The holidays are a time for family, food, and festive cheer, but not all holiday treats are safe for our pets. From rich foods to tempting table scraps, many traditional dishes can cause serious health issues for cats and dogs. At CityVet, we want to help you celebrate safely with a few simple reminders and pet-friendly tips.

Holiday Foods to Avoid

Many popular holiday foods can be dangerous, even in small amounts. Avoid feeding your pets:

• Bones: Cooked turkey or ham bones can splinter and cause choking or intestinal injury.
• Onions, garlic, and leeks: Found in gravies and stuffings, these can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
• Fatty foods: Rich meats, buttery sides, and gravy can trigger pancreatitis.
• Chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol: All are toxic to pets and can lead to vomiting, seizures, or worse.
• Macadamia nuts, grapes, and raisins: Even small amounts can cause serious illness.
• Spices like nutmeg: Often in desserts, nutmeg can cause tremors or seizures.

Safe Alternatives

Want to include your pet in the holiday meal? Offer small portions of plain, unseasoned foods such as:

• Cooked turkey breast or chicken (no bones or skin)
• Steamed carrots, green beans, or peas
• Plain pumpkin or sweet potato (no sugar or butter)

Always serve these foods in moderation, and stick to your pet’s regular diet as much as possible to avoid digestive upset.

Holiday Safety Tips

• Keep food out of reach: Don’t leave plates or trash unattended where pets can sneak a bite.
• Avoid table feeding: Even a small taste from your plate could contain harmful ingredients.
• Create a pet-safe zone: Give your pet a quiet space away from guests, noise, and food temptations.
• Watch for warning signs: If your pet shows vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian right away.

If your pet(s) eat something they shouldn’t, or you simply want to make sure they’re healthy going into the new year, schedule a checkup with your nearest CityVet location. Call or visit us at CityVet to book your appointment.

As the seasons shift, so do your pet’s health needs. From allergies in the spring to dry skin in the winter, each season brings unique challenges for your furry family member. At CityVet, we want to help you stay ahead of these changes so your pet can feel their best all year long.

Common Seasonal Health Concerns

• Allergies: Pollen, grass, mold, and dust can cause sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Pets can overheat in the summer or get too cold in winter.
• Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes thrive in warmer months and can linger into fall.
• Dry Skin and Shedding: Seasonal temperature and humidity changes can affect your pet’s coat and skin health.
• Joint Discomfort: Cold weather may worsen stiffness, especially in older pets or those with arthritis.

How to Protect Your Pet Year-Round

• Stay on Preventatives: Keep your pet on year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives; parasites can survive longer than you think.
• Adjust Diet as Needed: Seasonal activity changes may mean adjusting food portions to maintain a healthy weight.
• Groom Regularly: Brushing removes loose fur and helps prevent matting and dry skin during seasonal shedding.
• Hydrate and Moisturize: Ensure your pet always has fresh water, and consider moisturizing shampoos during dry months.
• Exercise Smartly: Avoid midday heat in summer and icy surfaces in winter. Early morning or late evening walks are ideal.
• Monitor for Allergies: If your pet licks or scratches excessively, talk to your vet about allergy testing or medication options.
• Create Comfortable Spaces: Use cooling mats in summer or cozy blankets in winter to help regulate body temperature.

When to Visit the Vet

• Persistent itching, sneezing, or ear infections
• Limping or stiffness during colder months
• Changes in appetite, weight, or coat condition
• Signs of lethargy or discomfort after seasonal transitions

A quick checkup can prevent minor seasonal issues from becoming major health concerns. Call or visit us at CityVet to book your appointment.

As pet owners, we know our furry friends can’t tell us when something’s wrong. That’s why it’s important to recognize when their symptoms may signal a serious health issue. Acting quickly can make all the difference in protecting your pet’s health and well-being. Here are five warning signs that mean it’s time to call your veterinarian right away.

