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Seeing a swollen face on your dog is alarming. One moment your pet looks perfectly normal, and the next, you notice puffiness around the muzzle, cheeks, eyes, or jaw. While some causes of dog facial swelling are relatively minor, others require prompt veterinary attention. Understanding what might be behind the swelling can help you make informed decisions about your dog’s care.

At Bowman Veterinary Hospital in Auburn, CA, our veterinarians and staff understand how concerning sudden facial changes can be. Here’s what pet owners should know about common causes of facial swelling in dogs and when it’s time to seek professional care.

Foxtails may look soft, wispy, and harmless, swaying in the summer breeze, but don’t let the fluffy facade fool you. These tiny grass awns are basically nature’s barbed darts—designed to travel in one direction and stubbornly keep going. For pets, that can spell serious trouble.

At Bowman Veterinary Hospital, we see countless cases of grass awn injury in pets, especially in adventurous dogs and curious outdoor cats who charge enthusiastically into fields, trails, and tall grass without a second thought.

There’s a special kind of joy pet parents experience when watching their dogs running full tilt through an open green space—ears flapping and paws pounding the ground in perfect rhythm. But sometimes, the grand finale of that backyard sprint or trail adventure is a dog limping after running.

While not every limp is an emergency, it’s never something to ignore. In this blog, our team takes a closer look at dog leg injury symptoms to help you spot the difference between a temporary hitch or an injury that needs attention. 

Cats are known for their calm, composed demeanor, and when it comes to breathing, even subtle changes can signal something serious. If you notice your cat open-mouth breathing, it’s important to take it seriously. Unlike dogs, cats do not typically pant, and breathing with an open mouth is often a sign of distress.

In this blog, our team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital helps you understand what’s normal and what’s not, so you can act quickly during a cat breathing emergency. 

Cats are champions of cozy corners. A quiet closet, a sunny windowsill, or a favorite box can feel like a private paradise. But when cat hiding behavior suddenly increases, especially in a normally social pet, it can be more than a quirky preference. It may be your cat’s subtle way of signaling that something is wrong.

In this blog, our team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital explores why sudden behavior changes in cats can hint at trouble and when to respond with prompt veterinary care.

Few things are more distressing than your dog suddenly having a bout of diarrhea—especially if it happens inside your home. Now you’re worried about your pup and facing a mess to clean up. But if your dog can’t get out the door in time to relieve herself, you might have a dog diarrhea emergency on your hands. 

Not sure what to do? The team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital is here to help. 

Cats are masters of mystery. They nap peacefully, eat politely, and often hide discomfort with impressive skill. That’s why weight loss in cats—especially when it happens quietly—deserves close attention. If your cat is losing weight but eating, it’s rarely “just a phase,” and almost always a signal that something deeper is going on.

In fact, unexplained weight loss is one of the most important warning signs veterinarians see in feline patients.

Like humans, our furry companions need regular dental care to ensure they lead a life full of happy tail wags and contented purrs. At Bowman Veterinary Hospital, we understand the importance of pet dental care to overall health and well-being, and we’re committed to keeping your pet’s smile bright and healthy.  

Welcoming a kitten into your family is a time full of playful energy and plenty of learning for both of you. As your kitten grows, one of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) parts of their development is their teeth. Understanding your kitten’s teeth helps you provide comfort during teething, and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Bowman Veterinary Hospital in Auburn, CA, is here to help you navigate this important milestone.

The holidays are upon us, and if you’re decking the halls, we’re sure your pets are right there with you! It’s fun to celebrate the season with our best fur pals, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can leave room for a pet accident or injury, and land us in the emergency clinic – the last thing anyone wants.

So, let’s spend a moment talking about how to have a safe and fun holiday with your pet!