If you discover a tick taking a blood meal from your pet, your first instinct may be to rip off the bug. But, if you proceed recklessly you might yank off a skin tag, or leave the tick’s head embedded in your pet’s skin. To remove a tick safely and effortlessly, follow our Oliver Animal [...]

The eyes have it—ocular inflammation is uncomfortable for pets and can potentially indicate a serious injury or condition requiring veterinary care. Find out why your pet’s expressive eyes may suddenly be expressing pain and illness in this guide from Oliver Animal Hospital, your trusted south Austin vet. Recognizing eye irritation in pets Sometimes your pet’s [...]

Your pet’s appetite and thirst are powerful health indicators, which is why we routinely ask about them at your pet’s wellness visits. Increased or decreased food and water intake can signal potentially serious health issues ranging from hormone imbalance to parasitic disease. Familiarizing yourself with your pet’s normal habits helps you to recognize changes and [...]

Lyme disease is the most commonly diagnosed tick-borne illness in dogs and humans, and now that Spring is well underway here in the south, you need to be aware that ticks are on the move and searching for their next meal. Learn how to keep your pet—and yourself—from becoming their next victim with this Lyme [...]

By nature, cats do not drink much water, nor do they require more than a few ounces each day for basic bodily functions. Most cats who do not drink much water are perfectly healthy, but they also are more likely to develop urinary tract problems or constipation than cats who choose to drink more. Good [...]

If your dog is limping, you are understandably concerned, and may wonder whether you should schedule a veterinary appointment. Pain causes a dog’s limp or lameness, which is a natural reaction to shift weight from the painful area to prevent additional injury or trauma. Veterinarians categorize limping in two groups. Chronic limping lasts longer than [...]

If you’re bringing home a pet for the first time, or welcoming another member to your existing pet crew, your home may not be adequately prepared. Hazards abound inside your home, which you may not recognize until your pet finds them. The best way to ensure your new pet’s safety is by keeping them confined [...]

Chocolate is an indulgence for most people because, although delicious, this food has little nutritional value compared to other, healthier foods. Still, chocolate is revered the world over, present in most households, and often given as a gift. This easy accessibility, combined with a dog’s creative willingness to seek and consume tasty food, leads to [...]

Welcoming a new pet to your family is momentous, and you should thoroughly consider your lifestyle and do your research before making a decision. Depending on the pet you choose, your caregiving responsibilities may last for 20 years or longer, so think carefully about the type of pet who would best fit your current and [...]

Dental disease affects people as well as pets. In fact, nearly 70% of pets have some form of dental disease by age 3. While pets’ dental disease is common and can become severe, this condition is also almost completely preventable. Unfortunately, many pet owners neglect this essential health care component. Therefore, our Oliver Animal Hospital [...]