What Is Telemedicine for Pets?

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What Is Telemedicine for Pets?

Telemedicine has been around almost as long as the telephone, but new technologies have revitalized the telemedicine space, making it more convenient than ever to access professional veterinary advice for pets. At Pacific Pet Hospital, we are pleased to provide state-of-the-art veterinary telemedicine via the Anipanion smartphone app.

What Is Telemedicine for Pets?

Telemedicine refers to the practice of getting a doctor’s advice over the phone or via email, video chat, or texting. In the case of pets, telemedicine refers to getting advice remotely from a veterinarian regarding your pet’s health and/or care.
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What Kinds of Veterinary Services Are Available Via Telemedicine?

Telemedicine makes getting a quick professional veterinary opinion easy since you can access it from the comfort of your own home – or anywhere you have internet or cellular service. With telemedicine for pets, you can send videos and/or pictures of your pet to our veterinarian and talk with a veterinarian about your pet’s symptoms to receive advice from afar.
Telemedicine is especially useful for managing our existing patients’ ongoing veterinary concerns, medication refills, surgery follow-ups, consultations, and advice regarding whether or not emergency or urgent veterinary care is needed.
That being said, telemedicine does have its limitations because we cannot physically examine your pet in person during a telemedicine appointment. As a result, we can’t measure your pet’s vital signs, feel your pet’s vital organs, take x-rays, perform ultrasounds, or collect samples for laboratory testing. So, depending on the situation, achieving an actual diagnosis can be difficult with telemedicine.
However, our veterinarian can evaluate your pet, consult with you, and provide you with advice based on our remote observations and the information you provide.

Is My Pet Eligible for Telemedicine?

At Pacific Pet Hospital, we always strive to practice veterinary medicine with the utmost care and responsibility. For that reason, our telemedicine services are only available to our existing patients, and we approve telemedicine appointments for those patients on a case-by-case basis since it is sometimes still necessary to actually see a pet in person to monitor ongoing health concerns with in-person examinations and routine diagnostic testing that can only be achieved in our office.
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Learn More About Telemedicine for Pets in San Diego

Our veterinarians and team at Pacific Pet Hospital welcome you to contact our office to learn more about telemedicine for pets with the Anipanion app. To learn more, please contact us today.

Treat Your Dog With These Fruits and Vegetables

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Treat Your Dog With These Fruits and Vegetables

Feeding your dog a diet that includes high-quality, veterinarian-recommended pet food should provide all of the nutrients and calories that your pet needs to stay healthy. Treating, however, can be a fun way to enrich your pet’s life and strengthen the bond you have together. You can treat your pet with high-quality, healthy pet treats purchased from a pet supply store, or you can experiment with some of the fresh fruits and vegetables you have on hand in your kitchen.
Although many of the foods people eat are toxic for pets, some of our favorite fruits and vegetables can actually be used to liven up your pet’s taste buds and used as treats for your dog.

25 Fruits and Veggies That Are Safe for Your Dog to Eat

The following fruits and vegetables are safe for your dog to eat. To create extra-special treats, try experimenting by pairing these ingredients with all-natural peanut butter (double-check that yours doesn’t contain any xylitol), and you can try freezing your homemade treats, too!
  • Apples (without the seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Bell peppers (too many could cause indigestion)
  • Blueberries and blackberries
  • Broccoli (too much could upset your pet's stomach)
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Cantaloupe
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cranberries
  • Cucumbers
  • Green beans
  • Lettuce
  • Mangos (without the pits)
  • Nectarines (without the pits)
  • Peaches (without the pits)
  • Pears
  • Peas
  • Pineapple
  • Potatoes
  • Raspberries (in moderation)
  • Strawberries
  • Spinach (in moderation)
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Watermelon (without the seeds and rind)

Always Treat Safely! 15 Human Foods That Are Toxic to Pets

Many of the foods that humans eat are toxic and dangerous for pets to ingest. When treating your pet, avoid these:
  • Alcohol
  • Allium family (onions, leeks, garlic, shallots, chives, etc.)
  • Avocado
  • Asparagus
  • Caffeine
  • Cherries
  • Chocolate
  • Citrus
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Mushrooms
  • Nuts
  • Plums
  • Tomatoes
  • Xylitol
  • Yeast dough

Nutritional Counseling at Pacific Pet Hospital

When trying out new foods with your pet, always keep a close eye on how their digestive system reacts. Although something might not be toxic for your pet, it doesn’t mean they’ll like eating it or digest it well. Additionally, make sure that the treats you give your pet make up no more than 10% of their daily calory intake to avoid over-feeding, weight gain, and all the health problems that come with obesity.
To learn more about creating a healthy, fun, and balanced diet for your dog, we welcome you to talk with a veterinarian at Pacific Pet Hospital today.

