Do dogs and cats in San Diego get fleas?

While ticks are a more seasonal concern, fleas are a year-round issue in climates like San Diego, and they become especially problematic during heatwaves. Fleas live in the environment and will only land on an animal to feed, so if you see one flea on your pet, chances are there are many more nearby. Routine flea and tick prevention is a key component of preventive health for cats and dogs in San Diego. Learn More

Are dog parks common in San Diego?

There are many dog parks all over San Diego with off-leash areas for your dog to explore and interact with other dogs. That being said, make sure your dog is leash-trained and vaccinated before bringing him or her to public spaces. Keep your dog in check and within sight at all times, particularly if they are off-leash. Don’t forget to pick up after your pet.

How much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat in San Diego?

The cost of a spay or neuter procedure for a cat in San Diego will vary depending on several factors, including whether or not you have a wellness plan, the age and general health of the animal in question, and more. Spaying and neutering helps keep the cat population under control, and both procedures have a variety of health benefits for cats as well. Learn More

How can I pay for veterinary treatment in San Diego?

Most San Diego residents pay for their veterinary care using insurance or out of pocket. Your San Diego vet wants to help your pet get the care they need to achieve a healthier smile. If you do not have pet insurance and cannot afford to pay for the care your pet needs, ask your vet about financing options or a payment plan.

How do I find a good vet in San Diego?

To find a good veterinarian in San Diego, there are a few things you can look for during your search: Positive reviews online A good 'bed-side manner' that makes you feel comfortable Willingness to take time to educate you on your pet's health in addition to providing treatment Easy process for booking appointments that strives to coordinate with your schedule Clear infection control protocols for your safety A range of services, including the specific types of pet care you are looking for

Is Parvovirus common in San Diego?

Canine parvovirus, also called “parvo”, is a deadly disease that is spread via stool from one dog to another. Sadly, Parvo is very common in San Diego. It spreads easily with rain and can stay in the soil up to eight years. For these reasons, it is essential to get your dog vaccinated. Learn More

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Emergency Care for Pets (Dogs, Cats)

My cat has a fever. What should I do?
As with people, cats will often develop a fever if their immune system is fighting off an infection or disease. The normal body temperature for cats is around 100.4º to 102.5º Fahrenheit. A fever is characterized by a temperature of more than 102.5º F in cats.

The underlying cause of the fever may determine what symptoms appear in your cat. You may notice these signs:
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness or lethargy
- Shivering
- Rapid heart rate
- Decreased activity
- Decreased drinking
- Dehydration
- Poor grooming
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If your feline friend shows any of the signs of fever below, bring them to see your vet for diagnosis and care as soon as possible. Cats that develop a fever higher than 106º F are at serious risk of damage to their vital organs.

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What should I do if my cat won't drink water?

All animals need to stay hydrated to stay healthy. Generally speaking, animals drink when they are thirsty, and different animals require different amounts of water to stay hydrated. So your cat may be getting enough water, even if they don't appear to be drinking much.

On the other hand, dehydration is a serious threat to your cat's health. Cats that don't drink enough water can quickly become dehydrated.

To check whether your cat may be dehydrated, you can examine their skin for elasticity and their gums for how pink and moist they are. Also check their litter box to find out if they might be constipated. If your cat seems to be panting, this is another common sign of dehydration.

If your cat is showing signs of dehydration contact your vet right away. Dehydration in cats can be fatal, and once the symptoms above become evident your cat is likely to be severely dehydrated and in need of emergency veterinary care.

If you are concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough water but they are not showing signs of dehydration, try moving your cat's water bowl to another location, and provide fresh water daily. Many cats will not drink water that has been sitting for an extended period.

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My dog's abdomen appears swollen. What could be causing it?

If you notice that your dog has a hard, swollen or bloated abdomen, this could point to a number of serious causes that need attention from an emergency veterinarian, ranging from heart failure or liver dysfunction to uterine infection, internal bleeding, or 'bloat'. It's never a good idea to ignore signs of a bloated abdomen in dogs. If your dog is showing signs of a bloated abdomen it's time to head to the emergency vet.

If your dog’s stomach becomes bloated, and you see other symptoms such as pacing, repeated unsuccessful attempts at vomiting, or saliva coming back up, your dog may be suffering from Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), also known as "Stomach Torsion," or “Dog Bloat.” Bloat is a very serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention!

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What is pulmonary edema in dogs?

Pulmonary edema is characterized by a buildup of fluid in the dog's lungs that may be due to a variety of underlying health conditions, exposure to toxins, or due to trauma.

Pulmonary edema occurs if the tiny clusters of air sacs within the lungs (alveoli) fill with fluid instead of air. Depending on the cause of your pet's pulmonary edema, the fluid can build up in the dog's lungs slowly over some time or very rapidly.

