Blog

When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet? You want your four-legged friend to live a long, healthy life. Veterinarians help make that possible by providing basic vaccines as well as emergency veterinary care. If you’re wondering, “When should I take my dog to the vet?” you’ve come to the right place.  Our team at Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre is here to break down certain scenarios that require a vet visit. Don’t hesitate to come to our clinic if you need a trusted veterinarian in Tampa, FL.  Bring Puppies to the Vet More Frequently Are you the proud owner of a new puppy? Expect to schedule multiple vet appointments throughout the first few weeks of their life. Puppies generally receive a series of vaccinations from the time they are six weeks old up until they are four months old.  Don’t skip these appointments, as vaccinations protect your dog from various viruses and diseases. If you choose to spay or neuter your puppy, these procedures often require a separate appointment during their first few months of life. If your puppy becomes sick or injured between visits, urgent pet care can provide timely attention when they need it most. Make Annual Preventive Health Checkups When should I take my dog to the vet once they become an adult? Every adult dog should go to the vet once a year for preventive health checkups. A yearly wellness exam ensures that your dog is healthy by checking for any underlying issues, such as: Every dog should visit the vet once a year for a comprehensive exam, which is also the perfect time to discuss a customized exercise program to maintain their joint health and ideal weight. Senior pets may need semi-annual exams, as they are more prone to chronic health issues. If you notice any unusual behavioral changes, such as dogs losing whiskers or sudden lethargy, schedule an urgent vet visit to rule out underlying health problems. Prioritize Veterinary Care in Emergency Situations Look out for various warning signs that your pet has a severe illness. Bring them to a vet right away if they experience any of the following emergency symptoms: Don’t ignore any of these severe illness signs, as you may jeopardize your pup’s health even more. Emergency vet visits are also necessary if the dog sustains any traumatic injury, such as broken bones or excessive bleeding.   It’s in your best interest to find an animal clinic that offers all of these services. This way, you don’t have to waste time searching for a veterinarian in an emergency and can quickly bring them to a team you trust.  Bring Your Dog to Tampa’s Trusted Veterinary Clinic When should I take my dog to the vet for emergency treatment? Which vaccinations are available during regular checkups? At Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre, we can answer these questions and more.  Our team is committed to providing top-notch care to animal patients and educating their owners on common health concerns. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (813) 994-6929 today. 

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Chocolate You may like to indulge in a sweet treat from time to time, but don’t let your curious cat follow suit. Chocolate is an enjoyable dessert staple for humans, but it can be toxic to cats and may lead to an urgent trip to the veterinarian. Learn what to do if your cat eats chocolate so you can keep them as healthy as possible.  Be Mindful of Chocolate Toxicity in Cats While chocolate can satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s potentially toxic to cats. The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can alter a feline’s nervous system and send it into overdrive, which can worsen underlying conditions like heart disease in pets. These compounds could cause serious heart problems and digestive issues, among other systems.  Every pet parent should recognize the dangers this sweet treat poses to animals and take extra precautions. Keep chocolate products out of your cat’s reach to minimize the risks.  If one small milk chocolate shaving ends up on the ground and your cat eats it, it may not have a significant impact on their health. However, if they lap up a carton of chocolate pudding, it could be a toxic dose.  Recognize the Signs of Chocolate Poisoning If you’re wondering what to do if your cat eats chocolate, monitoring their health becomes paramount. Ingesting large amounts of chocolate products could lead to a case of caffeine or theobromine poisoning. Watch for the symptoms of chocolate poisoning, including: Time is of the essence when you have a cat who eats an unhealthy amount of chocolate. If you see them consume any type of chocolate, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before you seek veterinary treatment. For pet owners who don’t witness their cats eating foods they shouldn’t, they’ll need to take action as soon as symptoms appear.  Seek Emergency Veterinary Care If you ask an expert what to do if your cat eats chocolate, they will tell you to bring them to the vet as soon as possible. The longer the chocolate stays in their system, the more long-term damage it may cause. A feline that consumes anything other than natural cat food or other vet-approved products will need to quickly expel the substance for their health and safety.  