Your pet’s health is always our number one priority, which is why for most pets we recommend annual wellness exams to ensure that your animal companion remains in good health. If your pet is a senior–over seven for dogs, over nine for cats–we strongly suggest twice-yearly exams and blood screenings. That’s because pets age more rapidly than humans, meaning disease and illness develop faster as well.

Bearss Animal Hospital’s veterinarian-performed physical exams comprehensively assess every aspect of your pet’s health. Wellness exams typically include:

• Ear exam
• Eye exam
• Rectal exam
• Dental exam
• Skeletal exam
• Reproductive system exam
• Internal health evaluation
• Neurological evaluation
• Cardiovascular evaluation
• Nutrition consultation
• Behavior counseling

Taking care of your precious pet’s health starts with a thorough veterinary exam. To schedule an appointment for your pet, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Early detection is key when it comes to treating your pet, and Bearss Animal Hospital offers complete in-house diagnostics including advanced equipment and an on-site laboratory. This saves time, money, and most importantly, you don’t have to wait overnight for results—meaning your pet gets a diagnosis and needed treatment sooner.

In-House Laboratory

Our hospital has the capability to perform various blood screens, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, urinalysis, and other types of testing on-site instead of sending samples to an outside lab.

Testing provided in the hospital includes:

• Liver enzyme screening
• Pancreatic evaluation
• Renal (Kidney) profiles
• Complete blood counts
• General chemistries
• Blood gases
• FelV, FIV in cats
• Parvovirus in dogs

While we do offer an extensive range of on-site testing, it is possible that your pet may need laboratory work beyond our scope. For those cases, we are happy to send blood work or other testing to an outside lab that will send results back to us.

Digital Radiology (X-Rays)

Bearss Animal Hospital employs advanced imaging technologies, guaranteeing the highest quality of care for our patients.

Radiographs, or X-rays, use electromagnetic radiation directed towards the body to highlight objects within. They can detect abnormalities including skeletal fractures, soft tissue damage, foreign bodies, and dental disease.

Orthopedic radiographs and contrast studies require the patient remain completely still to work correctly, necessitating sedation in most cases. Some specialized procedures may require anesthesia. The duration of sedation or anesthesia is usually short and patient recovery is swift.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a powerful diagnostic tool that creates a real-time image of an animal’s body. This composite reveals important information about internal processes including the circulatory, skeletal and gastrointestinal systems.

When used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools like X-rays, ultrasounds can help identify disease, blockages, skeletal fractures, soft tissue damage, and other internal injuries.

An ultrasound works by broadcasting high-frequency sound waves that reflect off your pet’s internal structures. A small probe held against the skin collects the returning signals to create an image of the internal body, most commonly used to examine abdominal organs like the stomach, kidneys, liver, spleen, and gallbladder. An ultrasound of the heart, known as an echocardiogram, provides precise information about heart valves, blood flow, chamber size, and contractions.

Completely painless and non-invasive, ultrasounds usually require some sedation because the patient must remain completely still.

Have questions about our diagnostic services or want to schedule an appointment for your pet? Call or text us at 813-961-1222.

At Bearss Animal Hospital, we know that bringing your pet in for a surgical procedure – no matter how routine – can be a difficult time for you and your animal companion. We want to put your mind at ease and reassure you that when you entrust your pet to us for surgery, he or she will be in caring, capable hands. Our highly skilled veterinarians are well-versed in all of the most modern veterinary surgical techniques and perform every procedure to the highest standards of safety and care.

The surgical services available at Bearss Animal Hospital include but are not limited to:

• Spays
• Neuters
• Cancerous toe amputations
• Skin tumor removals
• Aural hematoma repair
• Bladder stone removal

All surgical patients are thoroughly examined and tested beforehand to ensure that they are healthy enough to undergo surgery. We utilize only the safest available anesthetics to provide an extra margin of safety in our pain management, especially for our older or high-risk patients. Our well-trained veterinary technicians utilize the most modern equipment available to closely monitor each surgical patient to ensure their safety and comfort at all times – before, during and following surgery.

Once surgery is complete, we will contact you to discuss how everything went and to let you know when you can come and pick up your pet. When you arrive, we will go over any post-surgical care instructions, including the implementation of an appropriate pain management plan to help your pet recover comfortably. The ultimate goal is to get your pet back on his or her feet as soon as possible.

