Present this coupon to claim $25 off your pet's first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Every November, we recognize National Pet Cancer Awareness Month to help pet parents understand cancer risks, early warning signs, and the importance of proactive veterinary care. Awareness empowers families to act early and support their pets' long-term health.

Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Hope

Learn how to reduce pet anxiety during Halloween with veterinarian-approved tips. Help your dog or cat stay calm and happy when costumes, candy, and trick-or-treaters arrive.

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

Limping is a common sign of discomfort in the bones or muscles of your dog, but it can have a variety of causes. In the article below, we will discuss some of the common causes and tips for your vet visit. It's always best to have your pet examined by a veterinarian if you notice Fido limping.

Why is My Dog Limping?

There are a few reasons our feline friends make us sneeze and wheeze. They produce something called the feline d1 protein, which is in their saliva, dander, and fur. This allergen is what we're thought to be allergic to. Many of the longer, fluffier-haired breeds of cats shed more often and along with their dander.

Best Cat Breeds For People With Allergies

Many dogs howl, and some breeds howl much more often than others. You might wonder why your dog howls. What triggers the howling? Why do some dogs seem to howl for no apparent reason? Some people think howling dogs are adorable, but some owners of dogs that howl frequently can be very annoyed with this behavior. 

Dog Howling: What Does It Mean?

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At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.<ul><li>Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</li><li>Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</li><li>Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</li><li>Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</li><li>Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</li></ul>Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
 
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
 • Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
 • Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
 • Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
 • Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
 
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li><li>Sudden death</li></ul>

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Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:<ul><li>The more treatment options are available</li><li>The better heart damage can be managed</li><li>The higher the chance of improving quality of life</li></ul>Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:<ul><li>Lethargy or decreased activity</li><li>Fainting or collapse</li><li>Irregular heartbeat</li><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Unexplained weight loss</li></ul>If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

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At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Sudden death</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li></ul>

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New Clients Receive $25 Off Their First Exam

This offer entitles any first-time pet parent to our hospital (New Client) a discount of $25 for one pet.Coupon must be presented at time of visit. Not valid for existing customers of other Tuder group locations or with previous purchases. Limit one coupon per New Client. Pet parents must be 18 years or older. No cash value. Void where prohibited by law. Expires 12/31/26.

