but this service doesn’t deliver on its promise. Instead, studies show it provides no medical benefit and

06/09/2026

Pet Appreciation Week Challenge: Describe your pet in three words in the comments below! ⬇️ Bonus points if you share a photo! 📸🐾

Looking at this crew from Temple Terrace Animal Hospital, we'd go with: Goofy. Loyal. Lovable. 😄

One of the best parts of working in veterinary medicine is getting to know the unique personalities behind every wagging tail, happy smile, face boop, soft purr, and goofy expression. Whether your pet is the neighborhood social butterfly, a professional napper, or the self-appointed ruler of the house, we know they make life a little brighter every day.

This Pet Appreciation Week, we're celebrating all the pets who keep us laughing, loving, and reaching for extra treats. ❤️

Now it's your turn! Tell us about your pet in three words and share a photo in the comments—we can't wait to read them! 📷🐶🐱

06/02/2026

🌀🐾 Hurricane season officially began June 1, and here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay pet owners know how quickly conditions can change.

Temple Terrace Animal Hospital's Luis and our adorable new puppy patient, Precious, stopped by to help spread an important reminder: now is the time to prepare your pets before a storm is in the forecast.

Across the Tampa Bay area, now is the perfect time to update your pet's emergency plans and supplies. Make sure your pet's microchip information is up to date, keep recent vaccination records on hand, and have a pet emergency kit ready. Don't forget to identify pet-friendly hotels, shelters, or friends and family outside evacuation zones before they're needed.

Many local shelters, hotels, and boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations, so having those records readily available can help reduce stress if an evacuation becomes necessary. It's also a good idea to keep at least 3–7 days of food, medications, bottled water, and comfort items packed and ready.

Our Tampa Bay communities are no strangers to tropical weather, but a little planning now can help keep your pets safe, comfortable, and by your side no matter what this hurricane season brings.

What is one item you've already added to your pet's hurricane preparedness kit this year? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

05/27/2026

Some pets are simply meant to find us. 🥹 💙

Oyster’s story began in 2021 when his mom spotted his photo on the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center website. At first, she thought she had missed her chance after learning he had already been pre-adopted — not once, but twice! But then his photo suddenly reappeared online, and she knew she had to go meet him. The connection was instant, and it truly felt meant to be ❤️

Since then, Oyster has become the sweetest little companion anyone could ask for. He loves snacks, cuddling, and sleeping with his head propped up on a pillow like a tiny person. 😹

Like many pets, Oyster has also faced some health challenges along the way, including IBD and emergency knee and hip surgery. Through every diagnosis, recovery, and even the occasional “stink bomb” from his tummy troubles, Dr. Connolly and our team at The Cat Doctors of South Tampa have been honored to care for him and support his family through it all.

His mom shared, “Oyster is the most special cat I’ve ever known. He is truly the sweetest, most gentle soul.”

Thank you for trusting us to be part of Oyster’s journey. Stories like his remind us why we love what we do every day.

05/22/2026

Pebble Creek Animal Hospital’s boarding pups took a quick break from their splash time to help spread an important summer reminder.

Heat safety is no joke this time of year here in Tampa Bay! ☀️🐾💦

As temperatures rise, it’s important to keep a close eye on pets during outdoor activities, especially:
• Senior pets
• Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Frenchies)
• Pets with darker coats
• Very young puppies and kittens

These pets can overheat more quickly, especially in Florida heat and humidity.

☀️🏡 And don’t forget about indoor pets! Be sure to keep spaces cool, provide plenty of fresh water, and watch for overly warm lounging spots near windows or sunrooms.

📸 We’d love to see how your pets are enjoying the Florida sunshine safely too! Share a photo in the comments ☀️🐶

05/18/2026

Teams across Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals continued finding meaningful ways to support pets and the community, both inside and outside the hospital walls! ❤️

At Caladesi Animal Hospital, Nicole volunteered with Sunshine State Lab Rescue at a local meet-and-greet event, helping sweet Milo find his forever home. Nicole shared how rewarding it was to connect with potential adopters, highlight Milo’s lovable personality, and support a rescue organization dedicated to giving Labs a second chance.

Meanwhile, the team at Pebble Creek Animal Hospital participated in CPR training with Dr. Lewis, refreshing important lifesaving skills and staying prepared for emergency situations so we can continue providing the highest level of care possible.

And at North Bay Animal Hospital, Dr. Madill, Kara, and Rafi represented our hospital at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company's National Pet Day “Ales & Tails” event, connecting with local pet owners and sharing helpful information about pet health and wellness.

Whether through continuing education, rescue support, or community events, we’re proud to continue making a positive impact for pets and the people who love them.

