Harbourside Animal Hospital

08/03/2024

Helping Pets speak to their Vets..... Download the Vitus Vet app

07/04/2024

🇺🇸🎆 Happy Fourth of July! 🎆🇺🇸

As we come together to celebrate the birth of our great nation, we want to extend our warmest wishes to our wonderful community of pet parents and their furry friends. At Harbourside Animal Hospital, we’re proud to be part of your lives and honored to care for your beloved pets.

06/25/2024

Harbourside Animal Hospital has a new app to help you conveniently manage your pet care.

We’re excited to tell you about VitusVet and how it’s helping our practice support you and your pets.

VitusVet makes our communications with you so much simpler. We can now send you text message reminders about your appointments and prescription refills!

VitusVet also provides pet owners with an easy-to-use mobile app that lets you conveniently manage your pet’s care directly on your phone.

Please download the app now and create an account to verify that the information we have on file for your family is accurate.

It takes 3 easy steps:
1. Download the VitusVet app
2. Select “Sign Up With Email”
3. Register with the email address we have on file. Not sure what that is?? Text us at 813-229-3322 to see which one we have for you. Just give your name and number, if different than the phone you are using.

https://vitusvet.com/pet-owners/

Download the VitusVet app to quickly manage your pet’s care with ease and confidence. Access medical records Request appointments Submit refill requests Share Pet Care Info Track Pet’s

06/16/2024

🌟 Happy Father’s Day to All Pet Daddies! 🌟

Today, we celebrate the incredible men who fill our pets' lives with love, care, and endless adventures. At our hospitals, we know that being a pet dad is a special kind of fatherhood, filled with joy, laughter, and a few muddy paws!

Whether you're a proud dog dad, a devoted cat dad, or both, your dedication and compassion make all the difference in your furry friends' lives. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your pet family’s health and happiness journey.

In honor of this special day, we invite you to share your favorite moments with your pets! Post a photo or a story in the comments below and let’s celebrate the unique bond between pets and their dads. 🐾❤️

06/15/2024

A picture is worth a thousand words...image credit International Canine Behaviorists

06/13/2024

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM HARBOURSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR OUR CLIENTS - CHECK OUT THIS LINK

https://www.petsites.com/handler/Viewer/MassNewsletterViewer?tkn=NTUwfC0xfE4tNjY2LVRFU1R8NTQ4MnxGcmllbmRmb3JMaWZlfFRydWV8MSwx&mid=0

05/27/2024

**Honoring Our Heroes This Memorial Day 🇺🇸**

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

As we enjoy the company of family and friends, let us also cherish the furry companions who bring joy and comfort to our lives, including those who serve alongside our military heroes.

Wishing everyone a safe and reflective Memorial Day.

04/19/2024

Happy Kitten Friday… so happy to have the litter of kittens born at our sister hospital back for a visit and their first set of vaccinations!!

Share your kitty photos!!! ❤️🐱

03/31/2024

🌷🐾 Easter Greetings from HAH! 🐾🌷

As the flowers bloom and the world awakens to the vibrant colors of spring, we at Harbourside Animal Hospital are reminded of the joy and renewal that this season brings.

🌸✨This Easter, we celebrate not just the beauty around us, but the special bond we share with our furry, feathered, and hopping friends. Their unconditional love and companionship bring us happiness and comfort, mirroring the hopeful spirit of Easter.

🐰🎉 To mark this occasion, we invite you to share in the joy that our pets bring into our lives. Whether it's a playful hop, a curious sniff of an Easter egg, or a cozy nap in the spring sunshine, let's cherish these moments and the health and happiness of our beloved pets.We're here to ensure your pets are healthy, happy, and ready to enjoy the season with you. Remember, Easter treats and decorations can pose risks to our pets, so let's keep our celebrations pet-friendly and safe!

🌟💐 Wishing you and your pets a delightful and safe Easter filled with love, joy, and plenty of treats (the pet-safe kind, of course)!

💐🌟From all of us at Harbourside Animal Hospital, Happy Easter!

🐣🌈

03/28/2024

🐾 Happy Respect Your Cat Day! 🐾

Today isn't just any day; it's a day to celebrate our feline friends and acknowledge their presence as an integral part of our families. Here are five purr-fect ways to show your kitty some extra love and respect today:

Embrace Their Inner Hunter: Engage in play that mimics their natural hunting instincts. A feather string toy or a robotic mouse can provide endless entertainment and mental stimulation.

