Blogs

Professional dental cleanings play an important role in your pet’s oral health. Tartar, gum inflammation, loose teeth, and periodontal disease can develop even when a dog or cat is still eating normally. If your veterinarian has recommended a dental cleaning, knowing what to ask beforehand can help you feel more prepared for the appointment.

When your pet starts coughing or develops watery eyes, it may be a sign of seasonal allergies, environmental irritation, or an underlying respiratory condition. Changes in humidity, rainfall, and airborne allergens can contribute to these symptoms, especially during autumn. At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we encourage pet owners to recognize early warning signs and seek veterinary care when symptoms persist or worsen.

Occasional scratching or paw licking is normal for dogs. However, when these behaviors become frequent or persistent, they may indicate an underlying health concern. From allergies and skin infections to parasites and injuries, several conditions can cause dogs to experience itching and discomfort.

A pet emergency can be stressful. Knowing what to expect at an emergency vet visit in Waipahu can help you act quickly and communicate clearly. At Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital, our emergency doctor is on-site 24/7 at our Waipahu location.

As dogs get older, arthritis can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a favorite resting spot more difficult. At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we provide laser therapy for canine arthritis to help senior dogs in Kailua and Makai manage joint pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility.

Hurricane season can bring heavy rain, strong winds, power outages, flooding, and sudden changes to daily routines. For pet owners in Waipahu, preparing before a storm develops can make it easier to keep dogs and cats safe, comfortable, and ready to evacuate if necessary.

As pets get older, it is natural to notice changes in their energy, activity level, and daily habits. Your dog may take longer to get up after a nap, or your cat may no longer jump onto a favorite spot as easily. While some slowing down can come with age, significant changes should not automatically be dismissed as normal aging.

Beach days are part of life in Kailua, but swimming and frequent water exposure can sometimes create problems for your dog’s ears. Moisture trapped in the ear canal can encourage yeast and bacteria to multiply, increasing the risk of an ear infection. If your dog starts scratching or shaking their head after time in the ocean, prompt veterinary care can help relieve discomfort and prevent the problem from getting worse.

Summer on Oʻahu can bring heat, humidity, airborne dust, smoke, and periods of vog that affect local air quality. Vog forms when volcanic gases and particles mix in the atmosphere, and changing winds can carry haze to other islands, including Oʻahu. For pets with sensitive airways, heart or lung conditions, or ongoing respiratory problems, poor air quality can make breathing discomfort more noticeable. If your dog or cat begins coughing, wheezing, or breathing differently, it is important not to assume the weather is the only cause.