Lafayette Veterinary Care Center

As with people in winter, spring and summer can be seasons for viruses in pets.

My pet is scheduled for a procedure— what do I need to do?

It’s important to recognize that dogs, much like humans, can experience fear and anxiety.

If your family is thinking of getting a pet, there are many factors that should be considered in order to find the right one for your family. Here are a few of those things to take into consideration.

Although cats and dogs are the first companion animals people usually think of, rabbits and bunnies tend to become increasingly popular around spring time and the Easter holiday.

Essential oils are one of the most popular health and wellness trends in the past few years.

Around this time of year, a question we are commonly asked is "What should I do if I find a wild animal that needs help?" Spoiler alert, it’s not become best friends and post Facebook videos of it eating at your kitchen table. Although it may appear lonely and helpless, there is often no need for assistance.

Unfortunately, pets can also be stolen. Pet thieves are responsible for nearly 2 million missing pets each year.

Having a sick pet at home is tough enough without the added stress of having to give oral medication. Knowing how to administer medications in liquid or pill form is important for all pet owners!

Although cats are among the best sleepers in the animal kingdom, they sure do seem to disrupt our sleep!

Many families welcome a new pet into their home around the holidays. This adjustment may end up being very easy, or it may be a delicate process that takes some time.

With so many choices for pet foods available online and in stores, it’s no wonder that 7 out of 10 pet owners feel they’re feeding their pets the wrong food.

We’ll say it again: Hairballs are not normal.

Heartworm is a parasite infection that occurs when a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae bites your cat or dog. The larvae enter through the bite wound and settle in your pet’s tissues. Immature worms then enter a blood vessel and are carried to the arteries in the lung where they cause an inflammatory reaction.

Most worms die at this stage, causing even more inflammation. The worms that progress to the adult stage can live undetected for a couple of years, but when the adult worms die, the inflammation can be severe enough to cause death in your pet. Symptoms of heartworms in cats and dogs include coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, decreased appetite or vomiting. Blindness, collapse and even sudden death are possible.

It’s important to know that wherever dogs are considered to be at risk for heartworms, cats are at risk as well. This is why it is so important for all cats to receive heartworm prevention year-round too. We carry several flea and heartworm preventions that are easy to apply and very affordable. Be sure to download the Lafayette Veterinary Care Center app to receive reminders to apply your pet’s preventative every 30 days.

How You Can Help Your Pet Have a Fear Free Veterinary Visit It is normal for pets to display signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) when removing them from familiar environments.

Cat Proofing The Christmas Tree If you own a cat, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to keep them from climbing all over the Christmas tree.

Most people with pets consider them family and would do anything to keep them safe.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have updated their investigation into an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella across multiple states, singling out pig ear dog treats as the common source of contact for the infection.

Could Your Cat Be Suffering With A Thyroid Problem?

The south is outlined with beautiful beaches, many of which welcome dogs given owners abide by their rules and regulations. This can be a great bonding experience and seriously fun for dogs…who enjoy it….if done in a safe way. 

With the start of the school year in sight and media and retail outlets buzzing with sales on supplies, it’s likely parents have bags of supplies already waiting in their homes.  Bright colors and new smells are known to peak the curiosity our four legged friends who can end up in real trouble with school supplies.  

Microchips don't replace your pet's tag and collar, but they can be crucial to getting your pet back.

Have you ever noticed your pet scooting their bottom on the ground? It’s not just yours.

Many pets are deeply attuned to human behavior and emotions. By simply being there, they have the ability to lift our spirits.

Owning a pet can be a wonderful, very rewarding experience for you and your family. However, it is possible for pets to transmit diseases that may be harmful to humans