August is National Immunization Awareness Month - don't forget that routine lab work is just as vital! Early testing helps detect hidden issues, keeping your pet healthier, longer.

What You Can't See Can Hurt Them: The Importance of Preventative Lab Work

February is National Pet Dental Health Month - a great reminder that your pet's oral care is key to their overall health. Schedule a professional cleaning to keep their smile bright and healthy!

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month - learn how to protect your pets from hidden household dangers like toxic foods, plants, and chemicals. This guide covers key risks, emergency tips, and prevention strategies to keep your furry friends safe.



Toxic to Pets: Household Dangers Every Owner Should Know

Help your cat beat the summer heat with hydration tips, grooming advice, diet updates, parasite prevention, and mental enrichment. This seasonal guide covers everything to keep your feline happy and healthy all June long.



Essential Cat Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

Emergency Pet Hospital of Craven-Carteret

PetDocks Veterinary Hospital

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Proudly serving the citizens of Morehead City and it's surrounding areas.

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In June 2000, Dr. Worrell and Dr. Allison Arnoult opened PetDocks Veterinary Hospital. In 2006, PetDocks moved to a new state-of-the-art hospital and boarding complex.  As your other family doctor and an AAHA-accredited hospital, our mission is to provide a cheerful, dedicated, and comfortable environment that offers the best care to all pets and meets our clients' needs with exceptional patient care, compassion, and outstanding, personal customer service.  We strive for a clean, orderly, and attractive facility that is pleasant and has no dust or hair accumulations. Rooms are uncluttered and facilitate patient exams, treatment, diagnosis, and client education. Client flow is systematic and efficient.  The doctors and the practice contribute to the community in positive and constructive ways, promoting the importance of pets in our clients' lives and society. We encourage responsible pet care. The practice, the doctors, and the staff maintain a very personal relationship with our clients and pets. We rely heavily and actively on soliciting referrals from our clients because good clients refer more good ones. We want to be known as the practice that offers the most value for our clients. We want our practice team to be considered the best at what we do.  Our staff is responsive to each other and the needs of the client. They create a cheerful, focused, and caring environment. They are the welcome wagon. They take the initiative in educating clients and interacting with them constructively and positively. They are pleasant and friendly with clients and other staff, and doctors.

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The new year often inspires us to make positive changes, and for some, that might mean adding a new furry friend to the family. Whether you’ve just welcomed a playful puppy or a curious kitten, there’s a lot to learn in these first few months together.Here’s a quick guide from our veterinary team to help you and your new pet start the year off on the right paw!1. First Things First: The Initial Vet Visit – Just like newborns, puppies, and kittens need a complete health check soon after arriving at their new home. Your first vet visit will typically cover :<ul><li>A comprehensive physical exam: We’ll assess your pet’s overall health and check for any initial signs of concern.</li><li>Vaccinations: Puppies and kittens need a series of vaccines to protect them from diseases like parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. Your vet will create a vaccination schedule tailored to their needs.</li><li>Parasite prevention: Puppies and kittens are prone to parasites like fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. Starting parasite prevention early keeps them comfortable and healthy.</li><li>Microchipping: A microchip helps reunite you with your pet if they ever get lost. We recommend microchipping during one of their initial visits for an extra layer of security.</li></ul>2. Nutrition Matters: Feeding Your Puppy or Kitten –&nbsp; Young pets have different nutritional needs than adults, so choosing the right food is crucial. Here’s what you should know:<ul><li>Age-appropriate food: Look for food labeled specifically for puppies or kittens, formulated to support growth and development.</li><li>Portion control: Puppies and kittens have small stomachs, so they must be fed several small meals throughout the day.</li><li>Avoid “people food”: Many human foods can be toxic to pets. Stick to a diet of high-quality pet food and consult your vet about any treats or supplements.</li></ul>Your veterinarian can help you select a brand and feeding schedule that suits your pet’s age, breed, and activity level.3. Training Tips: Building Good Habits Early –&nbsp; Puppies and kittens are at an ideal age to start learning good behaviors. Here are some training tips:<ul><li>Consistency is key: Establish a routine that includes regular feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtime.</li><li>Reward positive behaviors: Use treats or affection to reinforce good behaviors, whether using the litter box or sitting on command.</li><li>Socialization: Gradually expose your pet to new environments, people, and other animals. Supervised playtime with other vaccinated dogs can build confidence for puppies, while kittens benefit from gentle handling and exposure to new sights and sounds.</li></ul>Early training sets the foundation for a well-adjusted, happy adult pet.4. Pet-Proofing Your Home – Like baby-proofing, creating a safe space for your new pet is essential. Here’s a quick checklist:<ul><li>Remove hazards: Keep small items, electrical cords, and toxic household plants out of reach.</li><li>Secure trash cans: Many puppies and kittens are curious and may be tempted to rummage through the garbage.</li><li>Create a safe space: Set up a cozy area with a bed, toys, food, and water bowls where your pet can feel secure.</li></ul>Pet-proofing your home helps prevent accidents and keeps your furry friends safe as they explore.5. The Importance of Routine Checkups – While puppies and kittens require frequent vet visits initially, maintaining annual checkups is key to long-term health. During each visit, we’ll monitor:<ul><li>Growth and development: Ensuring your pet is on track for age and breed.</li><li>Dental health: Dental care starts early! We’ll help you establish a brushing routine and provide tips for healthy teeth.</li><li>Behavioral development: Our team can assist with training challenges and suggest resources or trainers if needed.</li></ul>6. A New Year of Love and Companionship –&nbsp; A new pet brings so much joy to a household. This special bond you’re creating is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship, from playtime to cuddle sessions.If you have questions or concerns, remember that our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">veterinary team is here</a> to help guide you. This New Year, let’s make every moment with your new pet safe, happy, and healthy! ____________________________________________________________________ Ready to start your journey as a new pet parent? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/woodstock-ga-veterinary-appointment/">Schedule</a> your pet’s first veterinary visit today! Our team is excited to support you and your new friend as you embark on this adventure together.

Welcoming a new puppy or kitten? Start the year right with our vet-approved guide to pet care, covering health, nutrition, training, and more for a happy, healthy beginning.



A Guide to Your New Puppy or Kitten: Health, Training, and Tips for 2025

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We love educating our clients! That's why we have curated and shared posts with helpful information regarding pet care.

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Prouldy serving Morehead City since 2000, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

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Keep your pet clean, healthy, and looking their best with gentle, professional grooming and baths.


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Professional overnight pet care in our veterinary-supervised facility. Safe, comfortable boarding with 24/7 monitoring and medical support available.

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Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


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We help manage your pet's pain with expert care, medication, and therapies tailored to their needs.

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Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

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When it's time to say goodbye, we offer gentle, compassionate end-of-life care and support. 

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Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


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Deworming & Parasite Control

Safe, carefully monitored anesthesia keeps your pet comfortable during surgeries and procedures.

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From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


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Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


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Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat fast.

Diagnostics & Imaging

We care for exotic pets with species-specific expertise and heart.


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Non-invasive laser therapy helps reduce pain, speed healing, and improve mobility for pets of all ages.


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We offer advanced surgical care using skilled techniques, modern equipment, and compassionate support.


A Guide to Your New Puppy or Kitten: Health, Training, and Tips for 2025

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