Imagine if you never brushed your teeth or had them cleaned. As you can imagine, things would eventually start to go very bad inside your mouth: teeth would rot and decay, gums would become inflamed and infected. Dangerous bacteria would eventually travel into your bloodstream and could cause other serious health problems. And we haven’t even mentioned the daily, debilitating pain.

It’s the same scenario for your dog or cat. While some people might laugh at the idea of brushing their pet’s teeth or taking them for a dental cleaning, the fact is that by age three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. Periodic dental exams help maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent future problems.

Bearss Animal Hospital offers complete pet oral health services, including:

• Dental exams
• Annual dental cleanings
• Dental X-rays
• Extractions

Following American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines, Bearss Animal Hospital only does cleanings and dental work on anesthetized pets. To ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia, we do require a routine blood test before the procedure.

Preventive Dental Care

Brushing your pet’s teeth several times per week is the best way to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Interested in learning how to brush your pet’s teeth? Just ask and our veterinarians will be happy to help you get started. If you have a pet that won’t tolerate brushing, our veterinarians can also recommend products that will help keep your pet’s mouth healthy in between cleanings.

To make an appointment for a dental exam or cleaning, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222..

Veterinary diagnostic imaging is used to discover internal disease or injury. Bearss Animal Hospital employs advanced imaging technologies guaranteeing the highest quality of care and diagnostics for our patients.

Radiographs, or X-rays, use electromagnetic radiation directed towards the body to highlight objects within. They can detect abnormalities including skeletal fractures, soft tissue damage, foreign bodies, and dental disease.

Our Radiology Services

• Radiographs
• Ultrasounds

Orthopedic radiographs and contrast studies require the patient remain completely still to work correctly, necessitating sedation in most cases. Some specialized procedures may require anesthesia. The duration of sedation or anesthesia is usually short and patient recovery is swift.

To schedule a radiology consultation or appointment for your pet, call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive technology used to treat acute and chronic injuries, accelerate the healing process after surgery, and alleviate joint pain. It works by stimulating cell regeneration, increasing blood flow to the targeted area, and releasing the body’s own pain-relieving hormones.

The process generally takes between 5-10 minutes, with most patients seeing positive effects after 3-5 uses. The treatment continues to relieve pain and fight inflammation for up to 24 hours following the session.

Conditions improved with laser therapy:

• Hip dysplasia
• Post-surgical incisions and soft-tissue trauma
• Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Neuromuscular disease

Laser therapy is normally combined with other types of veterinary medicine including pharmaceutical regimens and alternative treatments. The broad biochemical benefits and lack of adverse side effects have made laser therapy the preferred post-operative rehab method in veterinary medicine.

If you would like to know more about laser therapy and if it could benefit your pet, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Congratulations on your adorable new feline friend! Your Bearss Animal Hospital veterinarian is your partner in making sure your kitten gets the best start possible. Our Kitten Wellness Program was created to make sure your new friend gets started off on the right paw, because the first few months of a young cat’s life are critical to their development, future health and well-being.

You should schedule your kitten to see the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt. Below is information on what you can expect when you bring your pet in for his or her initial exam.

Comprehensive Physical Exams

Is your kitten’s growth on track? Are there any telltale signs of current or future health issues? How large will my kitten get? These are all questions that can be answered by your veterinarian with a physical exam.

Vaccinations

Just like newborn babies, the immune systems of young pets are not fully developed. This means they are more susceptible to disease, and therefore kittens need a series of vaccinations given at monthly intervals to be protected. In this package, your kitten will receive rabies and panleukopenia (distemper) shots, and depending on your cat’s risk, other vaccinations for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may be recommended.

Intestinal Parasite Screening

It’s very common for kittens to have worms, and they can make your new friend very sick and weak. Some of these worms can also be passed to your human family members. Fecal testing for intestinal parasites is a must for kittens. Should your pet test positive for hookworms, whipworms, roundworms or tapeworms, treatment is at an additional cost but is usually very reasonable.

Microchipping

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to make sure he or she is microchipped. Unlike collars, microchips stay with your pet for life and will make it much more likely your dog will be returned to you if lost.

