Santa Clarita Animal Hospital

It's National Pet Memorial Day.

Please share in the comment section a photo and story of your beloved pet(s) that has crossed the rainbow bridge and wait for your reunion. ❤️

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown..."

Happy Cat Month!
Show off your beautiful and handsome feline friends!

It's National Dog Day!
Show off your handsome and beautiful pooches!

Are your pets protected against fleas and ticks?

Below is a recent message from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
"The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) has identified six individuals with flea-borne typhus between February and June 2021.

Flea-borne typhus is a disease that infected fleas can spread to humans. Bacteria (Rickettsia typhi and R. felis) found in infected fleas, and their f***s, spread the disease. Pet dogs and cats that are not treated with flea-control products and allowed outdoors, are more likely to come in contact with infected fleas and carry them to humans. Although pets and other animals do not get sick from typhus, it can cause high fever, chills, headache, and rash in people. The illness can be treated in people with certain antibiotics. Typhus is not transmitted person-to-person.

Flea-borne typhus is considered endemic in LA County, and as a result, veterinarians should always discuss typhus when discussing flea control with pet owners. In recent years, the average number of flea-borne typhus reported cases in people in LA County has increased.

How veterinarians can help protect the community from flea-borne typhus:

CLIENT EDUCATION: Promote appropriate year-round flea control for pets
Advise pet owners on proper use of flea control products on pets. Adequate flea control is the number one way to protect your clients and their pets.
Advise pet owners not to feed wild or stray animals, to avoid drawing more flea hosts into the area.
Advise pet owners to keep their property clean, with trash securely sealed, to avoid attracting rodents and other wildlife and their fleas."

If your pet is not currently on flea/tick control please reach out to us to schedule an appointment to see what products may be right for your pet.
Email: [email protected]
Text: 661-403-5252
Call: 661-259-7387

Its National Blind Dog:
We know having a blind dog may sound overwhelming or scary but blind dogs can live long, happy and healthy lives!
Here is some helpful tips to help your brand new blind pup or long term best friend who has gone blind adjust to your home.

1. Communication: Your blind dog can only rely on their other sense, their sense of smell, touch and sound. This is the time to start teaching your pet new verbal cues. Dogs can learn verbal cues such as :"step up" "Step Down" "left" "right" and "careful" You can help use these cues to guide your dogs in the home, backyard or out on walks

2. Predictable Environment: Limit changes to your home. Little things you may not notice your blind dog will. That rug by the front door, the change in flooring texture and the location of their beds and food bowls all help them navigate in the home. Blind dogs will learn and remember the layout of your home and can effectively find food, water, dog beds, couches, and doors all by the things in your home. If your home has stairs or a pool for the safety of your blind pet please gate them off to prevent any accidents.

3. If you are a multiple pet household consider putting bells, or jingling tags on their colors so your blind dog can locate them easier.

4. Make sure no sharp or dangerous objects are kept at their level.

5. Lots of patience and lots of LOVE. Remember you pup is capable of many things with just a little bit of time and care.

August 22nd is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day!
We know many of our feline friends don't get regular trips to see us because it can be quite a stressful event. Follow these helpful tips from Zoetis on how to achieve a stress free vet trip for your cat.

Make the carrier less scary. Chances are, the only time your cat sees their carrier is when you’re about to take them to the veterinarian. You can make the carrier less scary by setting it up like a safe place they can hang out in on a regular basis. To entice them into their carrier, make it a comfortable place they want to spend time by putting a blanket, a toy, and treats inside (this also gives them a familiar smell of home). You can also feed them inside the carrier to get them more acclimated to being in it. Just by seeing the carrier in their everyday environment, your cat will become more used to it and avoid the dread they feel when it mysteriously shows up out of the blue.

Keep your cat calm. Calming pheromones can help your cat calm themselves in their carrier. Simply spray a spritz or two in their carrier the night before the appointment and again on the day of the appointment to allow the pheromones to calm your cat.

Consider catnip. This herb can relax your cat, helping them associate a trip to the vet something a lot more fun. Catnip’s effects typically only last for 5–15 minutes, but it doesn’t affect all cats. Occasionally, cats will become agitated when they smell catnip, so it’s a good idea to give your cat a trial dose first to see how (and if) they react before you ever need it for a trip to the vet.

