One of the most consistent things we see in veterinary medicine is the difference that regular senior screenings make in outcomes. Not because the tests are magical, but because catching kidney disease in Stage 1 gives you years of good management rather than months of crisis management. Because finding uncontrolled hypertension in a senior cat [...]
New puppies and kittens bring a lot of joy into a household, and in many cases, they also bring intestinal parasites. Roundworms and hookworms are so common in young animals that veterinary guidelines recommend starting deworming at just two weeks of age, before most families have even brought their new pet home. These parasites are [...]
When Allergies Turn Dangerous: Recognizing Hives and Anaphylaxis in Dogs and Cats From Mild Itch to Medical Emergency: What Allergic Reactions Look Like in Pets One moment your dog is napping on the couch. Twenty minutes later, their muzzle is swollen, they're pawing frantically at their face, and you're not sure whether to wait and [...]
It can be alarming to notice thinning patches, bald spots, or excessive licking when you are petting your dog or cat. While some shedding is normal, changes like patchy loss, persistent thinning, or skin that looks red or flaky usually point to something deeper. The reassuring news is that most cases of hair loss improve [...]
Routine Ear Maintenance: What Normal Looks Like and When to Worry Ear problems announce themselves through scratching, head shaking, and unpleasant odors, but waiting for obvious symptoms means infections have already established. Weekly or biweekly ear inspections catch redness, discharge, and excessive wax before they progress to painful infections requiring intensive treatment. The inspection routine [...]
You wake up in the middle of the night to that awful sound- you know the one- and moments later, you’re kneeling on the floor, trying to figure out what just happened. Seeing your dog vomit can be startling and emotional, especially when they look confused or uncomfortable afterward. You may find yourself wondering whether [...]
Hair loss in pets isn’t just cosmetic; it’s often a sign of an underlying issue. From allergies and parasites to hormonal imbalances, many conditions can cause thinning coats or bald patches. Identifying the root cause is key to restoring both skin health and comfort. At WesVet Animal Hospital, our family-owned Nashville practice combines compassionate care [...]
Road trips, camping weekends, and family vacations are more fun when your pet can tag along. But new destinations bring new challenges- from parasites and infectious diseases to stress and environmental hazards that pets may not face at home. Whether you’re traveling across the state or across the country, a little preparation goes a long [...]
Most cat owners know the drill: one day your cat skips a meal, vomits on the rug, or curls up in a quiet corner, and you wonder whether to worry or wait it out. Because cats are so skilled at masking discomfort, these small changes often get brushed off as minor. But sometimes, they signal [...]
When your dog seems off- restless, drooling, trying to vomit but nothing comes up- it’s easy to hope it’s just a passing upset stomach. But sometimes, it’s not. At WesVet Animal Hospital in Brentwood, Tennessee, we see it all, and we’re here to help you recognize when it could be something far more serious: Gastric [...]