First Doses of Flea, & Tick Preventative

Fleas and ticks are not only unpleasant, they carry disease and can be very detrimental to a young cat’s health. We’ll make sure your kitten is protected with their first doses of flea and tick preventive.

Behavior & Nutrition Counseling

While it may be true that kittens don’t come with instructions, counseling with our veterinarians about litterbox training, the importance of socialization (yes—cats are actually very social!) and other basic behavior information will set your kitten up for success as a family member. We can also advise you on feeding schedules and options for optimum health.

To schedule your kitten for a visit, make an appointment online or you may call or text us at 813-961-1222. 

For many pet lovers, there is nothing more exciting and fun than getting a new puppy! Your Bearss Animal Hospital veterinarian is your partner in making sure your puppy gets the best start possible. Our Puppy Wellness Program was created to make sure your new friend gets started off on the right paw, because the first few months of a young dog’s life are critical to their development, future health and well-being.

You should schedule your puppy to see the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt. Below is information on what you can expect when you bring your pet in for his or her initial exam.

Comprehensive Physical Exams

Is your puppy’s growth on track? Are there any telltale signs of current or future health issues? How large will my puppy get? These are all questions that can be answered by your veterinarian with a physical exam.

Vaccinations

Just like newborn babies, the immune systems of young pets are not fully developed. This means they are more susceptible to disease, and therefore puppies need a series of vaccinations given at monthly intervals to be protected. In this package, your puppy will receive rabies (required by law), canine distemper series, Lyme series, leptospirosis, and Bordetella series.

Intestinal Parasite Screening

It’s very common for puppies to have worms, and they can make your new friend very sick and weak. Some of these worms can also be passed to your human family members. Fecal testing for intestinal parasites is a must for puppies. Should your pet test positive for hookworms, whipworms, roundworms or tapeworms, treatment is at an additional cost but is usually very reasonable.

Microchipping

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to make sure he or she is microchipped. Unlike collars, microchips stay with your pet for life and will make it much more likely your dog will be returned to you if lost.

First Doses of Heartworm, Flea, & Tick Preventative

Fleas and ticks are not only unpleasant, they carry disease and can be very detrimental to a young dog’s health. Heartworm can be deadly, and while there is treatment available for dogs, it is expensive and hard for your pet. We’ll make sure your puppy is protected with their first doses of flea, tick and heartworm preventive.  

Behavior & Nutrition Counseling

While it may be true that puppies don’t come with instructions, counseling with our veterinarians about the best housebreaking methods, the importance of socialization and basic training will set your pup up for success as a family member. We can also advise you on feeding schedules and options for optimum health.

To schedule your puppy for a visit, make an appointment online or you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

As pet parents ourselves, we understand how stressful it can be when your pet is sick, injured, or suffering in any way. Our goal is to make sure you know that your pet’s health and well- being is our priority and we’ll do all we can to help–and do it as quickly, compassionately, and efficiently as we can.We’re a full-service animal hospital, which means we have an experienced medical team, advanced diagnostics and treatment plans to help your pet, whether they are suffering from illness, injury, a chronic condition or they’re just “not right”. You know your pet best, and at Bearss Animal Hospital, we’ll listen to what you have to say about your pet’s health and behavior. Then we’ll work with you to find a solution, treat the problem, and hopefully get your pet feeling better.

The thing to remember is that animals are very good at instinctually hiding illness and injury, so if you observe something out of the ordinary with your pet, it’s likely something has been wrong for a while. Don’t wait–give us a call or text at 813-961-1222 as soon as possible.

Bearss Animal Hospital is proud to have a fully stocked in-house pharmacy where you can purchase your pet’s medications, flea, tick and heartworm preventives and prescription diets.

When you buy directly from us, prescriptions can be filled right on site, and you can be sure of their safety and effectiveness. Also, your purchase is logged in your pet’s medical record, so our veterinarian knows your pet is getting the correct medication.

You should know that the manufacturers of many parasite preventives specify that their products only be sold directly by veterinarians. This is so product guarantees remain intact and ensures that manufacturers pay 100% of the diagnosis and necessary treatment of adverse reactions or product defects.

