These animals are getting in the holiday spirit! Too cute! Animals of YouTube sing "Deck the Halls"

Only 5 days until Halloween! Remember, if you're going to dress your pet up in a costume, make sure it is safe and comfortable for them! These pets are on point with their costumes!!

These crazy dogs are sure to make you smile!!

✔ Amazing UnderWater Dogs Photos ~ Seth Casteel Photography (littlefrien...

Dogs and owners that train together, stay together!!

Top 10 Common Dog Health Problems (and Solutions)

Ah, the age old battle between dogs and vacuum cleaners...

Banderas Pet Hospital Will Be Closed July 4th

4th of July Hazards

When thinking of the 4th of July the most common images people think of are barbecues with loved ones and fireworks. Both of these are meant to be fun and festive but if the proper precautions are not taken for your pet, he or she may have a very different experience.

Fireworks are a major cause of fear and anxiety in animals. Reactions include but are not limited to shaking, hiding, cowering, whining, and even running away. If your dog or cat experiences only a mild phobia of fireworks, you may keep them in a secure, quiet room during this time. For more severe phobias, anti-anxiety medications should be prescribed. These medications take several days to become effective. If medication would be beneficial for your pet, make sure to schedule an appointment at least a week prior to the 4th of July.

Whenever there are large groups of people coming and going, it is very important to keep an eye on your pets to make sure they do not slip through the door. Also, some pets are frightened by large crowds or loud noises, such as music or excitement. Make sure your pet is in a secure and quiet location if either of these things make him or her uncomfortable.

Another thing you must keep an eye on during barbecues and parties is the food. Hungry mouths are often eager to help clean up any dropped or unattended food. Make sure your pet does not get a hold of any toxic or hazardous foods. For a list of foods to keep away from you pet, visit: hazardous human foods

Please do not hesitate to call for more information or to schedule an appointment!

(949)766-4449

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Hypothyroidism is the most commonly diagnosed hormonal disorder in dogs and many pet owners have no idea their pet may have this condition until blood work is performed.

Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder that affects dogs of all age, sex, and breed. 

Some of the most common symptoms include:
*Unexplained weight gain
*Lethargy
*Sensitivity to cold
*Hair loss/ excessive shedding
*Recurring skin/ear infections

For more information, including symptoms, diagnosis, and maintenance, visit: Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Vaccinate Against Rattlesnake Venom

Summer is Here!

(Unfortunately, So Are the Rattlesnakes!)

 

With the summer heat and abundance of dry brush this year, Rattlesnakes are a serious threat for you and your dog. While nothing can replace caution and a watchful eye, the Rattlesnake Vaccine should be given to any dog that MAY (even once) come into contact with snakes. It only takes one bite to change or cost them their life.

While the Rattlesnake Vaccine does not make your pet completely immune to the venom, it decreases pain, swelling, and tissue damage, reduces risk of permenant inujury, as well as aids in faster recovery times by producing toxin antibodies that work to neutralize the toxic venom. 

The Rattlesnake vaccine may also significantly decrease cost of treatment if your dog is bit. Antivenin costs hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, depending on the size of dog, the size of the Rattlesnake, and location of the bite. The Rattlesnake vaccine reduces (and sometimes eliminates!) the amount of Antivenin and other treatment required.

The vaccine requires one booster given approximately 1 month after the initial injection, allowing effective antibodies to be produced aound 1 month later. The vaccine should be administered yearly after the initial series, however, if your dog is at high risk, semi-annual boosters should be considered.

 Visit http://www.redrockbiologics.com for additional information.

Please contact us for more information or to make an appointment for your dog!

(949) 766-4449

TSA Tips for Traveling with Pets

Traveling with Special Items

Our security procedures do not prohibit you from bringing a pet on your flight. You should contact your airline or travel agent, however, before arriving at the airport to determine your airline's policy on traveling with pets.

Security Screening

You will need to present the animal to the Security Officers at the checkpoint. You may walk your animal through the metal detector with you. If this is not possible, your animal will have to undergo a secondary screening, including a visual and physical inspection by our Security Officers.

Your animal will NEVER be placed through an X-ray machine. However, you may be asked to remove your animal from its carrier so that the carrier can be placed on the X-Ray machine.

Tips for Traveling with Pets

TSA makes every effort to work with travelers to create a calm and smooth screening experience for pets. As a reminder, you are responsible for your pet during the screening process. Here are a few tips to consider when traveling with your pet.

 At the Security Checkpoint:

• Bring a leash: Whether you need to walk your pet through a metal detector, or carry it through, consider bringing a leash to ensure you can maintain control of the animal in the busy airport environment.

 Pets in Checked Baggage:

• De-clutter your kennel: Officers must ensure that animal carriers do not contain prohibited items. In order to do so, they will conduct a visual inspection, unless they are unable to clearly see the interior of the carrier. In these circumstances, a physical inspection will be required and the animal will need to be removed from the carrier.


• Bring a leash: If an Officer needs to conduct a physical inspection of a carrier, you will be asked to remove for pet for the screening to be completed. Consider bringing a leash to ensure you can maintain control of the pet.

Material used from: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-pets 

5 Dangerous Household Items For Your Pet

Never assume these 5 things are safe for pets: Human Medications, Sago Palm, Asthma Inhalers, Milk and Lead. 
Click the link below for details on each item and its toxicity for animals:

5 Dangerous Items for Your Pet

Blue Buffalo Warning

Our practice has seen numerous cases of extremely sick dogs apparently from being fed Blue Buffalo, Blue Wilderness & numerous other names with "Blue" in it.  Neither I nor the other practices experiencing similar cases have been able to determine what it is in the product that has caused the problem but all cases resolved with treatment and changing the diet.

Visit the link below to read more information regarding Blue Buffalo illnesses.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purina-a-year-to-the-day-after-being-sued-blue-buffalo-finally-admits-by-product-meal-in-a-substantial-and-material-portion-of-their-pet-food-300079805.html?tc=eml_cleartime

Dr. Eberhardt

Easter Hazards for Your Pet

Spring holidays are around the corner - 

 Watch out for these Easter Poisons!

Animal Poison Control Center Mobile App

Stay Informed About Items That Are Toxic or Harmful to Your Pet!

With so many foods, plants, medications, and household items that are toxic to our pets, it is sometimes difficult to remember what is safe, what is harmful, and what is deadly. The ASPCA has created a mobile app called APCC (Animal Poison Control Center) that allows you quick and accurate information about almost all toxic items for dogs, cats, horses and birds. As well as severity of toxicity and what symptoms to look for, the app also includes formulas to determine the risk your pet is at after consuming chocolate and rodentidlide.

For more information about the APCC app, click here


If your pet ingests or comes into contact with any product that is toxic, call (949) 766- 4449 immediately for medical attention.