If you live in Florida and share your home with a dog or cat, heartworm disease should be on your radar year-round. Unlike many parts of the country that get a seasonal break from mosquitoes, our warm, humid climate keeps these pests active 365 days a year — and every bite carries the potential to transmit a dangerous parasite. What…

This Sunday, March 9, we spring forward one hour — and while most of us will adjust after an extra cup of coffee, our pets don’t have that luxury. Dogs and cats can’t read clocks or calendars, but they are remarkably tuned in to their daily routines. When feeding times, walks, and bathroom breaks suddenly shift by an hour, it…

If you have ever noticed small, white, rice-like segments near your pet’s rear end or in their bedding, there is a good chance your dog or cat has tapeworms. These flat, segmented intestinal parasites are one of the most common worms veterinarians diagnose in household pets, and understanding how they spread is the first step toward keeping your furry family…

If your dog spends time outdoors in Florida, there is a parasite you may never have heard of that could be causing real problems. Whipworms, scientifically known as Trichuris vulpis, are intestinal parasites that primarily affect dogs. They get their name from their distinctive whip-like shape, with a thicker end that anchors into the wall of the large intestine. At…

Hookworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites affecting dogs and cats in Florida. These small but dangerous worms attach to the lining of your pet’s intestines and feed on blood, which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. What Are Hookworms? Hookworms (Ancylostoma species) are tiny parasites, typically less than half an inch long, that live…

Florida thunderstorm season brings daily afternoon storms from roughly June through September, but storms can roll through Dunedin and North Pinellas County any time of year. For many dogs and cats, those rumbles of thunder and flashes of lightning trigger real distress — and the problem tends to get worse over time if left unaddressed. Understanding what storm anxiety looks…

Roundworms are one of the most common parasites in dogs and cats. Learn how pets get infected, symptoms to watch for, and how Dunedin Animal Medical Center can help with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Pet obesity is one of the most common health problems veterinarians see — and one of the most preventable. Studies consistently show that more than half of dogs and cats in the United States carry extra weight, and here in Dunedin, the warm climate can actually make the problem worse when pets spend more time indoors during the hottest months.…

In Dunedin and across Tampa Bay, we see this scenario all the time: your cat has been reliable with the litter box for years, and then suddenly there’s urine on a bath mat, stool behind the couch, or “accidents” in a quiet corner. It’s frustrating (and messy), but here’s the important part—litter box problems are often your cat’s way of…