Get your cat used to being handled. Practice holding your cat and examining them from head to tail. This will help your cat feel less stressed when the vet or veterinary technician gives them an exam.

Bring your cat on car rides. It’s likely that the only time your cat rides in the car is on the way to the vet. You can try to disassociate car rides with a trip to the vet to reduce their stress. Some cats will never get used to car rides, but others just need a few minutes in the car or a couple drives around town that doesn’t end up at the vet office to help calm their nerves. If desensitizing your cat to the car works, make sure to take your cat on rides every once in a while to keep them from becoming distressed again.

Southern California has recently been seeing an increase in Leptospirosis Cases in canines.

What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis (lepto) is a disease caused by a bacteria called Leptospira interrogans. This bacteria can infect dogs, rodents, raccoons, skunks, opossums, cows, pigs and even humans

What are the symptoms in dogs?
Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, fever, increased thirst and urination, Kidney disease or even Kidney Failure are all common signs of this disease.

How is it transmitted?
The bacteria is expelled in the urine of an infected animal. When the bacteria in the urine makes contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or wounds on the skin the animal or person can become infected. Water sources such as rivers, lakes, ponds and mud can also be contaminated with leptospirosis and infect its victim the same way.

The good news? We have a readily available vaccine to help protect your pup!
Contact us today to get your pets leptospirosis vaccination scheduled!
Email: [email protected]
Text: 661-403-5252
Call: 661-259-7387

The FDA Suspects Tainted Pet Foods Poisoned Hundreds Of Dogs.
"The Food and Drug Administration says more than 130 deaths and 220 illnesses in dogs may have been caused by the dog food brand Midwestern Pet Foods, after inspections "revealed evidence of significant violations" of food safety regulations."
https://www.npr.org/2021/08/18/1029067086/dogs-poisoned-fda-midwestern-per-foods-recalled

Follow the Link to see a full list of foods being recalled
https://midwesternpetfoods.com/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-expands-recall-of-pet-food-for-aflatoxin-health-risk/

The FDA Suspects Tainted Pet Foods Poisoned Hundreds Of Dogs More than 130 dogs died, 220 were sickened, and Midwestern Pet Food had inadequate food safety practices, the agency says. The company has recalled several products.

Just in the month of August 2021 4 different rabid bats have been found in the Santa Clarita/Castaic area. Are your pets rabies vaccination current?
If you aren't sure please email us [email protected], Text us at 661-403-5252 or call us at 661-259-7387 to make sure your pet is up to date or to schedule their vaccination appointment!

Could your feline friend have Osteoarthritis? An estimated 90% of cats over the age of 10 years have osteoarthritis and their owners don't even know. If you are worried your cat is struggling check out this helpful Feline Osteoarthritis Checklist: https://www.zoetispetcare.com/checklist/osteoarthritis-checklist-cat?fbclid=IwAR3IODvQ_Ol5ii9V3qfBWbciWK7ruvXmnTHxZ_5qcWZxWjKfoXEgMsXto7k
To schedule an appointment for your senior cat to be seen please call 661-259-7387, Text 661-403-5252 or email [email protected]

Star is a beloved patient of ours and this is close to the heart as Star is being taken care of by one of our employees. Based on new results this little girl may have a Liver Shunt. She has a CT scheduled for Monday. Ct's are pricey and upwards of $1500. Please share her gofundme to help raise funds for this baby.

*We unfortunately do not have a CT at our clinic so we are not in control of these costs.

Stars second chance, organized by Donna Owens Meet Star, this little 4lb Chihuahua needs a miracle. Since June 20th Star has been having episodes o… Donna Owens needs your support for Stars second chance

Santa Clarita Animal Hospital is looking at add more Veterinary Technicians to our team. RVT licensing is not required but is a bonus.
We are looking for experienced individuals you can work in a high volume fast past job while providing loving care to our patients.
Your job will include but not limited to: taking vitals, collecting histories, phlebotomy, cystocentesis, IV, IM, Subq injections, iv catheters, Radiographs, restraining & properly documenting treatments. Dental scaling/radiographs and surgical monitoring/assisting and Cornerstone knowledge is a plus but not required. We have 2-3 doctors on staff per day and are frequently fully or even over booked, so please be prepared for a fast paced job. Please email your cover letter & resume over to [email protected]

Santa Clarita Animal Hospital will be closed on July 4th 2021 in honor of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours July 5th 2021 at 7am.