Support Their Need to Scratch: Instead of discouraging scratching, provide your cat with various scratching posts or mats. This natural behavior helps them stretch, mark their territory, and keep their claws healthy.

Cherish Their Company: Spend quality time with your cat. Despite their reputation, many cats do crave human interaction and companionship. Dedicate some time today to just be with your pet, showing them affection in ways they enjoy.

Prioritize Their Health: Use today as a reminder to check up on your cat's health. Ensure they're up to date on vaccinations and checkups, and consider discussing their diet with your veterinarian to make sure it's meeting their nutritional needs as obligate carnivores.

Respect Their Rest: Remember, cats sleep a lot not out of laziness but from instinct. Allow them to rest undisturbed, and maybe even join them for a quiet nap.

By celebrating Respect Your Cat Day, we not only enrich our lives but also the lives of our furry companions. Let's show our cats the love and respect they deserve, not just today, but every day. Share your celebration with us using and let the world see how special your feline friend is!

📸 Don't forget to capture these moments and share how you're celebrating Respect Your Cat Day. Whether it's a new toy, extra cuddles, or a health check-up, let's make this day memorable for our cats! 🐱💖

Remember, understanding and respecting your cat's natural behaviors and needs is key to a happy and healthy pet. Let's make every day a day to respect our cats!

03/22/2024

🐾 Happy Friday, Pet Lovers! 🐾

As we welcome the weekend, let's not forget about our furry friends' health and wellness. Did you know that regular health check-ups can prevent numerous issues and help your pets live longer, happier lives?

👩‍⚕️ This Weekend's Health Tip: Always keep an eye on your pet's eating habits. Sudden changes in appetite could indicate underlying health issues that need attention.

🚨 Emergency Reminder: If you ever suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, don't wait! Contact us immediately or call the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435.

💡 Did You Know? Preventive care can save you time, money, and, most importantly, ensure your pet's health and happiness. Schedule your pet’s check-up today!

📸 We love seeing your pets! Share a picture of your furry friend in the comments below, and let us know how you're planning to keep them healthy and happy this weekend.

📞 Need to book a check-up or have questions about your pet's health? Call us at 813-229-3322 or visit our website at https://harboursidevet.com/request-an-appointment/ to make an appointment. Your pet's health is our top priority.

03/21/2024

IS YOUR DOG SUFFERING IN SILENCE?
80% of dogs over 8 years old have arthritis.
Arthritis is a major cause of elective euthanasia.

Contact us to help your dog have more great years.
813-229-3322

Nobody should suffer in silence. 80% of dogs over 8 years old have arthritis, which is a major cause of elective euthanasia.

03/17/2024

"May the luck of the Irish fill your home with joy, your hearts with love, and your pets with extra treats. Happy St. Patrick's Day to the whole fur family!"

01/20/2024

01/18/2024

Pets and pet parents benefit from having insurance coverage... Get quotes on https://www.pawlicy.com/

12/25/2023

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!! May all your dreams come true and blessings abound!! Hug and kiss your pets a little more today, for they are an amazing gift!! ❤️🐶🐱

12/08/2023

Do you have a “flat faced” dog? Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a medical condition that commonly affects breeds with short noses and flat faces. BOAS is characterized by breathing difficulties, snoring, and other respiratory problems due to the anatomical characteristics of these breeds. Contact us today if your pet is exhibiting any signs that they are having trouble breathing.

12/01/2023

Happy Friday….

“Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life.”
— James Cromwell

11/23/2023

Sending very Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all our furry friends and their wonderful pet parents!!

May you have a wonderful day and know we are grateful that you’ve chosen to be a part of our Veterinary family ❤️🐶🐱

11/18/2023

Thanksgiving is a holiday that’s centered around family and food. While it’s tempting to include the furry members of our family in the feast, many aspects of Thanksgiving can put pets in danger (so put down that turkey leg)! Here are some tips to keep your pet safe on Thanksgiving.

It can be tempting for you and your guests to sneak the family pet a taste of the delicious meal, but common Thanksgiving dishes are full of ingredients that are toxic to dogs and cats or can cause digestive upset.

Keep your pet away from these dangerous festive foods:

Turkey. Avoid giving your pet turkey meat, especially fatty dark meat and skin (a small amount of unseasoned white meat is okay), and never give them any leftover bones. Not only are bones a choking hazard, but they can splinter inside your pet’s digestive tract and cause a trip to the emergency vet.