Enjoying the Beach With Your Pet in Winter

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Enjoying the Beach With Your Pet in Winter

Southern California life is beach life, and that’s true for dogs, too. Most dogs love splashing in the waves and digging around in the sand – no matter the season. To make sure you and your dog fully and safely enjoy your time together at the beach, consider the following safety tips.

6 Beach Safety Tips for Dogs in Winter

1. Be Mindful of Colder Water, Temperatures, and Wind

When the water and air temperatures are colder and the wind is whipping, too, remember that your pup is susceptible to hypothermia. Dogs often get too excited playing to realize that their internal temperature is dropping dangerously. Limit your time outdoors on cold days, especially in the water, and if the water looks too rough, don’t let your dog go in.

2. Make Sure Your Dog Can Swim

Plenty of dogs love the water and love to swim, but many don’t and some can’t swim at all. Before running paws-first into the ocean with your dog, take them to a calmer, safer spot to make sure they like the water and that they are able to swim.

3. Cold Water Can Be Painful

Cold water can exacerbate symptoms for dogs with joint problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia. It’s best for these dogs not to swim during the winter.
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4. Visit Dog-Friendly Spots

Before you set out, make sure you plan to visit a beach that allows dogs and check the leash rules and regulations to make sure you have a leash of the proper length if required. (We recommend always bringing a leash no matter what.)

5. Bring Drinking Water

If possible, keep your dog from drinking the ocean water, as the salt in it can dehydrate your dog and lead to salt poisoning. Bring plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl to keep your dog hydrated while he plays.

6. Rinse and Dry Well

The salt in ocean water can irritate your dog’s skin and damage her coat. Be sure to wash your dog thoroughly with fresh water and dry them off well to keep them from getting too cold during the winter.
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Schedule a Checkup at Pacific Pet Hospital

Before heading out for any unusual physical activity or more exercise than normal, it’s best to have your dog’s health checked out by a veterinarian. We welcome you to schedule an appointment at Pacific Pet Hospital to make sure your dog is fit for a romp in the waves.

National Pet Hydration Awareness Month

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Water and Your Pet: National Pet Hydration Awareness Month

The summer months mean warmer weather and more days spent playing at the beach, and who doesn’t love taking their dog to splash in the waves? However, the warm weather and the ocean present two potential problems for pets: dehydration (and subsequent heatstroke) and water intoxication. Both are serious health concerns and can be fatal.
During National Pet Hydration Awareness Month in July, our veterinarians are spreading awareness about the importance of proper pet hydration. Keeping your pets hydrated by providing plenty of cool, fresh water can help prevent dehydration, heatstroke, and water intoxication which can all be fatal.
To safely have fun with your pets this summer, keep them hydrated and learn to recognize the signs of both dehydration and water intoxication.

Signs of Dehydration in Pets

Your pet might be dehydrated if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive panting
  • Appetite loss
  • Sunken eyes
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of skin elasticity
Dehydration is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left unaddressed.
Your pet’s body contains 80% water! That’s a way bigger percentage than humans who are about 60% water. So, your pets need to drink a lot to stay hydrated in warm weather. You can help your pet stay hydrated by providing plenty of fresh, cool drinking water. Consider purchasing a pet water fountain to encourage drinking or adding broth ice cubes for an enticing flavor your pet will love.
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Signs of Water Intoxication

Water intoxication occurs when the ratio of water to salt in your pet’s bloodstream becomes unbalanced. Water intoxication can happen when pets drink too much water (hyponatremia) or ingest too much salt (hypernatremia).
Mild signs and symptoms include:
  • Loss of coordination
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Dilated pupils and glazed eyes
  • Excessive drooling
  • Pale gums
Severe signs and symptoms include:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma
Water intoxication is a medical emergency, as it can be fatal without prompt treatment.
When you visit the beach, be sure to bring plenty of fresh water for your dog to drink and carefully monitor how much saltwater your pet might be taking in.

Learn More About Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer

To learn more about the importance of proper pet hydration and electrolyte balance, we encourage you to talk with our veterinarians in Chula Vista. To schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact Pacific Pet Hospital today.
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