Our Blog

If you are like us, you have a long holiday to-do list looming in front of you. You may have special events to attend and, if you are hosting, lots of food and decorations to attend to.

While adding one more thing to your list may seem untenable, when it comes to your pet’s safety this Thanksgiving, emergencies can be prevented if you plan ahead. Let’s accomplish this task together by committing to the Thanksgiving basics we’ve listed for your success. Continue…

Your pet relies on you for necessities like food, water, exercise, and affection, but he or she also needs your help when it comes to preventing disease, too. Certainly regular wellness exams, routine vaccinations and parasite preventatives are all on the list of keeping your pet happy and healthy, but but have you thought of other potential health problems that your pet may develop, like cancer?

Just as it does with us, pet cancer can develop in any part of the body where abnormal cells grow and divide at a rapid rate. Pet cancer is frighteningly prevalent – and while there are certain breeds that are genetically predisposed the disease, it can be found in any pet at any age.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce your pet’s cancer risk. Here’s what you need to know… Continue…

We truly enjoy seeing all of our pet patients, and always want the best possible outcome for them – whether it is regarding general wellness or critical care. At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we strive to deliver excellent customer service to our clients and superb care to their pets, and hope we meet (if not exceed) those expectations.

However, sometimes we need help from pet owners during appointments to make sure that all the needs of the animal are addressed. We love to answer pet owner’s questions and, in preparation for your pet’s next visit to see us, we suggest bringing some notes and questions to help us serve your pet in the best possible way. Continue…

It’s that time of year again to get your family and pet ready for a night of costumed fun. Trick-or-treating can be incredibly enjoyable and exciting, but it can also be an extremely stressful and potentially dangerous time of for your pet.

Not only does your pet have access to a number of toxic foods, but your furry friend also faces risks of injury from the costume you have chosen for him or her, as well as the decorations in the house and yard. Help keep your pet safe this Halloween and free from any scary emergency situations by following some simple advice for the night of tricks and treats. Continue…

No one likes to think about parasites. Unfortunately, they are a reality in pets (and people too!). Part of responsible pet ownership is protecting your pets from unwanted invaders. Doing so helps to keep dogs and cats healthier longer.

Parasites in Pets

It is not uncommon for our pets to be affected by one or more parasites at some point in their life. Parasites are organisms that live on or in a host (your pet) and benefits by taking nutrients from its host. There are a wide range of parasites that affect our animals. Some are just annoying, while others can cause major illness or even death. Continue…

When you bring your pet to the vet, be it for a wellness exam or the urgent treatment of an immediate condition, you know that Fluffy or Fido will be in good hands. Most often (we hope), this is because of the care and devotion that our staff displays every day. Each member of our veterinary staff plays an important part in serving our pets’ needs, and our veterinary technicians are no exception.

National Veterinary Technician Week, which takes place October 13–17, gives pet owners (and veterinarians) the chance to recognize and thank those individuals that contribute to your pets’ health and well-being. Even though we acknowledge the dedication that vet techs display on a daily basis as they care for and treat our pets, National Veterinary Technician Week provides us with the opportunity to honor our vet techs’ ongoing commitment to animal welfare. Continue…

So you’ve made the big decision to become a pet owner. For many of us, nothing is more rewarding than owning a pet and being a responsible participant in ensuring your faithful companion remains healthy and happy, except maybe taking that extra step to adopt your pooch or kitty from a shelter.

Shelter pets need loving homes, sometimes more so than those you see in the pet shop window or for sale by a breeder. As October is Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, there is no better time to acknowledge the importance of adoption, or bask in the enjoyment of giving an adoring and deserving animal a forever home and family.

Once you’ve made the decision to welcome a shelter pet into your life, you will need to make some choices on the type of dog or cat you will be bringing home. Continue…

Dog personalities vary far and wide, but one thing is common across the board: they love being outside in the fresh air – especially during the crisp fall weather. After all, the myriad scents of the harvest are intriguing to the sniffers of backyard pooches and hunting dogs alike.

From September through March, millions of lucky hunting dogs rekindle their connection to the wilderness, display courage, and work hard to please their owner. Whether the target is big game, upland bird game, or waterfowl, dogs are major assets to a hunting party. However, there are numerous safety precautions to consider when it comes to hunting safety for dogs. Continue…

We are so lucky to start each day with our pets. The cold, wet nose on the palm before the alarm goes off, the incessant meowing before the food hits the bowl, the woofing coming from the backyard when the paper hits the front porch… We adore our pets’ consistent, everyday behaviors – perhaps because they reflect our own human ways. But where did our affinity for animals come from?

You may have heard that special little squeal or giggle that result from the very first touch of a whisker or floppy ear. Pet owners and families delight in the fact that babies are captivated by animals. The scores of stuffed animals that arrive for each birthday or holiday may perpetuate that fascination or the stories about animal characters kids naturally identify with. Continue…

As we round out yet another dry, hot summer here in San Antonio we’ve begun to notice certain changes in our neighborhoods. Folks are out in their yards and garages getting ready for the shifts in temperature our fickle seasons provide.

In your preparations for the coming months please consider your pet. Keep him or her inside and away from the action as you clear away refuse, plant your spring bulbs, fertilize your yard, and prepare your vehicle for the colder months ahead.

Rule of Thumb for Your Green Thumb

Many pet parents are painfully aware that their pups like to dig. However, if he gets his paws and jaws on certain flower bulbs he will be in a world of hurt. Continue…