A Pet's Choice Veterinary Care

Kidney (or renal) disease is very common in dogs and cats, and it may be reversible or permanent based on underlying causes. The disease could be a result of age-related changes to the kidneys, acute injury or toxin ingestion, congenital defects present from birth, or in rare cases, a side effect of some medications. To prevent kidney disease or slow its progression, it's vital to stay regular with wellness visits so that together, we can monitor renal levels with blood work and urinalysis and catch any changes ASAP.

To learn more, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/kidney-disease-in-cats

We are back up and running again. Thank you everyone for your patience and understanding.

‼️‼️URGENT‼️‼️
We are currently dealing with a power outage due to a blown transformer.
Thank you for your understanding.

🐾 Meet Walter, the adorable 5-month-old Rottweiler who came in with some mysterious swelling in his back leg. However that didn't stop him from being the absolute cutest and winning our hearts with his sweet, playful personality! 🐾 🐕 We’re here to make sure Walter gets the best care, and he’s been such a champ through it all. Sending all the love and cuddles his way! 💙

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Pets can’t advocate for their needs like us humans can, and many owners fail to recognize signs of osteoarthritis (OA), often chalking it up to pets “slowing down with age.” OA is common in dogs and cats ages six and up, so to help champion their health, we’re sharing the key signs of this degenerative joint disease so that you know when it’s time to seek veterinary support. If your pet is . . .

• Struggling to climb up or down stairs
• Having trouble jumping up or down
• Slow to rise from a resting position
• Lagging behind on walks or during play
. . you should discuss these concerns with us. The good news is highly effective treatments exist to help manage the chronic pain associated with OA and increase their mobility. With the right pain management, your pet can get back to being themselves again! To learn more about OA and treatment options, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion

We get it: when your pet is itchy, you start to scratch, too! The good news is your pet doesn’t have to live with incessant itchiness. Learn to spot the signs, then book a visit so that together, we can discover the cause and explore options for long-lasting relief, like:

Cyptopoint®: an injectable therapy that provides 4 to 8 weeks of allergy relief with a single in-office dose. ¹ Plus, for a limited time, get $25 off when you buy 2 doses of Cytopoint. ²

Or Apoquel®: an oral medicine that can be given at home for fast relief of allergic itch.³

To learn more about how allergic itch is diagnosed and treated, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion

¹ Data on file, Study No. C863R-US-12-018, 2014, Zoetis Inc. Data on file, Study No. C166RUS-17-180, 2018, Zoetis Inc. ² Valid 7/15/24-9/30/24. Terms apply see thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion. ³ Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet) and Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use Apoquel or Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and postapproval. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. See full Prescribing Information at ApoquelPI.com and ApoquelChewablePI.com.

🐶 Meet Harrington, the adorable Shih Tzu who stole our hearts during his first puppy visit! 🐾 In this photo, our wonderful technician Raina is giving him some extra love. ❤️ We're happy to report that Harrington received a clean bill of health and is all set for a bright, healthy future. We can't wait to watch this little guy grow up! 💕

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Your pet deserves all the love—and a big part of that love includes championing their health! Here at Thrive, we're passionate about helping pet owners learn how to give their pet the best care, whether it's providing an individualized diet, grooming and exercise advice, or screening for health concerns regularly. By working together, you and your vet can prevent illness down the road or manage an ongoing chronic condition today, ensuring your pet lives their best life at every stage. 💚

Learn more about how we can help you keep your pet thriving here: thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion

⚠️ Attention Pet Owners: Beware of Foxtails! 🌾

With warmer weather upon us, we’re spending more time outdoors with our pets. It's important to be aware of a hidden danger in fields, roadsides, and hiking trails: foxtails. These seemingly harmless plants can pose serious health risks to our pets if not addressed promptly.

What Are Foxtails?
Foxtails, also known as grass awns, are spiky grass seeds that easily detach and can embed themselves into your pet's skin. They thrive during spring and summer, especially in open fields and along roadsides and trails.

Why Are Foxtails Dangerous?
Designed to burrow into the ground, foxtails can do the same to your pet, causing severe pain and infections. If not removed promptly, they can migrate through the body, potentially requiring surgical intervention.

