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The holiday season brings joy and excitement, especially with the addition of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. However, if you’re a cat owner, this festive symbol can pose some challenges. Cats are naturally curious creatures, often tempted to climb, play with, or even nibble on your Christmas tree. To help you navigate this, we’ve put…

Hearing your dog cough can be concerning. Coughing in dogs, like in humans, can have a variety of causes. It can range from being a minor issue to something that requires a vet’s attention. This article will explore the reasons behind your dog’s cough and guide you on when to seek help from a veterinarian.…

If you’re a cat owner in Charleston, SC, there’s no doubt that your feline companion means the world to you. As conscientious cat parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure our pets’ overall wellbeing. However, understanding the complex emotional lives of our feline friends isn’t always straightforward. Today, we’re delving into a commonly overlooked issue that…

The sight of a dog licking its lips can be quite common, especially if a treat is in sight! But have you ever wondered, “Is it normal that my dog keeps licking their lips?” As one of the premier veterinary practices in Charleston, SC, West Ashley Veterinary Clinic is here to guide you through this…

Dog obesity might not seem like it’s that big of a deal, but in reality, this is one of the most common health challenges for dogs. It can be easy to think that giving your dog treats or feeding them some extra food is harmless, but it can actually be very bad for your pet…

If you own a dog, you probably love going on adventures with them. They also probably really enjoy being outside, even when the weather is hot. You might not be aware, however, that your dog needs to be protected from dehydration when the weather gets warmer. It is easier than many pet owners realize for…

Leash training is one of the most important skills that you can teach to your dog. Your pet needs to be able to walk on the leash properly so that you can take them places and have fun with them. This can also be a big part of your dog being able to be safe…

Taking your dog to the dog park is a great way to exercise them and give them some mental stimulation. There are many nice dog parks in Charleston, SC, that you might want to visit with your dog. If you are new to the area and are looking for a great place to take your…

Have you ever wondered whether dogs can catch colds? Do you think your pet may be sick with a cold, but are unsure if this is a possibility? If any of this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place! The short answer is that yes, dogs can catch colds just like humans…

If you have noticed that your cat is coughing, you might not be sure if you should be worried or not. As with any other animal and with people, coughing can be caused by a variety of different conditions. Some of these conditions are quite serious, while others are much less worrisome and can be…

While you might not live in an area where snake bites are a common risk for your dog, it is important that every pet owner know what to do in the case that their dog is bitten by a snake. There is always the chance that a snake could slither through your property or that…

Lyme disease can be very serious in humans, but it can also negatively impact dogs. Many people are not aware that their dog can get Lyme Disease, and this can be one of the most frequently incorrectly diagnosed illnesses in dogs. Knowing more about this illness can be really important for pet owners to help…

Parasites are a risk that cat owners will always have to consider in keeping their companions healthy. In addition to roundworms, hookworms, and other intestinal parasites, tapeworms are a less-dangerous but no-less unpleasant pest that cats may have to deal with at some point in their life. Luckily, as icky and alarming as they might…

Many dog owners are aware that there are parasites that their dog might get, but they are not usually familiar with which are the most dangerous to their dog’s health. Some areas of the US are more prone to certain parasites than others. In the case of hookworms, warm and humid weather can be a…

Most dog owners are at least somewhat aware that Parvovirus is a very serious illness that can cause death in dogs of all ages. Puppies are the most at risk for contracting Parvovirus before they can be vaccinated for full protection. Most pet owners are not aware of the symptoms of this illness, however, which…

Humans are not the only animals that can develop arthritis. There are certain dog breeds that are highly susceptible and have a predisposition for canine arthritis. Before you can begin to treat your dog’s condition, you need to understand basic information about the joint health condition. What is Dog Arthritis? Arthritis is a joint health…

Flea and ticks can lead to serious health problems in animals. From skin conditions to anemia to infectious diseases like Lyme Disease, there are many health conditions that can be caused by improper flea and tick management. Some parts of the country have larger populations of ticks, but fleas are common all over the US.…

No one wants to be put in a situation where they cannot pay their vet bill or deny essential care for their pet due to cost. Pet insurance can help you pay for your vet bill in the case of an emergency or if your pet develops a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment. We…

Do you have a cat? Is he a little bit overweight? Or is he perhaps obese? Many cat owners unfortunately allow their cats to become very overweight to the point of being obese, and some do not even know how to help their pets when they get to this point. If your cat is obese,…

Does your dog panic when it’s time for the humans of the household to leave home? Do you often come home to a destroyed interior and a distressed dog? If any of this sounds true for you, then you might be dealing with a dog who has separation anxiety. In this article, we’ll show you…

Do you think your cat might be constipated? Constipation is a very serious problem for cats, and it’s important to take care of the issue as soon as possible if you think it’s happening to your cat. If you have noticed your cat going to the litter box with no results, or if she yells…

Do you have a male dog or puppy? Are you wondering whether your pet should be neutered? Do you want to know more about the benefits of neutering your dog? A Few Things About Dog Neutering You Should Know If any of this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place! In the…

If you have a talkative cat, you’ve probably heard a lot of meowing already. Some cats will meow more than others, but they all make noise at some point or another. Reasons for Cat Meowing Whether you’ve had a cat in your life before or not, you may find it difficult to understand what your…

While no dog’s breath is going to smell nice, constant bad breath is both unpleasant and a sign of potential problems. It’s hard to enjoy your dog face to face when your dog’s breath is hard to bear. Luckily, there are some easy solutions out there that can help both you and your pup. It’s…

It is important to maintain your dog’s dental health, and most dental problems in dogs come from a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, leading to gum disease and bad breath. Fortunately, there are some things you can do at home to help keep your best friend’s teeth healthy, and reduce plaque and…

For dog owners who have light-colored dogs, one of the more challenging things about owning these types of dogs is dealing with tear stains. Tear stains on dogs can look unsightly and can give off a strange odor, but there are ways to deal with tear stains. Though generally not dangerous or painful themselves, tear…

If you’re going out of town and need to board your dog, it’s important to find a kennel or facility that’s best for your dog, and it’s important to know what facilities require from you before boarding your pet. Below are some tips for preparing your best friend to be boarded at a kennel or…

Felines Are People, Too For the first time in 18 years, my family is hearing the pitter patter of tiny kitten feet in our home. Those feet are the delicate base of a white and orange tabby boy that my 12- year- old daughter named Augustus, “Gus” for short. Of course this was followed by…