The Partners Blog
What Puppy Shots Does My Pet Need and When?
Puppy shots protect your new companion from serious, often fatal diseases during the most vulnerable stage of life. At Partners Animal Hospital Fruitville, most puppies need a series of core vaccines starting around six to eight weeks of age, with boosters continuing every three to four weeks until they reach...
What Kitten Shots Does My Pet Need and When?
When should a kitten start getting vaccinated, and which shots actually matter most? Kitten shots typically begin around six to eight weeks of age, with a series of boosters carrying through to about sixteen weeks old. At Partners Animal Hospital Fruitville, one of the most common questions among new kitten...
When Does a Dog Become an Adult?
Most dogs reach physical adulthood somewhere between one and two years old, though the exact answer to "When does a dog become an adult?" depends heavily on breed and size. A wobbly, chewing-everything puppy doesn't turn into a calm adult overnight, and pet owners in Sarasota may ask our team...
When Does a Cat Become an Adult?
Cats typically settle into adulthood by their first birthday, though the more precise answer to "When does a cat become an adult?" varies by breed, size, and how you define "grown up." A kitten's fast physical growth can make it seem like maturity happens almost overnight, but behavior and bone...
What Causes Puppy Diarrhea?
Puppy diarrhea is most often caused by a sudden diet change, dietary indiscretion, parasites, or stress, though it can occasionally signal something more serious that needs prompt veterinary attention. Finding a mess on the floor is one of those moments every new puppy owner dreads, and it's a scenario our...
Puppy Hiccups: Why Does My Puppy Have Them?
Puppy hiccups happen when a puppy's diaphragm contracts involuntarily and repeatedly, usually triggered by eating too fast, excitement, or swallowing extra air during play. If your puppy has suddenly started making that rhythmic little hic-hic-hic sound, you're far from alone. It's one of the more common questions our team at...
What Happens During a Pet Wellness Exam?
A pet wellness exam is one of the most important things you can do for your dog or cat and most pet owners are surprised by just how thorough it really is. During a routine pet wellness exam, your veterinarian performs a comprehensive nose-to-tail physical evaluation to assess your pet's...
7 Signs Your Pet Has Dental Disease
Animal dental disease is the most common health condition diagnosed in dogs and cats, yet it often goes undetected until it has caused significant damage. By age three, most pets already show signs of periodontal disease, the most prevalent form of dental disease in animals. The problem is that pets...
Hot Spots in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Hot spots in dogs are one of the most frustrating skin conditions pet owners encounter. They seem to appear overnight, spread rapidly, and cause intense discomfort. A hot spot, also called acute moist dermatitis, is a localized area of inflamed, infected skin that a dog creates by repeatedly licking, chewing,...
What Vaccines Does My Pet Really Need?
When it comes to protecting your pet's health, few things are more important than staying current on vaccinations. The most important pet vaccinations shield your dog or cat from serious, often life-threatening diseases, some of which are highly contagious, and some of which can spread to people. Understanding which vaccines...