Please remember, the 4th of July can be a very scary time for pets.
Keep all dogs and cats indoors in a secure location.
Make sure gates are latched should your pets need to go outside for potty breaks, or better yet leash your pets during potty breaks even in your own back yard.
Turn the TV's & Radio's up, to help drown out the sounds of the fireworks.
Keep your pet’s collars and ID tags ON just in case they were to escape.
If you have already purchased anxiety medication, please be sure to dose appropriately based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Stay home with your pets if possible.

Let’s all have this Independence Day be a joyous and SAFE holiday.

Should your pet experience a medical emergency while we are closed please contact one of the 24/7 Emergency Hospitals listed below:
Animal Specialty Group
4641 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
818-244-7977
Access Specialty Animal Hospital
20051 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
818-887-2262
TrueCare for Pets
11730 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604
818-760-3882
Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital
6565 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
855-350-7387
Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center of Thousand Oaks
2967 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
805-492-2436

We sure have some adorable kitty patients that help brighten our day! 😍😍😍

Ichabod is a beloved patient here at Santa Clarita Animal Hospital. During his recent dental procedure an open lesion was discovered on his tongue. Tragically this was found to be due to a cancerous growth. Ichabod was sent to specialty to consult with an oncologist. The oncologist believes Ichabod has a chance if the growth is removed and a few session of chemotherapy are completed.

Please consider donating or sharing to help Ichabod and his family.

*Please note, donations cannot be made to us as we are not providing the treatments- His oncologist is. *

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ichabod-kick-cancer?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet+chico96c&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Help Ichabod Kick Cancer, organized by Chloe Coulter Ichabod is our beloved cat of 11 years. Recently we discovered he has cancer in his mouth which… Chloe Coulter needs your support for Help Ichabod Kick Cancer

Its Adopt-a-Cat Month!
Did you know that if you adopt a cat from a local LA County Shelter their exam with us within the first 7 days is free?

Show of your adopted cat in the comment below

We would like to take a moment to congratulation Dr. Carly Brink on passing the veterinarian boards and graduating from Western University of Health Sciences as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Many of you have met Dr. Brink as she completed her required working hours here at our hospital and as she helped cover shifts with our other technicians, but as of June 1st Dr. Brink will now be scheduled shifts as a veterinarian ready to help provide loving medical care to your pet. We are so very happy and grateful to have her as a part of our team.

"Dr. Carly Brink graduated from Western University Health Sciences college of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. She was born and raised in the Santa Clarita Valley and is excited to be back practicing in her home town. Her interests include dermatology and internal medicine. When not immersed in veterinary medicine she is spending time with her family, doing yoga, hiking or binge-watching Netflix."

Today is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Day!

Did you know:
That King Charles II helped give this breed their name. He loved the breed so much he issued a royal decree that the breed to be allowed in all public spaces, including Parliament.
The King Charles Spaniel comes in 4 different colors, Ruby Red, Tri-Colored, Black and Tan and "Blenheim" Which is a primary white coat with chestnut colored markings.
They may look like your typical lap dog but the Cavalier is actually a sporting breed that excels in hunting.

Do you share your home with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? If so show them off in the comments below!

Did you know a blind dog can lead a normal and happy life?
Here are 5 helpful tips for Blind Dog Owners
1. If you dog is newly blind, walk them through the house several times to help them build a map in their mind. Dogs are quick learners, as long as furniture, rugs and other markers stay in the same spot your blind dog can learn their surroundings and stick with a routine. They can even be taught to find furniture, dog beds, other sleeping areas and food & water bowls.
2. Introduce new commands such as "Step Up" "Step Down" "Stop" "Left" or "Right" To help give your dog verbal cues to help them navigate. Step Up and Down are especially helpful when walking your blind dog up and down curbs.
3. Keep a consistent routine. Since your pet can't see they rely on memory and sounds. Same wake up routine, feeding routine, potty routine and walking routine can help your pet become comfortable with their sightless life. Once your pet is comfortable without their sight they can still explore new areas and walks, just go slowly to ensure they aren't nervous.
4. Leave the TV or music on to help keep your pet feeling secure and not stuck in silence, especially when you are not home.
5. Consider getting a 's Halo For Blind Dogs to help prevent your dog from running into things in your home or out and about. https://muffinshalo.com/

