Arroyo Grande Veterinary Hospital

12/24/2025

Day 12 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Start the New Year Right
A fresh year is the perfect time to set your pet up for a healthy start. Preventive care helps catch issues early, supports long term wellness, and keeps your pet feeling their best. Here are a few ways to begin the new year on the right paw:
🩺 Schedule a wellness exam: Regular checkups help monitor your pet’s overall health and catch small concerns before they become bigger ones.
🦷 Plan a dental checkup: Dental health affects more than just fresh breath. A dental exam can help prevent discomfort and support whole body wellness.
🔬 Consider preventive screenings: Bloodwork, parasite testing, and age appropriate screenings give a clear picture of your pet’s health and help guide personalized care.
Starting the New Year with proactive care is a simple way to keep your pet happy, healthy, and by your side for years to come.

12/23/2025

Day 11 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Year End Medication Check
As the year winds down, it is a great time to make sure your pet is up to date on the medications that keep them healthy and protected. A quick review now can help avoid any gaps in care during the busy holiday season. Here are a few things to check:
💊 Keep medications on hand: This time of year gets busy, so it is helpful to check that you have the next doses of your pet’s medications ready.
🦟 Keep flea and tick protection going: Parasites are still active in many areas through winter, so staying consistent is important.
❤️ Continue heartworm prevention: Heartworm preventives should be given year round. Now is a good time to confirm you have doses ready heading into the new year.
Our home delivery and in-hospital pharmacy make it easy to stay on track. If you need refills or have questions about your pet’s medications, our team is here to help.

12/22/2025

Day 10 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: New Puppy or Kitten?
Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is such an exciting moment. A little preparation before their first veterinary visit helps set them up for a healthy, happy start. Here is what to bring and what to expect:
📋 Any previous records: If your pet came from a breeder, rescue, or shelter, bring any vaccination or health paperwork you received.
🍖 Favorite treats: Treats help make the visit positive and relaxing, especially for shy or wiggly little ones.
🧸 Comfort items: A blanket, small toy, or familiar carrier can make the first trip feel less overwhelming.
❓ Your questions: Write down anything you want to ask about nutrition, training, vaccines, behavior, or daily care. This visit is your chance to get support and guidance tailored to your new family member.
A thoughtful first visit sets the foundation for lifelong health and confidence.

12/21/2025

Day 9 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Winter Comfort for Senior Pets
Cold weather can be especially tough on senior pets. A few small adjustments can help keep older dogs and cats comfortable, mobile, and happy throughout the winter season. Here are simple ways to support them:
💛 Create warm resting spots: Provide soft bedding away from drafts. Pet safe warming pads or extra blankets can help soothe stiff joints.
🐾 Support mobility: Place rugs on slippery floors, use ramps or stairs for furniture, and keep pathways clear to make moving around easier.
🧴 Consider joint comfort: Many senior pets benefit from gentle exercise, weight management, and supplements that support joint health. If you are wondering what might help your pet, we are always here to guide you.
A little extra care goes a long way in helping senior pets feel their best this winter.
Day 9 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Winter Comfort for Senior Pets
Cold weather can be especially tough on senior pets. A few small adjustments can help keep older dogs and cats comfortable, mobile, and happy throughout the winter season. Here are simple ways to support them:
💛 Create warm resting spots: Provide soft bedding away from drafts. Pet safe warming pads or extra blankets can help soothe stiff joints.
🐾 Support mobility: Place rugs on slippery floors, use ramps or stairs for furniture, and keep pathways clear to make moving around easier.
🧴 Consider joint comfort: Many senior pets benefit from gentle exercise, weight management, and supplements that support joint health. If you are wondering what might help your pet, we are always here to guide you.
A little extra care goes a long way in helping senior pets feel their best this winter.

