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My Cat Won’t Eat: Should I Visit Urgent Care?

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | August 14, 2026

Cats are notorious for turning up their noses at food, but when a cat won’t eat at all, it is time to pay attention. Skipping a single meal is rarely serious, but going without food for more than 24 hours can signal something more serious than fussy behavior. Many pet owners assume a cat will eventually eat once hungry enough,

Tick Season and Dogs: How to Prevent Lyme Disease Year-Round

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | August 7, 2026

Your dog loves the outdoors. Trails, backyards, tall grass, and wooded paths all of it. But every step outside is a potential encounter with ticks, and not all of them are harmless. Lyme disease is one of the most common tick-borne illnesses affecting dogs across the United States, and it can cause serious, lasting damage when it goes undetected. The

5 Vet-Approved Ways to Keep Dog Paws Safe in Summer Heat

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | July 24, 2026

Summer walks can turn dangerous fast when the ground beneath your dog’s feet gets too hot. Dog paw protection summer routines matter because paw pads burn easily on asphalt, concrete, and sand. Many pet owners assume their dog’s paws are tough enough to handle any surface, but that is not always true. Burns, blisters, and cracked pads are common warm-weather

My Dog Hasn’t Peed All Day: When to Seek Urgent Care

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | July 16, 2026

A dog that hasn’t peed all day is not something to shrug off until tomorrow. Straining, whimpering, or a swollen belly can point to a blocked bladder, and that turns dangerous fast. A dog not peeing could be dealing with anything from stress to a full urinary blockage, and the two look very different once you know what to watch

How to Keep Your Dog Cool and Safe During Hot Summer Weather

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | July 8, 2026

Summer heat can turn dangerous for dogs faster than most owners expect. Knowing how to keep a dog cool and comfortable is one of the most important skills a pet parent can learn. Dogs cannot sweat as humans do, so they rely on panting and limited sweat glands in their paws to regulate body temperature. This makes them far more

My Cat Ate a Lily: Why This Is Always an Urgent Care Situation

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | July 3, 2026

My heart nearly stopped the first time a client called saying her cat had chewed a lily petal off the kitchen table. If your cat ate a lily plant, every minute matters, because lilies are among the most dangerous plants for cats and even a small bite can cause severe kidney damage. Many pet owners assume a nibble of a

Heartworm Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | June 29, 2026

Your dog seemed fine last week. Now he is coughing at night, tiring out on short walks, and just not acting like himself. For many dog owners, that shift is the first clue that something serious is happening inside their pet. Heartworm disease in dogs is one of the most dangerous and preventable conditions a dog can face, yet it

Dog Ear Infection Won’t Clear Up: When to Seek Urgent Vet Care

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | June 19, 2026

Your dog keeps scratching at their ear. You notice a smell. Maybe you’ve already tried a round of medication, but the problem just won’t go away. A dog ear infection that lingers or returns after dog ear infection treatment is more than a nuisance. It is a signal that something deeper needs attention. Ear infections are one of the most

Why Does My Pet Get Anxious at the Vet? (And What You Can Do)

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | June 12, 2026

Your dog starts trembling the moment you pull into the parking lot. Your cat howls the entire drive over. Sound familiar? Pet anxiety at vet visits is one of the most common concerns we hear from pet owners, and it is completely understandable. The sights, smells, sounds, and handling that come with a veterinary visit can feel overwhelming to an

Which Pet Is Right for Your Family? A Simple Guide for First-Time Owners

By Cherokee Hospital for Animals | June 5, 2026

Choosing the best pet for families is one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make, but it can also feel overwhelming. Do you go with an energetic dog that loves outdoor adventures, or a calm, independent cat that fits a busy schedule? The answer depends on your lifestyle, your living space, how much time you have, and what