We know having a newly blind dog can be scary, but trust us, many blind dogs lead happy normal lives. They love, live and bring joy to all that meet them.
If you are worried that your pet is loosing their eye sight call us at 661-259-7387 or text us at 661-403-5252 to schedule their appointment

Could your cat have Diabetes?
It is estimated between 1-2% of cats are diagnosed with diabetes in their lifetime but the number of undiagnosed domestic cats may be much higher.
Signs your cat may be diabetic:
The most noticed sign is increased thirst and urination. When left untreated your cat may start to lose weight despite eating frequently, vomiting frequently, lethargy, loss of motor function, coma and even death.
If you have noticed your cat doesn't seem quiet themselves or are drinking and urinating more frequently consider bringing them in for a check up and general lab work to ensure they are not diabetic and their organs are functioning normally. Thankfully cats with diabetes can be treated. It is important for your newly diabetic cat to get on a feeding and insulin schedule. Once your cat has been diagnosed and the proper insulin schedule and dosing has been determined it is recommended for your kitty be checked by their veterinarian every 3-4 months to ensure they are still doing well on their insulin therapy. A diabetic cat is a life long commit but your cat will thank you for your loving care. If you need to schedule an appointment for your cat please call our office at 661-259-7387 or text us at 661-403-5252

Do you have a new puppy in your household? Follow these helpful times for potty training your new family member! 🐶

Are you and your family welcoming a new kitten to your household soon? Make sure your family is prepared and ready for their new adorable family member!

If you have other cats already at home you may have many of these supplies, but make sure you have enough to accommodate adding another kitten to your home.
Litterbox(s) there should be at least 1 litterbox per cat plus 1 extra to ensure everyone has a safe place to relieve themselves. Make sure your box(s) is easy for your new kitten to find and to get into. Clean the box(s) at least once per day (or twice a day is even better)

Water and Food Bowls.
Make sure your kitten always has access to clean fresh water. If you have multiple cats you will want to consider adding a few extra water bowls to ensure the new baby isn't bullied away from their essential needs.
Same goes for food bowls. While some cats are free fed, others are given meals. Pay close attention to how much food your new kitten is eating. Cats get a lot of their liquids from their diet and it is recommended to offer wet food at least once a day.

Cat Beds and Hiding Spots
While many cats are known for lounging on furniture and human beds, providing cat beds and cat hiding spots are a good idea. Although, many cats my decide to sleep in the box it came in instead.

Toys & Scratching Posts
Kittens are playful and mischievous be sure to provide scratching posts, cat trees, and toys galore to allow your kitten to play and have fun without ruining your things.

Medical Needs:
Depending on where you get your new kitten many of these medical recommendations may have already been met. Here is what we recommend for your new kitten.
A Physical Exam to make sure they are healthy and happy.
Rabies Vaccination at 16 weeks old, then it is repeated every 1 -3 years
2-4 FVRCP Vaccines, this vaccine is done every 3-4 weeks until your kitten is 16 weeks old this is then repeated every 1- 3 years (just 1 vaccine, not the series)
2-3 FELV Vaccines. If your kitten will be exposed to cats with unknown medical history (such as other outdoor cats) this vaccine is recommended to help keep your kitten safe
F***l Testing to make sure your new kitten is free of internal parasites
FELV/FIV testing to make sure your kitten is disease free. This is especially important for families introducing a new kitten to a multi-cat home as it is contagious.
Microchipping. Even if you plan to have an indoor only kitten, a Microchip could be the reason your cat makes its way back home if they get lost.
Spay/Neuter by 6 months old. This can decrease the risk for certain cancers and disease, lowers behavioral problems and desire to roam and not to mention helps cut back the numbers of the HUGE overpopulation problem we have, especially in LA County.
Flea & Tick Prevention. This is very important for owners planning to have their new kitten outdoors but still is recommended for indoor kittens too.

Did 2021 bring a new kitten to your home? Post their picture in the comments below!

