Paws Bay Animal Hospital

08/26/2026

🐾🐶 **HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY!** 🐶🐾

Today we’re celebrating all the good boys, good girls, wiggle-butts, treat connoisseurs, couch potatoes, adventure buddies, and four-legged family members who make our lives a little more *pawsome*! 💙🐾

To all of our amazing canine clients and the wonderful dog parents who love, spoil, protect, and care for them every day — **thank you for trusting us with your furry family members!** 🥰🩺

From puppy breath to gray muzzles, we’re grateful to be part of their journey through every tail wag, belly rub, wellness visit, and “I definitely didn’t eat that” emergency. 😂🐕‍🦺

🦴 Keep those tails wagging!
🐾 Keep those paws healthy!
❤️ And never underestimate the healing power of a good belly rub!

Today’s diagnosis? **100% GOOD DOG!** 🩺🐶
And the prognosis? **Treats, cuddles, and a lifetime of unconditional love!** 🦴❤️

Happy National Dog Day to our canine best friends everywhere! 🐕🎉🐾

**Give your pup an extra treat (or three) today — they’ve earned it!** 😉🦴

🐾💙

08/25/2026

🌴🇺🇸 **Labor Day is Almost Here, Paws Bay!** 🇺🇸🌴

The long weekend is calling, and we’re ready to *unleash* some fun! 🐶☀️ But before you kick back and relax, let’s make sure your pets are prepared too! 🐾💙

🏥 **Paws Bay Animal Hospital will be CLOSED Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.** 🇺🇸

That means now is the purr-fect time to check your pet’s supplies and make sure you’re not caught in a *ruff* situation over the holiday! 😹🐕

💊 **MEDICATION REFILLS:**
If your pet takes daily or prescription medications, check how much you have left and request any refills **BEFORE the holiday weekend!** You don’t want to be *fur-iously* searching for medication when we’re closed! 🐾💊

🍽️ **PRESCRIPTION FOOD:**
Running low on your pet’s prescription diet? Be sure to order or pick up what you need ahead of time. Nobody wants a *hangry* kitty or pup! 😼🥣

🩺 **DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE:**
If your pet has an upcoming appointment, needs a refill, or you’ve noticed something that has you concerned, reach out to us before the holiday. A little *pre-paw-ration* can go a long way! 🐾😉

🎆 **HOLIDAY PET SAFETY TIP:**
Long weekends can mean BBQs, visitors, travel, and lots of tempting smells! Keep pets away from table scraps, bones, alcohol, toxic foods, and unattended trash. And remember—what’s a tasty treat for us may be a *no-no* for them! 🚫🍖🍺🐶

🌡️ And if you’re spending the weekend outdoors, remember that Florida heat is no joke! Make sure your pets have plenty of fresh water, shade, and breaks from the heat. ☀️💦🐾

📅 **CLOSED:** Monday, September 7th
🐾 **BACK TO REGULAR HOURS:** After the holiday

From our Paws Bay family to yours, we hope you have a **safe, relaxing, and PAW-some Labor Day!** 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

Now go enjoy that extra day off—and give your pets some well-deserved belly rubs! 🐶🐱💤

**Work hard. Play hard. Nap harder.** 😴🐾

🐾

08/02/2026

🧠🐶 **Senior Pet Sunday: Is It Just Aging... or Could It Be Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?** 💙✨

Has your senior pup started acting a little... *ruff* around the edges? 🐾 While a little gray on the muzzle is perfectly normal, changes in behavior aren't always "just getting old."

🐶 **Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)**—often compared to **dementia in people**—is a progressive condition that affects the brains of many senior dogs. Just like people, our canine companions can experience age-related changes in memory, learning, awareness, and behavior. The good news? **Recognizing the signs early and working with your veterinarian may help improve your dog's quality of life and slow the progression of the disease.** ❤️

🐾 One of the easiest ways to remember the signs is with the **DISHAA** acronym:

🧭 **D – Disorientation:** Getting "lost" in familiar places, staring at walls or corners, getting stuck behind furniture, or seeming confused.

👋 **I – Interaction Changes:** Becoming more withdrawn, less interested in family members or other pets, or becoming unusually clingy.

😴 **S – Sleep/Wake Cycle Changes:** Sleeping more during the day but pacing, whining, or wandering at night.

🏡 **H – House Soiling:** Having accidents indoors despite being previously house-trained.

🎾 **A – Activity Changes:** Less interest in walks, toys, or playtime, repetitive pacing, wandering, or seeming restless.

