Heartworm season is over, but that doesn’t mean talk of this disruptive parasite has to end. Because heartworms can appear at any time our veterinarians push for year-round prevention. Banking on the chance that your pet, whether they’re canine or feline, will not be prey to heartworms is not a viable option. Internal exposure to heartworms could leave your pet with lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and negatively affect the animal’s health and quality of life for years to come. Many pet owners will shy away from committing to a heartworm preventative prescription because of the cost, but reactive treatment for heartworms […]

Halloween is a fun, spooky and often tasty time for us—but many treats associated with Halloween can put your pet’s health at risk. Chocolate and xylitol are two major ingredients in your favorite candies that could have major consequences if they get in your pet’s paws.  Chocolate can cause upset stomachs (including vomiting and diarrhea), heart arrhythmia, panting, hyperactivity, kidney failure, increased urination, hypoglycemia, muscle spasms, seizures and even death if large amounts are consumed. The danger hidden in chocolate is theobromine, a chemical compound found, along with caffeine, in the methylxanthine family, which is full of substances that are toxic […]

It’s reported that some 39% of the pets owned in the U.S. are older than 7, which is generally the age at which most dogs and cats are considered seniors.  Sadly, only about 14% of senior animals undergo a regular health screening. The joys of having an elder pet are many—but keeping your canine or feline friend healthy in their later years does take a bit more effort. We want to help you have as many healthy years with your pet as possible, which is why we always recommend that pets over 7 have a regular health screening twice per […]

Maybe your pet is panting more than usual…or she doesn’t want to jump up on the cat tree…or he’s licking an area on his leg all the time. These symptoms are signs that your pet is in pain—and by the time they’re showing you those behaviors, there’s a good chance they have been uncomfortable for quite a while. Pets often instinctively hide pain, and that’s why September has been designated as Animal Pain Awareness Month. The goal is to help pet parents recognize the signs of pain in their animal companions and learn about therapies available to help them. While […]

Please join us in welcoming the latest addition to the AMC of Cascades medical team – Sarah Taylor! A native of Virginia, Sarah grew up in Woodbridge and has resided in Centreville for the past 15 years. She has been in the veterinary field for over 17 years and began in a small animal mixed practice in high school where she quickly realized her love for felines.  After graduating and obtaining her Veterinary Technician License in 2010, she began work with a veterinary dental specialist and became certified by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC)  as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry in 2016. The AVDC is recognized […]