Veterinarian and animal hospital in North Charleston, SC

Veterinarians in North Charleston, SC Providing Compassionate Pet Care

Best Veterinarian in Charleston: Top 5 Nominee 2017They cheer us up when we’re down. They keep us company on lonely days. They warm our laps and souls. They are our pets and our best friends, and they should be treated like nothing less.

Best Veterinarian in Charleston: Top 5 Nominee 2018

We believe in building trusting, long-lasting relationships with our clients and their pets by fulfilling our commitments to them and standing behind our core values each and every day.

Our Commitment to You

We will dedicate ourselves to the lifelong care of your pet.

We believe that you and your beloved family member should always be our main focus. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff and veterinarians will deliver incomparable health care using state-of-the-art equipment and medicine.

We will demonstrate integrity and compassion.

We believe in nurturing the bond that exists between you and your pet. Our success is built on providing exceptional customer service to our clients and a stress-free experience to our patients.

We will educate and empower.

We believe in doing what it takes to earn your confidence and trust. We will empower you with education and information so that you may join us as a member of your pet’s healthcare team.

Call us today (843) 553-0441 to schedule an appointment for your North Charleston Pet.

About Our Animal Hospital 

We know that when it comes to choosing a vet, you have many options. Here at Northwoods Veterinary Clinic, we have a genuine passion and concern for all of your four-legged friends. Our personalized care—both for our patients and clients—is what keeps so many pet owners coming back to us year after year. Once we meet a pet and owner, we make a point to always remember their names. We also make every effort to help pets have an experience that is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, even if it means sitting down on the floor beside them. Some of the other features of our stress-free practice include:

  • Non-skid mats on tables
  • Cats allowed to explore rooms prior to exams
  • Comfort packs for surgery
  • Ample treats and rewards
  • Use of Feliway pheromones in cat rooms and Adaptil pheromones in dog rooms
  • Covered cat cages
  • Gentle approach and interaction using minimal restraint

Veterinary Services We Offer in North Charleston, SC

As a full-service animal hospital in North Charleston, we are able to meet all of your pet’s basic health care needs. Our warm, welcoming atmosphere combined with our state-of-the art equipment allow us to provide many services, including:

Veterinarian with a grey cat

Please visit the “Services” tab of our website to learn more about each of the services Northwoods Veterinary Clinic offers and how our approach to pet healthcare sets our animal hospital apart. Call us today at (843) 553-0441 or use the online appointment request form to schedule your visit.

veterinarian holding dog

Without a doubt the best practice I’ve ever been to for my pet’s health. We have found our new Veterinary home.

-John

Our clients think we’re the cat’s meow!

Tell us what YOU think!

Why Is My Dog Vomiting?

