Could My Cat Benefit From Genetic Testing?

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Could My Cat Benefit From Genetic Testing?

Just like humans, cats can be predisposed to certain health conditions due to their genetic makeup. By identifying these genetic predispositions early on, veterinarians can take proactive steps to manage or prevent potential health issues in your cat. One important aspect of cat health is Genetic Testing. Genetic testing is a powerful tool that can help pet owners identify potential health issues in their cats and take proactive steps to prevent or manage them.

What Is Genetic Testing For Cats?

Genetic testing for cats involves analyzing the DNA of a cat to identify specific genetic mutations or variations that may affect their health. These tests can be performed at any time, but they are most commonly done when a cat is young to identify any inherited conditions that may impact their health in the future.
There are many different types of genetic tests available for cats, and each one focuses on a specific condition or set of conditions. Some tests look for mutations associated with certain diseases, while others test for variations that may affect a cat’s coat color, pattern, or type. In either case, genetic testing can provide valuable insights into a cat’s health and help pet owners take steps to manage any issues that may arise.

What Are The Benefits of Genetic Testing For Cats?

There are several benefits of genetic testing for cats, including:
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Early detection of potential health issues

Genetic testing can help identify potential health issues in cats before they become symptomatic. This allows pet owners to take proactive steps to prevent or manage these issues and improve their cat’s overall quality of life.

Tailored care

Genetic testing can help veterinarians develop personalized care plans for cats based on their unique genetic makeup. This can include tailored diets, exercise plans, and medications that are specific to the cat’s needs.

Peace of mind

Genetic testing can provide pet owners with peace of mind by confirming that their cat does not carry any genetic mutations associated with inherited diseases. This can be especially important for breeds that are predisposed to certain health conditions.

Could My Cat Benefit From Genetic Testing?

While not all cats will benefit from genetic testing, it can be a valuable tool for those that are at risk of developing certain health issues. Cats that are purebred or have a known history of inherited diseases may be good candidates for genetic testing.
Some of the most common conditions that genetic testing can identify in cats include:
If you are considering genetic testing for your cat, it is important to talk to your veterinarian first. They can help you determine if genetic testing is appropriate for your cat and recommend specific tests based on their breed, age, and health history.
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Genetic Testing For Cats At Pacific Pet Hospital

At Pacific Pet Hospital, we understand the importance of genetic testing for cats and are dedicated to providing our clients with the latest & greatest services in feline healthcare. If you have any questions about genetic testing or would like to schedule an appointment for your cat, please contact us today for additional information!

Celebrating Your Dog’s Favorite Treat – Peanut Butter

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Celebrating Your Dog's Favorite Treat – Peanut Butter

January 24th is National Peanut Butter Day, a day set aside for celebrating a staple found in just about every American’s kitchen and a favorite flavor among dogs around the world. Let’s celebrate by learning a little more about peanut butter dog treats and the nutritional benefits for dogs.

5 Nutritional Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs

1. High Protein

Protein should make up a primary portion of your dog’s diet, and peanut butter is 25% protein. This makes it a great choice for dogs.

2. High Fiber

Peanut butter is also high in fiber which (in moderation) can help to regulate your dog’s digestive system, promoting better gastrointestinal health.

3. Healthy Fatty Acids

Peanut butter is high in fat but in the healthy kinds: polyunsaturated fatty acids.

4. Vitamin-Rich

Peanut butter contains high amounts of vitamin E and a variety of B vitamins which are essential for the health and function of your dog’s body.

5. Mineral-Rich

Peanut butter also contains a lot of manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus which help to keep your dog’s body strong in a variety of ways such as facilitating energy production at the cellular level and supporting the health of your dog’s teeth.
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Choosing the Right Peanut Butter for Your Dog

Not all kinds of peanut butter are created equal. Some contain toxic artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Others have added sugar. Some are highly processed. When choosing peanut butter for your pet, stick with an all-natural recipe and make sure it does not contain xylitol.
It’s also important to remember that, as with most treats, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Be sure to limit your dog’s peanut butter intake to reasonable, size-appropriate portions for your pet.