We hope you appreciate our level of care and invite you to call or text us at 813-961-1222 if you have any questions or concerns.

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, the incidence of heartworm across the country is up.  As you may already know, potentially deadly heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, and it only takes one bite to infect a pet. Once infected, heartworm can do severe damage to a pet’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Sadly, many animals don’t show symptoms until the disease is advanced. At that time, symptoms may include coughing, fatigue, weight loss and a swollen abdomen. While cats are much less likely to be susceptible to full-on heartworm infection, they can suffer from a heartworm-related respiratory condition that is very difficult to diagnose. 

While there is heartworm treatment available for canines, it is expensive and can be very hard on your pet. There is currently no treatment for cats.

As always, the best treatment is prevention! Our veterinarians advise keeping your pet on heartworm preventive year-round. Be advised if your pet has not previously been on heartworm preventive, he or she will need a heartworm test before starting on one. Schedule an appointment online or you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Bearss Animal Hospital offers screening for certain conditions and diseases, as well as for breeding purposes.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

This is a canine version of hemophilia, and it’s important you know if your dog has this condition before an emergency arises. Since it is genetic, many owners aren’t aware their pet has the disease until a minor injury occurs or their pet has surgery and there’s significant blood loss. Certain breeds are more prone to this condition than others, including: 

• German shepherds
• German shorthair/wirehair pointers
• Chesapeake Bay retrievers
• Golden retrievers
• Pembroke Welsh corgis
• Poodles
• Scottish/Manchester terriers
• Shetland sheepdogs

 If you have one of these at-risk breeds, we highly recommend you have your dog tested.

Renal Dysplasia

This genetic disease prevents the kidneys from developing normally and dogs usually become ill before they’re a year old. Breeds most affected by this condition are shih tzus, Lhasa apsos, and soft-coated wheaten terriers. Sadly, this disease has no cure and some dogs who don’t develop the condition are still carriers and can pass it to their puppies. Before breeding, we highly recommend you test high-risk dogs for renal dysplasia.

Hip Dysplasia

This condition occurs when the hip joint of a young dog becomes loose or unstable in some way. If this health issue isn’t identified and treated, it causes a wearing down of the hip cartilage and progresses until the dog has significant arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include: 

• Reluctance to get up or exercise
• Problems climbing stairs
• Walking with a “hop”
• Limping/lameness, especially after exercise 

At Bearss Animal Hospital, we can identify developing hip dysplasia and ensure your dog gets proper exercise as he or she ages. The earlier we diagnose the problem, the better it is for your dog’s future mobility and quality of life.

OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Certification

We X-ray a dog’s hips for hip dysplasia and then forward the results to the OFA, where board-certified radiologists evaluate and grade your dog’s hips for certification. Used by the majority or canine breeders to determines medical soundness for breeding, OFA certification requires specific positioning of your dog during the X-ray process, so general anesthesia is used for the process.

PennHIP Method

This method of evaluating hip dysplasia for breeding soundness can be done at 16 weeks of age—much earlier than the OFA certification. It also requires a general anesthetic as it involves obtaining X-rays of your dog’s hips in three different positions. This method of evaluating dogs is good if your pet competes athletically or to select breeding candidates at a younger age.

We can assist with PennHip certification as well as assessing your dog’s risk of hip dysplasia and treatment options if necessary.

If You have questions about these screening tests or would like to schedule your pet for an appointment, call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Fleas are little blood suckers that can cause problems not only for your pet, but for you and your home as well. Hot spots, dermatitis, tapeworm and anemia are some of the risks a pet faces when they are infested with fleas. An adult female flea can lay up to 40 eggs per day and once they are in your home, eradicating them can be a tedious proposition. Your best bet is to prevent your pet from getting them in the first place.

How do you know if your pet has fleas? Itching and scratching, of course—but you can also see evidence of fleas if you lift your pet’s fur and find tiny black specks called “flea dirt”, which are really flea feces. Were you to wet some of these specks, they will turn red because they’re made of your pet’s blood.

Dogs and cats can share the same fleas and these pests can travel from one animal to another, so it’s important that all the pets in your household are on a flea preventive. Successful flea control will include treating both your pets, their living areas, and your household.

