Hearts and Paws: Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Your Pet

Cat and dog with hearts.

A day that’s all about love, affection, devotion, and soul mates is shockingly similar to every other day when you live with a pet, right? We might own our pets, but they own our hearts in a way that seems to surpass many human relationships. They offer unconditional love without complaint, and provide endless snuggles, kisses, and companionship. It’s time to ring in Valentine’s Day with your pet with even more love than you already give.

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New Year, New Policy: Making the Case for Pet Insurance 

dog with stethoscope

Did you know the idea of insurance is an ancient one? Archaeological evidence suggests that individuals in debt in ancient Babylon did not have to repay a loan if certain calamities occurred. Medieval Europe introduced the guild system in which members contributed to a large pool that covered any losses. The Great Fire of London in 1666 gave way to the first fire insurance policies.

Pet insurance is one of the latest incarnations of this ancient concept. While they may not appeal to every pet owner’s monthly budget, some policies can help off-set the cost of emergency or life-saving veterinary care. In most cases, having pet insurance is totally worth it. 

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Best Activities for Your Pet When Things Cool Down in Florida

Woman and dog at park.

The sun may not be quite as warm and the day isn’t quite as long, but that doesn’t mean our pets want their routines upended. Keeping pets active year-round is good for their physical and emotional health, and it’s good for their human companions, too!

Our team at Caring Paws Animal Hospital has some suggestions for ways to keep pets busy when winter air descends on Florida.

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Pet Deals to Look Out for on Black Friday

Online shopping with pet.

It’s that time of year again—when Black Friday sales ads are everywhere. If you’re a pet owner, you might wonder whether there are any special deals on pet supplies. The answer is definitely yes!

This annual post-Thanksgiving shopping spree offers plenty of ways to save money on everything from cat food and litter boxes to dog beds, toys, and pet carriers. So if your pet needs new toys, food bowls, treats, or other gear, read on for our guide to pet shopping on Black Friday 2022.

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Games to Play With Your Dog

Happy family playing football with pet golden retriever.

If you’re looking for ways to have a doggone good time with your pooch, you have come to the right place! Playing games with your dog provides him with both mental and physical stimulation, builds your dog’s confidence, and strengthens the bond you have with your pet.

Check out these five, fun-filled suggestions from our team at Caring Paws Animal Hospital.

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A Pain in the Back: Disc Problems in Dogs

Disc disease in dogs.

It is a pretty scary feeling when one moment you are letting your dog outside to go potty and the next minute they can’t walk normally. What happened? Did something attack your pet? Did they somehow break their leg? Is it an emergency?

While many things can affect a dog’s ability to use its legs, one of the first diagnoses  that needs to be ruled out is intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD. When IVDD affects a pet, it is important for it to be treated as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome. It can cause some pretty intense back pain, decreased function, and even potential paralysis. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about disc problems in dogs.

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Come to the Light: The Benefits of Laser Therapy for Pets

Laser therapy for pets.

When we care for our pet patients at Caring Paws Animal Hospital, we strive to offer the best and latest options in veterinary medicine. Therapeutic laser treatment is a great example of a modern modality that we utilize that can be a really great asset to many treatment plans. Keep reading to learn what laser therapy for pets entails and how it can potentially benefit your furry family member:

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Birds of Prey and the Risks to Pet Safety

A woman holds her small, white dog in a park.

There are many predatory species in Florida, and even small amphibians, insects, and plants can pose significant threats to a pet’s welfare. To fully assess the myriad risks associated with our flora and fauna, it’s important to remember that some of the stealthiest hunters are not on the ground, growing in the garden, or lurking in the water. Birds of prey are critical members of our ecosystem, but they can quickly and quietly undermine pet safety.

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Best Outdoor Activities to Do With Your Pet

Dog with red bandana on a patio.

Summer has arrived, and it’s time for sun, sand, and outdoor fun with your pets! While many opportunities for outdoor activities lend themselves to our canine companions, you might have a splendidly social kitty who would enjoy some of these adventures as well.

At Caring Paws Animal Hospital, we fully embrace the belief that our pets are family, and it’s important that we spend as much quality time together as possible. Check out these suggestions for outdoor fun from our compassionate team.

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Toasty Times: What to Know About Heat Exhaustion in Pets

A dog outside in front of a water bowl.

When meteorologists talk about what the weather “feels like” in Florida, they’re combining the temperature with relative humidity. A typical summer day here measures in at, say, 85 degrees. But with a relative humidity of approximately 75%, you should use extreme caution to prevent heat-related illness. Heat exhaustion in pets is a real threat to health and wellness, but certain summer strategies can help prevent serious problems. 

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