Nutritional Counseling for Pets at Pacific Pet Hospital

Your pet’s diet and nutrition create the foundation for its overall health. So, what your pet eats and how much can have a major impact on their overall wellness, energy level, happiness, and long-term health. At Pacific Pet Hospital, we provide nutritional counseling for pets of all ages and species. We tailor our nutritional plans to meet the individual needs of each of our patients, providing general recommendations and specific prescription diets designed to address particular health problems.
To learn more about your pet’s nutrition or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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Celebrating the New Year and Traveling With Your Pet

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Celebrating the New Year and Traveling With Your Pet

2022 is quickly coming to a close, and that means we’re getting ready to welcome 2023 with festive New Year’s Eve celebrations. While some pets are very social and love parties, others prefer quiet and sticking to their routines. Whether your pet is a party animal or not, consider the following tips to keep your pet safe during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

5 Safety Tips for Celebrating the New Year With Your Pet

1. Keep Food Out of Your Pet's Reach

Many human foods are toxic to pets, and many that aren’t toxic can still make your pet quite sick. Keep all of your party foods well out of the reach of your curious and hungry pets. For safety, make sure you have the number for Pet Poison Control available and an emergency veterinary hospital that will be available on New Year’s Eve.

2. Cover and Watch Your Drinks

Alcohol and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) that are commonly found in New Year’s Eve libations are toxic for pets. Keep drinks covered and never leave them unattended in a place where pets can reach them.

3. Create a Safe, Quiet Space for Your Pet

If you’ll be entertaining guests at your home, create a safe and quiet retreat for your pet in a closed-off room with a white-noise machine, pet bed, food, and water to help them feel comfortable and calm.

4. Keep Your Pet Indoors

Pets can easily become frightened on New Year’s Eve as a result of the loud fireworks that go off at midnight. Even if you have a fenced yard, be sure to keep your pet inside on New Year’s Eve to prevent them from becoming frightened, escaping the yard, and running away. Plus, they’ll feel safer and happier inside with all of the loud noises.

5. Get a Pet Microchip

Microchips greatly increase the odds of being reunited with a lost pet.

Need a Place to Stay on New Year's Eve? Check Out These Pet-Friendly Hotels in Chula Vista

Whether you’ll be visiting Chula Vista or have friends and family coming to stay for the holidays, if pets will be in tow, then a pet-friendly hotel is a must. There are several hotels in Chula Vista that welcome pets, such as those included on this list. If you’ll be traveling without your pets, we welcome you to contact Pacific Pet Hospital for local pet boarding and pet sitter recommendations.

5 Tips For Potty Training Your New Puppy

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5 Tips For Potty Training Your New Puppy

Getting a new puppy is an incredibly exciting time for any pet owner. No one can prepare you for all the love, and cuddles you are about to experience. And who doesn’t love that adorable new puppy smell? But even with all of the goodness that comes along with owning a new puppy, it is extremely important to remember that a new puppy also means a-lot of responsibility. Puppy potty training is one of the most important steps you can take for a long, and happy life with your new fur baby.

When Should I Start Potty Training My New Puppy?

Puppy potty training is one of the most important things you can do for your new pet. It can be frustrating, and can also be extremely time consuming, but it is crucial you take the time and energy to start potty training your new pup as soon as possible. The best time to start is when your puppy is about 8-12 weeks old. Although puppies do not gain full control of their bladder till closer to 5 months old, it is important to start around 8-12 weeks so you can help them form good habits early on.
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5 Tips for Potty Training Your New Puppy