1. Sudden Changes in Eating or Drinking Habits

• Skipping meals occasionally may not be alarming, but refusing to eat or drink for more than 24 hours can indicate an underlying illness.
• Excessive drinking or urination may also signal diabetes, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances.

2. Difficulty Breathing or Coughing

• Labored breathing, persistent coughing, or wheezing can be signs of respiratory infection, heart disease, or an allergic reaction.
• Rapid breathing or open-mouth breathing in cats is especially concerning and should be treated as an emergency.

3. Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Signs of Poisoning

• Occasional digestive upset can happen, but repeated vomiting, diarrhea, or blood in stool needs immediate attention.
• If your pet may have ingested toxins like chocolate, xylitol, medication, or plants, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

4. Lethargy, Weakness, or Collapse

• If your pet suddenly becomes weak, disoriented, or unwilling to move, it could point to infection, internal bleeding, or organ failure.
• Collapse or fainting is always an emergency. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away.

5. Visible Pain, Injury, or Behavioral Changes

• Limping, crying out, or hiding could mean your pet is in pain from injury or illness.
• Changes in behavior, such as aggression, confusion, or withdrawal, may also indicate your pet isn’t feeling well.

When in Doubt, Don’t Wait
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to have your pet evaluated as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and ensure your pet receives the care they need to recover quickly.

Visit CityVet today to schedule an appointment or learn more.

As our pets age, their needs change but their love for us never does. November is Senior Pet Health Month, a reminder to give our older companions the special attention they deserve. With the right care, senior pets can stay happy, healthy, and comfortable for years to come.

Signs Your Pet May Be Entering Their Senior Years

• Most dogs and cats are considered seniors around age seven
• Common signs of aging include:
  • Slower movement or stiffness
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Cloudy eyes or decreased vision
  • Increased thirst or urination
  • Behavioral changes such as confusion or restlessness

Key Areas of Senior Pet Health

• Nutrition & Weight Management: Senior pets benefit from age-appropriate diets that support joint health, digestion, and immune function. Ask your vet about the best food to maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular Checkups & Preventive Care: Bi-annual wellness exams help detect arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, or other age-related conditions early. Your CityVet veterinarian may recommend bloodwork or additional screenings.
• Dental Health: Dental disease is common in older pets. Regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings can prevent pain and infection.
• Mobility & Joint Support: Look for signs of arthritis such as limping or difficulty climbing stairs. Supplements, low-impact exercise, and comfortable bedding can help ease discomfort.
• Mental Stimulation & Comfort: Keep your pet’s mind sharp with gentle activity, interactive toys, and a consistent routine. Provide a cozy, quiet space for rest and relaxation.

Helping Your Senior Pet Thrive

Caring for an older pet is about more than managing their health, it’s about helping them enjoy every day. Show them patience, keep them active, and make time for the moments that matter most.

If your pet is entering their golden years, schedule a senior wellness exam today. Visit CityVet today to learn more.

Halloween is a time of excitement filled with costumes, candy, and community celebrations. While families enjoy the festivities, the holiday can also bring hidden dangers for pets. From unfamiliar sights and sounds to tempting treats, the season can be stressful or even hazardous. These tips will help keep pets safe while the fun unfolds.

Candy and Chocolate

• Chocolate (especially dark or baking) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in pets.
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free candy and gum) can trigger rapid drops in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
• What to do if your pet eats candy:
  • Remove remaining candy from reach
  • Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately
  • Note the type of candy, how much was eaten, and your pet’s weight

Costumes and Decorations

• Only use costumes that fit comfortably and don’t restrict breathing, vision, or movement
• Avoid costumes with dangling parts that can be chewed or swallowed
• Keep pets away from decorations like glow sticks, wires, candles, and fake spider webs

Stranger Danger

• Trick-or-treaters, costumes, and constant doorbell noise can overwhelm pets
• Create a quiet, secure space for your pet with toys, a bed, or calming music
• Always make sure collars and ID tags are up to date in case your pet slips out