12/20/2025

Day 8 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Fireplaces, Candles and Space Heaters
Cozy season is here, but warm holiday comforts can also pose risks for curious pets. A few simple steps can help keep your home safe and peaceful. Here are key safety tips to keep in mind:
🔥 Use screens or guards for fireplaces: Pets may be drawn to the warmth or movement of flames. A sturdy fireplace screen helps prevent burns and keeps sparks contained.
🕯️ Place candles out of reach: A wagging tail or playful swipe can easily knock over an open flame. Choose high shelves or consider flameless candles for a safer glow.
🔥 Be cautious with space heaters: Keep heaters on a flat surface and create a clear zone around them. Always supervise pets near heated areas and unplug heaters when not in use.
Creating a safe, warm environment keeps the season cozy for the whole family

12/19/2025

Thank you to our incredible team at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center!!

You may have seen Tuesday's SWAT standoff in the news and heard that one of our beloved San Diego Police Department police dogs was injured. That is true. Yet, our valiant K9 Bowie II survived the incident, has been cleared and released by our friends at VCA Animal Hospitals, and is expected to return to duty! His recovery is nothing short of a holiday "miracle."

What's more, K9 Bowie II played a significant part in causing the suspect to give up — and end the stand-off, bringing peace and safety back to our community.

For the past 22 years, every police service dog at the San Diego Police Department has been purchased with funds donated by the community through the Police Foundation. K9 Bowie II was proudly funded through our K9 Program.

Fun fact: his official start date was Christmas Day in 2023!

These specialized canines safeguard public events, find missing persons, locate evidence, de-escalate dangerous situations, prevent shootings, and preserve life.

Learn more about our K9 Program: https://sdpolicefoundation.org/initiatives/k9-program/

12/19/2025

🎁 Still need to get the last minute holiday presents for your pets?? 🎁 Our team at VCA Lake Jackson has pet gift ideas ready for you!

12/19/2025

Day 7 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Holiday Travel Tips for Pets
Whether you are driving across town or heading out for a longer trip, a little preparation can help your pet travel safely and comfortably during the holidays. Here are a few simple travel tips:
🚗 Prioritize car safety: Pets should be secured with a seat belt harness, travel carrier, or crate. This keeps them safe and prevents distractions while driving.
🧳 Choose the right carrier: Carriers should be well ventilated, large enough for your pet to stand and turn around, and positioned securely in the car. Let your pet explore the carrier at home first to help them feel more at ease.
😌 Use calming techniques: Bring familiar items like a blanket or favorite toy. Soft music, gentle reassurance, and maintaining a calm environment can help reduce stress. If your pet experiences motion sickness or anxiety, give us a call before your trip for guidance.
A smooth, safe ride helps make holiday travel enjoyable for both you and your pet.

12/18/2025

’Tis the season for new guests, loud sounds, and doors opening a little too often. If your pet decides to make a surprise dash like Santa's reindeer, make sure their microchip is up to date and easy to scan at your local VCA. Make an appointment here: https://vcahospitals.com/book-an-appointment

12/18/2025

Day 6 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Safe Holiday Gifts for Pets
Picking out gifts for pets is one of the best parts of the season. A few simple choices can help keep holiday surprises fun and safe. Here are tips for choosing pet safe gifts:
🧸 Choose durable toys: Look for high quality toys that cannot be easily torn apart or swallowed.
🦴 Pick safe chews: Choose size appropriate chews designed for your pet’s age and chewing style.
🎁 Be mindful of wrapping: Ribbon, bows, and crinkly paper can be tempting. Keep wrapping materials out of reach once gifts are opened.
Safe gifts help keep the holidays joyful for everyone. If you ever have questions about which toys or treats are best, we are always here to help.

12/17/2025

How many did you get right out of 8? VCA is ready for your pet emergency care this holiday season!

12/17/2025

Day 5 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Holiday Stress and Anxiety Support

The holiday season is joyful for us, but it can feel overwhelming for some pets. Visitors, travel, decorations, and changes in routine can all create stress or anxiety.