Let your vet know what type of chocolate the cat ate and how much of it. Tell them about any symptoms your pet’s been experiencing so they have a full picture of the problem and can create a personalized treatment plan. In most cases, vet-induced vomiting is the best way to minimize the effects of chocolate poisoning.  Never try to induce your cat’s vomiting on your own. A professional veterinarian should always perform this medical intervention and monitor your pet’s health. Depending on the amount ingested and the severity of the symptoms, your cat may need overnight monitoring.  Other types of supportive treatment include fluids to prevent dehydration and activated charcoal to aid their digestive tract.  Keep an Eye on Your Cat Going Forward Now that you know what to do if your cat eats chocolate, you might be wondering what steps to take after you bring them home from the animal hospital. Continue to monitor them and let your vet know about any new or lingering symptoms. Be sure to give them plenty of love and attention as they recover.  Aside from that, your top priority should be preventing future instances of chocolate poisoning. Consider where and how your pet got into the chocolate, and take the appropriate steps to prevent them from eating more. You may need to: Proper preventive measures ensure that your feline friend won’t experience another unpleasant, life-threatening bout of chocolate poisoning.  Visit Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre for Top-Notch Veterinary Care A qualified vet will know what to do if your cat eats chocolate or ingests other toxic substances. Bring your four-legged friend to Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre for comprehensive veterinary care in any situation. Our compassionate team is here for all of your pet’s health needs, including preventative care and emergency medical treatment.  To schedule an appointment, call our office at (813) 994-6929. 

What Is Involved in a Dog Dental Exam? Did you know that your dog needs dental checkups just like you do? It’s true. Canines require regular dental care to stay healthy and avoid conditions that cause pain, make it difficult to eat, and contribute to tooth loss. A dog dental exam is more than just a quick look at your pup’s teeth. It’s a complete oral health assessment designed to catch early indicators of dental disease and decay and keep your dog’s mouth in great shape. To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s what really happens during a professional dog dental exam from a veterinarian in Tampa, FL. The Oral Health Assessment Every dog dental exam begins with a thorough oral health assessment as part of our comprehensive pet dentistry services. The veterinarian checks for plaque, tartar buildup, gum redness, and signs of infection. They’ll also look for broken teeth, oral growths, or other abnormalities that might cause pain or discomfort. This initial evaluation helps your vet determine whether your dog needs a professional dental cleaning or further diagnostics, such as dental X-rays. It’s also an excellent opportunity to discuss your pet’s oral care routine (or lack thereof!) and learn ways to do more at home to keep their mouth healthy. Dental X-Rays and Deeper Evaluation Not all dental problems are immediately visible. That’s where dental X-rays come in. These images allow your vet to see what’s happening beneath the gums with your pet’s tooth roots and jawbone and identify hidden infections or fractures. Professional Dental Cleaning Under Anesthesia If your vet finds significant dental issues like tartar or gum inflammation, they’ll recommend a professional dental cleaning. Most dogs get general anesthesia for dental procedures like deep cleanings. Although it may sound extreme, using a general anesthetic to allow the animal to sleep during the process is actually the safest way to ensure their comfort and safety. With anesthesia, your veterinarian can thoroughly clean every tooth surface, including below the gumline where bacteria hide, without hurting or stressing your dog. This is key to periodontal disease prevention. This condition can lead to pain, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues affecting the heart or kidneys. Polishing, Fluoride, and Aftercare After removing the brown or yellow calculus deposits from your dog’s teeth, the vet will polish and smooth out the enamel surfaces, making it harder for plaque to stick to them. A sealant treatment helps provide extra protection. Before your pup wakes up, the team performs one last inspection to ensure everything looks healthy. Once your dog is home, you’ll receive guidance on brushing techniques, dental chews, and when to schedule the next dog dental exam. Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Pet  Regular veterinary dental care isn’t just about keeping your dog’s breath fresh (although it helps). It keeps your furry best friend happy, healthy, and free from preventable pain. If it’s been a while since your pet’s last dog dental exam, find a vet and schedule one today. Or, call Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre in Tampa, FL, to book your dog’s dental appointment.