Here are some tips to prevent foxtail injuries:
1. Regular Inspections:Thoroughly check your pet from nose to tail after walks, focusing on the ears, paws, and nose.
2. Grooming:Trim your pet’s fur, especially around the paws and ears, to reduce the risk of foxtails attaching.
3. Avoid High-Risk Areas:Steer clear of fields and trails where foxtails are prevalent, especially during peak seasons.
4. Protective Gear: Use booties or vests for your dog when hiking in areas known to have foxtails.

Thrive Pet Healthcare

🎇🐾 As we get ready to celebrate the 4th of July, let's not forget that our pets might find the festivities stressful. Here are some ways to help your pets stay calm and comfortable during this time:

1. **Keep Them Indoors**: The loud noises from fireworks can be frightening. Keeping pets inside helps them feel safe.
2. **Create a Safe Haven**: Set up a cozy spot with their favorite toys and blankets.
3. **Play Calming Sounds**: Soothing music or white noise can help mask the sound of fireworks.
4. **Stay Close**: If you can, stay with your pets. Your presence is comforting.
5. **Close Windows and Curtains**: This reduces the noise and visual impact of fireworks.
6. **Use Anxiety Wraps**: Thundershirts or similar wraps can provide comfort through gentle pressure.
7. **Offer Distractions**: Treat puzzles or chew toys can keep them occupied.
8. **Talk to Your Vet**: For pets with severe anxiety, ask your vet about possible treatments.
9. **Update Their ID**: Make sure their ID tags and microchip info are current in case they get scared and run off.

Let's make this 4th of July a safe and happy one for everyone, including our furry friends! 🐶🐱💕

Thrive Pet Healthcare

‼️ If your pet has been having diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, or vomiting, it might be Giardia 🦠 We can run tests to confirm this parasite, and if present, a broad spectrum anti-parasitic will likely be prescribed. Additional medication might also be recommended to combat dehydration and diarrhea, and we'll ensure your home environment is parasite-free.

For more details on diagnosing and treating Giardia, check out our article: [https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/treatment-for-giardia-in-cats-and-dogs](https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/treatment-for-giardia-in-cats-and-dogs)

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Warning:️ this post is about p**p! 💩 If you’ve ever wondered why you’re asked to bring in a f***l sample as part of your pet’s annual wellness exam, the answer is to check for intestinal parasites.

There are a variety of parasites that thrive inside of otherwise healthy pets, so having them routinely tested is essential to their well-being. Your pet's p**p will be checked for evidence of hookworms, roundworms, giardia, and more. 🔬
These parasites can not only make pets uncomfortable and irritable but can also lead to many more serious issues if left untreated. Several parasites can even be transmitted to people, so by having your pet’s f***s examined, you are protecting humans in your household, too!

To learn more about what intestinal parasites we test for in f***l exams, visit:

From itchy flea bites to chronic Lyme disease, parasites are an on-going struggle for both pets and humans alike. We’re here to help you keep these pests away from your nest so your pets and family members can be safe from the dangers of parasites! From itchy flea bites to chronic Lyme disease, parasites are an on-going struggle for both pets and humans alike. We’re here to help you keep these pests away from your nest so your pets and family members can be safe from the dangers of parasites!

Did you know that just one bite from an infected mosquito can give your pet heartworm? 🦟 These pests are active all year in the US.

Treating heartworm can be complex and expensive for dogs, and there are limited options for cats. Preventive medications are effective and much more affordable than treatment but only if given regularly. We can help you find the right preventive for your pet's lifestyle. Don't wait – book a visit today!

Find out more about heartworm prevention: [https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests](https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests)

Thrive Pet Healthcare

We had this bundle of love named Parker visit us during one of his technician appointments 🐾 Technician appointments are perfect for pets like him who are up to date on their wellness exams and just need minor services like nail trims, a**l gland expressions, vaccines, or monthly injections. So happy to see Parker getting the care he needs! ❤️

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Check your pet for ticks every day, especially after they spend time outdoors. Run your fingers through your pet's fur with gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps. If you find a tick, it’s important to act quickly and safely. You can either try to remove the tick yourself or take your dog to your nearest pet urgent care or an emergency pet hospital for help.

