Post-Op Care for Pets: Monitoring Recovery and Spotting Complications Surgical success depends as much on home recovery as operating room precision. Incisions that heal perfectly in calm, restricted environments can break down when dogs jump off furniture or cats lick sutures. Pain that's well-controlled with medication becomes suffering when doses are skipped. Infections can develop [...]

Do you ever look at your pet and wonder if they are carrying a little extra around the middle? Maybe you are meticulous about their diet, yet the number on the scale still worries you. It is a common concern for pet owners who want the very best for their companions. The truth is, that [...]

When Cats Throw Up: Knowing What’s Normal and What’s Not Every cat owner has been there: You hear that distinct sound, and a moment later, you’re cleaning up a mess on your rug. Is it just a hairball, or should you be worried? While every cat occasionally coughs up a hairball, frequent or repeated vomiting [...]

Beautiful holiday décor can pose unseen risks for pets. Tinsel, lights, and toxic plants like poinsettias and lilies can all cause harm. With a few safety precautions, you can enjoy the sparkle of the season while keeping your pets safe and stress-free. At Arcata Animal Hospital, we understand the holiday season brings joy and celebration, [...]

Dogs that bark, chew, or pace when left alone aren't being naughty- they're anxious. Separation anxiety stems from fear and attachment, but with structure, training, and sometimes medication, most dogs learn to relax when home alone. At Arcata Animal Hospital, we understand that watching your dog struggle when you leave can be heartbreaking. Our Fear [...]

Your dog is draining bowl after bowl of water, or your cat is eating constantly but still losing weight. Should you worry? These may seem like minor changes, but they can signal something serious: diabetes. At Arcata Animal Hospital, we help families recognize the early signs of diabetes and provide customized treatment through monitoring, nutrition, [...]

Cold mornings and chilly evenings bring new risks for pets. Dogs can suffer from cracked paw pads on icy sidewalks, while cats sometimes seek warmth under car hoods. Even thick-coated breeds can get hypothermia if left outside too long. Owners often ask: how cold is too cold, and what about sweaters, booties, or heated beds? [...]

Arcata Veterinary Hospital | Arcata, CA We understand: the cone and crate rest are not exactly anyone’s favorite part of recovery. Most pets resist them, and many owners feel guilty enforcing the rules. But after surgery or injury, these tools are not optional. They are the foundation of safe, complete healing. At Arcata Veterinary [...]

A chewed baseboard. Restless pacing through the night. A dog that barks endlessly when left alone. These behaviors are often mistaken for stubbornness or “bad habits,” but they are frequently signs of anxiety. Just like people, dogs can feel overwhelmed, and when they do, it affects not only their mood but also their physical health [...]

As pet owners, one of the hardest things we face is knowing when our animal is in pain- especially when they can’t tell us what hurts. At Arcata Animal Hospital in Arcata, CA, we understand the emotional weight of watching your pet struggle and not knowing exactly what’s wrong. This guide is designed to help [...]