Blue Cross Dog & Cat Hospital

08/08/2026

https://www.sovavet.com

08/07/2026

Leaving your pet alone in a car is never safe—no matter how quick you think you’ll be back. Even with windows cracked or the AC running, the inside can jump 20 degrees in just ten minutes, and keep rising fast. In just a short time, your pet can suffer dangerous heatstroke, organ damage, or death. Running the engine also brings risks like accidental movement, theft, or mechanical failure, and even cooler seasons can be harmful—either overheating or causing dangerous cold.

Many places have laws against leaving pets in cars, and some allow bystanders to step in and rescue them. If you see signs of distress like heavy panting, glazed eyes, or vomiting, cool them gently with lukewarm cloths and head straight to the vet. The safest choice is always to leave your pet at home when you can’t take them with you.

Not sure if you should leave your pet in the car? The answer to this question is always the same.

08/06/2026

Heatstroke is a dangerous risk for all pets in hot weather—especially young, old, overweight, sick, or short‑nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs. Watch for heavy panting, drooling, red gums, vomiting, weakness, confusion, or collapse; if their temperature climbs above 104°F, it is an emergency.

If you see these signs, move them to a cool place right away, offer cool (not ice‑cold) water, and gently cool them with lukewarm towels on their body, paws, and ears—never use freezing water, which can harm their circulation. Check their temperature often and head to the vet within 10–15 minutes if they don’t improve.

To keep them safe, limit outdoor time to cooler hours, always provide shade and fresh water, and never leave them in a parked car—even briefly.

Do you know the signs of heatstroke in pets?

08/04/2026

Vomiting happens when something irritates, inflames, or infects your pet’s stomach or intestines—this can be from eating foreign objects, toxins, spoiled food, parasites, ulcers, or even tumors. The color tells you a lot: red or coffee‑ground appearance means active bleeding and is an emergency; yellow usually comes straight from the stomach; green means it has bile and came from further down the digestive tract.

If your pet vomits blood, seems sick, or you know they swallowed something dangerous—especially string or similar material—call your vet right away. Never cut string they may have eaten, as this can make blockages worse. Once your pet is safe, you can clean the mess carefully with paper towels, gentle cleaners, and let the spot dry fully.

Animals may vomit when something irritates, inflames or causes an infection in their intestinal tract. The location of the irritation, inflammation or infection may also determine the color of your pet's vomit and the reason for the upchucking. Many things can irritate, inflame or infect an animal's

08/03/2026

Pets often show subtle warning signs long before cancer is officially diagnosed, so staying attentive to changes in their usual habits is key. Look out for things like losing interest in play or tiring easily, trouble moving or walking, sores that won’t heal, lumps or swelling, problems breathing or using the bathroom, unexplained weight loss, strange odors, unusual bleeding or discharge, and difficulty eating or swallowing.

Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, so only your vet can tell for sure what’s going on. Regular check‑ups and working closely with your veterinarian are the best ways to spot problems early and give your pet the best possible care.

Warning signs can be present in your family pet before the veterinarian makes an actual diagnosis. You'll want to be alert and watch for warning signs as preventative measures, and at the same time provide your pet with the best nutrition, exercise program and lifestyle possible for his or her activ...

08/01/2026

Cancer happens when cells grow and multiply out of control, forming lumps that are either benign—staying in one place—or malignant, which can spread through the body. It is extremely common in pets, causing nearly half of all deaths in dogs and about a third in cats, especially as they get older. There are many different types, with lymphoma and mammary cancer most often seen in dogs, and leukemia most common in cats.

The good news is that many cases can be treated, often using the same methods used for people: surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The right plan depends on the type, location, and how far it has spread, so your vet will guide you on what works best for your pet.

Family pets are often described as our

07/30/2026

Staph infections, including the drug‑resistant MRSA, affect both people and pets, usually causing skin sores or painful, smelly ears. Your vet can identify the germ and test which antibiotics work best, treating it with medication and rinses over several weeks; repeat checks help if bacteria become hard to treat.

You may have heard of MRSA infections in people discussed in the media in this last year. Otherwise known as Staph or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, this type of bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics. People infected with this dangerous bacteria can become quite ill or even die if....

07/29/2026

Whether you choose a puppy or an older dog, look for a good match that fits your lifestyle. Pick a confident, friendly puppy and ask about the parents’ health and personality, or choose an adult dog whose temperament and habits are already known—many end up needing homes through no fault of their own. Either way, preparing for their needs and learning their background will help you build a happy, lasting bond.

Selecting A Puppy A new puppy can be a terrific addition to a family, but with the fun comes responsibility for its care and well-being. Consider and prepare for your puppy's needs before you adopt! Pick a puppy that is active, friendly, and inquisitive. Avoid the one that appears to be afraid of ev...