Your Bearss Animal Hospital veterinarian can recommend environmental flea treatments and preventives that work for your pet and your budget. Call or text us for more information or to schedule an appointment for your pet: 813-961-1222.

Your pet’s endocrine system is similar to your own and consists of a system of glands (including the adrenal gland, ovaries, pancreas, parathyroid glands, pituitary gland, testes, and thyroid gland) that are the source of hormones that regulate the body. Diseases of the endocrine system include: 

• Diabetes
• Cushing’s disease
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Addison’s disease
• Estrogen deficiency urinary incontinence

Many of these conditions are life-threatening, so catching and treating them early is very important. Symptoms to watch for include excessive panting, skin issues, hair loss, dull coat, behavior changes, low energy levels, loss of appetite, increased urination and/or thirst.

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a vet exam. You can make an appointment online or you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Bearss Animal Hospital believes that a trip to the veterinarian doesn’t need to be a terrifying experience for your dog or cat! That’s why our doctors and staff members have completed extensive training and inspection so that we could become a certified Fear Free veterinary hospital. 

By using specific Fear Free techniques, we can reduce the anxiety your pet may associate with veterinary visits—and eventually, that means bringing your pet to the vet will be less stressful for YOU as well.

Fear Free Training helps veterinarians modify clinic procedures, handling, and facilities so pets feel safe and more comfortable while receiving the medical care they need. Fear Free techniques include:

• Providing especially tasty “high value” treats for positive association
• The use of pheromones and / or soft music to put the pet at ease
• Non-slip surfaces for exams and treatments instead of restraints
• Gentle, species-specific handling
• Light sedation when necessary
• Separate entrances or exam areas for felines

Want to know more about the Fear Free philosophy? Just give us a call or text us at 813-961-1222 or make an appointment online and experience the Fear Free difference!

Although found most often in older pets, heart conditions can affect pets at any age. Heart disease is usually a life-threatening health issue, but we offer diagnostics and therapies which could help extend your pet’s life. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can even be cured.

Heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF), which occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. If an animal is suffering from CHF, fluid accumulates in and around the lungs and sometimes in the abdomen.

Heart disease has many origins and can be congenital (animal is born with the problem), valvular (abnormalities of heart valves), arrhythmias (disturbances in heartbeat rhythm), and caused by heartworm disease. All can eventually lead to CHF.

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of heart disease, especially if your pet is a senior, a breed that is predisposed to cardiac issues, or has a congenital problem. Symptoms include:

• Rapid breathing
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy/tires easily
• Weakness/trouble exercising

Many heart problems can be detected through a physical exam, though additional tests will be required to obtain a definitive diagnosis and cause. Those tests may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), radiographs (X-rays), and ultrasounds.

If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms or you have questions about our cardiology services, please give us a call or text us at 813-961-1222. 

Ever heard the expression that “you are what you eat”? Well the same is true for our pets. A nutrition-rich diet is your pet’s first line of defense and a cornerstone of preventive care. Proper daily nutrition will go a long way in keeping your pet healthy by bolstering the immune system and supporting normal development in younger animals.

Every pet’s nutritional needs are different, based on age, breed, health conditions and lifestyle factors—which can make choosing the right pet food complicated. At Bearss Animal Hospital, our veterinarians and staff can take the guesswork out of feeding your pets by advising you about what’s right for your animal.

Have questions or concerns about what your pet is eating? Call or text us at 813-961-1222.

One of the worst feelings to experience as a pet owner is a realization that your pet has gone missing. Only 17% of dogs and 2% of cats make it back to their homes—which can make it feel like you’ll never see your pet again if they get lost.

Bearss Animal Hospital wants to encourage you to consider microchipping your pet, even if they live entirely indoors–because even indoor pets can escape and become lost. Unlike collars and tags, microchips can’t fall off and they serve as permanent identification for a pet’s entire life. Microchips are also rated for 25 years, meaning they never need to be removed or recharged during your pet’s lifetime.

Microchipping a pet is simple, relatively painless, and very affordable. Once implanted, authorities only need to scan the chip to locate your information. But remember: a microchip is only useful if your contact information is updated.

