Carter Pet Hospital

03/05/2025

Looking to fill your home with pet-friendly plants - look no further! Check out our infographic on common plants that are great to have in a home with four-legged friends!

03/05/2025

03/01/2025

The Saint Louis Zoo is monitoring the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus closely, especially during bird migration seasons. On your next visit, you may notice some of our birds have been temporarily moved indoors and a few bird exhibits are closed as a precaution against the HPAI virus.

This is an important and necessary step to ensure the safety of animals in our care. The primary risk to the birds at the Zoo would come from wild birds that land on Zoo grounds.

Last week, Zoo staff retrieved a deceased wild wood duck from a lake near the center of the Zoo. Preliminary tests indicate the bird was positive for Avian Influenza, which is not uncommon among migratory birds. The Zoo has sent samples for further testing to identify if this was a case of an HPAI strain. The Zoo also enacted a higher level of biosecurity to protect Zoo animals.

No birds or other animals under our care have been showing clinical signs or been diagnosed with this virus.

🔹While some Zoo birds are able to remain safely outside where their habitats provide protection, others have been moved indoors.

🔹The Cypress Swamp and Bird House will be closed to guests until further notice.

🔹Penguin & Puffin Coast will close an hour early each day, so that staff can complete deep cleaning of the public space.

🔹We are temporarily discontinuing sales for some of the Zoo’s Behind-the-Scenes Tours during migratory bird season.

🔹We hope to reopen all areas and return birds back outside as soon as it is safe to do so.

These measures, along with additional staff safety protocols, are in place to mitigate common areas of human and animal foot traffic.
The Zoo continues to prioritize the safety of the animals in our care. We are working collaboratively with the State Veterinarian, United States Department of Agriculture and Missouri Department of Conservation, and we are prepared to take additional steps as needed.

Please be assured that HPAI does not pose any immediate human health concerns at the Zoo. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the current public health risk to humans for HPAI to be low.

We appreciate your understanding.

03/01/2025

It's Pet Poison Prevention Month! Which, you know, is kind of our thing. ☺️ Stay tuned on our Facebook and Instagram pages all month long for helpful tips to keep your pets safe.

02/27/2025

Our precious patients of the day!
Leila, Isabella, Molly, Brownie, Snickers, and Henry!

02/21/2025

You may already know which foods to avoid feeding your pet, but what about hidden ingredients you might not think of? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has everything you need to know about one extremely common, toxic ingredient: xylitol. Read more for tips on keeping your pets safe!

02/21/2025

Washington and Oregon warn of bird flu risk in raw pet food after indoor cats fall ill, leading to euthanasia and product testing.

02/21/2025

✌️🐰

02/21/2025

Jane is a kind and compassionate woman of the community who is now offering top of the line pet care services including dog walking and pet sitting! She is fear free certified, insured, and a very sweet person. Contact her for more details!

02/18/2025

ATTENTION: Due to concern for staff safety navigating the roads this evening with multiple expected snow bands in our area, we will be closing early today at 3pm.
If you need any medications filled for your pets today, please give us a call as soon as possible to ensure we can get it filled in time for pick up!
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding, if anything changes we will update this post as needed!

02/13/2025

Sharing again for awareness as this becomes more of a risk

What is H5N1?
H5N1, commonly known as avian influenza A or bird flu, is a highly pathogenic strain of influenza virus that primarily affects birds, but cases have recently been reported in wildlife, cattle, cats, and humans.

What do we know about the latest outbreak?
Recently H5N1 influenza cases have been reported in cats that have consumed contaminated commercial raw food diets, unpasteurized milk, or had contact with wild birds and cattle.

Precautions:
Consider discontinuing your pet’s raw diet. Even if their raw food is human grade, frozen, or freeze dried, this does not prevent the potential spread of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, or H5N1 that may be present in the food. Consider cooking your pet’s raw food and/or consulting your veterinarian about diet change.
Limit your pet’s access to wild birds that may be carrying the virus and avoid giving them raw milk.

What are the symptoms to watch out for in our pets?
Clinical signs in pets may include the following:
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Neurologic signs (ataxia, circling, tremors, seizures, sudden blindness)
• Copious oculonasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing
We recommend seeking veterinary care if your pet shows any of these signs. If they are having any life-threatening symptoms (neurologic signs, seizures, difficulty breathing, or collapse) seek veterinary care immediately.

Can this cause illness in humans?
Yes, H5N1 can cause illness in humans. Current human infections have been linked to contact with infected cattle and wild birds. There is no current evidence of human to human transmission.

What is being done?
The CDC, FDA and USDA are closely monitoring cases as they develop. One voluntary product recall has been issued for contaminated raw food diets for cats & dogs. We are continuing to monitor this emerging virus.

Follow our animal health centers' social media accounts for regular updates.
https://hubs.la/Q031WZ2g0

02/12/2025

Did you know that you can include your furry friend(s) in your Wedding? Hot Diggity Dogwalker offers a variety of Services for your special day. From a Meet and Greet to fine tune the details, to the Wedding Rehearsal to safely transporting your pup to and from the Wedding, handling them for photos, providing outfits and even overnights prior to and the night of the Wedding. Contact us for more details and find the perfect Dog Wedding package for you!

02/12/2025

Due to inclement weather we will be closing at 4pm today. We will update this post if our closing time changes.
Thank you for your patience and understanding!

02/12/2025

This time, the giant schnauzer went the full Monty.

After coming close in the last two years, Monty the giant schnauzer won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday night, leaving handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin almost too emotional to speak.

“He always tries so hard, and we’re just proud of him,” she told the crowd at Madison Square Garden.

The spirited schnauzer bested six other finalists to become the first of his breed tapped as Westminster's best in show, the most prestigious prize in the U.S. dog show world.

Read more: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/3FyezL

02/11/2025

Tooth resorption is when a cat’s body starts breaking down and absorbing the hard tissue of their teeth (like enamel and dentin). Over time, this can cause damage to the teeth, often starting at the roots and working its way up.

How common is it?
This condition is common, affecting more than 50-75% of cats over 4 years old

Symptoms to Watch For:
Cats are sneaky about dental pain, but here are some possible signs.
1. Drooling.
2. Trouble eating or avoiding dry food.
3. Pawing at their mouth or face.
4. Red, inflamed gums (especially near the affected tooth).
5. Tooth loss or broken teeth.
6. Bad breath—no judgment, but if it smells worse than usual, it’s worth checking.

What Causes It?
The exact cause is a mystery (cats love their secrets), but some potential culprits include:
• Genetics: Some cats might just be more prone to it.
• Diet and oral health: Issues with calcium, plaque, or tartar could contribute.

Treatment Options:
Unfortunately, tooth resorption isn’t reversible. But don’t panic—here’s how your vet can help:
1. Tooth Extraction: If the damage is severe, the affected tooth will need to be removed.
2. Pain Management: Your vet may prescribe medication to keep your kitty comfy during recovery.
3. Regular Dental Care: Prevention is key! Professional cleanings and at-home care (like brushing or dental treats) can help protect your cat’s teeth.

💡 Pro Tip: Cats need regular dental checkups, especially as they age. A lot of cats with tooth resorption don’t show obvious signs of pain, so dental X-rays during routine checkups can catch it early.

02/11/2025

Our surgery patients today melted our hearts!
Stinky, Charlie, Sugar, Zora and Koal all did so well. 🐾