Southwest Animal Care Center

09/04/2026

👀 Why Does Your Dog Stare At You?

You know the look.
You’re eating dinner.
Stare.
You’re getting ready for bed.
Stare.
You’re simply existing.
STARE. 👁️👁️
Not creepy at all. (Usually.) 😂

Dogs use eye contact as a way to communicate with us. That intense gaze might mean:
🐾 “I need something.”
❤️ “I like being close to you.”
🥓 “Are you going to finish that?”
🧠 “You seem different today.”

Dogs are incredibly observant and can learn to read our routines, body language, and even emotional cues.

Eye contact can also be an important part of the bond they share with their favorite humans.

Fun fact: Studies have found that mutual gazing between dogs and their owners can increase oxytocin—the same hormone associated with bonding between parents and babies. 🥹❤️ So sometimes that stare really does mean “I love you.”

What do you think your dog is trying to tell you? 👇

09/03/2026

🐶🦴 Elbow dysplasia can slow those zoomies 🐾😕, but with the right care and support, your pup can still chase tails, toys, and joy! 🩺❤️

Click below to read more 📲

Elbow dysplasia is a common cause of front leg lameness in dogs, especially large breeds such as German shepherds.

09/02/2026

🐶 Why Is My Dog Scooting?

Ah, the infamous butt-drag across the carpet. 😳

Your dog may look like they’re attempting a very questionable form of transportation, but scooting usually means something back there is bothering them.

Common culprits include:
🍑 Full or irritated a**l glands — one of the most common reasons
🪱 Parasites — certain intestinal parasites can cause itching
🌿 Allergies or skin irritation — itchy skin doesn’t stop at the tail
💩 Something stuck — sometimes the explanation really is that simple

An occasional scoot may not be cause for panic, but frequent scooting, licking, swelling, odor, discomfort, or changes around the rear end deserve a closer look.

And while your carpet may be getting a very personal message from your dog…we’d rather you give us a call. 😂🐾

09/01/2026

🐶🦴 Osteochondritis dissecans can make your pup’s joints feel sore and slow, but with the right care and support, you can help them get back to happy tail wags and comfy walks! 🐾❤️‍🩹

Click below to read more 📲

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD) is an orthopedic disorder in dogs typically affecting the shoulder. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.

08/31/2026

🐾 Do pets actually get wiser with age?

Maybe not in the way we think of human wisdom—but ask anyone who's shared their life with a senior pet, and they'll probably tell you they do. Over the years, our pets seem to trade youthful mischief for something different. They learn our routines, recognize our moods, know exactly when dinner is five minutes late, and somehow always manage to find the sunniest spot in the house. They may not be solving philosophy problems, but they become remarkably good at understanding the people and world around them.

Science tells us that dogs can continue learning throughout their lives, even as they process new information a little more slowly with age. They also build years of experience, recognizing familiar people, routines, and environments.

Maybe that's why so many senior pets seem calmer, more patient, and perfectly content simply being close to the people they love.

Perhaps wisdom isn't about knowing everything.

Perhaps it's about knowing what matters.

❤️ A warm bed.
❤️ A familiar face.
❤️ A favorite toy.
❤️ One more walk.
❤️ One more treat.
❤️ One more day with the people they love.

We think our senior pets have life figured out better than most of us. 💛

08/28/2026

🌈🐾 August 28 is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.

Some pets stay with us for a season.

Others stay with us for a lifetime...
..and all of them leave paw prints on our hearts forever.

Today, we honor the companions who greeted us at the door, curled up beside us after a long day, celebrated our happiest moments, and quietly comforted us through our hardest ones.

The love we share with our pets never truly ends. It lives on in the routines we still remember, the photos we can't help but smile at, the toys we can't quite put away, and the countless memories that make us laugh through the tears.

As a veterinary team, we know saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of loving a pet. It's also one of the greatest privileges to have known a love so deep that their absence is still felt.

Today, we invite you to take a moment to remember the pets who helped shape your life. Whether they crossed the Rainbow Bridge recently or many years ago, they'll always be part of your story.

Until we meet again. ❤️🌈

08/27/2026

🐶💪 Pulled muscles can make your pup wince instead of wiggle. Gentle care, rest, and TLC help them bounce back to happy tail-wags! 🐾❤️‍🩹

Click below to read more 📲

Learn how to ease your dog's pulled muscle pain and prevent future injuries. Discover treatment options and symptoms to watch for in your furry friend.

08/26/2026

🐾💙 August 26 is International Dog Day

Dogs have an incredible way of making every day a little brighter. They’re our companions, adventure buddies, comforters, and beloved members of the family.

Today, we celebrate dogs everywhere and the joy they bring into our lives. 🐶❤️

Give your best friend an extra hug from us!

08/26/2026

📦🐾 If your pet had an Amazon purchase history... we'd have some questions. 😂

🐶 Dog's Recent Orders
✔️ 47 tennis balls
✔️ Indestructible toy (we'll see about that)
✔️ "World's Strongest" leash (challenge accepted)
✔️ Giant stick... somehow Prime eligible
✔️ 50-pound bag of treats
✔️ Couch replacement fund

🐱 Cat's Recent Orders
✔️ Empty cardboard boxes
✔️ Window hammock for neighborhood surveillance
✔️ Catnip banana
✔️ Bird feeder
✔️ Rotisserie chicken
✔️ 63 fake mice...

Meanwhile... your pet somehow spent $847.32 and you're still picking up p**p. 😂

What do you think would be the #1 item in your pet's Amazon order history?

08/26/2026

Good morning lovely people,
We have a client who is has developed health issues and needs to re-home her handsome crew of kitties. Timon (grey) and Pumba (brown tabby) are littermates and buddies. Archie is their orange sidekick. Please let us know if you are interested in opening your hearts and home to these sweet boys. You can call the clinic for more information.