When a pet vomits, the first question that often comes to mind as a pet owner is, “Why?” It’s natural to feel some concern over a dog vomiting, especially if you’re not sure what could have caused it. For many pets, a one-time vomiting incident is normal, but we also want to shed more light on the subject so you’ll know what to do if you suspect a more serious problem. At Northwoods Veterinary Clinic in North Charleston, SC, we want to educate you as much as possible on this and other issues so you can feel confident and empowered about making good decisions on your pet’s behalf. If you have further questions about dog vomiting, call us at (843) 553-0441 or schedule an appointment online. What Triggers Vomiting in Dogs? Vomiting in dogs can be set off by a variety of things. Some of the most common vomiting triggers include: Dietary Indiscretion: Our four-legged family members are naturally curious. Sometimes they ingest things they shouldn’t, either on their own accord or when offered food from their owners’ own table. Certain items such as fatty foods, spoiled food, toxic substances, or non-food items can irritate the stomach and lead to vomiting. Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, like parvovirus or bacterial gastroenteritis, can result in severe vomiting in dogs. Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Parasites: Intestinal worms such as roundworms or hookworms can be the culprits behind vomiting. Regular deworming (included in most heartworm preventatives) as well as annual fecal testing are crucial for protection from these parasites. Dietary Changes: Sudden shifts in your dog’s diet can upset their stomach. It’s advisable to make dietary transitions gradually. Medications: Some medications may list nausea or vomiting as a potential side effect. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding medication changes. Underlying Health Issues: Conditions like pancreatitis, liver disease, or kidney disease can lead to vomiting. Managing chronic diseases often requires long-term strategies. Signs Your Dog’s Vomiting Requires Medical Attention While occasional vomiting may not be cause for panic, certain signs should prompt you to seek immediate veterinary care for your pet: Persistent Vomiting: If your dog can’t keep water down and continuously vomits, they could become dehydrated. This can also indicate a gastrointestinal blockage from a foreign body, which is best diagnosed and treated early. Blood in Vomit: This could indicate a more serious condition, such as an ulcer or internal bleeding. Lethargy and Weakness: If your dog is unusually tired and vomiting persistently, it’s a warning sign of a potentially deeper issue. Unexplained Weight Loss: Combined with vomiting, this may signal a chronic health issue in your pet. Preventive Measures and Home Care for Dog Vomiting We can’t always prevent vomiting in our dogs, but there are some important steps you can take to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill, such as: Monitoring your pet’s diet: Make sure your dog is on a balanced diet and avoid making sudden changes to their food. Be cautious with human foods, as some can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Schedule regular checkups: Routine visits to your veterinarian can help you identify and manage underlying health issues in your pet before they become serious. Keep your pet’s environment clean: Prevent access to garbage and toxic substances to reduce the risk of dietary indiscretion. Commonly Asked Questions About Dog Vomiting Can I give my dog over-the-counter medication for vomiting? We do not recommend giving any medication to your dog without consulting with a veterinarian, as some human medications can be very harmful to dogs. How can I tell if my dog is dehydrated? Watch for signs like dry gums, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity (pinch your dog’s skin; if it takes a while for the skin fold to drop back down, your dog is likely dehydrated). If you suspect dehydration, contact us immediately. Is vomiting a sign of poisoning in dogs? It can be, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like seizures or other neurological signs. If you suspect poisoning, seek immediate veterinary care. When to Reach Out to Northwoods Veterinary Clinic If your dog’s vomiting is accompanied by concerning symptoms or if you’re uncertain about what to do, it’s always wise to err on the side of caution. Contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic at (843) 553-0441 for advice or schedule an appointment online. Our dedicated team is committed to the health and well-being of your cherished pet.

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?

Your cat might be a part of your family, but there are certain things about its behavior that might still remain a mystery to you. One such phenomenon is hairballs. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do cats get hairballs, and what can I do about it?”, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Northwoods Veterinary Clinic, located in the heart of North Charleston, SC, we believe in educating our pet owners about their furry friends’ health. Understanding Cat Hairballs: What Are They? Cats are meticulous groomers. As they clean themselves with their rough tongues, loose hair is often swallowed, most of which passes through the digestive system without issues. However, when the hair accumulates in the stomach, it forms a hairball that a cat often regurgitates. Why Do Cats Get Hairballs? The formation of hairballs, or trichobezoars, is primarily due to a cat’s unique grooming process. Cats have backward-facing hooks on their tongues that catch loose hair, which is then swallowed. In most cases, this hair is passed naturally through the cat’s digestive system. But when hair accumulates in the stomach, it can form a hairball. Long-haired breeds like Maine Coons and Persians are more prone to hairballs due to their thick fur. Symptoms of Hairballs in Cats Usually, cats expel hairballs without difficulty, leaving behind a small, tubular mass. However, complications arise when a hairball can’t be expelled. Watch out for signs like repeated unsuccessful retching, lethargy, loss of appetite, and constipation. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us at Northwoods Veterinary Clinic. You can call us at or schedule an appointment online at https://northwoodsvet.com/request-an-appointment/. How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats The Role of Cat’s Unique Grooming While grooming is a natural behavior, you can help minimize hair ingestion and subsequent hairball formation by brushing your cat regularly. This simple routine removes loose fur that could otherwise be swallowed. Investing in a good-quality grooming tool especially designed for cats is advisable. Hairball Remedies and Diet Adjustments There are several hairball remedies on the market, such as lubricants that help hair pass through the digestive system. Additionally, certain diets are specially formulated to promote healthy skin and coat, reducing shedding and thus the amount of hair swallowed. Brushing and Regular Vet Check-ups Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial. At Northwoods Veterinary Clinic, we offer professional grooming services that can help control hairball formation. With regular visits, our team can also monitor your cat’s health and offer personalized advice to manage hairballs effectively. When to Consult Northwoods Veterinary Clinic While occasional hairballs are nothing to be alarmed about, frequent hairballs can indicate an underlying health problem. It’s important to remember that each cat is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a trusted vet if you notice an increase in hairball frequency or other troubling symptoms. Northwoods Veterinary Clinic in North Charleston, SC is committed to the health and well-being of your feline friend. If you’re concerned about your cat’s hairballs or just due for a routine check-up, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  Visit our website at https://northwoodsvet.com/ for more information or to make an appointment. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Let’s work together to ensure your feline friend remains happy, healthy, and hairball-free!