1. Crate training is key – When potty training a new puppy, it is important to crate train them. This will help to keep them in one designated spot and make it easier for you to take them out to go.
2. Develop a schedule – Being consistent with a potty training schedule is important. This means taking your dog out to go at the same time each day. You can never take them out too much in those first few weeks of training.
3. Use a rewards system – A rewards system can be helpful in motivating your puppy to learn how to potty correctly. Rewards could include treats, praises, or toys. Give them rewards as often as you can!
4. Deal with mistakes the right way – If your puppy happens to have an accident, don’t punish them. This will only make them more anxious and difficult to train. Instead, clean up the mess calmly and firmly tell your pup “no” when they have an accident in the future.
5. Be patient and consistent with your potty training efforts – it may take a little while for your puppy to get the hang of things. Do not give up, it will be worth it!

Puppy Training With Advice From Experts At Pacific Pet Hospital!

When it comes to training your pup, it is important to do your research and seek advice from professionals whenever you can. Our doctors at Pacific Pet Hospital are here to help guide you and answer any questions you have about the health and well being of your new puppy! Get your pup off to a great start by scheduling their first Wellness Exam and Vaccinations appointment with us today.
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10 Reasons Why Rescue Dogs Are the Best

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10 Reasons Why Rescue Dogs Are the Best

At Pacific Pet Hospital, we love all dogs equally (so much!). However, we have to admit that there are some things that set dogs adopted from animal shelters apart from the rest. If you’re considering rescuing a dog from a shelter, we encourage you to keep reading to learn about 10 reasons why rescue dogs are the best.

10 Reasons Why Rescue Dogs Are the Best (Why You Should Adopt – Not Shop)

1. Save Multiple Lives

When you rescue an animal from a shelter, you not only save the life of your new pet, but you also make room for another homeless pet to live safely in the shelter.

2. Enjoy Unconditional Love

Rescue pets have experienced homelessness or lost their families one way or another. As a result, they’ll appreciate your love and love you in return, all the more.

3. Spend Less on Your New Pet

Shelters usually have adoption fees, but these are simply designed to help cover some of your pet’s veterinary costs. These fees, however, are much less than the cost of purchasing a dog and paying for all of their initial vaccinations and spay or neuter procedure.

4. Avoid Surprises

With a shelter dog, you’ll have a good idea of their veterinary needs before you make a decision.
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5. You'll Have a Great Story to Tell

You can tell all your friends how you first spotted and connected with your new pet.

6. You'll Change Your New Pet's World

You’ll be giving a dog a second chance at living a wonderful life.

7. You'll Be Fighting Animal Cruelty

By adopting instead of shopping, you won’t be inadvertently supporting a puppy mill.

8. You Help Manage the Pet Population

There are animals in shelters because there are more dogs and cats than there are families to care for them. By adopting, you help to manage the population.

9. You'll Be Supporting Your Community

Animal shelters are vital organizations operating in your community, and choosing to rescue a pet from one helps them thrive.

10. It's Good for Your Healthy and Happiness

Not only do dogs help you get more exercise and improve your mood, but when you adopt from a shelter, you can feel proud of yourself too.
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Establish Your New Pet's Care With Pacific Pet Hospital

If you’re planning to adopt a dog or cat, one of the first steps to being a responsible pet owner is to establish care with a nearby veterinary clinic. At Pacific Pet Hospital, we are always happy to welcome new pets to our veterinary hospital, and we’re excited to work with you to help you give your new pet the best life ever. To learn more about our comprehensive services or about adopting a pet from an animal shelter, we welcome you to contact our office today.

How to Prepare Your House for a New Kitten

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How to Prepare Your House for a New Kitten

When you’re planning to get a new kitten, it can be tough to resist just picking one out and bringing it home right away. To give your kitten the best possible start in your home, however, you should take some steps to prepare your house for your kitten’s arrival before coming home with your newest furbaby.

5 Tips for Preparing Your House for a New Kitten

1. Create a Safe, Personal Space

Your kitten should have a safe, secluded space where it can feel comfortable and safe in your home. Block this area off from other pets and keep small children out. This area should have your kitten’s bed, food, water, and litter box.