Garlic, onion, leeks, and chives. These seasonings are common in many Thanksgiving dishes and are toxic to dogs and cats – they can cause destruction of their red blood cells. Avoid giving your pet a bite of anything cooked with these ingredients, like green beans, potatoes, stuffing, or gravy.

Unbaked dough containing yeast. Unbaked yeast dough can cause a stomach blockage if eaten because the yeast in the dough makes it rise and expand. Plus, the natural fermentation of the yeast in your cat or dog’s stomach can cause alcohol poisoning. If you plan on baking some delicious dinner rolls for Thanksgiving, make sure to proof your dough somewhere that your pet can’t get to it, such as in a turned-off oven or microwave, not right on the counter where it’s often in your pet’s easy reach.

Desserts. Desserts like pies, fruitcakes, or cookies should be kept out of your pet’s reach as well. Many people know that chocolate is toxic for dogs and cats, but so are raisins, currants, and the popular sugar-substitute xylitol. Xylitol, even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs, so keep that slice of keto-friendly/diabetic-friendly/sugar-free pie to yourself.

Not only do you not want to give your pets any toxic foods, but you want to make sure they don’t decide to dive into the trash in search of yummy scraps. Ask family and guests to not feed the dog and make sure your trash can is secure.

Feed Them Pet-Friendly Food Options Instead
While the list of foods to avoid might seem overwhelming, there are a few great options for some pet-friendly Thanksgiving treats. Raw fruits and vegetables like baby carrots, green beans, apples, chunks of sweet potato, or pumpkin puree (not the sweetened, spiced pie filling) are great options.

Secure Your Home
With family and friends coming and going over Thanksgiving weekend, make sure that your cat or dog doesn’t find their way out that open front door and get lost. Set up gates to help keep your dog away from the front door when guests come and go (as well as prevent the chaos of a jumping or barking dog at the door) or keep them on leash to prevent any door dashing. Keep your cat in a separate room with the door closed so they don’t escape into the great outdoors.

Keep Your Pets Away from Guest’s Bags
Along with houseguests comes everything they carry with them, and handbags, backpacks or suitcases can be possible hazards for your pets if they stick their noses where they don’t belong. Things like sugar-free xylitol gum, candy bars, and human medication can really put a damper on your holiday plans if ingested by your pet. Have guests hang their bags on hooks rather than leaving them on the floor and keep the guest room door closed to protect your pets.

By practicing these Thanksgiving pet safety tips, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and happy holiday.

11/04/2023

“What greater gift than the love of a cat?”
- Unknown

Share your furry feline friends fotos!! ❤️🐱

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween!! Share your pet's costumes....we love to see how adorable they look when all dressed up!!

But, keep in mind that not all pets enjoy this holiday.... So, keep these tips in mind....

“No tricks, no treats” is the best Halloween plan for your pet."

"If you do decide to venture out with your dog, make sure he is on a secure leash."

"Costumes should be loose enough to provide freedom of movement...[and] not interfere with his vision or hearing."

"Even pets that normally love children can be thrown off by the constant ring of the doorbell or knocking, the sheer number of visitors, and the weird appearance of their human friends"

"If your pet historically becomes overly agitated when strangers visit, Halloween will only exacerbate his anxieties."

"Chocolate in all forms and candy or gum artificially sweetened with xylitol can be very, very dangerous for dogs"

"Ensure when you open your door for trick or treaters that your pet can not escape"

10/19/2023

National New Friends Day rolls around annually on October 19. This holiday is all about making room for new connections in your life, and celebrating the potential for friendship everywhere you go. Research has found time and time again that strong social support is a key to living your happiest, most fulfilled life. So get out there and add some new friends to your docket! And we think adding new furry friends is just as important.

Check out your local shelters, pet resource centers and rescue groups.....make a new furry friend today!

10/10/2023

World Mental Health Day - Oct. 10th

How can a pet help my mental health? According to MentalHealth.Org.UK

Caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including:

* Increasing your physical activity. Dog owners are likely to take their pets for a walk or run every day. This can be a fun way to fit exercise into your routine

*Providing companionship. Pets can give you a sense of security and someone to share the day with. Caring for them can help you feel wanted and needed. This can be especially valuable for older people or those who live alone

*Reducing anxiety. The companionship of a pet can help to ease your anxiety, boosting self-confidence. Pets can be great listeners, offer unconditional love and won’t criticise you. This can help your self-confidence, especially if you feel isolated or misunderstood

*Helping you meet new people. Dog owners often stop and chat with each other on walks. But other pets can be a way to meet people too: in pet shops, training classes or online groups, for example adding structure to your day. Feeding, exercising and caring for a pet can help you keep to a daily routine, which can help you feel more grounded and focused. It can give your day purpose and a sense of achievement.