How Often Do Cats Need Vaccines To Stay Healthy?  Cats love to act like they’ve got life handled. But when it comes to staying healthy, especially with vaccines, they count on us. Whether the fabled “Cat Distribution System” has gifted you with a kitten or you have a senior feline who spends their days lounging around in the sun, keeping up with them means fewer scary vet visits later and a lot more snuggles. It’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your cat sticks around for all nine lives. But how often do cats need vaccines? Your veterinarian will provide a personalized schedule, but most cats get their shots as follows. When Do Cats Get Their First Shots? The kitten vaccine timeline typically kicks off at about six to eight weeks with a series of shots to protect against feline distemper and upper respiratory infections. A second round follows at 10 to 12 weeks to strengthen the immune response, with final kitten shots, including rabies protection, given at 14 to 16 weeks.  Around their first birthday, it’s time for boosters. Then it’s shots every one to three years, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations and your cat’s lifestyle. If you’ve adopted an adult cat with an unknown health history, your veterinarian will likely start a new cat vaccination schedule to ensure they have complete protection against common diseases. The Must-Have Core Vaccines When it comes to giving your pet the right shots, it’s not just about how often cats need vaccines. It’s also about which ones they need. Core vaccines for cats are the shots recommended for every cat, whether it lives indoors or outdoors. Even indoor cats can be exposed to outdoor germs. These vaccines protect against the most common and dangerous diseases, including: These core vaccines are usually given as part of a single combination shot, making the process simpler for you and less stressful for your cat. Extra Protection for Some Cats Some pets need additional shots depending on their lifestyles. Outdoor cats and those exposed to other cats often benefit from feline leukemia virus protection. If you travel frequently and your cat stays in boarding facilities or often spends time in group settings, your pet’s a candidate for the bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination. Why Booster Shots for Cats Matter Even after your cat finishes their initial vaccines, immunity fades over time. That’s why veterinarians recommend booster shots for cats. Additional doses “remind” the immune system how to fight off diseases. If you skip a booster, your cat’s protection starts to fade. It’s not worth the risk. For most core vaccines, boosters are given every one to three years, depending on the vaccine type and your cat’s health. Florida’s Rabies Vaccination Requirements Florida rabies vaccination requirements are strict because rabies is a public health concern. By law, cats must be vaccinated for rabies by the age of four months and kept up to date with boosters. Even indoor cats aren’t totally safe from rabies. It only takes one sneaky bat or a cracked window for trouble to find its way in. Protecting your cat also protects your family. What Happens During a Vaccine Appointment Most vaccination visits are quick and simple; veterinarians typically administer the shots during annual checkups. When you bring your pet in for one of these visits, you can expect the doctor to: Most cats handle vaccines without any issues, though some might experience mild tiredness or soreness at the injection site. Keep Your Cat Healthy at Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre If you’re wondering how often cats need vaccines or it’s been a while since your cat’s last checkup, now’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment. At Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre in Tampa, FL, we know vet visits can stress cats (and their owners) out. That’s why we make vaccines quick, calm, and personalized for your pet’s needs, injecting wellness for long and happy lives. Call for an appointment today, and help your furry bestie live a long and healthy life.

