For the majority of pet owners, pets are not just animals; they are also cherished family members. They bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into the lives of everyone they touch. However, there comes a time in every pet owner's journey when they must face the difficult decision of saying “Goodbye” to their beloved companion. [...]

Pets bring people joy in many different ways. Some people want a pet to care for and observe, others want protection, and some want a pet who can be an exercise buddy, snuggle pal, or devoted companion. Deciding that you want a new pet is easy, but choosing a species or breed that fits well [...]

Allergies are not limited to people—cats and dogs can also suffer from various allergies that impact their health and quality of life. When you consider allergies, you likely think of seasonal allergies caused by pollen, grasses, and dust. However, in pets, allergies can also be caused by fleas, food, and environmental triggers, and identifying the [...]

Your pet is due for their vaccinations, but instead of a quick stick, your veterinarian insists on doing a thorough nose-to-tail exam. Your four-legged friend seems as healthy as a horse, so is this really necessary, or a waste of time and expense? Our Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital team practices gold-standard medicine, and we want [...]

Prescription and over-the-counter medications to treat pain and other conditions are common in most households. These medications may be helpful for us, but if your pet accidentally ingests one of them, the results can be devastating. When it comes to your pet’s health and safety, it is essential to understand how to prevent medication toxicity. [...]

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in veterinary medicine, and many pet owners are surprised to learn that, by age 3, most dogs and cats have some degree of dental disease. Despite the condition’s prevalence in pets, periodontal disease often goes unnoticed until advanced. Our team at Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital [...]

We get it. Life gets hectic, and juggling work, family, and pets can leave you looking for a way to take something off your plate. While you may be tempted to skip your pet’s annual wellness visit that you scheduled months ago—your pet looks perfectly healthy—opting out of preventive wellness care can have serious long-term [...]

Developing a strong bond with your pet requires clear communication you both can understand. One of the most powerful communication tools is touch. By handling your pet appropriately, you communicate that they are safe, minimize stress, and help make grooming and veterinary care easier. Our Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital team uses low-stress handling techniques when [...]

Pets become seniors between 6 and 11 years of age, with large-breed dogs reaching senior status earlier than those who are smaller. Large dogs also become seniors earlier than cats. Although you may feel bittersweet about your furry pal reaching the senior milestone, aging is a natural part of life and pet ownership, and you [...]

The pancreas is a small abdominal organ inside your pet’s body that carries big responsibilities, including secreting hormones that manage blood glucose levels and enzymes needed for digesting food. Many body functions can go awry when the pancreas becomes inflamed, and lead to illness, hospitalization, and death in severe cases.  Although most pancreatitis cases in [...]