from the doctor

Trying to write this blog has been quite the challenge to say the least. There is an exorbitant amount of information out there on the “do’s and don’ts” of choosing a pet food. And to be honest, if it is hard to decipher and mull through the information as veterinary industry professionals, then we know it is even more difficult and confusing for our clients and other pet owners….

October 05, 2022

The Chew on Chews-ing Your Pet's Food!

October 05, 2022/ South Bay Veterinary Clinic/ Caroline Bowater

The Chew on Chews-ing Your Pet's Food!

Trying to write this blog has been quite the challenge to say the least. There is an exorbitant amount of information out there on the “do’s and don’ts” of choosing a pet food. And to be honest, if it is hard to decipher and mull through the information as veterinary industry professionals, then we know it is even more difficult and confusing for our clients and other pet owners. We do know that we all have one goal in mind, and that is to make sure our beloved furry friends are eating a healthy and well rounded diet. While the goal of this article is to clear the ambiguous fog and untangle the unending web surrounding pet foods, there is just not enough blog space to cover each and every piece of the puzzle. Consequently, there will be multiple parts to this blog that will be released consecutively. Knowing what qualities make a nutritious food by identifying reputable brands, all the while muddling through and deciphering a pet food label, are the main topics that will be touched on here in Part 1.

May 26, 2022

All you need to know about Leptospirosis

May 26, 2022/ South Bay Veterinary Clinic/ Caroline Bowater

Thinking about enjoying these beautiful warmer days enveloped in nature with your best fur friend by your side? Of course you are! And so are we here at South Bay! Although these wonderful shared outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, and dog park meet-ups, are much anticipated for both you and your pup, there also comes some notable risks that all pet owners should be aware of. One of these risks is a bacterial infection called Leptospirosis.

September 08, 2017

You've Got to Be Sh**ting Me! You Want to Bring in What!?

September 08, 2017/ Amy Fields

Have you ever wondered why we always recommend that you bring in a fecal sample? Believe, me we don't enjoy it anymore than you do. This smelly little sample tells us quite a bit, it is important to check to make sure that there are no gastrointestinal parasites

April 07, 2016

Interceptor Plus

April 07, 2016/ Amy Fields

We are happy to announce that we have recently made the decision to switch to a different monthly heartworm preventative called Interceptor Plus. Interceptor Plus will provide more coverage when it comes to deworming.

March 28, 2016

Pet Insurance

March 28, 2016/ Amy Fields

Health insurance is very important and should be considered for our furry family members. It can protect you if a health issue comes up and you're faced with the large bills that can too quickly become overwhelming.

December 10, 2015

Diabetes - It's Not That Sweet

December 10, 2015/ Amy Fields

One of the many jobs of the pancreas is secreting a hormone called insulin into the blood stream. Insulin is a very important hormone that allows your body to use glucose (sugar) from the carbohydrates that are consumed and store it for future use.

September 26, 2015

Canine and Feline Join Management

September 26, 2015/ Amy Fields

It's no secret that as we age our joints begin to be an issue ,unfortunately it goes with the territory! We manage arthritis and chronic orthopedic conditions on a daily basis with our patients; it is especially common in certain breeds

August 27, 2015

Practicing Safety at the Dog Park

August 27, 2015/ Amy Fields

Dog parks have become very popular amongst owners and their dogs. They can be a great place to take your animals to socialize, burn off some energy, and have some fun! However, in the veterinary world we do unfortunately deal with some negative situations as a result dog parks.

August 15, 2015

Micro Chips

August 15, 2015/ Amy Fields

Does your dog or cat ever take off and come home without their collar? Have you thought of other ways to identify your pet? If so you should consider getting a microchip. When a stray dog or a cat is found wandering the roads they are usually taken to a shelter or a veterinary clinic.

July 02, 2015

Bikini Bodies and Pet Weight

July 02, 2015/ Amy Fields

After the winter we just had it is no surprise that we are all carrying a little more winter weight than normal. This winter was absolutely brutal! We are seeing a very common trend in the exam room this year - most of the patients we see have gained a bit of weight.

June 25, 2015

Remember When I Stunk Like a Skunk?

June 25, 2015/ Amy Fields

Who doesn't love the smell of a good dog or cat covered in skunk spray? I'm sure that we have all been there at some point when one of our cats or dogs has come home with the lovely aroma of skunk. You quickly try everything that you read on line to try and get rid of the smell as fast as you can.

June 01, 2015

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

June 01, 2015/ Amy Fields

June is the American Humane Associations adopt a cat month, as well as the ASPCA's adopt a shelter cat month. So if you are considering adding a new feline friend to your family no better time than June!

May 21, 2015

What's the Stink About Anal Glands?

May 21, 2015/ Amy Fields

Oh, the anal glands! If you have ever had a dog with anal gland problems you know they stink (figuratively and literally!). Anatomically dogs have two little sacs that sit just inside their rectum - they are scent glands.

May 04, 2015

What Can a Urinalysis Tell Us?

May 04, 2015/ Amy Fields

It is very important to run a yearly urinalysis on your pet, especially as they get older. It is best to try and catch the first urine sample of the day.Keep in mind that the urine needs to be refrigerated. This will help to prevent bacterial growth.

April 07, 2015

National Heartworm Awareness Month

April 07, 2015/ Amy Fields

Heartworm is a disease that is easy to prevent and yet can be fatal if contracted. Heartworm is real and it is out there, it is contracted by a mosquito bite. Not all mosquitoes are infected, only some, but all it takes is for one bite from that one infected mosquito!

February 16, 2015

Frostbite and Hypothermia in Pets

February 16, 2015/ Amy Fields

Did you know that your pet can get frostbite and hypothermia? With this extreme winter cold we are experiencing, please be aware of the amount of time you and your pet spend outside. Not only can frostbite set in, but pets can also suffer from hypothermia.

February 14, 2015

Chocolate Toxicosis

February 14, 2015/ Amy Fields

Valentines Day is today and with it, amongst other things, comes chocolate. Most owners are aware that chocolate is not a good dietary choice for their animals...however, your pets might think differently! Especially dogs..cats tend not to engage in chocolate binging!

October 14, 2014

Ear Cleaning in Dogs and Cats

October 14, 2014/ Amy Fields

On any given day in my field I see animals come in with ear problems. When an infection is present the animal is usually shaking his/her head, scratching or rubbing their ears and nine times out of ten there is a pungent odor.

August 30, 2014

My First Cat!

August 30, 2014/ Amy Fields

I was thinking the other day about my first pet ..the one that was really " all mine". I found him,I fed him,I talked my parents into having him and he lived happily with us for many years.Even travelling from England to USA when my family moved here in 1976.

July 16, 2014

Crate Training 101

July 16, 2014/ Amy Fields

I have many discussions with owners that are seeking advice on house training. I don't believe there is any right or wrong way, but in my experience I have found crate training to be the most effective.