Vaccines are important to safeguard your pet against serious diseases. Starting when they are 6 to 8 weeks of age, puppies and kittens need vaccinations and boosters every three to four weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. Adult pets need vaccinations every one to three years, depending on the vaccine and the pet’s [...]

Many pet owners attribute the fact that their pet is slowing down to normal aging, but arthritis, a common and painful pet condition, could be the cause. Arthritis (i.e., degenerative joint disease) causes pain and decreased mobility in pets of all ages, sizes, and breeds. "Arthritis" literally means joint inflammation, and is used to describe [...]

No one likes to think about their pet needing emergency care—but knowing how to prevent emergencies may save you and your pet from unnecessary suffering, heartache, and loss. Check out our LaGrange Veterinary Hospital guide on protecting pets from five of the most common pet emergencies.  If your pet is in an emergency situation, or [...]

Traveling—in a nutshell—can be stressful. Then, adding in the certain requirements and restrictions of including your four-legged friend, and a fun-filled trip can turn into a major headache. However, with proper preparation and planning, you can avoid many common travel troubles, help ensure your trip is smooth sailing, and is enjoyable for all. Follow these [...]

Your pet’s coat is more than fabulous fluff. Whether long or short, furry or sleek, your pet’s hair provides their body with a protective and insulating barrier. And, while some shedding is normal, sudden or dramatic hair loss (i.e., alopecia), thinning, and bald patches can be cause for concern—not for your pet’s ego, but for [...]

Seeing your pet undergo seizure activity, especially a grand mal seizure, can be terrifying. Whether you are witnessing a seizure for the first time, or your pet was diagnosed with epilepsy years ago, knowing how to react can make a world of difference for your four-legged friend. Be prepared, by learning the following do’s and [...]

Like people, our pets require annual health examinations to maintain a high quality of life and overall wellbeing—perhaps more so. Because our pets don’t always show obvious illness signs and can’t tell us when they aren’t feeling well, it’s our job to ensure they stay healthy throughout their life. Dr. Breite and the LaGrange Veterinary [...]

Thyroid disease is a common problem for cats and dogs, but they are affected by different types of issues. The thyroid gland, which has two lobes located on either side of your pet’s trachea, functions to regulate your pet’s metabolic rate by producing thyroid hormones. If the thyroid is overactive, a condition called hyperthyroidism occurs, [...]

Those adorable smush-faced pets you love to snuggle have a fancy name associated with their appearance—brachycephaly. Brachycephalic pets are popular among pet owners, and, while their bug-eyed features make them appealing, these same characteristics predispose them to a variety of health conditions. If you own one of these flat-faced pets, or are considering adding one [...]

Your pet may be more naughty than nice at times, but they definitely deserve a gift this holiday season. Finding the perfect gift for your special four-legged friend can be difficult, so our team at LaGrange Veterinary Hospital wants to provide pointers that will help you choose holiday gifts that keep your pet safe and [...]