How To Find a Good Veterinarian for Your Pet Part of being a responsible pet parent is selecting the right veterinarian to maintain their health and comply with vaccination regulations. If you’re new to pet ownership, you may not know how to find a good veterinarian. Hiring the first veterinarian in Tampa, FL, that you encounter isn’t always the best way to get essential pet healthcare.  In this post, we’ll explain what you should look for in a licensed veterinarian and share how to find one for your furry companion.  Essential Characteristics of Qualified Veterinarians Choosing the right vet is similar to finding the best pediatrician for your children. Before learning how to find a good veterinarian, understand the qualities and characteristics to look for in any professional who will be caring for your cat or dog.  Accreditation Animal hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association take extra steps to ensure that their teams and facilities meet the organization’s rigorous standards across various categories, including: By following AAHA guidelines to maintain accreditation, veterinary practices can provide the highest standard of care possible.  Quality Services Not all veterinary clinics offer the same veterinary services. For instance, some may prioritize preventive care while others provide specialty services, including dentistry, dermatology, and orthopedics. It’s important to review the services a clinic offers to ensure that they can provide the specific care your pet requires.  Accessibility A good veterinarian is accessible to you and your pet. They have hours of availability that work well with your schedule, and the clinic may be near your home or workplace. After-hours emergency visit hours and close parking are also convenient.  Cost and Payment Options Being a pet parent requires taking financial responsibility for your animal. However, your cat or dog may require appointments outside of your regular schedule. If you’re unaware of the animal hospital’s pricing and payment options, a sudden vet visit could catch you off guard.  Any vet you work with should be transparent about the costs of care. Inquire about payment plans, pet insurance acceptance, and other forms of financial assistance to help you prepare for your pet’s healthcare expenses. Tips for Choosing the Ideal Veterinary Clinic Learn how to find a good veterinarian by taking these steps: Get Recommendations Sometimes, word-of-mouth referrals are the key to finding excellent veterinary care. Before taking your pet to a nearby clinic, ask for recommendations from your family, friends, and neighbors. Groomers, local dog trainers, and staff at local shelters may also be aware of reputable veterinarians in your area. Consider the Animal Hospital’s Location Accessibility is a crucial veterinary characteristic, so you must review the location of each vet clinic on your shortlist. Consider how far each facility is from your home. If your pet doesn’t enjoy long car rides, it’s best to consider a hospital closer to your property.  Also, check the clinic’s hours of operation. Do they offer services outside of your daily work schedule? Are weekend and after-hours emergency services provided? Review the Veterinarian’s Professional Credentials and Experience Hands-on experience and industry knowledge are must-haves for reputable veterinarians. The vet you choose to care for your pet’s health should hold an accreditation from professional organizations, such as the AAHA and the American Veterinary Medical Association. These certifications confirm that the veterinary clinic consistently meets high standards of care.  When interviewing veterinarians, ask about their certifications and level of experience. The right vet will have the training, knowledge, and expertise necessary to handle everything from behavioral issues and skin allergies in dogs to routine checkups. Do you intend to travel internationally with your pet? If so, the vet you choose must also hold accreditation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With this credential, they can provide the health certificate your pet will need to travel.  Ask the Right Questions Learning how to find a good veterinarian requires asking questions to help narrow your search. So, what questions should you ask? You can gauge whether a particular veterinarian is the right fit for you and your pet by asking the following: When talking to the veterinarian, also take the time to speak with other staff members. You can tell if the staff seems friendly and helpful, which is another indicator of the facility’s professionalism. Visit the Hospital Without Your Pet First Before deciding where to send your pet for their healthcare needs, visit the hospitals on your shortlist without them. During the tour, inspect the facility’s organization and neatness, as these may indicate the staff’s level of professionalism. Additionally, ask about in-house specialty services, such as ultrasounds and general surgery.  If the facility seems suitable for your beloved pet, bring them with you on your next visit. At this time, you want to see how comfortable the vet is with your pet and vice versa. Some pets experience anxiety or fear when visiting the vet, so it’s essential that your pet feels as comfortable as possible during these visits. Head to Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre for High-Quality Veterinary Care Knowing how to find a good veterinarian is important for your pet’s ongoing care and well-being. Whether you need help handling pet allergies, vaccinations for your cat or dog, specialty care, or physical examinations, you can get what you need at Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre. Our advanced veterinarians offer customized preventive health care and specialty services. Our animal hospital has up-to-date veterinary equipment, allowing us to diagnose and treat conditions in one convenient location. To schedule an appointment with a licensed veterinarian in Tampa, Florida, contact Cross Creek Animal Medical Centre at (813) 994-6929. 

