Learning Center

Over time, or after an injury, you might notice that your pet isn't as frisky as they used to be. Chances are this isn't just them "getting old," most likely your pet is suffering from arthritis - a disease that can be managed. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor teaches you all about this condition and how it can be managed in your pet.

https://youtu.be/yJiMO994gBg?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

There's no doubt that cats make great pets. They're cute, cuddly and fun! But sometimes they can behave in ways that frustrate owners. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor discusses the common problem behaviors in cats and how to address these behaviors to keep our cats in our homes and keep the human-animal bond strong.

https://youtu.be/JMIhk2YDX1U?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Even though the thought of your pet being stuck by a needle can be scary, blood work is an important part of diagnosing a treating a sick pet. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor covers the basics of why blood tests are needed, and what they help find. Because when it comes to the health of your pet, there's more than what meets the eye.

https://youtu.be/kdGsKAHCx6Y?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Winter can be a great time to get exercise with your pet, but pet owners should be careful to make sure they avoid cold weather hazards. Dr. Bernadine Cruz of the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital and "The Pet Doctor" on Pet Life Radio, gives tips on how to keep your pets safe and healthy even in icy weather.

https://youtu.be/P48M0ycFgN4?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Diabetes is a serious condition that can not only affect your pet’s health, but requires commitment on your part as a responsible owner to help maintain and treat the disease. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor guides you through the ins and outs of diabetes.

https://youtu.be/GrPYv-MMs2c?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Proper maintenance and regular cleaning of your cat's ears is essential for their wellbeing. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor tells you how to clean your cat's ears and what you need to be on the lookout for when cleaning.

https://youtu.be/HYaKMns56JQ?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Dogs' ears come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. But no matter the shape, all dogs can get ear infections. That's why proper ear care is essential for all dogs. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor tells you all about a dog's ears and how to properly clean them.

https://youtu.be/QGHxqZYn8a8?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Modern flea and tick preventive products are easier to use, safer, and more effective than ever. However, flea and tick infestation rates have risen over the last few years. Protecting your pet from fleas and ticks not only saves your pet discomfort, it also protects against potentially deadly illnesses.

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Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, sea lions and—in rare instances—humans. Because wild species such as foxes and coyotes live in proximity to many urban areas, they are considered important carriers of the disease. The mosquito plays an essential role in the heartworm life cycle. Adult female heartworms living in an infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf produce microscopic baby worms called microfilaria that circulate in the bloodstream. When a mosquito bites and takes a blood meal from an infected animal, it picks up these baby worms, which develop and mature into “infective stage” larvae over a period of 10 to 14 days. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another dog, cat, or susceptible wild animal, the infective larvae are deposited onto the surface of the animal's skin and enter the new host through the mosquito’s bite wound. Once inside a new host, it takes approximately 6 months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. Once mature, heartworms can live for 5 to 7 years in dogs and up to 2 or 3 years in cats. Because of the longevity of these worms, each mosquito season can lead to an increasing number of worms in an infected pet. To help prevent your dog or cat from being infected by Heartworm:

1. Have your pet checked by the staff at Arbor Hills, annually, for heartworm infestation.
2. Place your pet on year-round heartworm preventative. The doctors at Arbor Hills will recommend a product for your pet.
3. Drain areas of standing water on your property.

For more information regarding identifying the signs and symptoms of heartworm infestation, information regarding treatment options and, more importantly, information regarding prevention, please go to:

https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics

Did you know that heartworm is one of the most deadly ailments in pets? Did you also know it's almost 100% preventable? These American Veterinary Medical Association Doctors tell you all you need to know about heartworms and how you can prevent your pet from getting them.

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Holidays are often some of the happiest times for families, but the celebrations, special food, house guests and even the decorations can present special hazards for our pets. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor offers tips to help keep pets safe during the holidays.

https://youtu.be/4y_wtFAdJHw?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that causes serious illness in dogs, other animals, and people throughout the United States and around the world. The disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires that live in water or warm wet soil. Leptospirosis causes a variety of flu-like symptoms, but it can develop into a more severe, life-threatening illness that affects kidneys, liver, brain, lungs and heart. Here are 5 things you can do to protect your dog from leptospirosis:

1. Vaccinate your dog against leptospirosis.
2. Drain areas of standing water on your property.
3. Don't let your dog swim or play in slow-moving creeks or water sources where wild animals also swim.
4. Keep rodents under control.
5. Be aware of any changes in your dog's health or behavior. Watch for signs of leptospirosis and contact your veterinarian immediately if you have concerns.

For more information, please go to:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_leptospirosis

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks to dogs, as well as to other animals and people. Most Lyme disease in the United States is spread by the deer tick, which is primarily found in the Northeast, Southeast, and upper Midwest. While many dogs will not show any signs of illness, the most common symptoms are arthritic pain or lameness associated with painful joints. Here are 5 ways to help protect your dog from Lyme disease:

1. Make sure your dog is vaccinated against Lyme disease.
2. Get your dog an effective product to prevents ticks. The doctors at Arbor Hills recommend the use of Bravecto or Vectra to prevent both Flea infestation and Tick protection.
3. Be aware of changes in your dog's behavior. Watch, especially, for limping, fever, lack of energy, or loss of appetite.
4. After a trip outdoors, check your dog for ticks and remove any ticks immediately.
5. Have Arbor Hills screen for Tick's during your next visit.

For more information, please go to:

http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_dg_lyme_disease

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends the use of microchip identification implants for pets to help raise the likelihood that lost pets will be returned to their owners In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor explains the advantages of using microchip identifications for pets, how they are implanted, and what pet owners should do to keep the information linked to them current and useful to animal rescuers.

https://youtu.be/-j-KAxujbPM?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

We love our pets, and one way we tend to show it is by giving our pets treats, because who doesn't like a nice snack? While an occasional treat is just fine, it's important to know that food doesn't equal love. And while it might not be our intention, we're adding to a growing problem in our pets... obesity.

https://youtu.be/MDe7yZ1z06Q?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Click here to view pet food recalls within the last 90 days.

We all appreciate the joy and companionship that a well behaved dog brings to our lives. What we don't always appreciate is that there are many different factors that can determine whether a puppy grows into that wonderful lifelong companion. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor explains the ins and outs of puppy socialization.

https://youtu.be/6UhuAxu3tiU?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

By having your pet spayed or neutered, you can do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens and enhance your pet's health and quality of life. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor gives you the facts on why having your pet surgically sterilized is the responsible thing to do.

https://youtu.be/ro8dmc9qSNk?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Summer is a fun time for people and pets, but it also comes with some hazards, including internal and external parasites, water safety, and the dangers of the heat. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor explains some of the biggest risks for pets and offers tips on what to do to keep pets safe and healthy.

https://youtu.be/H2f_J-sZLmM?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Shopping for pet toys can be overwhelming. With so many choices, how do you know what's right for your pet? In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor fills you in on what you should know when shopping for your pets' playthings.

https://youtu.be/8kJVPHs-4Wk?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

Should your pet be vaccinated? Of course! But for why, and for what? These American Veterinary Medical Association Doctors explain the ins and outs of having your pets vaccinated.

https://youtu.be/UCuxPA_Ixzc?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6

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A recent study warned of potential diseases that pets may transmit to their owners. In this video, an American Veterinary Medical Association Doctor explains that responsible pet owners need not worry. Zoonotic diseases in pets are rare, and preventing them takes just a few simple steps.

https://youtu.be/xR0e9ueu-cU?list=PLMszZOQAqfuVAXGUwj04091ZHuO0Kh0G6