*Pets may also help with specific conditions. For example, people with ADHD may benefit from the structure and routine that a pet needs. Managing their pet’s responsibilities and keeping track of time – to feed or walk them on time, for example – may help them in other areas of their lives. Some people with ADHD are hyperactive – especially children – and playing with a pet can be a great way to release excess energy, whether that’s walking a dog or running around with a kitten.

*Autistic people can benefit from having a pet. Pets provide the kind of unconditional relationship that can help someone build social skills and confidence. They can provide a sense of calm and reassurance if their owner feels overwhelmed. Autistic children with sensory issues can involve their pets in sensory integration activities to help them get used to how something feels against their skin or how it smells or sounds.

10/07/2023

We know that taking your feline friend to the vet can be a dauting task, but did you know that the journey begins at home? Here are some tips to make your cat's visit a breeze from the get-go:

🐾❤️

10/03/2023

🍂🍁October is National Pet Wellness Month..... this is an excellent time to provide our pets with the extra attention they require. Most of us have adopted them as members of our family, and it is only natural that we treat them as we would our blood relatives. So, this month, pamper your pet and show them how much you adore them.

😍🐶🐱Share those pampered photos!!!

10/02/2023

1. Are dental problems the same for people and pets?
No. For people, tooth decay (cavities) is the most common dental problem. In dogs, for example, tooth decay represents less than 10% of all dental problems. The most common dental problem for dogs and cats is periodontal disease (often called gum disease).
Caused by plaque and tartar buildup, which is loaded with dangerous bacteria, periodontal disease can destroy the tissues that surround the teeth, eventually causing tooth root abscesses and tooth loss. The bacteria from periodontal disease can also enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other areas of the body, leading to heart, kidney, and liver disease.
2. What causes plaque and tartar to form and how does this cause periodontal disease?
Just like your mouth, your pet’s mouth is home to thousands of bacteria. As these bacteria multiply on the surface of the teeth, they form an invisible layer called plaque (biofilm). While some plaque is removed by your pet’s tongue and chewing habits, some remains.
If allowed to build up over time, plaque thickens and mineralizes to become tartar. Tartar accumulates both above and below the gum line, leading to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), further plaque and tartar accumulation, and eventually serious periodontal disease.
3. How common is periodontal disease in pets in terms of numbers?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease by the age of three, with symptoms such as bad breath, difficulty eating or chewing, and/or pawing at the mouth.
4. How can I help prevent plaque and tartar buildup?
Certain types of chew toys and treats may help reduce or delay plaque and tartar buildup. Bones, antlers, and other hard chew toys are not recommended as they can chip or fracture the teeth. Some pet foods are specifically formulated as dental diets that mechanically and/or chemically assist in plaque and tartar control. Water additives are also available. Yet daily brushing is the best defense against tartar buildup.
5. Can I use a toothpaste formulated for humans?
Absolutely not. You should never use human toothpaste to clean your pet’s teeth. Human toothpaste contains ingredients that can cause digestive upset if swallowed by pets. Some also contain xylitol (a sugar substitute) that, while safe for human consumption, can be lethal for dogs. Xylitol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, and even death in dogs.
If you have any questions or to book a dental appointment for your pet, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 813-229-3322 or https://harboursidevet.com/request-an-appointment/

We’re here to help with any of your pet concerns.

09/25/2023

Happy National Schnauzer Day! Sending our love to all these beauties!!! Have a Schnauzer? Share their photos with us! 🐶❤️

08/22/2023

Today is the day! It’s Take Your Cat to the Vet Day!
We celebrate this every day, but today is even more special!!

Thanks to all the cat-purrfect owners who bring their cats to see us for Wellness care and lab testing.

If it's been over a year since we've seen your cat, give us a call to schedule an appointment. 813-229-3322

08/15/2023

Let's keep your cat purr-fect.... If you feel your cat is in pain and showing any of the following signs, contact us.... We want your kitty to feel their very best!!!