Trick-or-Treat Walks

• Keep dogs leashed and close to you at all times
• Use reflective gear for visibility at night
• Prevent your pet from picking up dropped candy or wrappers

General Safety

• Store candy bowls and treat bags out of reach
• Monitor pets closely around pumpkins and seasonal plants (moldy pumpkins and decorative corn can cause stomach upset)
• Contact your veterinarian right away if your pet shows signs of poisoning (vomiting, drooling, lethargy, tremors, seizures)

Keep Halloween safe, fun, and stress-free for the whole family. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, schedule an appointment with your local CityVet today. Call or visit us at CityVet to book your appointment.

The Mentor Advantage: How Guiding New Veterinarians Enriches Your Career

After graduation, stepping into the clinic they will work as a new, licensed veterinarian for the first time is a defining moment for any new doctor. New grads bring fresh knowledge and immense passion, but also a healthy dose of uncertainty. As a tenured veterinarian, you have the unique opportunity to guide them through this critical phase. While the advantages for the new graduate are clear, the benefits of veterinary mentorship for the mentor are just as profound and often overlooked.

Guiding a new professional is more than just a kind gesture; it’s a powerful investment in yourself, your practice, and the future of our shared community. This post explores the significant rewards you gain from mentoring new veterinarians, offers practical tips for building a strong connection, and outlines effective methods to make the experience fulfilling for everyone.

The Benefits of Mentoring

Taking on a mentorship role requires time and energy, but the return on that investment is immense. It enriches your professional life in ways that extend far beyond the day-to-day routine of appointments and procedures.

Reignite Your Passion and Rediscover Your ‘Why’

Remember the excitement you felt during your first year of practice? Mentoring allows you to see the profession through a new lens. A mentee’s curiosity and enthusiasm can be contagious, reminding you of the core reasons you chose this demanding yet rewarding career. Answering their questions and explaining your thought process helps you reconnect with your own passion for animal welfare and the science of medicine.

Sharpen Your Own Clinical and Communication Skills

One of the best ways to master a subject is to teach it. Explaining complex cases, surgical techniques, or client communication strategies forces you to organize your thoughts and articulate your knowledge with greater clarity. This process reinforces your own expertise and can even reveal new insights into your established methods. You might find yourself re-evaluating old habits and adopting more efficient, evidence-based approaches inspired by your mentee’s recent education.

Build a Stronger, More Cohesive Team

A clinic with a strong culture of veterinary mentorship is a healthier, more collaborative environment. When you invest in a new team member’s growth, you foster a sense of loyalty and mutual respect. This supportive atmosphere improves team morale, reduces turnover, and enhances overall clinic efficiency. A well-mentored new veterinarian quickly becomes a confident and capable colleague, sharing the caseload and contributing positively to the practice.

Become a Leader and Shape the Future

Mentoring is an act of leadership. By sharing your wisdom and experience, you are actively shaping the next generation of veterinarians. You have the chance to instill the values of compassion, ethics, and high-quality care that define our profession. This legacy of guidance is a powerful contribution that extends beyond your individual practice and helps uphold the standards of veterinary medicine for years to come.

Effective Mentoring Tips for Veterinarians

Successful mentorship is built on a foundation of trust, communication, and shared goals. Here are some practical tips to help you build a strong and supportive relationship with your mentee.

Set Clear Expectations from the Start

Begin the relationship with an open conversation. Discuss what the mentee hopes to gain and what you can realistically offer. Establish how often you will meet, the best ways to communicate (e.g., scheduled check-ins, quick questions via text), and the key areas of focus. This clarity prevents misunderstandings and ensures you are both working toward the same objectives.

Foster a Safe and Open Environment

Your mentee needs to feel safe asking questions, no matter how basic they may seem. Create a judgment-free zone where they can admit mistakes and voice uncertainties without fear of criticism. Share stories of your own early career challenges to show that learning is a lifelong process. This vulnerability builds trust and encourages honest communication, which is essential for growth.

