News & Specials

Southwest Florida hurricane season runs from June through November, and as any Ave Maria family knows, preparation is everything. But while you're stocking water and boarding windows, don't forget the four-legged members of your household.

Start with a pet-specific go-bag: at least three days of food and water, current medications, vaccination records, a sturdy leash or carrier, and a favorite toy or blanket to reduce stress. Keep a recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.

Confirm your pet's microchip is registered with up-to-date contact information—this is the single most effective way to be reunited after an evacuation. If your pet isn't microchipped yet, schedule a quick appointment and we'll handle it during a routine visit.

Finally, identify pet-friendly shelters and hotels along your evacuation route ahead of time. Collier County emergency management publishes updated lists each season. A little planning now means peace of mind when it matters most.

Bad breath isn't just unpleasant—it's often the first sign of periodontal disease, a painful condition that affects over 80% of pets by their third birthday. Plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline where brushing can't reach, leading to infection, tooth loss, and even damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.

A professional dental cleaning at Faithful Friends Animal Hospital includes ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline, polishing to smooth the enamel, and digital dental X-rays to inspect roots and jawbone health that aren't visible to the naked eye.

We tailor every anesthetic protocol to your pet's age and health status, with pre-anesthetic bloodwork and continuous monitoring for maximum safety. Most pets go home the same day with a fresher mouth and a healthier body.

Pair professional cleanings with daily home care—dental chews, enzymatic rinses, or pet-safe toothpaste—and you'll add years of comfortable eating and tail wags to your companion's life.

A common rule of thumb: pets age roughly seven years for every one of ours. By age seven, most dogs and cats are considered seniors, and their healthcare needs shift toward early detection of chronic conditions like kidney disease, thyroid imbalance, diabetes, and arthritis.

Watch for subtle changes: increased thirst or urination, unexplained weight loss or gain, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, new lumps or bumps, changes in appetite, or persistent bad breath. None of these mean disaster—but each warrants a visit.

Our senior wellness panel combines a thorough physical exam with bloodwork, urinalysis, and sometimes imaging to establish a baseline and catch problems before symptoms appear. Early intervention almost always means simpler, less costly, and more effective treatment.

Senior visits are also a chance to discuss pain management, joint support, and nutrition tailored to aging bodies. With the right plan, your gray-muzzled companion can enjoy comfortable, vibrant golden years.

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL)—the canine equivalent of the human ACL—stabilizes the knee joint. When it tears, dogs experience sudden lameness, pain, and progressive arthritis. It's one of the most common orthopedic injuries we see, especially in active and larger breeds.

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is the gold-standard surgical repair. Rather than replacing the ligament, TPLO changes the angle of the tibial plateau so the knee is stable during weight-bearing. Dr. Baumgart became certified to perform TPLO surgery in 2021 and has helped many dogs return to full activity.

Recovery is a structured process: controlled activity, physical therapy, and follow-up X-rays to confirm bone healing. As a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, Dr. Baumgart also guides post-operative rehab to restore strength and range of motion safely.

If your dog shows sudden hind-limb lameness, don't wait. Early evaluation and imaging lead to better surgical outcomes and less joint damage. Schedule an orthopedic consultation and we'll build a plan tailored to your pet.