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While California winters may not be as harsh as in other parts of the country, we do get some cooler weather here, along with the occasional storm. If you live in the mountains or in any sort of elevation, you’ll even see snow. 

As a California pet parent, it’s important to prepare for these not-so-sunny-and-balmy temperatures. Here’s how the team at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital suggests preparing for winters in California.

The holidays can be really overwhelming to pets and people alike. It’s no surprise that pets can start to feel a little unmoored in the weeks leading up to (and following) Thanksgiving. The food, the family, and the absolute departure from their regularly scheduled programming can all threaten a truly pet safe Thanksgiving.

It is quite unfortunate that the same things that bring humans joy also have the potential to imperil our pets. The good news is that the ability to recognize Halloween hazards for pets helps to shield them from illness, injury, or separation/loss. We’ll help you get to the bottom of the most common dangers associated with Halloween, and give you tips that prioritize pet safety this time of year. 

No one likes to deal with dog vomit, but the truth is that the contents of your pup’s puke can tell you a lot about what’s bothering him. 

Here at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, we want to get down and dirty about dog vomit. The next time you hear that hacking sound, you’ll be ready to investigate. 

If it’s been a little while since your dog’s first puppy classes, now might be a great time to learn some new tricks or skills. After all, dogs are lifeline learners who relish the chance to please their owners. Learning enhances how they interact with you, members of the family, or the general public, but more importantly, the process of picking up new skills can actively promote bonding with your dog. In other words, they learn what you expect from them, and when they’re successful they become the best doggos they can be. 

Perhaps one of the more common conditions we diagnose at Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, diabetes in cats is something that feline lovers should be aware of. Knowing what signs to look for and when to bring your cat to see us is paramount to dealing with a disease that is often quite manageable. 

With so many trails to roam and beaches to bask on, California is a sun-lover’s dream. And if you plan on taking your pet to your next outdoor adventure, make sure you bone up on sun safety for pets.

Most pet owners understand that summer’s hot sun can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke if pets aren’t provided with adequate shade and clean drinking water, but it might surprise you to know that our pets—in spite of being covered in luxurious fur—need sunscreen just like we do.

Read on for tips on sun protection for pets so you can keep your cats and dogs safe and healthy during summer fun. 

On any given day, pets depend on people for many things. When it comes to a potentially life-threatening natural disaster like a California wildfire, pets truly do not know how to look out for themselves. Pets and people are safest when they remain together during wildfire season. Whether that means hunkering down at home or evacuating, we’ve got some strategies to help with the preparations. 

Caring for a pet is one of life’s greatest joys, but routine veterinary services plus those little surprises that pets are famous for can eat away at family budgets. At Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, our commitment to providing quality, low-cost pet care helps make vital foundational services like spay and neuter surgery accessible for more pet owners.

The ASPCA estimates that the first year of pet ownership can cost anywhere between $1,904 and $3,221, and each year after that can run about $1,149 for cat owners and $1,391 for dog owners. We’re happy to do what we can to lower these costs for pet families in our community, and in this blog, we share our low-cost pet care options.

There are a few significant barriers to modern veterinary dental care. For starters, some pets are at high risk for procedures conducted under anesthesia. While the risk to healthy pets is very small, some owners worry that the benefits of pet dental do not exceed any possible risks or side effects of anesthesia. Then, of course, there are financial restraints that preclude dental cleanings and/or extractions. 

At Sky Canyon Animal Hospital, we understand what pet owners face when it comes to this important element of preventive care. That’s why we provide gentle, anesthesia-free dentistry as a way to safeguard a pet’s health and promote overall wellness.