A little preparation can make a big difference in helping your pet feel safe and relaxed.
🏡 Create a quiet retreat with a cozy bed away from guests and noise.
😌 Use calming aids like pheromone diffusers or soothing music.
🎁 Stick to familiar routines for feeding, walks, and bedtime when possible.
🚪 Watch the door if guests are coming and going often, especially for pets who may slip outside.

If your pet struggles with anxiety or shows signs of stress, we are here to help you find the right support and solutions.

12/16/2025

Don't look at the first comment

12/16/2025

Day 4 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Keep Decorations Pet Safe
Holiday decorating is fun, but some items can be tempting or risky for curious pets. A few small precautions can help keep your home festive and safe. Here are decorations to watch closely:
✨ Tinsel: Cats especially love to bat at it, but swallowing tinsel can cause serious intestinal issues.
🧵 Ornaments: Broken ornaments can lead to cuts, while soft ornaments may be accidentally swallowed.
🔌 Wires and lights: Chewing on wires can cause burns or shocks. Keep cords tucked away or covered.
Choosing durable, pet safe décor and placing delicate items higher up can make a big difference in keeping your home safe for both pets and people this season.
If you ever have questions about holiday safety, we are here to help

12/15/2025

It's never just one item 😅

📹

12/15/2025

Day 3 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Paw and Skin Care for the Holiday Season
The holidays come with new routines, more guests, and different indoor environments that can affect your pet’s skin and paws. Even without cold weather, many pets experience irritation this time of year from dry indoor heat, cleaning supplies, or increased activity.

Here are a few simple ways to keep your pet comfortable:
🐾 Check paws regularly for redness, dryness, or small cracks.
🧴 Use pet safe moisturizers if pads look dry or rough.
✨ Watch household cleaners during holiday prep, since some can irritate sensitive paws.
🚿 Rinse paws after outdoor adventures to remove allergens or debris.

If you notice persistent licking, redness, or irritation, our team can help keep your pet’s skin healthy and comfortable.

12/14/2025

Day 2 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Safe Holiday Plants
Holiday décor is beautiful, but some festive plants can be unsafe for pets. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
🌿 Lilies: extremely toxic to cats
🌿 Holly: can cause stomach upset
🌿 Mistletoe: may cause vomiting or diarrhea
🌿 Pine needles: can irritate the mouth and stomach
✨ Poinsettias often get a bad reputation, but they are usually only mildly irritating if chewed.
Choosing pet safe décor or keeping plants out of reach is an easy way to prevent holiday mishaps. If you ever have questions about plant safety, we are always here to help.

12/13/2025

Day 1 of our 12 Days of Pet Health: Holiday Foods to Avoid
Holiday meals are wonderful for us, but many traditional foods can be surprisingly unsafe for pets. Here are some common ones to keep out of reach:
🍫 Chocolate
🍇 Grapes and raisins
🌰 Certain nuts
🍬 Xylitol sweeteners
🍷 Alcohol
Even small amounts can upset your pet’s stomach or lead to more serious health issues. Keeping table foods away and offering pet safe treats is the best way to keep them comfortable during holiday gatherings.
If you have any concerns about what your pet may have eaten, please call us. We are here to help keep your pets healthy this season.

12/12/2025

The holiday pet hazards tea is hot! Give extra love to your pets this season... and if your pet needs emergency care, we are here for you at VCA!

12/11/2025

POV us eating our veggies before all the holiday treats. 📸 VCA South Dade Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital

12/10/2025

It's the most wonderful time of year! Schedule your free first exam: https://vca.mobi/4aeMe7D

12/09/2025

On this International Day of Veterinary Medicine—and every day—we’re proud to care for your pets. Across VCA and throughout our Mars Veterinary Health family, we’re celebrating the incredible Associates around the world who make life better for pets every day.

12/04/2025

There's still time to book your end-of-year exam for your best friend at your local VCA! Find your hospital here: https://vcahospitals.com/find-a-hospital

12/03/2025

Zoom to the comments to share your cat zoomie stories!