05/14/2026

Every pet has a story, and this week, we loved being part of a few special ones across the Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals family! 💙

🩸 Milo from Pebble Creek Animal Hospital helped save another pet’s life by donating blood and earned plenty of cuddles (and peanut butter!) for being such a good boy.

🐱 Cooper visited The Cat Doctors of South Tampa to establish care after making the big move all the way from Moscow! This handsome 9-month-old Maine C**n came in to make sure he’s healthy, happy, and settling in well.

🧀 Drake stopped by All Creatures Animal Hospital for a puppy visit and quickly discovered that cheese might just be the best part of veterinary care.

🐾 And little Arlee had a wonderful first kitten visit with Dr. Norden at Cheval Animal Hospital, full of new experiences, gentle care, and lots of love.

From first visits to lifesaving moments, we’re grateful to be part of each pet’s journey.

👉 💬 We’d love to hear your pet’s story, too! Share a favorite photo or tell us about a memorable moment with your pet in the comments.

**n

Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals is a network of veterinary facilities, made up of six hospitals, staffed by our wonderful veterinary team.

05/07/2026

At Tampa Bay Animal Hospitals, caring for pets also means supporting the future of veterinary medicine. 🩺💙

Across our hospitals, we’re proud to help inspire and train the next generation of veterinary assistants, technicians, and veterinarians through internships, externships, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities.

From teaching future veterinary assistants like Wilson at Tampa Bay Tech High School… to supporting team members like Dee as she continues her journey from Certified Vet Assistant to Certified Vet Technician… to welcoming veterinary technician interns like Genesis from St. Petersburg College… to hosting veterinary student externs like Lauren from the University of Florida, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for growth and learning.

Veterinary medicine is built on compassion, teamwork, curiosity, and mentorship, and we’re honored to play a small part in helping future veterinary professionals gain the confidence and experience they need to thrive.

The future of veterinary medicine is bright, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things these future professionals accomplish!

05/04/2026

May the 4th Be With You!

In a galaxy not so far away (Florida 🌴), the best defense against the dark side is… preventive care:

🦷 Professional Dental Cleanings
Don’t let plaque and disease hiding below the gumline strike back. Healthy teeth mean a healthier pet from nose to tail.

🦟 Parasite Protection, You Must Have
Heartworm, fleas, and ticks are no joke here, especially as the weather continues to heat up. Year-round prevention is the way.

⚠️ Leptospirosis (Lepto)
A bacterial disease spread through contaminated water (puddles, wet grass). It can cause serious kidney/liver damage and can spread to people. In Florida, risk is higher. Vaccination and avoiding standing water are key.

🐾 Wellness Visits = Your Pet’s Jedi Training
Puppies need a strong start, seniors need extra support. Wellness exams 2x a year keep them ready for anything.

From brave pups like Porthos to wise little Yodas, every pet deserves care that keeps the Force strong.

📅 Schedule your pet’s visit today, because a healthy pet is always the hero of the story.

💻 https://www.tampabayvets.net/

04/30/2026

Anesthesia-free dentistry might sound like a safer, easier option… but it doesn’t actually treat dental disease, and can even put pets at risk.

⚠️ Here’s what pet parents should know.
Anesthesia-free cleanings only remove visible tartar on the surface of the teeth. But most dental disease happens below the gumline, where bacteria cause infection, pain, and damage you can’t see.

⚠️ Who’s performing the care matters, too.
While anyone can see yellow or brown tartar, only a licensed veterinarian can diagnose and grade dental disease and conditions like gingivitis, fractured teeth, or resorptive lesions. Anesthesia-free dentistry is often performed by non-veterinary personnel, which means important problems can be missed.

⚠️ Because pets are awake:
• A full exam, dental charting, and X-rays aren’t possible
• Serious issues like infections, broken teeth, or tumors can be missed
• Cleanings are only cosmetic, not medical

There are also real risks, including injury from sharp tools, breathing in bacteria-filled fluids, and added stress for your pet.

✅ So what actually works? Professional dental care under anesthesia.

This allows us to:
✔ Perform a complete oral exam
✔ Take full-mouth dental X-rays
✔ Clean above and below the gumline
✔ Treat problems right away (before they get worse)

We know anesthesia can feel scary, but with pre-anesthetic testing, tailored protocols, and continuous monitoring, it’s very safe and allows us to provide thorough, pain-free care.

Just as important, your pet is treated with compassion every step of the way. Your cat or dog companions are kept calm, comfortable, and closely monitored before, during, and after their dental.

💻 Read More In Our Latest Blog Post: https://www.tampabayvets.net/the-risks-and-realities-of-anesthesia-free-dentistry-for-pets/

Anesthesia-free dentistry for pets sounds appealing, but this service doesn’t deliver on its promise. Instead, studies show it provides no medical benefit and