All pets occasionally lick or scratch their skin, but incessant itch-relief behaviors can indicate an underlying skin problem. Constant licking, chewing, scratching, or rubbing at the skin indicate that your pet is itchy and they should be checked out by the Parker Center Animal Clinic team. Here is an overview of what you should do [...]

Many misconceptions float around about all aspects of pet health, from nutrition and behavior, to anesthesia and dentistry. Heartworm disease is commonly plagued with a great deal of misinformation, but correct knowledge is protection for your pet. So, our Parker Center Animal Clinic team dispels common heartworm disease myths and unravels fiction from fact. Myth: [...]

Most cat owners expect their pets to become less active with age and maturity, but the changes many people consider “normal” aging could actually be from arthritis. Plus, the disease doesn’t affect only older cats—arthritis can begin as early as 6 years of age. Because cats are experts at hiding their pain, arthritis can be [...]

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, which our team at Parker Center Animal Clinic thinks is the perfect time to educate yourself on this important—and often neglected—area of your pet’s health and wellbeing. We tackle five common myths about pet dental health and provide pet dental care tips that will help keep your pet’s [...]

The strong compassion we all feel for pets can make emotions run high during a stressful situation, and those who work in the veterinary profession potentially feel lofty highs upon meeting a new puppy and rock-bottom lows when diagnosing a patient’s incurable cancer. The veterinary profession’s mental, physical, and emotional demands take their toll on [...]

No matter how much we sing about peace, joy, and silent nights, the holidays can be anything but—especially for our pets. Learn how to protect your furry friend with Parker Center Animal Clinic’s guide to the 12 pet hazards of Christmas.  #1: Holiday foods and pets Whether it’s savory or sweet, food is literally everywhere [...]

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats that can lead to shredded furniture and drapes. While some cat owners consider declawing to prevent the behavior, evidence suggests these procedures can cause long-term problems. Our Parker Center Animal Clinic team wants to offer information about declawing and to provide alternative procedures to help you live peacefully [...]

Pumpkins, corn stalks, and watching Hocus Pocus on repeat signal fall season’s arrival, and Halloween helps kick things off. Kids rejoice each year over the chance to dress up, have fun with their friends, and most importantly, collect boatloads of sugary candy. However, your pet may not feel the same joy about Halloween, and some [...]

Cats may seem pretty self-sufficient, especially compared with dogs, who need constant letting in and out, plenty of walks, and extra grooming help. Cats can typically tend to most of their self-care needs—but that doesn’t mean that your cat is low maintenance and doesn’t need a helping hand. Without adequate environmental enrichment, proper physical and [...]

You have a lot to remember when it comes to caring for your pet, especially if they are a puppy or kitten. During the first year of their life they will require multiple veterinary visits, training, and proper nutrition to support their growing bodies. Veterinary care decisions made during your pet’s developmental years can have [...]