Welcome Dr. Blackwell!

Dr. Jonathan Blackwell has joined the Tavares Animal Hospital staff! It was a long time coming and we were all starting to wonder if he really did exist, but Dr. Blackwell has finally joined us. He, his wife, little girl and baby boy have recently moved from West Virginia. Dr. Blackwell has fit right…

5 Common Allergies in Dogs

Pollen

If you notice that your dog’s itchiness seems to coincide with the same season every year, it might be tree or grass pollen. Try giving your pet more frequent baths and washing their bedding more often. If your dog is a foot licker, wiping the…

The Basics of Heartworms

What is heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in…

What is a Holter Monitor

This is one of our heart patients, Parker, she’s a 5 year old Boxer sporting a Holter Monitor.

A Holter monitor (also called an ambulatory electrocardiography device) is a noninvasive, portable device used to continuously monitor the electrical activity of the heart in humans and animals. Its extended recording period is useful for observing occasional…

Things to Consider Before Buying a Reptile

As you consider buying a snake, lizard, amphibian, or other herp (reptiles and amphibians), there are a number of things you should know. It’s important to consider these things well in advance of purchasing an animal that may end up being unsuitable for your family. Research a species before you purchase. Choosing and caring for a reptile is not as simple…

How to Change Your Cat’s Food

Switching cat foods can be challenging. Cats should gradually transition to a new food to avoid stomach upset and increase the chances they will accept the new food.

Begin by mixing the current food with the new food. Gradually decrease the amount of the current food while increasing the amount of new. Continue to do this over a 7-day period. For finicky…