Advanced Veterinary Specialists

Today kicks off ! This week we want to show some additional gratitude for our team members that work so hard to keep our hospital running. 🐕🐈💙

From our entire family - thank you all for the love, compassion, and dedication you give to our patients every day!

Please join us in celebrating our dedicated staff. 🤩

Heartworms can be spread to dogs, cats, and other animals through mosquito bites. These parasitic worms develop in major organs and can lead to cardiac arrest, liver failure, kidney failure, blood clots, and other life-threatening conditions. You can test your pet each year for heartworm infection so it can be diagnosed early. While treatment is possible for dogs, it is less effective in cats and therefore prevention is key!

You can learn more about the basics of heartworm disease and the signs in dogs, cats, and even ferrets here: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics

Thank you for letting us care for your furry family. ♥️

With the rise of spring comes along an increase of pollen as flowers bloom and grasses, weeds, and trees flourish. Just like people, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Here are a few tips to help reduce exposure during allergy season:

🌸 Bathe pets more often
🌼 Wipe them down after going outside
🌳 Wash their bedding weekly
🌻 Keep your home tidy (especially rugs and upholstered furniture)
🌷 Replace air filters

If you notice your pet is experiencing any consistent symptoms of irritation or discomfort, visit your veterinarian to help evaluate their condition and discuss treatment options.

Wrapping up National Pet Poison Prevention Week , here are our top 3 tips:

1) Gain knowledge on the common items that can harm your pets. This is a great resource provided by the AAHA: https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Household-Toxins/

2) Now that you know what items in your household can harm your pet, pet proof your home and immediate surroundings. Throw these items away or ensure they are out of paws reach.

3) Sharing this valuable information with your friends and loved ones will also help keep their pets safe from possible dangers.

BONUS TIP! 🌟 Be prepared by saving our contact information along with the ASPCA Poison Control Center phone number in case you experience a poison related emergency (or any emergency) with your pet.

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

It's - How well do you know which foods are toxic to your pets?

Which of these foods should you keep away from your dog and/or cat? Comment with your guess below! 🐱🐶

Now that it is officially Spring, it's time for some spring cleaning!🧹🌸 Did you know that allmost all cleaning products (including natural ones) contain some chemicals that could be harmful to pets? We've put together a list of some chemical ingredients to watch out for:

❌ Chlorine (Bleach): Pets breathe faster than we do, which means more toxins are absorbed into their system. Though it is naturally occurring, chlorine in high concentrations can be deadly to pets.

❌ Ammonia: Found commonly in oven cleaners, window cleaners, floor waxes, and fertilizers – often listed as ammonium hydroxide. Exposure may cause severe damage to eyes, skin, stomach, and even death.

❌ Glycol Ethers: These chemicals are known to cause various cancers in lab rats, as well as birth defects, delayed development, and other effects, such as anemia, eye and nose irritation, and weight loss. Commonly listed as 2-Methoxyethanol, 2-Ethoxyethanol, and 2-Butoxyethanol.

❌ Formaldehyde: Exposure usually comes from inhalation, though it can also be absorbed through skin. It doesn’t have to be listed on your cleaner ingredient list, other names for formaldehyde include: formalin, formic aldehyde, methanediol, methanol, methyl aldehyde, methylene glycol, and methylene oxide.

❌ Phthalates: Since hormones control so much more than just reproduction in your pet’s system (and yours), phthalates have been linked to indirect symptoms such as weight gain, cancers, and developmental delays. You’ve probably heard of the commonly-known phthalate, BPA, but there are many more.

March is National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month and today kicks off Pet Poison Prevention Week. We’ll be sharing information over the next week about the potential dangers of pet poisonings and how to prevent them.

In the event of a poisoning or toxin exposure, quick action and expert advice are critical, so save our phone number and that for a poison control hotline.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed by board-certified veterinary toxicologists and specialist technicians and are available every day 24/7. They can be reached at (888) 426-4435

The Pet Poison Helpline is also available 24/7 and can be reached at (855) 764-7661

(*consultation fees may apply for helpline calls)

How LUCKY are we to have such wonderful clients and patients like you! 😉🍀
Is your pet wearing green today? Share pictures with us in the comments!

PS: a little safety reminder for your pets - both alcohol and shamrocks are toxic to dogs and cats, so keep your furry loved ones at a safe distance from these substances!

Don't forget Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00am !

As we spring ahead, our pets may be a little confused by their new meal times but will no doubt be happy about the extra hour of daylight to play outside. Keep your furry family in mind as we all adjust to the new schedule. 🤗

Today is , we love a reason to celebrate our staff and all the hard work that they do! From our entire family here at AVS, please join us in thanking our team for the love and compassion they give to our pet patients every day! 🐕🐈♥

We LOVE our community!

Today is National Love Your Pet Day 🐱🐶🦜🐟🐴🦎

As if they are not already loved every day, today is an excuse to show them a little more affection, give them an extra special treat, or take them to one of their favorite places.

How will you celebrate? Share in the comments!

Periodontal disease is inflammation in a tooth’s support caused by plaque (bacteria) and it can indicate bone loss. If left untreated, it can cause loose, painful teeth as well as internal disease.
Signs include bad breath (dog’s and cat’s breath shouldn’t have a disagreeable odor), inability to chew hard food, and/or excessive drooling.
To evaluate the severity and treatment needed, a veterinarian must examine your pet. Treatment can vary from teeth cleaning, polishing, fluoride treatment, deep scaling, and, in severe cases, surgery.

If your pet has a broken or injured tooth, it is important to seek medical care immediately. If you act quickly and your pet gets the right medical attention, they should recover well!

