Our Blog
Honoring Our Four-Legged Heroes This November
Celebrating Military Working Dogs at Animal Hospital at Lakewood Ranch November is a month of gratitude, a time to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Here at Animal Hospital at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton, FL, we also pause to recognize another group of heroes who have faithfully served alongside them:…
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October Pet Safety Alert: Candy & Chocolate Toxicity in Pets
Halloween Pet Safety: Keep the Holiday Sweet but Safe for Your Pets As the spooky season approaches, many of us stock up on candy for trick-or-treaters, bake Halloween treats, and enjoy a few sweets ourselves. But while candy is fun for humans, it can be dangerous — even deadly — for our pets. At Animal…
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September Animal Pain Awareness: Signs & Care
Because Pets Can’t Tell Us Where It Hurts Our pets may not speak our language, but they do communicate when something is wrong; it’s just often in subtle, easily missed ways. Dogs and cats are hardwired to hide signs of pain as a survival instinct, which means discomfort can go unnoticed until it’s advanced. That’s…
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Pet Water Safety: How to Prevent Drowning in Dogs & Cats
As summer arrives in Bradenton, FL, and outdoor activities increase, it’s important to remember that water safety isn’t just for humans; pet water safety is crucial too. While many dogs and some cats may be curious or even enthusiastic about water, they aren’t always strong swimmers. Each year, veterinary clinics treat cases of near-drowning, aspiration…
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Noise Phobia in Pets: Easing Fireworks and Storm Anxiety
Summer in Florida brings sunshine, backyard barbecues, evening storms, and festive fireworks. But for many pets, these seasonal joys can be a source of fear and anxiety. Thunderstorms and fireworks can trigger noise phobia, a serious and often overlooked condition that causes intense fright in pets, especially dogs. At Animal Hospital at Lakewood Ranch, we…
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Keep Your Cool: How to Prevent and Treat Heat Stroke in Pets
Summer fun is best shared with our furry friends—but rising temperatures, especially in Florida, can quickly turn dangerous for pets. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency that can affect dogs and cats when their body temperature soars above safe levels. As veterinarians, we see far too many cases that could have been prevented with a…
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Florida Hurricane Preparedness for Pets: A Guide for Pet Owners
When a hurricane threatens our area, your pet’s safety should be part of your family’s emergency plan. Preparing in advance can help ensure your pets are protected and reduce their stress during evacuation or shelter-in-place situations. Here’s a species-specific guide to hurricane preparedness for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Hurricane Preparedness for Dogs Ensure your…
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