Does your pup enjoy a trip to the beach? 🏖
Here are 5 safety tips to keep Fido happy and safe during beach trips:
1. Always provide fresh water. While your pet may try to take a drink of the big ocean blue try and encourage them to only drink the fresh water you provide. The salt water can cause an upset tummy and dehydration.
2. Provide protection from the sun. Bring an umbrella or tent to allow your dog a safe place to get shade. apply dog safe sunscreen to your light coated dogs or pink skinned dogs especially on the nose and ears.
3. For the dogs who love to swim invest in a life vest. If you pup likes to do more then dip their toes in the water a life vest could been the difference between life and death if they are swept out with the current. If you are unsure if your pet will or can swim the life vest can help provide assistance and give them a little extra help if they are struggling.
4. Watch out for trash. We are sad to add this to the list, but unfortunately many people litter on beaches. Watch out for trash, sharps and food left behind by other beach goers.
5. Make sure your dog takes breaks. The excitement of the beach, the running on the sand and the swimming in the ocean can all be very strenuous activity for your dog. Encourage them to take breaks and rest so they don't over exert themselves.

Show of pictures of your pets having fun at the beach below!

May is national foster care month. Do you foster pets for a local rescue or shelter? If so drop their info and photo in the comments below to help search for their forever home!

What has covid meant for veterinarian offices?
Since the start of Covid in 2020 we knew day to day life was changing. Places were closing, jobs were lost, working from home became the norm, and let’s not get started on the masks. The changes that happened to the veterinary field was unexpected and has taken many offices by storm. Initially it was thought that many offices would be forced to treat emergencies only, but as weeks turned to months this was obviously not feasible. Business resumed to as normal as covid would allow. Supplies often hard to find as basic needs for gloves, cleaning supplies and other PPE are being sent to many human hospitals over veterinarian hospitals. Almost all offices went to curbside services only to avoid the face-to-face exposure between staff and owners. Communication to clients was lengthened due to phone calls being required for pet histories, concerns, diagnostic reviews, recommendations, reports, checking out, medication instructions and much more. As we crept along with curbside services, we suddenly saw a huge influx in pets needing to be seen. Pets we hadn’t seen in years, new pets, old pets, young pets and pets with chronic conditions owners previously had not noticed. The more owners at home the more pets being watched closer resulting in more veterinary needs. Many offices went from being available same day or within 24 hours to being booked weeks or even months out at a time! We know this can get frustrating as a pet owner because, what are you supposed to do if your pet has an ear infection and your vet office is booked? Our personal office is booked up and often double booked trying to see everyone’s pet in a timely fashion. The solution would seem simple, right? Hire more veterinarians and more staff. The honest truth is, there is a shortage on good veterinarians and experienced staff to hire.
We know when it comes to our pet’s health emotions can run high. Please be patient and kind to our staff as they are working hard every day trying to ensure all our patients needs are met. Many of our veterinarians are working at home on their days off to call clients with lab work reports, staying at the office for 12-hour days and much more. Our technicians often work well past their scheduled times, are juggling multiple patients at once and running in and out of the hospital to get pets from cars or bringing pets back to their family. Our receptionists are juggling checking people out over the phone, trying to find room on the schedule for more pets to be seen and the endless phone calls during the day. We appreciate all your support through this pandemic and we certainly hope you and your family are staying safe as well. Please remember to schedule your pets follows ups, vaccines, and other needs your pet may have as far in advanced as possible. If your pet is seen scratching at their ear a little, or coughed once or twice call and schedule the appointment before it gets worse. We would rather you cancel a few days later because your pet is better than call us with an urgent condition that needs to be seen ASAP. If your pet is experiencing an emergency and you are sent away to another clinic, please understand it is not because we don’t want to help, but rather we truly do not have the staffing, supplies or time to properly provide treatment for your pet.
Hug your pets today and please thank your veterinarian and their staff, they are likely all exhausted.

Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!
Show off your adopted shelter pets in the comments below.

Our adorable patient Prince recently celebrated his first birthday! His mom threw him the best birthday party ever, dog-safe birthday cake and all!
He is so darling we had to show him off. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCE!! 🥳🥳

Its a day for the Beagles:
Show of your beagle or beagle mix in the comments below.
Did you know:
Beagles have about 220 million scent receptors Beagles Are One of the Most Vocal Dog Breeds
Beagles Have a White-Tipped Tail for a Reason- the white tip makes the Beagle easier to track through the woods, tall weeds when used for hunting.

April 21 is Bulldogs are Beautiful Day.
Show of your bulldog(s) in the comments below.