San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital

It’s that time again folks.....

Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and families. But for pets? Let's face it, it can be a nightmare. Skip the stress and keep your pets safe this year by following these 10 easy tips. 1. TRICK-OR-TREAT CANDIES ARE NOT FOR PETS. All forms of chocolateespecially baking or dark chocolatecan be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Hallowee...Continue reading

February is national dental month. All dental cleanings are 20% off. Most people don't think that pets need dental cleanings too. As you can see below this is a... before and after dental cleaning. When cats and dogs get lots of tarter build up on their teeth. It will cause gingivitis, bacterial infection, abscess and also poor dental hygiene can lead to heart disease. Call today to schedule your dental!!! 661-588-3299 See more

How do I know if my pet’s weight is healthy? First and foremost, have an honest conversation with your veterinarian about your pet’s weight. Your veterinarian can assess your pet’s weight and overall health and make recommendations regarding your pet’s weight, diet and exercise. Your veterinarian can also teach you to assess your pet’s body condition by observing your pet’s body shape and feeling certain parts of your pet’s body. A healthy weight isn’t simply a number on a sc...Continue reading

Dogs and 4th of July fireworks; not a great combination. In fact, the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers have been linked to dogs going missing and even deaths of pets that don’t tolerate the unusually loud noises surrounding the festivities. Dogs, in particular, may suffer panic attacks because of their hypersensitivity: not only they do they hear sounds at twice the volume of man picking up noises imperceptible to us, but they also perceive the smells of the pyrotechnic...s more intensely and from further afield. For these reasons, it is essential to protect our dogs, adopting measures to make the passing of old to new year less traumatic, such as: Do not leave dogs in the garden, on the balcony or close to places where firecrackers are set off. Do not leave dogs alone, this will help to prevent accidents caused by their fear and panic. It’s important for our pups to know we are close by without us being too attentive because excess pampering and attention could be seen as an indicator of a dangerous situation and panic them further. Deaden outdoor sounds by raising the volume of the TV and closing doors and windows. Allow dogs to take refuge where they want, giving them the option to stay in places normally prohibited. Do not take them out the day before and the day after of July 4th or keep them securely leashed if you have to go out during this period. If you know your dog is highly sensitive to these festive sights and sounds, you can seek advice from a veterinarian.

Bloat in Dogs Although it's name may sound harmless, bloat is a life-threatening emergency for dogs. The condition, formally called gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), can quickly kill dogs if they don't receive prompt treatment. What Is Bloat?...Continue reading

Parvo in Bakersfield. Losing a puppy to parvo is heart wrenching. We went to San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital and talked to Doctor London about this horrible puppy disease. Share with your friends with dogs.

Dogs and New Year’s Eve fireworks; not a great combination. In fact, the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers have been linked to dogs going missing and even deaths of pets that don’t tolerate the unusually loud noises surrounding the festivities. Dogs, in particular, may suffer panic attacks because of their hypersensitivity: not only they do they hear sounds at twice the volume of man picking up noises imperceptible to us, but they also perceive the smells of the pyrotech...nics more intensely and from further afield. For these reasons, it is essential to protect our dogs, adopting measures to make the passing of old to new year less traumatic, such as: Do not leave dogs in the garden, on the balcony or close to places where firecrackers are set off. Do not leave dogs alone, this will help to prevent accidents caused by their fear and panic. It’s important for our pups to know we are close by without us being too attentive because excess pampering and attention could be seen as an indicator of a dangerous situation and panic them further. Deaden outdoor sounds by raising the volume of the TV and closing doors and windows. Allow dogs to take refuge where they want, giving them the option to stay in places normally prohibited. Do not take them out between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day or keep them securely leashed if you have to go out during this period. If you know your dog is highly sensitive to these festive sights and sounds, you can seek advice from a veterinarian.

Holiday Safety Tips The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holida...ys, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations. Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree waterwhich may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upsetfrom spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet. Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel. That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out! Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract. Avoid Holiday Food Dangers Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans. Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills. Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure. Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer. Please visit our People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets page for more information. Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session. Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too. A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat tocomplete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub. New Year's Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches. See more

San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital Dream Team: What's it take to be a vet? We headed into the animal hospital to get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into t...reating animals. If you ever thought about entering this field, I highly reccomend you watch this. The entire staff gives you some great insight into animal care and Dr. Willis give you some tips on getting hired on at a vet. - Bakersfield Tuff Exclusive. See more

*The facts of Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with Leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water. There are many strains of Leptospira bacteria that can cause disease. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread from animals to people. Infection in people can cause flu-like symptoms and can cause liver or kidney disease. In the United States, most cases of human leptospirosis result from recreat...Continue reading