💛 **A – Anxiety & Learning Changes:** Increased anxiety, new fears, forgetting familiar commands, or difficulty learning new routines.

🏡 **How can you help at home?**
✨ Keep a consistent daily routine.
🧩 Provide gentle mental enrichment with puzzle toys, sniffing games, and short training sessions.
🚶 Enjoy regular, low-impact exercise if recommended by your veterinarian.
🥣 Make food, water, and favorite resting places easy to access.
💙 Be patient and understanding—your senior best friend isn't being stubborn; they may simply be confused.

🐾 **Paws for thought:** You can't teach an old dog new tricks? We beg to *differ!* A little brain exercise, lots of love, and a predictable routine can help keep those tails wagging. 🧠🐕💙

⚠️ **Not every behavior change is cognitive dysfunction.** Arthritis, pain, vision or hearing loss, thyroid disease, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and other medical conditions can cause similar signs. That's why a thorough veterinary examination is the first step whenever you notice changes in your dog's behavior.

🩺 While there isn't a cure for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, there **are** treatment options that may help manage the condition. Your veterinarian may recommend prescription diets, medications, nutritional supplements, environmental enrichment, and lifestyle changes tailored to your dog's individual needs.

📞 If you've noticed any of these signs in your furry family member, don't brush them off as "just old age." Give **Paws Bay Animal Hospital** a call! Our compassionate team would be happy to evaluate your pet, answer your questions, and help create a plan to keep your senior companion happy, healthy, and comfortable throughout their golden years. 🐶💙

🐾 *After all, every senior dog deserves to enjoy their "golden retriever" years—even if they occasionally **fur-get** where they buried the tennis ball! 🎾😉*

🐾💙

07/31/2026

**Travel Alert**
Effective August 3, 2026
New screwworm exam/document requirements for animals/pets traveling TO Mexico in addition to the screwworm requirements already in place for traveling from Mexico into the US.
A more thorough exam with additional documentation is required 5 days prior to entry into Mexico.

This page will guide you through the rules and requirements for traveling from the United States to Mexico with your pet.

07/31/2026

There have been multiple rabies positive animals and attacks on humans in all surrounding counties this summer. Please get all of your pets rabies vaccinated for their safety and the safety of your family.

RABIES ADVISORY: —The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is urging residents to use caution around wild animals after two raccoons in eastern Pasco County tested positive for rabies on Thursday, July 30.

Health officials said the confirmed cases mean rabies may currently be present in the local wild animal population, and they are reminding both residents and visitors to avoid contact with wildlife.

Animals that commonly carry a higher risk of rabies exposure include raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes. While rabies is rare in humans, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. However, officials stress that prompt medical treatment after a potential exposure is highly effective in preventing the disease.

DOH-Pasco is encouraging residents to take the following precautions:

* Keep pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccinations according to your veterinarian’s recommendations.

* Keep pets on a leash or under direct supervision and ensure livestock are secured on your property.

* Avoid handling, feeding or approaching wild or stray animals, and eliminate food sources such as uncovered garbage or outdoor pet food that may attract wildlife.

* Never bring wild animals into your home. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you find an injured or orphaned animal.

* Prevent bats and other wildlife from entering homes, schools and other occupied buildings.

* Report stray animals to Pasco County Animal Services.

If your pet or livestock is bitten by another animal, seek veterinary care immediately and contact Pasco County Animal Services at 813-929-1212.

Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal should wash the wound thoroughly, seek medical attention as soon as possible, and report the incident to the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County by calling 352-521-1450, Option 4.

Health officials say awareness and quick action are the best ways to reduce the risk of rabies exposure and protect both people and animals. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary contact with wildlife, especially in the eastern portion of Pasco County where the two rabid raccoons were identified.

07/30/2026

✈️🌎 **Jet-Set Pets: Traveling Around the World Starts With a Little Planning! 🐾🧳**

Did you know that **Paws Bay Animal Hospital offers International Health Certificates** to help your furry family members travel safely across borders? 🌍🐶🐱

Whether your pet is packing their bags for a beach adventure in the **Bahamas 🏝️**, exploring the beautiful landscapes of **Canada 🇨🇦**, visiting family in **Mexico 🇲🇽**, or taking a big international journey to places like **the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Japan 🇯🇵, Australia 🇦🇺, or Europe 🇪🇺**, every destination has its own set of rules and requirements.

