Tarpon Animal Hospital

06/21/2024

Happy national Dachshund! Shellie and Sandie and the Graziano family.

06/18/2024

Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day! Does your furry friend have something to say? Drop their special message for our veterinary team in the comments below! 💬🐾

06/16/2024

Between running your pet to their appointments, giving on-command belly scratches and slipping the occasional snack, your pet dad duties don’t go unnoticed. Your best furry friend is lucky to have you. Happy Paw-ther’s Day!

06/13/2024

Summer is here, and we are ready for fun in the sun! However, taking extra care of your pets during hot weather conditions is crucial to keeping your pets safe and happy this summer. Warm weather activities can pose a danger to our furry companions for a variety of reasons, but following these expert tips will help your summer be pawsitively memorable!
Here are some important tips to ensure the safety of your pets this summer:
1. Never leave your pet in a hot car. The temperature inside a car can increase drastically within minutes, which can quickly lead to heatstroke and death. It is best to leave your pets at home on warm days, and if it is necessary to travel with them, ensure that they have access to water.

2. Protect your pet's paws. Walking on hot surfaces can burn their paws and increase body temperature. If surfaces feel hot to the back of your hand, they are too hot for a pet to walk on! Consider limiting your walks to cooler hours of the day, walking on grass, and outfitting your pet with booties.

3. Provide plenty of water and shade. Although it’s best to limit your time in high temperatures, make sure your pets have access to fresh water anytime they are outside to avoid dehydration. While outside, keep your pet in the shade as much as possible to avoid direct sun exposure.

4. Recognize the signs of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a dangerous and life-threatening condition. If you see signs such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, or collapse, move your pet to a cool area, apply cool (not cold) water to their body, and seek emergency veterinary care.

5. Don’t shave your pet. Instead, talk to a groomer to see if a haircut is right for your pet. For some breeds, fur can prevent sunburn and actually keep your pet cool in the summer heat!

6. Protect your pet from sunburn. Yes, pets can get sunburned too! Pets with white fur, hairless pets, and pets with thin fur are especially susceptible to sunburn. Sun protective clothing is a safe and practical way to prevent sunburns in high-risk pets, or we can help you find a sunscreen that is safe for your pet.

7. Be cautious with food and drinks during backyard barbeques. Remember that certain foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate can be harmful to pets. Alcohol even in small amounts is toxic to pets, so mop up any spills quickly and keep pets away from beverages.

8. Keep your pets away from fireworks. Not only are the loud noises frightening and unsettling to pets, but they also contain harmful chemicals and can lead to injuries and burns if your pets get too close.

9. Be water wise. If you are going to be around pools, lakes, or beaches with your pet this summer, we recommend a life jacket for your pup. Remember, not all pets are strong swimmers, and a life jacket can give even the strongest swimmers added protection.

10. Be aware of parasites and insects. Planning to make memories with your pets while camping or hiking? Be sure to check them for ticks, fleas, or signs of skin irritation. If you aren’t sure if your pet is up-to-date with flea and tick prevention or need to order more, give us a call at (727) 934-0884.
Summer can be an enjoyable time for pets and their owners. By following these summer safety tips, you can prioritize your pets’ safety and comfort all season long.
Do you have questions about keeping your pets safe and healthy this summer? Call us at (727) 934-0884 to book your next visit!

06/11/2024

Today on World Pet Memorial Day, we remember the fur angels who have filled our lives with unconditional love. 🌈 Our thoughts go out to all those who are honoring the memory of their cherished animal companions. If you have a photo, please share it with us so we can help their memory live on.

06/11/2024

Happy National Best Friends Day to the real head of the household–our pets! Whether they're stealing our hearts or our snacks (or both), they always keep us on our toes. Share a photo of your pet giving their best 'innocent face'. 📸

05/23/2024

You may be surprised to learn that one in three pets go missing in their lifetime. Door-dashers and escape artists aside, even a mild-mannered pet might take the opportunity to explore the big wide world when given the chance. We’re answering your frequently asked questions when it comes to microchipping here:
hhttps://tarponvet.com/news/national-chip-your-pet-month

Veterinarians serving the Tarpon Springs, FL area, including (but not limited to): Palm Harbor, Holiday, New Port Richey, Clearwater, and Port Richey.