Unconditional love mode, unlocked. Happy Valentines Day to all of our furry clients and their human parents. 💖🐾

Looking for a last-minute treat to make for the big game?
We love these pawsome options that will keep all your party attendees happy (and safe!)

The “Supper” Bowl: Dog-Friendly Snacks for the Big Game These dog-friendly snacks for The Big Game are easy to prepare, and you’ll feel great knowing that your pup’s supper bowl will be filled with healthy and delicious snacks!

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! 🦷

Dental emergencies are common conditions in cats and dogs that are often overlooked. Your furry companion's teeth can break and get infected - just like human teeth. They can also experience jaw fractures, which cause pain, discomfort, and the inability to eat and/or drink properly.

One way you can help prevent tooth damage is to prevent your pets from chewing on bones, sticks, rocks, cow hooves, ice cubes, or other hard toys and treats. Provide a safe, softer chew toy instead.

Inspect your pets’ teeth regularly for any signs of bleeding gums, chipped teeth, or abscesses/wounds.

Contact us immediately if you suspect a dental emergency!

Would you know if your cat was in pain? Cats will often hide the fact that they are in pain, and they are often more difficult to read than dogs. Our feline family members will show us how they feel through behavior changes.

Signs of Pain in Cats:

✅ Reduced activity
✅ Loss of appetite
✅ Quiet/loss of curiosity
✅ Changes in urinary/defecation habits
✅ Hiding, hissing, spitting
✅ Lack of agility/jumping
✅ Excessive licking/grooming
✅ Stiff posture/gait
✅ Guarding behavior
✅ Lack of grooming/matted fur
✅ Tail flicking
✅ Weight loss

If your cat displays any of these symptoms, contact your primary care veterinarian as soon as possible.

We are open 24/7/365. Our team is here when you need us!

Just like in humans, dogs with arthritis may experience more severe symptoms as cold weather intensifies. Joint pain and stiffness can worsen, making it more painful during the winter season and more common to slip or fall. Here’s a few things you can do to help sooth their pain and prevent an accident:

❄ Maintain a healthy weight - extra pounds add stress to dogs' joints and bones, increasing their likelihood for developing osteoarthritis.
❄ Use dog coats or sweaters to help keep their joints warm.
❄ Walk daily to ensure joints stay lubricated – short and easy strolls are best.
❄ Get them a cozy bed (or several!) designed for pets with arthritis.
❄ Use dog ramps, stairs, and a helpful lift when rising and laying down.

If you’re still concerned and want to explore more treatment options, contact your veterinarian to schedule a consultation.

A disease like Parvovirus in dogs is highly contagious and can have deadly consequences. Here’s what you need to know:

🐩 Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system
🐕 The main way that dogs contract Parvovirus is through the faces of infected dogs
🐶 Can affect puppies too young to be vaccinated, puppies within their vaccination course and unvaccinated adult dogs
🐕‍ Vaccinating your pet is the only way to protect them from the disease

Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.

If your dog exhibits symptoms, bring them in to be tested immediately.
We are open 24/7! The quicker they can be treated, the better the chance of recovery.

The risk of hypothermia becomes higher during the winter months. Exposure to cold water or cold air are the most common causes of hypothermia so it's important to keep them warm and dry. Whether in snow or rain, protect your furry friends this winter! If you think your pet may be at risk of hypothermia, get them to a veterinarian immediately and take action steps below:

🥶 Remove them from the cold
🥶 Wrap them in warm coats or blankets
🥶 Use your body warmth to increase their body temperature
🥶 If they lose consciousness and are breathing, put them in the recovery position (Read about the recovery position here: https://firstaidforpets.net/recovery-position-and-why-could-it-save-your-dogs-life/)
🥶 If you know pet CPR, respond quickly if they stop breathing

Don't forget, we are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you need us!

As of 7am Evacuation Areas include the following locations:
- Carpinteria Creek properties
- Montecito/Toro Canyon/Sycamore Canyon/Padaro Ln
- Serena Park area in Carpinteria
- Conejo Rd and Sycamore Creek properties in City of Santa Barbara

Please be smart and stay safe!

Road Closures, Flood Maps, Evacuation Information and Other Storm Resources for Santa Barbara County | Local News | Noozhawk Intense rainfall forecast to last into Monday night and Tuesday morning; additional evacuation centers opened

As you think about new years resolutions for yourself, have you ever included your pet too?! 🐾

If your pet could make their own new years resolution for 2023, what would it be? Comment below!

Also, checkout this article for some great pet resolution tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):

https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/steps-help-keep-pets-healthy-part-new-years-resolutions"

Start the new year off right by pet-proofing your celebration! 🐾🎇 With all the excitement and commotion, NYE celebrations can result in lost pets and accidents.

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe:
🎉 Secure pets in a comfy place indoors
🎉 Make sure all pets have ID tags
🎉 Save emergency vet information, just in case AVS: (805) 729-4460
🎉 Keep alcohol, treats and decorations out of reach
🎉 Guard entry and exit points – noisemakers, streamers, popping balloons and fireworks could cause pets to make a sudden escape
🎉 If you are leaving your pet for the night, do a quick double check around the house for all of the above and do what you can to make your pet feel comfortable and safe while they ring in the new year!

Hoping your day is full of love and cheer! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from our family to yours. ♥️

Wishing you light, laughter, and lots of latkes this year. 😻🐶🕎

Is your pet on Santa Paw's "nice" list?
There are so many fun holiday toys to gift to your pet. Please see our safety precautions to help keep your furry family member safe and protected during the most wonder-fur time of the year!