Go Beyond Clinical Skills

While technical skills are crucial, a huge part of a veterinarian’s success lies in their “soft skills.” Offer guidance on client communication, managing emotional cases, handling finances, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. These are often the areas where new graduates feel least prepared. Sharing your experience in these domains provides immense value and helps them build a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Celebrate Wins and Provide Constructive Feedback

Acknowledge your mentee’s progress and celebrate their successes, big and small. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivation. When offering corrective feedback, be specific, gentle, and constructive. Focus on the behavior or action, not the person, and provide actionable steps for improvement. Frame it as a shared effort to find a better solution.

A Partnership in Growth

Mentoring new veterinarians is one of the most generous and rewarding acts an experienced professional can undertake. It is a two-way street where your guidance helps a new doctor flourish, and their fresh perspective helps you grow. By embracing the role of a mentor, you not only strengthen your own skills and renew your passion but also contribute to a more supportive and resilient veterinary community.

You have a wealth of knowledge to share. By offering it to a new graduate, you create a lasting impact on their career and find a deeper sense of purpose in your own.

Ever wondered what it means for a veterinary clinic to be “Fear Free Certified”? At CityVet, we know that trips to the vet can sometimes feel stressful for pets and their owners. That’s why our teams have taken the extra step to become Fear Free Certified, meaning we’re trained to make each step of your pet’s visit as calm, comfortable, and positive as possible.

Fear Free is more than just a program. It’s a philosophy that reduces fear, anxiety, and stress before, during, and after your pet’s visit. Here’s how it works:

Before the Visit

A Fear Free experience begins before you even step foot in the clinic. We provide tips tailored to both cats and dogs to help your pet arrive relaxed. This might include:

• Using calming pheromone sprays for carriers or bedding
• Playing soothing music during the car ride
• Bringing a favorite blanket, toy, or treat from home
• Scheduling appointments during quieter times of the day
• Some short-acting anti-anxiety medications

During the Visit

Once your pet arrives at CityVet, our Fear Free approach continues. Every interaction is designed to keep your pet engaged, calm, and comfortable. Some of the ways we do this include:

• Offering treats or toys to create positive associations
• Using gentle handling techniques and avoiding force
• Providing separate waiting areas or exam room protocols for cats and dogs
• Incorporating breaks if your pet needs a moment to relax

After the Visit

Care doesn’t stop once the appointment ends. Fear Free strategies also extend to the trip home and beyond. For example:

• Dogs may benefit from a walk or playtime after the appointment to burn off nervous energy
• Cats may need a quiet, familiar space to settle back in at home
• We’ll share tips and recommendations tailored to your pet’s unique needs so future visits become easier over time

Being Fear Free Certified means we’re committed to not only caring for your pet’s physical health, but also their emotional well-being. We want your pet to feel safe and happy when visiting us.

Ready to experience a Fear Free vet visit?

Book your next appointment at CityVet and see the difference it makes for you and your pet.

As the weather cools down and leaves start to change, many of us celebrate fall by refreshing our gardens, porches, and yards with seasonal plants. While autumn blooms and décor bring beauty to your home, it is important to remember that some popular fall plants can pose serious risks to your furry family members. Below are some of the most common fall plants to watch out for:

Chrysanthemums (Mums)

These classic fall flowers are everywhere this time of year. But while they brighten up patios and porches, mums are toxic to dogs and cats. If eaten, they can cause vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.

Autumn Crocus

Beautiful but dangerous, the autumn crocus can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, kidney and liver damage, and even respiratory failure if ingested.

Oak Leaves & Acorns

Falling leaves and acorns may seem harmless, but they contain tannins that can upset a pet’s stomach. In larger amounts, acorns may cause more serious complications like obstructions that may require surgery.