05/17/2024

NATIONAL BAKING DAY!
Try baking some home made cookies for your pet

Yield: approx. two dozen treats
Using canned food:

Open the can and shake the loaf of food out of the can.
Cut the loaf into 1/4" thick slices, and then cut the slices into bite-sized pieces.
Bake the treats in a microwave oven on high for approximately 2½ to 3 minutes.
Store baked treats in the refrigerator and discard leftovers after 5-7 days.
Homemade treats should not exceed 10% of your pet's total daily intake because heat alters the nutritional characteristics of the food.
Do not freeze homemade treats.
For a conventional oven, follow the instructions above and place the bite-sized pieces on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until crispy.

Using Dry Food:
In a blender, add 2 cups of dry food and grind into a powder.
Pour powder into a mixing bowl and gradually add about 1 to 1¼ cups of water, stirring until it forms a dough consistency.
Shape into individual "treats" or "cookies" and flatten the dough using the back of a spoon (the cookies will not flatten like standard "people cookies" do.)
Place treats on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until crispy.
Store baked treats in the refrigerator and discard leftovers after 5-7 days.
Homemade treats should not exceed 10% of your pet's total daily intake because heat alters the nutritional characteristics of the food.
Do not freeze homemade treats.

05/12/2024

To all the moms out there, whether you're raising little humans or furry companions, Happy Mother's Day! 💖

05/11/2024

Pets are important members of the family, so how can you be prepared to keep them safe and cared for in the event of an emergency? Use these tips to help you get started. It’s easier than you might think!

Veterinarians serving the Tarpon Springs, FL area, including (but not limited to): Palm Harbor, Holiday, New Port Richey, Clearwater, and Port Richey.

05/09/2024

Happy National Lost Sock Memorial Day to all the four-legged sock snatchers out there! 🐕🧦 Chewer beware, surgery near

Before and After

05/05/2024

Having some Cinco de mayo fun at Tarpon Animal Hospital!!

05/01/2024

🐶😸

04/30/2024

There are so many shelter pets looking for their fur-ever home. If you're adding to the pack, consider adopting! 🐾

04/24/2024

Today, on , we're celebrating the fur-nominal bond between guide dogs and their humans and the amazing work of these furry superheroes! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

04/11/2024

Happy ! Share a photo of your furry friend and tell us a fun fact about what makes them, them! 💗 I'll start This is Caspian. He is a big loving goof ball!

04/10/2024

NATIONAL HUG YOUR PET DAY!!
Our dogs deserve all the love and affection we can give them, which is why there’s a special day dedicated just to hugging them. It’s April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day.

Hugging your dog releases a hormone in both pup and person called “oxytocin,” informally referred to as “the cuddle hormone.” Not only does a good tight squeeze strengthen your bond, it shows your pet that you care. Today is a day to celebrate your dog for all they do.

So grab your dog and give them an extra cuddle today!

04/04/2024

🍃 Spring has sprung, and so has allergy season. Call (727) 934-0884 to schedule your pet's first exam with us today!

04/03/2024

ALLERGIES
Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and your pet is
constantly itching! Did you know that our pets can suffer
from seasonal allergies too? We offer a variety of options
for effective itch and allergy relief. Call us to learn more. (727) 934-0884

04/01/2024

This is no April fools!
April is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of heartworm disease. Prevention is key! Give us a call at727-934-0884 to learn more about the best method of prevention for your pet. LINK TO NEWS

03/30/2024

03/28/2024

National respect your cat day!
FUN FACTS
RESPECT YOUR CAT DAY TIMELINE
4000 B.C.
Cats Worshipped by Egyptians
Considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, many pictures and statues of cats have surfaced through the millennia.

500 B.C.
Cats Revered by Chinese Aristocracy
The first cat was given to the emperor of China and quickly became a popular pet among the rich.

2004
The Oldest Known Pet
French archaeologists discover a 9,500-year-old cat grave in Cyprus.

2015
Cats Go Viral
The number of cat videos on YouTube tops 2 million, with the average views hovering around 12,000 — higher than any other category of YouTube content.

03/22/2024

03/19/2024

WHAT COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS ARE TOXIC TO PETS?

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is a 24-hour helpline staffed by veterinary toxicologists and other veterinary professionals experienced in pet poisonings. Each year, the ASPCA APCC receives thousands of calls and compiles a list of the top 10 pet poisons, which most often are everyday household items. Here are the poisons currently topping the list and how you can keep your furry pal safe.

#1: Over-the-counter human medications
As of 2022, over-the-counter (OTC) human medications had topped the list for five years running. These medications are easily accessible in most homes, purses, backpacks, and cars. Examples of toxic OTC medications include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen
Cold medications
Herbal supplements
Many medications used in veterinary medicine are adapted from human medicines, but you should never assume a medication is safe for your pet. Pets metabolize drugs differently and can develop organ failure or serious gastrointestinal (GI) distress if they consume common OTC drugs. Keep all medications stored in pet-proof cabinets or drawers and hang bags and backpacks out of reach. Never administer any medications to your pet without your veterinarian’s instructions.