We believe microchipping is the safest, most effective method of pet recovery available, helping reunite more than 15,000 lost pets to their owners every month. To get your pet “chipped”, request an appointment online or you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Every year thousands of stray and unwanted animals are euthanized in shelters across the United States for lack of homes. Many of these deaths are the avoidable result of owners failing to spay and neuter their pets. Even if you keep a close watch on your pet, accidents happen–and unexpected offspring means more animals that won’t be given the chance at full, happy lives.

Spaying and neutering can help end this cycle, and both procedures can have health benefits for pets.

Spaying

Spaying is a common surgical procedure performed on female cats and dogs. The process is called an ovariohysterectomy and involves removing the patient’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, rendering the animal incapable of reproduction. Bearss Animal Hospital veterinarians can advise you on the best time to have this done, but it should be ideally before the pet’s first heat cycle.

Benefits

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies
• Eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors
• Remove the possibility of uterine infections

What to expect after surgery

Spaying is a major surgery requiring 7-10 days of recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. A small, green tattoo is applied post-surgery that signifies that the animal is spayed should she ever get lost or taken to a shelter.

Neutering

Neutering is performed on male cats and dogs. This process castrates the animal, removing their testicles and making them unable to impregnate females. Bearss Animal Hospital veterinarians can advise you on the best time to have this done based on your pet’s breed and size when fully grown.

Benefits

• Placates the animal, reducing aggressive behavior and decreasing dominant tendencies
• Reduces roaming and spraying (territory marking)
• Eliminates the risk of testicular and prostate tumors

What to expect after surgery

Although less invasive than spaying, neutering is still a major medical procedure that requires some recovery time. Recovery may also include pain medication and lethargy is common for the first couple of days following the procedure. It’s extremely important that you monitor your pet to prevent the animal from licking or biting the incision to reduce the risk of infection.

To learn more about spaying and neutering, or to schedule an appointment, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Just like you, we want your cat to live the longest, healthiest life possible. That starts with the basics: quality food, enough exercise, good grooming, and yes, regular check-ups.

Annual exams are your pet’s first line of defense. Bearss Animal Hospital’s comprehensive annual exams include checking their overall health by taking their temperature, examining skin and coat, lung and cardiac function, internal health, oral hygiene, eyes, ears, and demeanor.

Vaccinations: Keeping your cat up to date on immunizations and booster shots is a highly effective way to prevent many common diseases and infections like distemper and rabies. Beyond those core vaccines, your pet’s age, lifestyle, and likely exposure to certain diseases will be evaluated before we recommend additional inoculations.

 Dental Care: Imagine what your teeth would be like if you never cleaned them. Well, the same thing is happening to your cat’s teeth without good oral care. We recommend annual dental cleanings and can show you tips for brushing your pet’s teeth, which can reduce the need for expensive extractions and more serious dental work down the line.

Parasite Control: Fleas, ticks, worms – preventing them in the first place is much easier and ultimately less expensive than getting rid of them after they’ve infested your cat. We recommend monitoring your pet and having them screened for internal parasites regularly, and we offer a variety of alternatives for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

Proper Nutrition: There’s a lot of choices when it comes to what to feed your feline friend. Cats are true carnivores and making sure they get proper nutrition is very important to their health. Our veterinarians can help you figure out what is best for your cat and your lifestyle.

Behavioral Evaluation: Changes in mood or behavior, lack of grooming, or litterbox problems can often be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Swiftly addressing these shifts can help to identify and treat the root cause.

Skin and Coat Care: Cats are fastidious by nature, but felines with long, thick coats and those who live indoors still may need regular brushing, grooming, and nail trims. Proper skin and hair care can prevent things like mange, matting, bacterial infections and more.

Exercise: Cats are athletic creatures and getting enough exercise–especially if they live indoors–is extremely important in maintaining cardiovascular health and a healthy weight.

Senior Animals: At Bearss Animal Hospital, we love elder pets! We also know that preventative care is even more significant for them. Cats are living longer than ever, making them more susceptible to disease and illness as they age. We recommend twice-yearly exams and screenings for senior cats to help prolong and improve the quality of their life.

Just like you, we want your dog to live the longest, healthiest life possible. That starts with the basics:  quality food, enough exercise, good grooming, and yes, regular check-ups.