Lilies

Especially dangerous for cat owners, even a small bite or lick of a lily can cause kidney failure in cats. If you bring these indoors as cut flowers, keep them well out of reach.

Pumpkins & Gourds

Pumpkins are generally safe in moderation, but moldy pumpkins or decorative gourds can upset your pet’s stomach. Always discard old or spoiled décor.

Tulips

While tulips are a favorite for fall planting, their bulbs can be especially harmful to pets who like to dig. Ingesting bulbs may cause drooling, nausea, and even heart issues.

What to Do if Your Pet Ingests a Toxic Plant

If you suspect your pet has eaten a toxic plant:

• Call your veterinarian immediately.
• Remove any remaining plant material from their mouth.
• Bring a photo or sample of the plant with you.
• Do not try home remedies unless instructed by your vet.

Safe Alternatives

Not all plants are off-limits. Pet-safe options like marigolds, snapdragons, and sunflowers can still give your yard that cozy fall feel without the risk.

Celebrate Fall Safely with Your Pets

Seasonal decorating and planting can be fun and safe as long as you’re mindful of what you bring into your home and yard. If you have any questions about toxic plants or your pet’s health this fall, the veterinarians at CityVet are here to help. Visit CityVet today to schedule an appointment or learn more.

Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease that affects both animals and humans. While it is preventable through vaccination, positive rabies cases have been on the rise in parts of the southern United States, including Texas and Oklahoma. Increased awareness and prevention are key to keeping both pets and people safe.

Rabies in the Southern U.S.

• According to recent surveillance data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, rabies continues to be detected in multiple animal species across the region.
• While skunks, bats, foxes, and raccoons are common carriers, unvaccinated pets are also at risk of contracting rabies and transmitting it to others
• Cases in domestic animals highlight the importance of staying up to date on rabies vaccinations.
• Human exposure most often occurs through bites or scratches from rabid animals, making prevention essential.

How Rabies Spreads

• Rabies is transmitted through saliva, usually from bites or open wounds exposed to infected saliva.
• Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
• Prevention through vaccination and avoidance of wildlife is the best defense.

Rabies Prevention for Your Pets

• Keep dogs and cats current on rabies vaccinations as required by law.
• Do not allow pets to roam freely where they may encounter wild animals.
• Supervise pets when outdoors, especially at dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active.
• Report stray or suspicious animals to local authorities.
• Seek veterinary care immediately if your pet is bitten by another animal.
• Protecting pets through rabies vaccination is not only essential for their health but also for the safety of your family and community.

Visit your local CityVet for more information about rabies prevention, to update your pet’s vaccinations, or if you have any questions about keeping your pets safe.

As summer comes to an end and families settle back into school, work, and daily routines, it is the perfect time to check in on your pet’s health. Busy schedules often mean pet appointments get pushed aside, but staying on top of preventive care is one of the best ways to keep your furry family member healthy and happy.

Why Pet Appointments Matter

• Preventive care saves lives: Regular exams allow veterinarians to catch issues early before they become serious.
• Parasite prevention: Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is especially important after summer travel and outdoor adventures.
• Dental health: Routine dental checks can prevent painful and costly problems down the line.
• Weight and nutrition checks: A healthy weight helps prevent long-term health issues like diabetes and joint pain.

Signs It’s Time to Schedule

• You can’t remember the last time your pet had a check-up.
• You noticed changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits.
• Your pet traveled with you over the summer or spent time in boarding or daycare.

Tips for Getting Back on Track

• Set reminders: Add preventive care to your family calendar so it doesn’t get overlooked.
• Pair with your routine: Schedule your pet’s appointments around back-to-school or seasonal family checkups to stay consistent.
• Plan ahead: Book appointments early before the holiday season gets busy again.

Now is the perfect time to get back on schedule with your pet’s preventive care. Visit CityVet to schedule an appointment and keep your pet happy, healthy, and ready for every season.