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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As the weather warms up and summer kicks in, it’s the perfect time to check in on your cat’s health and routine. Cats are sensitive to temperature changes and seasonal shifts, so June is ideal for refreshing your feline care practices—from hydration and nutrition to grooming and parasite prevention.Whether you’re a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.1. Hydration is Key in the Summer Months – Cats are known for drinking less water than other pets, which makes them more prone to dehydration, especially during warm weather. Without enough fluids, they can experience urinary tract issues and heat-related stress.Hydration Tips:<ul><li>Add water or low-sodium bone broth to their wet food.</li><li>Use a cat water fountain to encourage drinking.</li><li>Keep multiple water bowls in shaded, cool spots around your home.</li></ul>Bonus Tip: Freeze broth in silicone molds for a refreshing treat.2. Grooming to Manage Summer Shedding –&nbsp; June is peak shedding season for most cats. Regular grooming helps prevent mats, reduce hairballs, and keep cats’ coats healthy and clean.Grooming Routine:<ul><li>Brush short-haired cats 2–3 times per week.</li><li>Long-haired breeds may need daily brushing.</li><li>Inspect for fleas, ticks, or skin issues during grooming sessions.</li></ul>Pro Tip: A flea comb can help remove loose fur and detect parasites early.3. Update Your Cat’s Diet for Summer – Cats may eat less when it’s hot, so it’s essential to adjust feeding habits while maintaining proper nutrition. Moisture-rich, high-protein diets are ideal during warmer months.Feeding Tips:<ul><li>Don’t leave wet food out longer than 20–30 minutes.</li><li>Offer frozen tuna water cubes as a light treat.</li><li>Keep feeding times consistent and portion-controlled.</li></ul>Vet Tip: A sudden loss of appetite may indicate an underlying issue—don’t hesitate to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://windyhillvet.com/contact/">consult your vet</a>.4. Stay Ahead of Fleas and Ticks – Fleas and ticks become more active during the summer. Even indoor cats are at risk, especially if other pets or humans bring pests into the home.Prevention Checklist:<ul><li>Use a vet-approved flea and tick treatment monthly.</li><li>Vacuum pet beds, carpets, and furniture frequently.</li><li>Inspect your cat’s fur, especially near the ears, paws, and tail.</li></ul>Note: Natural remedies are not always safe—always check with your vet before using any non-prescription treatments.5. Beat Boredom with Mental Stimulation – Summer means longer days, and your cat may have extra energy to burn. Mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom, especially for indoor cats.Enrichment Ideas:<ul><li>Rotate toys to keep them interesting.</li><li>Use food puzzles or treat mazes.</li><li>Add a window perch or build a catio for fresh air and safe outdoor time.</li></ul>Feeling adventurous? Try leash training for short, supervised walks outside.6. Schedule a Summer Wellness Check – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://windyhillvet.com/pet-wellness-care-smyrna-ga/">Preventive care</a> is one of the best things you can do for your cat. A quick checkup in June ensures your pet is in great shape before travel or routine changes.What to Discuss at the Vet:<ul><li>Up-to-date <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://windyhillvet.com/pet-vaccinations-smyrna-ga/">vaccinations</a></li><li>Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention</li><li>Skin, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://windyhillvet.com/pet-dentistry-smyrna-ga/">dental</a>, and behavioral observations</li></ul>Annual exams are critical to detecting and managing health conditions early, often before symptoms become serious or costly.Ready to Give Your Cat the Best Summer Ever?Your cat deserves a season full of health, comfort, and care. Let us help you make that happen.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://windyhillvet.com/smyrna-ga-veterinary-appointment/">Schedule your cat’s summer wellness exam</a> today. Because healthy cats make happy homes—and we’re here to support both.

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

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


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


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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.


Exotic Pet Care

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


Laser Therapy

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


Essential Cat Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

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