Cleaning your pet’s ears on a regular basis can help reduce infections, foul odors, head shaking and scratching and ear trauma. How to Clean Pet’s Ears Use a quality ear cleaning solution and place a small amount into the ear and allow to run down into the ear canal.  You can not put in too much, as excess will drain out. Massage the pet’s ears that the base, near the skull or head.  Do this for about 10-15 seconds.  Allow your pet to shake it’s head.  This will dislodge some of the waxy debris that may be present. Using a tissue paper (think Kleenex), wrap this around your finger and gently insert into the ear canal and wipe out any wax, debris or fluid that is present. Repeat this step until the tissue is coming out dry or clean. Extra Tips From Your Tampa Veterinarian! Do not put anything down into the ear canal unless your veterinarian has instructed you to do so.  Never push q-tips or cotton applicators into the ear canal.  You can use q-tips to clean the folds of the ear flap but not into the canal. Repeat with every bath or every few weeks.

This is a lie. Indoor cats are exposed to the outside all the time. Think about every open door or window. Think about how many times you may have found a bug or lizard (Florida) in your home. That\’s the outside coming indoors. Mosquito’s carry heart worms and cats can easily be exposed. All it takes is one bite. There is no treatment for heart worm disease in cats. Prevention is the key! People coming and going can bring in pests on themselves or clothing. Potted plants and potting soil can bring parasites into the home. Potting soils may be positive for roundworm eggs, hookworm eggs and toxoplasmosis. Many cats love to get into potted plants to play or dig. Many cats also have access to screen porches or pool areas. Technically, those are outside spaces as there is even more access to parasites and pets. Cats eat lizards and water bugs, which can carry parasites and infest your cat. Be sure to protect your indoor cat with monthly heart worm preventative and monthly (or using an every 3 month) flea preventative. Ask us about which preventatives are best for your pet. There are topical options, oral options and/or combinations. #welovepets #welovecats #fleas #ticks #heartworms #parasites #prevention #Tampa #CCAMC #HarboursideAnimalHospital

The Risk of Purchasing Medication Online and Without a Prescription. There has been a trend noted of pet’s not getting proper refills of medications.  When owners are surveyed, they report that their pets are on preventatives.  However, when compared to medical records, no refills were approved, authorized or prescribed.  THIS IS A BIG CONCERN. Prescription medication for people and pets is a huge industry.  Pharmaceutical costs continue to rise and rise.  So, it makes sense that consumers would like to save money when possible.  However, the purchase of online mediations (especially those without a written prescription) may wind up costing you more money in the long run as well as the potential to harm you and your pets. Every day, 20 new illegal pharmacies appear on the internet, as reported by the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies. 62% of medicines purchased online are fake or substandard, as indicated in a Report from the European Alliance for Access to Safe Medicines. 89% of illegal online pharmacies do not require a valid prescription, as found through NABP’s review and analysis. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, “Buying from rogue online drug sellers puts consumers at risk of: Receiving pills that contain such fillers as drywall and rat poison Having your financial and other personal information stolen Having your email inbox flooded with spam that could infect your home computer with viruses In the worst cases, people have died from receiving counterfeit medications that didn’t treat their serious medical conditions.” Do not purchase medications if it’s from an online site that is in the following list:  https://nabp.pharmacy/initiatives/dot-pharmacy/not-recommended-sites/ Heartworm, flea and tick preventatives are guaranteed by the manufacturer when purchased from your veterinarian.  This means the manufacturer has certain provision in place for your pet’s wellbeing should the medication cause issues or not perform as indicated.  You lose this guarantee when purchasing online from non-approved websites. Don’t take a risk with your pet’s health (or your own) by purchasing medication from unverified websites and from sites that do not require a prescription. They do not have your pet’s best interest at heart and are only looking for profit.