🌎 **Don’t let travel paperwork become a “ruff” situation!** 🐕📄
Every country has different regulations, and some require more preparation than others. Certain destinations may require specific vaccines, testing, microchip requirements, parasite prevention, documentation, endorsements, or waiting periods.

That’s why we recommend scheduling a **travel consultation with us as soon as you know you’ll be traveling**! ✈️🐾 The earlier we can start planning, the smoother your pet’s journey will be.

Ideally, we would like to see your pet **at least 30 days before departure** (or sooner if possible) so we have enough time to research your destination’s requirements and make sure everything is completed before your big adventure.

📋 To help your appointment go as smoothly as possible, please send us **all veterinary records you have available when scheduling your travel consult**. This allows our team to review your pet’s history, research the requirements for your destination, and help create a travel plan before takeoff! 🚀🐾

Remember: when it comes to international travel, preparation is the key to a **paws-itively stress-free trip!** 🐾✨

Have questions about traveling with your pet? Give us a call and let our team help your pet get ready for their next adventure! 🌎❤️

📍 Paws Bay Animal Hospital
📱813-551-1377

07/23/2026

🐾 **We'll Be Closing Early on Thursday, July 23rd for a Special Community Event!** 🐾

At **Paws Bay Animal Hospital**, we believe pets enrich lives at every age, and we're honored to be participating in the **Pets + Seniors** event at **Blue Palms Village at Fletcher** on **Thursday, July 23, from 2:00–4:00 PM**.

A special thank you to The Furiendly Group for co-hosting this wonderful event that brings together seniors, pets, and our local community! ❤️

Our team will be providing a **vaccine clinic** for the residents and their beloved pets while attendees enjoy:
🐶 Basic grooming services
🎓 Pet training demonstrations
🦴 Pet treats (and treats for the humans, too!)
👗 A fun pet costume contest
…and more!

**Please note:** Our hospital will **close early on Thursday, July 23** so our team can participate in this event.

📞 If you need to reach us that afternoon, you can still:
• Call **813-551-1377**
• Send us a text
• Email our team

We'll respond as soon as possible and appreciate your understanding as we take part in this opportunity to support the seniors and pets in our community.

If you have a well-socialized pet and would like to attend, we'd love to see you there!

📍 **Blue Palms Village at Fletcher**
4100 E. Fletcher Ave.
Tampa, FL 33613
🕑 **2:00–4:00 PM**

We look forward to serving our community—both inside and outside the hospital! 💙🐾

07/16/2026

07/13/2026

Thanks to Next Day Signs Tampa we finally have a wonderful store front sign!
Thank you for all the hard work in the heat today to get it up for us!

07/11/2026

☀️🌡️ HEAT ADVISORY ALERT! 🐾❤️
We have another Heat Advisory in effect today from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please take extra precautions to keep both yourself and your furry family members safe! 🥵🐶🐱

At Paws Bay Animal Hospital, we know everyone loves getting outside, but today’s weather can become dangerous much faster than many people realize.

🐾 Hot Weather Safety Tips:
💧 Keep fresh, cool water available at all times.
🌳 Walk pets during the early morning or later evening when temperatures are cooler.
🏠 Bring pets indoors whenever possible during the hottest part of the day.
🐾 Paw-don us for the reminder, but if the pavement is too hot for your hand for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws! 🥵🔥
🚗 Never leave pets (or children) in a parked vehicle—not even for a minute. Temperatures can rise to deadly levels in just minutes, even with the windows cracked.
🐶 Short-nosed breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies, Boston Terriers, etc.), senior pets, puppies, kittens, overweight pets, and those with heart or respiratory disease are especially vulnerable to overheating.

🚨 Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
❤️ Excessive panting
❤️ Thick drooling
❤️ Bright red or pale gums
❤️ Weakness or wobbliness
❤️ Vomiting or diarrhea
❤️ Confusion or collapse

⚠️ Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, apply cool wet towels to their body, and seek veterinary care right away. Don’t wait—every minute matters.

☀️ And don’t forget to take care of yourself, too! Stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and check in on family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may be more sensitive to the heat.

🐾 Remember: If you’re feeling the heat, your pets are fur sure feeling it too! Let’s all work together to keep tails wagging, whiskers twitching, and everyone safe this weekend! ❤️🐕🐈

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a safe Saturday! 💙🐾
— Your friends at Paws Bay Animal Hospital

Good Saturday morning! Everyone doing okay after yesterday's crazy storms?! Much quieter out there this morning. We have another Heat Advisory in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Be safe if you're out in the heat! A few more storms return later today.