Arcata Animal Hospital

05/22/2026

Does your dog shake their head or scratch their ears frequently? You might also notice redness or odor.

Ear infections are common, especially in active or water-loving dogs.
Early treatment prevents more serious problems. Schedule an exam if you notice any changes.

05/21/2026

Watching a pet bump into furniture or stop responding to their name can be hard on families. The good news: pets adapt to vision and hearing loss far better than people expect.

Our newest guide from Arcata Animal Hospital covers what causes blindness and deafness in dogs and cats, the home changes that make a real difference, and how to communicate with a sensory-impaired pet day-to-day.

Watching a pet bump into furniture or stop responding to their name can be hard on families. The good news: pets adapt to vision and hearing loss far better than people expect. Our newest guide from Arcata Animal Hospital covers what causes blindness and deafness in dogs and cats, the home changes t...

05/20/2026

Collars can fall off—but a microchip provides permanent identification.
If your pet ever gets lost, a microchip greatly increases the chance of a safe return home.

Not sure if your pet’s chip is registered or up to date? We can check for you at your next visit.

05/13/2026

Warmer weather means your pet needs more water. Dehydration can happen quickly, especially during outdoor activity.

Tips:
• Always provide fresh, clean water
• Bring water on walks or trips
• Watch for lethargy or dry gums

Have questions about your pet’s hydration needs? We’re here to help.

05/12/2026

Foxtails are small grass awns that can burrow into your pet’s skin, ears, nose, or paws, causing serious issues.

Check your pet after walks, especially between toes and around ears.
If you notice swelling, sneezing, or limping, don’t wait—contact us right away.

05/07/2026

Seasonal allergies can cause itching, ear infections, and skin irritation in both dogs and cats. Common signs include licking paws, scratching, and redness.

Relief is possible with the right plan.
If your pet seems uncomfortable, schedule an exam so we can help manage their symptoms early.

05/06/2026

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes—and it only takes one bite to put your pet at risk. The good news? It’s highly preventable with monthly medication.

Dogs, cats, and even indoor pets can be affected.
Protect your pet year-round. Ask us which prevention option is best for your household.

05/01/2026

If your dog is suddenly limping or has been holding a back leg up after running, a torn cruciate ligament is one of the more common things we see in the orthopedic exam room. CCL tears don't heal on their own, and the path forward depends on your dog's size, age, and lifestyle.

Our latest blog from Arcata Animal Hospital walks through how we diagnose them, when surgery is the right call, what TPLO recovery actually looks like, and how to protect that other knee. Read more on the blog.

If your dog is suddenly limping or has been holding a back leg up after running, a torn cruciate ligament is one of the more common things we see in the orthopedic exam room. CCL tears don't heal on their own, and the path forward depends on your dog's size, age, and lifestyle. Our latest blog from....

04/29/2026

Pets rarely show obvious signs of discomfort.

Watch for subtle changes: less activity, hesitation to jump, or changes in behavior. Chronic pain often goes unnoticed because pets instinctively hide it.

Early intervention can make a big difference in comfort and mobility.
Schedule an exam if something feels “off.” 707-822-2402

04/28/2026

Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems.
Avoid non-stick cookware fumes, aerosols, and scented candles around your bird.

Fumes from overheated non-stick pans can be fatal to birds within minutes. If you have questions about safe home setups, we’re here to help.

04/24/2026

Pets are wired to hide pain, which means by the time you notice something is wrong, they have often been uncomfortable for a while. A dog who stops jumping on the couch, a cat who avoids the litter box, or a pet who just seems quieter than usual may be telling you something important.

At Arcata Animal Hospital, we combine thorough diagnostics with integrative therapies like acupuncture, laser therapy, and rehabilitation to find and treat the source of your pet's discomfort. If something seems off with your pet, do not wait to see if it gets better on its own. Call (707) 822-2402 to schedule a pain assessment.

Pets are wired to hide pain, which means by the time you notice something is wrong, they have often been uncomfortable for a while. A dog who stops jumping on the couch, a cat who avoids the litter box, or a pet who just seems quieter than usual may be telling you something important. At Arcata Anim...