Symptoms will vary based on the underlying cause of the condition, but the most common symptoms in dogs include coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, weakness, blue tongue or lips, collapse and others.

If your dog is showing any of the symptoms listed above, contact a vet immediately to book an appointment. In cases where your dog's lips have begun to turn blue, emergency veterinary care is required. Visit a vet as soon as possible for urgent care.

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Can I treat my dog's wound at home?

While not every cut, graze or injury requires veterinary care, some wounds that may seem small can result in serious infections. So if you are in doubt about whether you should take your dog to the vet, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Taking your pooch to the vet for a wound as soon as it occurs could save your dog a lot of pain, and you a lot of money.

If you are confident that you can successfully administer first aid to your pup, first muzzle your dog to protect yourself from any inadvertent bites. check for foreign objects lodged in the wound. If the object is lodged deeply, call your veterinarian or an emergency vet immediately.

Clean the wound using clean, warm water and perhaps a small amount of mild baby shampoo, dish soap or hand soap. Apply pressure using a clean towel to control bleeding, which should stop within 10 minutes. If bleeding continues after that time, contact your vet or emergency animal hospital right away.

Cover the word with a piece of sterile gauze or other bandage and perhaps a small amount of antibacterial ointment, then prevent your dog from licking the wound (they may have to wear an e-collar).

Monitor the wound at least twice a day to ensure infection isn't occurring and healing is happening as expected. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge, increasing pain in the area of the wound, or a bad odor coming from the wound, contact your vet right away.

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Why is my dog limping, and what should I do about it?

Your dog's limping could be caused by something minor like a small stone caught between their toes or it could be an indication of a serious health concern. Some of the most common causes of limping in dogs range from something sharp or painful stuck in their paw to a strain or tear in a tendon, ligament or muscle, to infectious diseases or trauma such as injuries or broken bones.

Typically, if the limp isn't severe, you can simply monitor your dog's progress at home over 24-48 hours, watching for more symptoms or to see whether the limp becomes more pronounced.

In most cases, it's better to be safe than sorry. Schedule an appointment with your vet to help both you and your dog feel better. If the limp doesn't resolve itself, worsens, or is accompanied by whining or yelping, it's time to call your vet or visit your nearest emergency vet.

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About San Diego, CA

San Diego skyline, California

San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums, and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier turned museum, open to the public.

Veterinary Care in San Diego FAQs

Do dogs and cats in San Diego get fleas?

While ticks are a more seasonal concern, fleas are a year-round issue in climates like San Diego, and they become especially problematic during heatwaves. Fleas live in the environment and will only land on an animal to feed, so if you see one flea on your pet, chances are there are many more nearby. Routine flea and tick prevention is a key component of preventive health for cats and dogs in San Diego.

Learn More
Are dog parks common in San Diego?

There are many dog parks all over San Diego with off-leash areas for your dog to explore and interact with other dogs. That being said, make sure your dog is leash-trained and vaccinated before bringing him or her to public spaces. Keep your dog in check and within sight at all times, particularly if they are off-leash. Don’t forget to pick up after your pet.
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a cat in San Diego?

The cost of a spay or neuter procedure for a cat in San Diego will vary depending on several factors, including whether or not you have a wellness plan, the age and general health of the animal in question, and more. Spaying and neutering helps keep the cat population under control, and both procedures have a variety of health benefits for cats as well.

Learn More
How can I pay for veterinary treatment in San Diego?

Most San Diego residents pay for their veterinary care using insurance or out of pocket.

Your San Diego vet wants to help your pet get the care they need to achieve a healthier smile. If you do not have pet insurance and cannot afford to pay for the care your pet needs, ask your vet about financing options or a payment plan.
How do I find a good vet in San Diego?
To find a good veterinarian in San Diego, there are a few things you can look for during your search:
- Positive reviews online
- A good 'bed-side manner' that makes you feel comfortable
- Willingness to take time to educate you on your pet's health in addition to providing treatment
- Easy process for booking appointments that strives to coordinate with your schedule
- Clear infection control protocols for your safety
- A range of services, including the specific types of pet care you are looking for
Is Parvovirus common in San Diego?

Canine parvovirus, also called “parvo”, is a deadly disease that is spread via stool from one dog to another. Sadly, Parvo is very common in San Diego. It spreads easily with rain and can stay in the soil up to eight years. For these reasons, it is essential to get your dog vaccinated.

Learn More

Find Cat & Dog Emergency Care in San Diego, CA.

Top reviewed veterinary professionals in San Diego, CA, US offering Cat & Dog Emergency Care

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