2. Kitten-Proof Your Home

For kittens, there are countless hazards inside of human homes. This includes poisonous plants, human foods that are toxic to pets, household chemicals, medications, electrical cords, furniture that could fall easily, and even small hiding places that could be dangerous for your kitten. Remember that kittens are experts at jumping and climbing. So, you’ll need to lock away hazards tightly.

3. Get All of the Supplies You Need

Have everything your kitten needs already available when you bring your kitten home. This includes food formulated for kittens, a water bowl, litter box, toys, cat bed, pet carrier, collar with ID tags, and scratching post.
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4. Prepare Your Children

If you have children, be sure you talk with them about how they should interact with the new kitten to prevent the kitten from feeling overwhelmed, scared, or acting out aggressively. Talk with them about the appropriate ways to introduce themselves, how to talk to the kitten with a calm and gentle voice, how to pet the kitten gently, and play with the cat. With a good start, your kitten won’t be afraid and will feel comfortable with your children. Then, they can enjoy one of the best relationships ever.

5. Find a Veterinarian and Establish Care

Before adopting a kitten, you should also choose a veterinarian and contact their office to schedule an appointment for establishing your new pet’s care. Every new pet should have a checkup to ensure they are healthy and have all the preventative treatments they need.
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Wellness and Preventive Care for Kittens in San Diego

To learn more about adopting a kitten or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact Pacific Pet Hospital in Chula Vista today.

Pets and the Solar Eclipse

Pets and the Solar Eclipse

With the August 21st solar eclipse soon approaching we are told not to look at it without special glasses. This is because the sun sends powerful UV rays towards the earth which are most powerful when looking directly at the sun, on any day, not just during the eclipse. The UV rays damage the retina, the nerve complex in the back of the eye responsible for sight.
The retina does not have any pain receptors so you will not feel pain as the damage is being done. Even a sliver of direct sunlight causes damage, so when the sun is just partially blocked, damage can still be done to the eye. Special glasses are the only way to safely view the eclipse.
Pets do not naturally look directly at the sun and if they do it is only briefly, not long enough to cause damage. Good luck trying to keep solar glasses on your pet (cats-forget it!). If you are concerned, you can keep your pet inside during the short period of time the eclipse is happening but it is very unlikely they will be in danger during this period of time.
Space.com has a complete guide for how to view an eclipse safely

Dr. Ken Upton

Fleas, Mosquitos & Ticks, OH MY!

Summer Parasites that “bug” Your Pet and Advice from Your Vet in Chula Vista!

Fun& sun but for your pet it is parasite season.

Fleas – When a flea gets on your pet, it bites your pet every 10 minutes. Depending on the product, the topical flea medication takes 45min to 6 hours to kill the fleas (36 bites per flea until it dies). The oral medications usually kill the fleas on the first bite.
Mosquitos – Mosquitos are outside but also get into your house. The study by the American Veterinarian Association showed that indoor pet were as likely to get this parasite as outdoor pets.
These parasites are much more prevalent this year due to the rain. They transmit heartworm disease that can be fatal or very costly ($1000-2000) to treat.
Ticks – Ticks bites are painful – can cause Lyme disease and are preventable.
All of these parasites, fleas, heartworms, and ticks are controllable with easy & cost-effective medication.
Our prevention medications are competitive, if not less, than most internet prices and have a warranty that gives you the comfort that the medications will work and if they do not, you will not have to pay expensive costs of treatment. The manufacturing company will cover the costs to treat your pet. Other online pharmacies and Costco do not cover this warranty. It is only through the manufacturer company sold by the Veterinarian. Of the vast selection of products in the marketplace, we will help you choose the best one for your pet.
We have an online pharmacy where we can offer many more brands than we can carry on-site. These also carry the guarantee. With your budget in mind, another cost-effective option is to auto-ship the RemindMe option through our online pharmacy. You can pay for the one monthly dose each month and we will send you a future dose to your house each month. Then you don’t have to pay for all six or 12-months up front.