If you choose to remove the tick from your dog, follow the steps below:

1) Use tweezers (or a tick remover instrument like a Tick Key) to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, removing the whole head and body.
2) Pull the tick straight out with slow and steady pressure. (If the head of the tick is left in the skin, it can cause an infection and still transmit disease, so make sure the whole body is removed!)
3) Once the tick is removed, you can place it in a sealed container in case your vet wants to test it for diseases.
4) Clean the area of your dog’s skin with soap and water then apply a pet-safe antiseptic.
5) Contact us for advice on next steps. We may ask you to bring the tick in for testing.

Many of the diseases that parasites cause can spread from your pet to you and your family, too. Pests like and can crawl or hitch a ride into your home on shoes, clothing, or even on the fur of another pet. Itchy yet? Let’s talk pests:

🕷️ Ticks 🕷️
Not only are ticks a threat to our pets, but an estimated 476K Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year.* They aren’t just a warm weather issue, either: contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t die in the winter and do not hibernate, either. If you or your pet spend time in grassy or wooded areas, get in the habit of spot-checking yourself and them for these small, spider-like creatures after every outing. If you find one, pull it off carefully and intact, then call us.

🐜 Fleas 🐜
These teeny-tiny jumping parasites aren’t just annoying for the itchy rashes they cause in pets and people. Studies have shown that the plague is once again on the rise and that fleas are one of the culprits. Fleas can multiply and jump from host to host alarmingly fast, so if you catch your pet itching more than usual, have them checked for fleas ASAP.

To learn more about these pesky pests, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests

*source: www.CDC.gov
**source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

🌟 Meet the Vet Techs: Introducing Dan! 🌟

We're thrilled to introduce you to Dan, one of our dedicated Veterinary Technicians here at Thrive Pet Healthcare.

Dan has been a part of the Veterinary Medicine field for a little over 3 years. He began his journey as a Customer Service Representative (CSR) and Technician Assistant (TA). Now, he's embracing his new role as a Veterinary Technician, which he's been in for less than a year, and absolutely loves it!

Currently, Dan is furthering his expertise by enrolling in Penn Foster’s Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) program, generously sponsored by Thrive Pet Healthcare. He's aiming to be licensed within the next year or two.

Throughout his career, Dan has gained experience working at Companion Veterinary Clinics. His passion, however, lies in working with Exotics, Avians, and Pocket-pets. Additionally, he has a keen interest in Emergency/Critical Care and Specialty areas of Veterinary Medicine.

Dan's enthusiasm for his work and his team is evident. He loves being part of Thrive Pet Healthcare and enjoys collaborating with everyone in our Small Animal (SA) Ecosystem across the city and surrounding areas.

Join us in celebrating Dan's journey and dedication to providing exceptional care for all our patients! 🐾💙

🐾 Happy World Environment Day to all the pet lovers out there! Our furry friends can join us in making the planet a better place. 🐶🐱

🐈 🐕Pet-friendly environmental tips:
1. Eco-Friendly Pet Products: Choose biodegradable p**p bags, and toys made from recycled materials ♻️
2. Sustainable Pet Food: Opt for pet food brands that prioritize sustainability and use eco-friendly packaging
3. Clean Up: When walking your dog, always clean up after them to keep our parks and streets clean 💩

By making these eco-conscious choices, we can ensure a healthier planet for ourselves and our beloved pets! 🌿🐾

Thrive Pet Healthcare

☀️🌡️ Heat Awareness Day Reminder! 🌡️☀️

With summer just around the corner and temperatures starting to rise here in Texas, it's crucial to remember the importance of keeping our pets hydrated and cool. 🐶🐱💦

On this Heat Awareness Day, let's ensure our furry friends stay safe and comfortable:
- Always provide plenty of fresh water💧
- Avoid walking them during peak heat hours 🐕
- Offer shaded areas and cool resting spots
- Never leave them in parked cars 🚗 🚫

Stay vigilant and keep your pets happy and healthy in the heat! 🐾❤️

Thrive Pet Healthcare

Grateful for Our Heroes 🌺

On this Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the fallen heroes who have served our nation with honor. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and commitment.