#2: Human foods
In addition to drugs, pets metabolize some foods differently from people, which can cause toxicity. The consequences of eating a toxic food vary depending on the pet’s size, the amount eaten, and the particular food. Always secure food in the pantry or refrigerator, avoid feeding table scraps, and keep nosy pets out of the kitchen and dining areas while you’re cooking or eating.

Toxic foods include:

Chocolate
Xylitol, which is often found in sugar-free gum and foods
Macadamia nuts
Grapes and raisins
Onions and garlic
Alcohol and caffeine
Raw yeast dough
#3: Prescription human medications
Like OTC medications, prescription medications are readily available in most people’s homes and can be deadly to pets. The most commonly ingested drugs are those most commonly prescribed and include ADHD medications, antidepressants, and heart medications. Store all medications out of your pet’s reach, including portable pill containers in purses and suitcases.

#4: Plants
We love to decorate our homes and outdoor areas with plants, which can add beauty and warmth. Unfortunately, many dogs and cats enjoy chewing on greenery and often ingest plant material. Many of the most beautiful plants contain toxic compounds, which can cause a range of symptoms, from mild drooling or stomach upset to seizures, kidney failure, or death. If you move to a new home or get the itch to change your landscaping or indoor decor, check the ASPCA list of toxic and non-toxic plants to ensure you don’t endanger your pet with toxic varieties, such as lilies, daffodils, tulips, azaleas, or sago palm.

#5: Household products
Many household products, such as paint, glue, and cleaning products, contain dangerous chemicals that can poison a pet. Some pets investigate and consume these items because they smell or feel interesting, despite a less-than-ideal taste, so keep these products in pet-proof containers or behind latched cabinet doors.

#6: Garden products
Lawn and garden chemicals and fertilizers can seriously harm pets. Some attract pets because they contain blood or bone meal. Read instructions carefully to know how long pets must stay away from treated lawns and store chemicals in locked sheds or garages when possible. In winter, keep pets away from antifreeze leaks in the garage or driveway, because licking only a small amount can be deadly.

#7: Veterinary products
Many prescription veterinary products are flavored so they are more appealing and easier to administer. Enthusiastic pets may enjoy the flavorings so much that they seek out the medication and eat a toxic dose. If you suspect your pet enjoys their medication a bit too much, ensure you store it carefully and don’t underestimate your pet’s ability to sniff out items they want or to chew through plastic packaging.

#8: Rodenticides
Rodenticides are edible bait products designed to kill mice and rats that can also easily kill larger animals, such as dogs and cats. These products are tasty to pets and can cause death via internal bleeding, high calcium levels, brain swelling, or poison gas production in the stomach. You can keep your pet from eating rodenticides by using other rodent-control methods and keeping pets under your control at all times to prevent them from finding poisons on neighboring properties.

#9: Pesticides
Like rodenticides, insect and snail baits, sprays, and fogs contain chemicals designed to kill pests, making them harmful to any living creature who ingests them. Read labels carefully to choose pet-safe products, or use non-chemical pest control alternatives whenever possible.

#10: Recreational drugs
New to the list of top toxins is ma*****na, which has become more readily available in edible forms. Pets are extremely sensitive to THC’s effects and can become dangerously intoxicated if they consume ma*****na products. Although not associated with long-term harm in most cases, severe intoxication can lead to heavy sedation.

Pet toxins are found in all areas of modern homes, but you can protect your pet by keeping toxic items stored safely in secured containers, cabinets, or outbuildings. If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxic substance, contact the ASPCA APCC immediately for advice and seek emergency veterinary care at a local AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital.

Your Pet
Pet Insurance
Hospital Locator
Microchip Lookup Tool
Why AAHA?
Education Center
Prepping for pet ownership
Pet Owner Resources
New Kitten Checklist
Ask AAHA
AAHA Guidelines 101
AAHA Standards 101

Reference:
https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/Household-Toxins/

03/17/2024

Green isn't just for leprechauns! Show off your pet in their green by
posting your photo in the comments. 📸🍀

03/15/2024

Happy St Patrick's Day! We had a lot of fun at Tarpon Animal Hospital, look at those smiles!

03/06/2024

We have a winner!! K. Sherman! Congratulations on your guess of 300! the count was super close at 313.