Annual exams are your pet’s first line of defense. Bearss Animal Hospital’s comprehensive annual exams include checking their overall health by taking their temperature, examining skin and coat, lung and cardiac function, internal health, oral hygiene, eyes, ears, and demeanor.

Vaccinations: Keeping your canine up to date on immunizations and booster shots is a highly effective way to prevent many common diseases and infections like distemper and rabies. Beyond those core vaccines, your pet’s age, lifestyle, and likely exposure to certain diseases will be evaluated before we recommend additional inoculations.

Dental Care: Imagine what your teeth would be like if you never cleaned them. Well, the same thing is happening to your dog’s teeth without good oral care. We recommend annual dental cleanings and can show you tips for brushing your pet’s teeth, which can reduce the need for expensive extractions and more serious dental work down the line.

Parasite Control: Fleas, ticks, worms – preventing them in the first place is much easier and ultimately less expensive than getting rid of them after they’ve infested your pet. We recommend monitoring your pet and having them screened for internal parasites regularly, and we offer a variety of alternatives for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.

Proper Nutrition: There’s so much confusion about what to feed dogs. Grain-free kibble? Home-cooked meals? Raw food diet? Proper nutrition is so important to your pet’s good health, and we can help you figure out what is best for your pet and your lifestyle.

Behavioral Evaluation: Changes in mood or behavior can often be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Swiftly addressing these shifts can help to identify and treat the root cause.

Skin and Coat Care: Grooming and washing are fundamental aspects of proper pet hygiene. Proper skin and hair care can prevent things like mange, matting, bacterial infections, and more.

Exercise: Regular workouts support musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health in dogs of all ages, as well as improve their overall mental well-being.

Senior Animals: At Bearss Animal Hospital, we love elder pets! We also know that preventative care is even more significant for them. Dogs age much more rapidly than humans, so diseases and illnesses progress faster as well. We recommend twice-yearly exams and screenings for seniors to help prolong and improve the quality of their life.

Bearss Animal Hospital has the capability to perform various blood tests, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, and other types of testing on-site instead of sending samples to an outside lab. This saves time, money, and most importantly, you don’t have to wait overnight for results—meaning your pet gets a diagnosis and needed treatment sooner.

Testing provided in the hospital includes:

Chemistry Panels

• Liver enzyme screening
• Pancreatic evaluation
• Renal (Kidney) profiles

Wellness screenings

• Complete blood counts
• General chemistries
• Blood gases
• Urinalysis
• Fecal testing (parasites)
• Blood pressure

 Viral screenings

• FelV, FIV in cats
• Parvovirus in dogs

While we do offer an extensive range of on-site testing, it is possible that your pet may need laboratory work beyond our scope. For those cases, we are happy to send blood work or other testing to an outside lab that will send results back to us.

For more information on our in-house lab services or to schedule your pet for testing, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Sometimes diagnosing a health issue means piecing together all the information you have about a pet—their lifestyle, medical history, clinical signs, lab results, imaging, and testing—to create a clear picture of the problem.

At Bearss Animal Hospital, we have the experience and state-of-the-art technology to assess your pet’s condition as accurately as possible and to provide advanced treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and specialist referrals if necessary.

Some of the conditions and diseases treated with internal medicine include:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid issues
• Infectious diseases
• Anemia
• Inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders
• Hepatitis
• Acute or chronic kidney failure
• Asthma and respiratory conditions
• Pneumonia and bronchitis
• Fever

Pets can’t tell us specifically how they’re feeling, so having a skilled veterinary internist can mean a more positive outcome for your pet. To schedule an appointment for your pet, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

The chewing. The scratching. The licking. These behaviors are all too familiar to many pet parents and they can be symptoms of a significant health problem. It could be allergies, an infection, stress, or any one of many issues, and it’s important your pet see the vet when these symptoms start to happen.

At Bearss Animal Hospital we can examine and test your pet and based on the diagnosis, provide you with treatment options that will provide relief to your pet—and you as well.

Symptoms of Skin Problems in Cats & Dogs

• Excessive scratching, chewing or licking
• Rashes
• Lesions
• Irritated or dry skin
• Scabs
• Red or inflamed skin
• Hair loss
• Rubbing of face against furniture or carpets

If your pet is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222 to schedule an exam.