Take a moment today to thank a veteran and remember the true meaning of this day.

Thrive Pet Healthcare

✨Please note that our clinic will be closed for Memorial Day. In case of an emergency, you can visit Thrive Pet Healthcare Specialists San Antonio at 📍2426 Ceegee St, San Antonio, Texas 78217, or ☎️ call them at 210-822-2873.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!

🌍🐢 Happy National Turtle Day! 🐢🌍

Today, we celebrate these incredible creatures and raise awareness about their conservation. Turtles play a vital role in our ecosystems, but many species are facing threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

Here are a few ways you can help:
- Support turtle conservation organizations.
- Reduce plastic use to keep our oceans clean.
- Respect their natural habitats.

Let's make a difference and protect our shelled friends! 🌿🌊

Thrive Pet Healthcare

that ONE bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes to transmit to your dog or cat? Scary, but true. Mosquitoes thrive all over the US, and not just during summer: different breeds are active throughout the year. 🦟

Treating disease caused by parasites in dogs can be complex and costly, and options are limited for cats. But there is good news: oral, injectable, or topical preventive medications are effective ways to protect your pet and are much more affordable than treatment itself, but *only* if your pet receives the recommended dose on a monthly or yearly basis. We can help find the right preventative for your pet based on their lifestyle and health needs, so don’t delay: book a visit today!

To learn more about heartworm prevention, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests

🐾 Happy National Rescue Dog Day! 🐾

Today, we celebrate the amazing impact that rescue dogs have on our lives. These furry friends come from all walks of life, and their stories of resilience and love inspire us every day. Rescue dogs are not just pets; they are family, teachers, and loyal companions who remind us of the power of a second chance.

On this special day, let's honor all the wonderful rescue dogs who have found their forever homes. 🏡❤️ If you have a rescue fur baby, we’d love to see and hear their stories! Share a photo and tell us about your furry friend in the comments below. Let's fill this thread with the heartwarming tales of our beloved rescue pups. 🐶✨

Thrive Pet Healthcare

🎉 We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team at A Pet’s Choice – Gina!🐾

As a skilled and compassionate technician, Gina brings a wealth of experience and a genuine love for animals to our clinic. We are very happy to have her working with us, and we know our furry patients and their families will love her just as much as we do.

😊 A small bit about Gina: “I’ve been a vet tech for 10 years now . I made it into vet school at Ross University 3 years ago, but had to leave due to medical issues . My hope and dream in life is to become a mixed animal vet seeing large and small animals in my own practice. Working as a vet tech has made me so happy, helping animals everyday Thrive!” ❤️

Let’s all welcome and show some love to Gina in the comments below ⬇️
Welcome, Gina! ⭐️

❤️Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there, whether you're a mom to human children or furry ones! 🐶🐱Your love, care, and dedication make the world a better place. Today, we celebrate you and all that you do. 🌷🐾

Thrive Pet Healthcare

We had a Great time at the !

We are at San Antonio Fiesta pooch parade today. Come stop by our booth for a chance to win a year of free exams along with other goodies!

Don't delay – schedule your pet's dental cleaning today and save! 🦷✨ Now through April 14, take $50 off a dental cleaning for your dog or cat when you book with code 24CLEAN50. Oral health is essential to overall pet health, so make dental care part of their annual wellness routine to keep your pet in tip-top shape. To brush up on your pet wellness knowledge, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/brushing-up-on-wellness

*Blood and urine testing must be completed within 30 days before dental cleanings. Offer valid 2/1/24 to 4/14/24. Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Offer valid for dental cleanings only and at select locations; excludes exams, extractions, and oral surgeries. Subject to availability.

WELCOME! Our doors are officially open to the pets and people of greater San Antonio! If your pet needs immediate care or requires ongoing specialty treatment — we're here to be a trusted partner for their healthcare needs. To schedule an appointment and learn more about our hospital, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/locations/texas/san-antonio/san-antonio-specialty-emergency