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Keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their long-term health. Vaccines help prevent serious, sometimes fatal, diseases and also reduce the spread of illness among pets in the community. At Dr. Mike’s Affordable Vet Care, we often hear pet owners ask what vaccines their dog really needs and when.

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course - delicious food. While it’s tempting to share your Thanksgiving feast with your furry friend, not all holiday dishes are safe for dogs. As a trusted veterinarian in Arlington, TX, Dr. Mike’s Affordable Vet Care wants to help pet owners keep their dogs happy and healthy this holiday season by knowing what’s safe and what to avoid.

Your pet’s ears play a vital role in their comfort, balance, and overall health - yet ear care is often overlooked until a problem arises. Regularly checking and cleaning your pet’s ears is one of the simplest ways to prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and catch potential health issues early. When combined with routine wellness exams, proper ear care helps keep your pet happy, healthy, and pain-free.

If you’ve noticed that your dog’s stool is black, it’s natural to be concerned. While diet and minor changes can sometimes cause dark stool, black, tar-like poop - known as melena - can be a sign of bleeding in your dog’s upper gastrointestinal tract.

When an emergency happens, every second counts. While professional veterinary care is always the best option, having some basic first aid knowledge can help stabilize your pet and potentially save their life before you can reach the clinic.

As a responsible pet owner, one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog or cat is whether to spay or neuter them. While many people think of these procedures as a way to prevent unwanted litters, the benefits go far beyond population control.

Fleas can quickly become a problem for pets and pet owners alike, especially for vulnerable puppies and kittens. These tiny pests not only cause discomfort and itching, but they can also transmit diseases and lead to more serious health problems such as anemia, particularly in young animals. Effective and age-appropriate flea prevention is essential for keeping your newest family members healthy.

Whether your pet is gearing up for daycare, a boarding stay, or frequent trips to the dog park, one key part of their health routine shouldn’t be overlooked: fecal testing. This simple diagnostic tool helps detect intestinal parasites that may not show obvious symptoms but can easily spread in shared environments.

Finding a lump on your dog can be unsettling. Whether it appears suddenly or has slowly grown over time, it’s natural to worry about what it might mean for your pet’s health. While not every lump is a cause for concern, it’s important to understand the different types of growths and when a visit to the vet is necessary.

Keeping your pet’s nails trimmed is more than just a cosmetic concern, it’s essential to their comfort, mobility, and overall health. At Dr. Mike’s Affordable Vet Care, we often see pets struggling with overgrown nails, which can cause pain, posture issues, and even lead to injuries.