Vets hear it all the time. “My cat is indoors only.” Or, “I apply my dog’s flea meds every month.” The thing to know about fleas is that they’re hard to see, hard to kill, and it only takes one to cause a great deal of discomfort to your pet (and to you).

We know that some plants are toxic - potentially deadly - to our pets. But what about the ones that cause harm in a far more insidious way?

The short answer is, well, yes. But these rocks aren’t quite the kind that you find out in nature. Whether they be small and gritty or larger and perfectly smooth, uroliths can really stonewall your pet’s health.

Lingering “bad breath” can be an early sign of dental disease or hidden infection, and over time it can impact more than just the mouth—like the heart, kidneys, and liver when bacteria enters the patient’s bloodstream. Learn what to watch for and what you can do at home.

Many pets with early heart disease look totally fine. At Vets in Vans clinics, our veterinarians listen for subtle clues—like heart murmurs or changes in stamina—long before pets seem sick at home. Knowing what to watch for can make a big difference.