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If you were to meet Howie with his cute bow tie and his wagging tail, you would never know that one fateful day last spring, his mother thought he was on death’s doorstep. When Howie arrived at my clinic, he was painful to the touch, had a high fever, had no appetite, and was very lethargic. He had no desire to walk around, and we could barely touch him without him yelping in pain. After carefully examining him, my top two differentials were a back issue or Lyme disease. Howie’s owner remembered that Howie had tested Lyme positive at his previous vet a couple of years ago. Since in-house testing shows exposure and not necessarily an active infection, the positive result was confirmed at an outside lab by measuring the Lyme levels in Howie’s blood. Howie was treated with medication and has happily made a full recovery, much to everyone’s relief.Howie was lucky that his Lyme disease presented as soreness with a fever. Although this is probably one of the more common presentations in dogs, along with lameness, did you know it can also cause very serious kidney issues as well?<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">Important Facts About Lyme Disease?</h2>Lyme disease is a bacterial infection known as Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread by the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick). The disease was first recognized in 1975 when researchers started investigating why so many children were developing juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in Lyme, Connecticut, and several surrounding towns. There is evidence that Lyme disease was present in wildlife back to the late 1800s. Even though we think of deer carrying the deer tick into our backyards, other wildlife, such as mice, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, and other species, can harbor ticks on their bodies and help unwanted ticks move from place to place.Most people mistakenly think that if they do not see ticks or if their dog has short hair that it will be safe from ticks. This is not true. The black-legged ticks have four different stages during their life cycle.&nbsp; One of the life stages of deer ticks can be the size of a pinhead and easily attach to a short-haired or a light-colored dog without ever being detected.&nbsp; After the deer tick attaches and seals itself to the dog's skin, it will begin to feed, taking a blood meal that the tick needs to sustain itself.&nbsp; Studies have also shown that one of the small, undetectable tick life stages (nymphs) tends to be the culprits in tick disease transmission because they are not easily detected as the larger adult tick life stage.&nbsp; If the tick is carrying B. burgdorferi, this bacterium will be transmitted to your dog while the tick ingests the blood meal. On average, it takes about 24-48 hours for the tick to pass Lyme disease to your dog.&nbsp;Lyme disease presents with a variety of clinical signs in dogs. Your dog may contract the disease but never show clinical signs; they may get a fever and have swollen or painful joints, have shifting leg lameness, stiffness, lethargy, or anorexia. In extreme cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys and result in fatal kidney failure.<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">Does My Dog Have Lyme Disease?</h2>So, how can you tell if your dog has Lyme disease? Take your dog to the vet! You may suspect Lyme disease in your dog if you see some of the above-mentioned signs, but most of those clinical signs can be related to other non-Lyme-related diseases as well. Most veterinarians in the Northeast test dogs annually for Lyme disease. Most veterinarians in the area use an in-house test that looks for heartworm disease, Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichia. The three diseases (Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichia) are found in many parts of the United States, including the Western and upper Midwest States.&nbsp;So what does a positive result mean, and what do you do about it?&nbsp; If your dog tests positive for Lyme disease, it means that they have been exposed to B. burgdorferi. What your veterinarian does with that positive result will vary. Your veterinarian may recommend checking your dog’s urine for protein, which can be an early sign of Lyme disease affecting the kidneys. They may recommend sending out additional blood work to a laboratory to test the levels of the bacteria in their blood and consider whether your dog should be treated, or to monitor your dog for clinical signs of Lyme disease and treat only if clinical signs are present.<h2 dir="auto" style="line-height: 1.2">How Do I Prevent Lyme Disease In My Dog?</h2>The most important thing you should ask yourself is How do you prevent Lyme disease?&nbsp; The best preventative for most tick-borne diseases (that we commonly see in the United States) is to use flea and tick prevention. Not all flea and tick preventatives are created equally, though. You want something that will repel ticks or kill them before the 24-hour mark when they attach (remember it takes 24-48 hours to transmit tick-borne pathogens). It is often tempting to purchase something you see at the store, but I strongly recommend consulting with your veterinarian. Veterinarians can help guide you to products that will give your dog the best protection. Since there are so many choices out there, tap into your veterinarian’s knowledge before making a decision!Even though Lyme disease is well known to people who live in many parts of the United States, it is important to remember to protect not only yourself but your dog as well. This means using appropriate tick preventatives and testing if you have been in an area that has ticks. Just because you do not see a tick or your dog is not showing any clinical signs of Lyme disease does not mean that they may not be infected with the Lyme disease bacteria. It is better to be proactive and take steps to prevent tick diseases from being transmitted to your dog than to watch your best friend suffer from the clinical signs of the disease.Howie is doing wonderfully. Lyme disease may rear its ugly head again, but through careful annual monitoring and using preventive care, we will hopefully prevent that from happening again.

Lyme disease presents with a variety of clinical signs in dogs. Your dog may contract the disease but never show clinical signs; they may get a fever and have swollen or painful joints, have shifting leg lameness, stiffness, lethargy, or anorexia. In extreme cases, Lyme disease can affect the kidneys and result in fatal kidney failure.

Lyme Disease

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With our new app, you will have all of your pet's health information in the palm of your hand. Consider it your pet's personal organizer app. Best of all, it's free!

Keeping up with your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier!

Please fill out the information below to get started.

Compassionate and quality care for your pets.

Need to be seen today? Call us for same-day appointment availability.

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

Trusted care across Hudson County, with sister locations in Bayonne & Hoboken.

To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a deferred interest payment plan through CareCredit.

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Heights Veterinary Associates is part of the Tuder Group, with sister locations in Hoboken and Jersey City. Visit Bayonne Animal Hospital, Downtown Veterinary Associates, or Animal Infirmary of Hoboken for the same expert care.

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When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

Pet Behavior & Anxiety Support

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

Laser Therapy

Ensure your pet travels safely with veterinary health certificates and travel documentation support. Our veterinarians provide exams, guidance, and required paperwork to help prepare your pet for travel based on your destination and specific requirements.

Pet Health Certificates

A sudden limp. A skipped meal. A look that says something's off. When your pet isn't feeling right, same-day answers make all the difference. 

Urgent Care

When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


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Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a powerful tool in managing weight, energy, chronic conditions, and even behavior.

Pet Nutrition

Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

End-of-Life Support

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

Spay And Neuter

Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

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Understanding Lyme Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

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Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Hope

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

Why is My Dog Limping?

Related Blogs

Understanding Lyme Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

FAQs

How long has Heights Veterinary Associates been open?

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Do you offer pet dental care services?

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?