Like humans, pets can suffer from common types of pain, which fall into two main categories: acute and chronic. Within these categories, there are other, more specific types of pain your pet may also experience. However, pet owners often struggle to identify if their pet’s pain is acute or chronic since some of the more subtle signs overlap. Pet pain may also simply be due to your pet’s natural aging process—and that’s what we want to help pet parents identify. We’re here to provide the best pet pain management available.

We all know that sleep is important for human newborns, adolescents, and adults, but we don’t always adhere to strict sleep schedules for ourselves. Our pets’ schedules tend to follow the routines we create within our homes. But does a healthy sleep schedule even matter to man’s best friend? According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), it does!

Although your pup’s sleep pattern isn’t exactly like yours, quality sleep is just as important for their long-term health and well-being. Learn more about healthy sleep for dogs, if dogs dream, and when too much sleep may be a sign of bigger health complications.

The decision to add a cat, dog, or other pet to your household was a BIG one. And while our furry, feathery, and scaly companions do bring a new set of responsibilities, they don’t mean we never get a break. If you have dreams of traveling abroad, or locally, or just want a pet-free weekend getaway, these tips will help you prepare yourself and your pet(s) for the best vacation pet care.

Healthy living–for pets and pet owners alike–isn’t just about diet and exercise. Creating the healthiest lifestyle includes meeting the physical and emotional needs of all parties. From preventative health to playtime, our Bayside staff has compiled some of their top recommendations to help you create a healthier life for your pet!

Spring has arrived, and your dog is likely just as excited to get outdoors as you are. While the local weather is delightful year-round, spring in the Galveston area means the last of the cold has subsided, and everyone’s got spring fever. Here are a few ideas to get you started this spring with your dog, get outdoors, and have some fun in the sun.

At Bayside, we love your pets as much as you do, and we’ve been doing some digging to help explain how those deep, loving bonds are formed. Do our pets feel the human animal connection as deeply as we do?! We’ve learned a lot on our journey and, to no surprise, discovered that 68% of US households are home to a pet (including four-, two, or no-legged varieties).

While cats and dogs are by far the most common choices for household companions—in studies and here in the clinic—it got us thinking: What is it about our furry friends that keep us coming back for more? And how important is the connection with pets to our health?

We’ve all heard the old wive’s tale that dogs have the “cleanest mouths.” But if you’ve ever met a dog, we’re sure you’ve questioned that more times than you can count. Every dog owner knows that their beloved pup will put almost anything in their mouth—from scavenged “food” finds and dirty toys to someone else’s waste. If you get our drift.

So, it would seem perfectly normal—natural even—that your dog would have a bad case of doggie breath, right? Wrong: Dog breath, while extremely common, can be a sign of larger oral health issues and may lead to more serious health complications as your pet ages.

Outside of regular, professional dog dental care, dog owners can turn to these vet-recommended preventative measures to keep their pup’s pearly whites clean and dog breath smelling oh-so fresh.

Holidays are a time of joy, festive gatherings, and gift-giving! And if you’re a pet owner, you know that your furry friends love to participate in all of the festivities, from snacking to unwrapping new toys. Here at Bayside Animal Hospital, we dive into our holiday decorating by keeping these simple dos and don’ts in mind. These will ensure that all of our clients have the best season yet— and holiday decorating with pets is filled with the ultimate care, love, and joy the season brings, as well as pet holiday safety.

Pet parasite prevention should be of the utmost importance to a pet parent. Taking precautions throughout the year to prevent pet parasites will extend your pet’s health & longevity. Every pet deserves the best health care possible, including year-round pet parasite prevention. It’s much less expensive and risky to prevent a parasite problem than treating a pet infected by a parasite. The staff at Bayside Animal Hospital is here to provide the best information so you can protect your pet’s health. After all, pets are family, and we want them to live long, healthy lives by your side. 

The busy days of back-to-school are upon us, and they can be stressful for everyone, including your pet. While dogs often feel the stress more than cats, the stress of spending more hours alone can affect everyone. You can take some proactive steps to reduce pet separation anxiety for your furry friend–here are some of our team’s top suggestions.