Why Does My Dog Lick His Paws?

Dogs might lick their paws for many reasons. Most of them are not of any concern to pet owners, but if the behavior starts to become obsessive, it can be a reason for dog owners to worry. Pets who groom their coats or their paws too much can cause skin infections and other problems like fungal infections as well. Knowing more about what kinds of paw-licking behaviors are normal can help you to identify behavior that requires medical attention. Dogs of all ages will lick their paws from time to time, but you need to know enough about this behavior to be sure that you notice if it becomes a problem related to your pet’s well-being. Main Reasons Why Dogs Lick Their Paws Read on to learn the 6 most common reasons why dogs do this: 1. Injuries Dogs like to lick at injuries that they have gotten. When it comes to licking feet, common injuries that might make your dog show this behavior are things like burns to the pads of the feet, foreign objects stuck in the feet, or cuts and nicks on the sensitive parts of the feet. Pets that lick their feet too much when they are injured can cause secondary infections and things like hot spots. Examining your pet’s feet can help you to spot issues like cuts and scrapes or foreign objects that need to be removed. Consider allowing your vet to handle these kinds of concerns to be sure that the entire foreign object is taken out and to be sure that your pet gets antibiotics and other supportive care as needed. 2. Parasites Some kinds of parasites, such as fleas or mange, can cause the paws to itch. Some dogs are more focused on grooming their feet than scratching when they have these kinds of parasitic infections. This kind of issue can usually be resolved quite easily with the help of a veterinarian. Make sure that you look for other signs of these kinds of conditions, like bald spots or flaky skin and sores on other parts of the body. 3. Food Allergies or Environmental Allergies Dogs who are allergic to their food can sometimes end up with itchy feet and spend a lot of time trying to groom or chew on the feet to make them feel better. This is a very common reaction that can happen if your pet is allergic to their food. Dogs can also be allergic to plants during some times of the year or things like detergent or cleaning products that you have used in the home. Allergies can be treated with over-the-counter allergy medications in most cases, but some pets will also need supportive care to eliminate additional problems like skin infections caused by excessive grooming. It can take time to identify the reason for your pet’s allergic reaction, so you will need to be prepared to take the time to eliminate different items slowly to see which ones might be causing your pet to display excessive grooming behavior. 4. Anxiety Some animals that are anxious or scared will groom excessively to help themselves to feel better. This kind of grooming can lead to baldness, sores and hot spots, and other injuries. Pets that have been abused or have trouble with being kept indoors can be more likely to display this anxiety-driven behavior, but dogs that are high-energy can also fall back on excessive grooming to help manage intense feelings. Your veterinarian can usually help you with this kind of foot chewing or grooming behavior by giving your pet some medications to help them to feel calmer each day. Make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and that they are being given a safe place to hang out all day long. Eliminating reasons for anxiety can usually cause this behavior to go away on its own. 5. Dermatitis Dermatitis can be caused by lots of things, from food allergies to contact with irritating substances. Your pet might have dry and cracked feet if they have dermatitis, or their feet could be red and swollen. Dogs that have dermatitis usually develop secondary infections that are fungal or bacterial. Taking your dog to the vet to be looked at can be a big help when it comes to resolving dermatitis issues. There are various medications that your pet can take to help their fee to heal, and your vet might give you a cone for your dog to wear to prevent them from grooming excessively while they are recovering from this problem. 6. Pain Pets that are in pain might also lick their feet to try and make them feel better. This pain could be related to a foreign object in the foot or things like arthritis. Dogs might also lick the feet when it is really the legs that are hurting or a bigger joint like the shoulder is to blame for their pain. X-rays and other kinds of diagnostic tools can help your vet to figure out where the pain is coming from so you can treat it successfully. Managing your dog’s pain can be essential if you want to stop them from grooming excessively for this reason. Contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic if You Are Concerned About Your Dog Licking His Paws Pet owners should remember that dogs lick their paws for many normal reasons, but excessive grooming usually indicates a medical issue that needs attention. Your pet will thank you for taking the time to figure out what is wrong with their feet that is causing them to groom them all the time. Dogs who chew on their feet can cause secondary skin infections and other problems, so it is a good idea to make sure that your pet is not grooming their feet for hours every day. Foot grooming behavior can also be linked with a wide array of anxiety behaviors, or it can be a sign that your pet is bored. You will need to work with a vet to figure