Our Blog

As temperatures rise, you may notice your dog heading to the water bowl more often. In many cases, that’s completely normal. But when does increased thirst cross the line into something worth a closer look? 

At Marketplace Veterinary Hospital in El Dorado Hills, CA, we often hear from pet owners who are unsure whether their dog’s summer drinking habits are expected or a sign of an underlying issue. Understanding the difference can help you feel more confident in caring for your pet.

Summers in California can be sizzling, and for some dogs, high temperatures can trigger more than heavy panting—they can bring about worrisome neurologic events. 

The combination of excessive heat, high humidity, and physical exertion can cause overheating seizures in dogs, particularly for pets with pre-existing epilepsy. 

In this blog, our team at Marketplace Veterinary Hospital helps pet parents understand canine epilepsy summer triggers and what to do when they witness dog seizures in heat. 

Finding a new lump under your dog’s fur or a small bump on your cat’s side can spark instant concern. Sometimes, it really is just a benign little oddity. Other times, it’s your pet’s body’s way of waving a tiny red flag that says, “This deserves a closer look.” At MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital, we focus on calm, careful pet mass evaluation to help families move from uncertainty to understanding.

An itchy pet is a common concern—and an easy one to underestimate. A little scratching here or licking there might seem harmless, but persistent skin issues often signal something more serious beneath the surface.

At MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital, we see dogs and cats every day whose itching turns out to be more than a minor nuisance. Understanding when to contact your veterinarian can make all the difference.

Sure, your dog loves their daily dental treat. They love anything edible, really. But when you are purchasing these dog dental chews (probably spending a lot of money each month), you may wonder if they stack up to the hype. 

Dental chews are an easy go-to for pet owners who want an easier way to care for their dog’s dental care. In reality, there are some things to consider about relying on dental treats for all that it’s promised to do.

The team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to give you the insight into what to expect with dental chews for your Fido friend.

Cats have a reputation for being clean and independent, but even the tidiest feline can carry hidden health concerns. One of the most common—but often misunderstood—is toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. 

In this blog, our team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital shares important tips to help families with felines understand how this parasite spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect both pets and people from infection.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but we know that pet emergencies don’t stop just because the holiday season starts. The fact is, pets get into some pretty serious predicaments around the holidays. Between changes in their routines, added foods to the table, and a departure from vigilant supervision, pet emergencies have a much higher likelihood to happen. With our guide to holiday pet safety, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy all the season has to offer with your best friend happily beside you.

Holidays like Thanksgiving are a time for family, friends, and festive gatherings. However, the arrival of guests can often be overwhelming for your pets, and might lead to anxiety and stress. At Marketplace Veterinary Hospital, we understand how crucial it is to keep your furry friends calm and comfortable during these occasions. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of practical techniques to help you manage your pet’s anxiety when guests arrive.

While November often reminds us of cozy sweaters and holiday planning, it’s also a crucial time for pet health education. It’s National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a serious disease for pets, but with a little extra attention, you can spot signs of the illness early and keep your pets as early as possible.

There’s no bones about it: Halloween is one of the best holidays of the year, and certainly the highlight of the fall season for many families. Between all of the exciting and fun seasonal activities, parades, displays, and outings, focusing on pet safety and wellness can become a bit of afterthought. We can help you stay on track with a proactive approach to Halloween pet safety.