Ophthalmology is the branch of veterinary medicine that concerns diseases, injuries, and conditions that affect your pet’s eyes and vision. This includes diagnosing and treating problems with the structures surrounding the eye such as eyelids, eye sockets, and conjunctiva. While routine eye issues can be handled by a general practice veterinarian, there are some conditions that may require the attention of a doctor trained in ophthalmology.

Bearss Animal Hospital has an experienced veterinary ophthalmologist on staff to help your pet with these conditions. The most common include:

• Cataracts
• Corneal ulcer
• Glaucoma
• Cherry eye

To schedule a consultation with our veterinary ophthalmologist, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Young animals are like kids–it’s a never-ending job to keep them safe and happy. Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health.

In addition to preventing many life-threatening illnesses, vaccinations can prevent diseases prevalent in wildlife and those that can be passed to humans. It’s important to administer vaccinations when pets are puppies and kittens because their young immune systems are still developing and need protection to stay healthy.

While any medical treatment involves some degree of risk, in the case of vaccinations, the benefits far outweigh any potential side effects. Adverse reactions are rare and usually mild and short-term when they do occur.

Which vaccines should your pet have? “Core” vaccines are those recommended—and possibly mandated by law—for most pets. Core vaccines include:

• Rabies (dogs and cats)
• DA2PPV – Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parvo and Parainfluenza (dogs)
• FVRCP – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (cats)

Other non-core, but highly suggested vaccinations for cats include FIV for feline immunodeficiency virus and FeLV to protect against feline leukemia. For dogs, bordetella and canine influenza shots are recommended if they frequent dog parks, boarding kennels, or any place where they’re socializing with other canines.

It’s also important to note that even pets who live primarily indoors should be vaccinated, as they can still be exposed to a disease. Your Bearss Animal Hospital veterinarian can advise you which vaccinations are required or recommended for your pet based on age, health, and lifestyle. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes aren’t just a summer problem! Warming temperatures mean year-round prevention is key to making sure your pet is protected from these pests or the diseases they may carry. Don’t overlook the problems they can cause: fleas often trigger dermatitis, tapeworm, and hot spots; one tick bite can transmit numerous dangerous diseases and mosquitoes carry potentially deadly heartworm.

In addition to preventive medications, you should thoroughly check your pets for fleas and ticks on a daily basis if they’ve been outdoors. Although these parasites can be anywhere on your pet’s body, they prefer posting up near the head, ears, neck, and paws. You can spot evidence of fleas if you notice little black specks that resemble pepper or bits of dirt.

Lyme disease from tick bites and heartworm from mosquitoes are on the rise around the country. Lyme disease is rarely fatal, but heartworm is more so because often there are no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. While there is a treatment for dogs, it can be expensive and very hard on your pet.

Prevention is always the best treatment! We carry many different types of flea, tick, and heartworm preventive and your Bearss Animal Hospital veterinarian can help you choose which one is right for your pet. For more information or to schedule an appointment, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.

It can be hard to admit when we see the signs of old age in our animal companions, but the fact is that most dogs are considered seniors when they hit seven, cats around nine. Pets age much more rapidly than humans, which means diseases and illnesses progress quicker as well.

To ensure that your pet has the longest, healthiest, most comfortable life possible, Bearss Animal Hospital encourages you to bring your senior pet for exams and blood tests twice each year. This way, we can track how your pet is aging, and we’ll be more likely to catch any developing diseases before they’re big problems.

Blood tests are one of the most important parts of a senior exam. These blood screenings—often referred to as a “senior panel”— monitor red and white blood cell counts and reveal how well the kidney, liver, pancreas, and thyroid are functioning. Your vet may recommend a chest x-ray to ensure that the heart is a normal size and that there are no masses in the lungs.

Periodontal disease is always a threat to our pets’ health and comfort, and it’s particularly tough on older pets. That’s why a dental exam is always part of any senior pet screening as well.

Finally, make sure to let your vet know about any behavior changes in your pet. Once dogs and cats get to the geriatric stage, monitoring for signs of cognitive dysfunction—such as losing housebreaking, getting lost, or wandering aimlessly—is very important.

To schedule a wellness exam for your senior pet, you may call or text us at 813-961-1222.