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In veterinary medicine, some conditions and diseases are more devastating than others. At South Seminole Animal Hospital, perhaps one of the most terrible things that we diagnose is a fatal viral disease amongst kittens called panleukopenia. Panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is nothing to ignore. Thankfully we can protect  our patients with a little knowledge and modern medicine. 

Just because we are in Florida doesn’t mean that winter isn’t a real season. During the colder months of the year, our pets need extra care, too. Learn about winter pet care for your Florida critters from your team at South Seminole Animal Hospital. 

It’s not always easy to anticipate all the potential hazards facing our pets, but Thanksgiving is fairly straightforward when it comes to the varied risks. What makes the potential for illness or injury so pronounced are the endless opportunities for hungry, curious, or bored pets, paired with a heightened state of constant distractions for us. With so much to do, and so much to be grateful for this time of year, we’ve got your bases covered with our tips for a truly safe Thanksgiving. 

Happy Halloween from South Seminole Animal Hospital! Pets and spooky celebrations can make a great pair, but be sure that you are following our halloween safety tips for maximum fun!

Did you know that scratching is central to cat health? While not always desirable, the instinct to scratch deserves a place in their routine, lifestyle, and environment. We’re not suggesting cat owners sacrifice their drapes or upholstery. On the contrary, with thoughtfully-placed scratching posts around the house, cats can be encouraged to focus their behavior in certain spots. But choosing the right cat scratching post may be harder than it seems.

While we surely see some dog breeds in Florida not particularly suited to our heat and humidity, you’re equally likely to run into certain breeds seemingly built for Florida’s weather. For many different reasons, smaller pets are among the top choices for Floridians, but certain medium and large breed dogs can safely adapt to their conditions. 

Modern domestic cats share a common ancestor. Felis silvestris lybica can be traced to the Near East Neolithic period of the Fertile Crescent, and to the Classical period of ancient Egypt. The dry, warm geographical location of their origin suggests that today’s cats are equally adaptable to hot, desert conditions. Indeed, today’s pet cats have a lower thirst drive than other animals, but they still require adequate daily hydration throughout the year, and especially during the summer months.

When it comes to parasite prevention in pets, a strong offensive is truly the best method for safeguarding a pet’s health. In Florida’s environment fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are a threat year round, no matter what zip code or neighborhood you live in.

Between pet-friendly accommodations, pet-centric destinations, and the numerous ways to get between points A and B, traveling with pets has never been this easy or safe. To achieve the best possible trip, a bit of planning and preparation make all the difference. We’re happy to help pet owners get started toward a safe, stress-free adventure with their best friends.

Ticks are a year-round threat to pet health in the Sunshine State with an increase in activity during spring and summer due to newly hatched nymphs looking for their first blood meals. Nymphs can be much harder because they are so small.

There are numerous tick species seen in Florida, including:

• American dog tick
• Lone star tick
• Gulf coast tick
• Black-legged tick

The brown dog tick has the potential to infest areas rather quickly. If your dog or cat visits places frequented by lots of other animals (like dog parks, kennels, backyard with frequent wildlife, etc.), they may be at higher risk of picking up one or more ticks.