What Lies Beneath: The Importance of Dental Imaging for Pets You brush their teeth, you provide dental treats, and everything looks perfectly normal when they smile- yet sometimes, your pet is still reluctant to chew their favorite toy or suddenly avoids hard kibble. It's frustrating when you're doing everything right but suspect something is wrong [...]
The Role of the Thyroid in Your Pet's Health Have you noticed your dog is suddenly gaining weight despite no change in diet, or maybe your usually calm cat has become surprisingly restless? These small, puzzling changes in your pet's behavior and appearance can be stressful for any owner. When subtle symptoms like unexplained weight [...]
Pet Lumps & Bumps Explained: Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore You're giving your dog their evening belly rub or brushing your cat's soft fur when your fingers pause over something unexpected- a small lump beneath the skin. Your heart skips a beat as questions flood your mind: How long has this been here? What [...]
Protecting Pets From Cancer Through Preventive Care What is the biggest fear every pet owner shares? The sudden and unexpected news of a serious illness. Cancer is unfortunately one of the leading causes of illness in our pets, and receiving a diagnosis can feel devastating. But while cancer can be scary, prevention and early detection [...]
Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings: Cosmetic Fix or Hidden Danger? Many pet owners face a dilemma when their dog or cat needs dental care. You want clean teeth and fresh breath, but the thought of anesthesia creates worry. That concern is completely understandable, but here's what matters most: non-anesthetic dental cleanings pose far greater risks to your [...]
Understanding Hair Loss in Pets: Common Causes and Treatments Hair loss in dogs and cats can stem from many conditions- parasites, allergies, infections, or even stress. Each has distinct signs and requires targeted care. Veterinary diagnosis ensures your pet receives the right treatment and relief. At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, our comprehensive approach to dermatology [...]
Supporting Senior Dogs With Compassion and Care When your dog begins to slow down, it’s easy to assume that age is the only reason. But conditions like arthritis, dental disease, or heart issues are often the real culprits behind stiffness, fatigue, and personality changes. Recognizing these problems early allows for effective treatment and gives your [...]
How to Keep Kennel Cough Out of Your Dog’s Life Kennel cough spreads quickly wherever dogs gather- from grooming salons to dog parks and boarding kennels. Even mild cases cause discomfort and long recovery times. Routine vaccination and avoiding contact with coughing dogs are your best defenses. At Santa Monica Veterinary Group, our compassionate, family-owned [...]
Helping Cats Live Well with Kidney Disease Feline kidney disease often creeps in quietly. Extra trips to the water bowl, unexplained vomiting, or gradual weight loss can all be early indicators. Left unchecked, the condition can progress and affect every part of a cat’s health- digestive, cardiovascular, and even neurological. With prompt diagnostics and thoughtful [...]
The Genetic Side of Pet Health Some pets carry their breed traits like a badge of honor. The playful wiggle of a retriever, the short, stout frame of a bulldog, or the striking eyes of a Persian cat are all examples. Unfortunately, those same traits may also come with higher risks for health problems such [...]