Heat and Your Pets

HEAT can kill your pet

Summer…Beach, barbecues, errands, and shopping for barbecues, fun. Taking your pet with you seems like a good Idea and companion on the errands. Look harder at the stats.

Point 1; did you know that a parked car outside at 78.F will get to 100-120.F in just a few minutes. O.K so how about a very sunny day? 90. F to 160.F in less than 5-10 minutes.

Most shopping takes longer the 5-10 minutes. Even if you are going to 7-11.
Heatstroke is very serious and can happen very fast. At best you can get your pet to a veterinarian very fast. At worst your pet dies.
If you see a pet in a car on a hot day, is excessively panting and you believe is in danger (it is illegal to leave a pet in a car with closed windows or in distress), call the police with the color, model, make and license plate number.
If the pet is in imminent danger, get a witness and extract the pet from the car while waiting for the police.

Point 2; walking your pet on asphalt is not the same as you walking with shoes on. A 86F day is about 135F on the pavement. You could fry an egg at that temperature. Watch for your pet prancing on the asphalt or cement or trying to walk in the grass. These are strong signs that your pet is in pain from the heat. A great option is getting booties for your pets’ feet

Certain breeds are more sensitive to the heat (Bull dogs, Boxers, Pugs, Sherpas).
If your pet is uncomfortable and panting, lethargic, vomiting, fells hot to the touch of the gums or ears, any of these signs-your pet needs to see a veterinarian NOW.

Ken Upton, DVM

Fleas, Ticks and Worm Medications

Pacific Pet Hospital in Chula Vista, Ca discuses Fleas, Ticks and Worm medications.

The daunting challenge for owners of what products to use to protect their pets from fleas, ticks, and worms. Here is the vast array of products ; Dogs; K-9 Advantix 11, Advantage Multi, Advantage, Vectra 3D, Comfortis, Trifexis, Activyl, Bravecto, Tri-heart, Frontline, Frontline Plus, Frontline Gold, Heartgard, Heartgard Plus, NexGard, Sentinel, Iverheart Max, Vet-kem, Ovitrol, X-Trend, Spot On, ProHeart, Revolution, Simparica. 24 different products!
Cats; Advantage Multi, Advantage 11, Cheristin, Actival Spot on, Frontline Plus for Cats, Frontline Tritak, Heartgard, Program injectable, Vet-Kem, Ovitrol, X-Trend, Spot On, Revolution. 13 different products! Really…unless you spent 8 years in college to get your veterinary degree and ideally an additional 2 years to get your masters in parasitology this list is not comprehensible. Pet owners spend about $379 million a year on these products.
So here is the scoop; for years the only way pet owners had to protect or control parasites on their pets were pouring a dip made of pyrethrums over their pet every month. This was time-consuming and pungent smelling and was not for cats (cats could be killed from this chemical). A Huge change- Advantage Spot On was invented. No pungent baths, safe for cats, once a month application of a small amount of liquid to the back of the neck of your pet. The main problem is it did not kill ticks and washed off if you bathed your pet between applications.
Thus came Frontline; same application once a month, killed fleas and ticks and did not wash off with a bath in between application.
O.K… now Advantage lost a large part of the market. So Advantage added the permethrins (Advantix) that killed fleas and ticks. The only problem I see with this is that the product in Advantage (kills only fleas) and the permethrins (kills fleas and ticks but is more toxic). So why spend the extra money when you could just use the old stuff. The permethrins made Advantix toxic to cats so it was only for dogs. Maybe you should research or better yet talk to your veterinary about the other 37 products available. More animal pharmaceuticals companies got into the game and totally confused us all.
The best product is the one your veterinarian has researched, with the least side effects to your pet, the ease of giving it and the most cost-effective for the protection of your pet.
Dr. Ken Upton