What Puppy Shots Does My Pet Need and When?

black lab puppy receiving puppy shots at the vet

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 sixteen weeks old. Bringing home…

Read More

What Kitten Shots Does My Pet Need and When?

vet administering vaccine to kitten

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 owners is simply where to…

Read More

When Does a Dog Become an Adult?

dog laying in the grass tilting its head at the camera

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 at Partners Animal Hospital Fruitville…

Read More

When Does a Cat Become an Adult?

cat sitting on cat tree playing with a feather toy

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 development often keep evolving well…

Read More

What Causes Puppy Diarrhea?

French bulldog puppy playing with a roll of toilet paper

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 team at Partners Animal Hospital…

Read More

Puppy Hiccups: Why Does My Puppy Have Them?

beagle puppy barking

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 Partners Animal Hospital Fruitville hears…

Read More

What Happens During a Pet Wellness Exam?

male vet listening to collie dog's heart at the vet

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 overall health, catch early signs…

Read More

7 Signs Your Pet Has Dental Disease

close up of owner checking cat's teeth

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 are remarkably good at hiding…

Read More

Hot Spots in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

close up of a hot spot on a dog's elbow

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, or scratching a particular spot.…

Read More

What Vaccines Does My Pet Really Need?

vet administering vaccine to small dog at clinic

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 your pet truly needs, and…

Read More