World-Class Pet Care Resources
• Night pacing: Are you kept up at night by the continuous clicking of your pet aimlessly pacing the house? In senior pets, this nightly restlessness may be caused by cognitive dysfunction, also known as dementia. The confusion it causes can disrupt a pet’s sleep-wake cycles and lead to night pacing. Other possible causes of pet insomnia also include hyperthyroidism in cats and anxiety.
• Can’t get comfortable: Some pets are prissy about their beds, fussily fluffing it into the perfect shape before lying down, but if your pet seems to be spending excessive time circling and pawing, repeatedly getting up to try again, something might be amiss. Painful conditions such as arthritis may be preventing your pet from finding a restful position.
• Sleep coughing: A cough that happens only at nighttime is just as concerning as a round-the-clock cough. Coughing caused by certain diseases, like heart disease, are exacerbated by lying down and are more easily noticed at bedtime.
• Violent sleep movements: Forget gentle twitching and yipping during sleep—the dreaming motions of pets with REM sleep behavior disorder are forceful enough to propel them across the floor and run them into walls! This disorder can closely resemble a seizure (and vice versa).
• Falling asleep suddenly: Narcolepsy is a genetic condition that causes pets to fall over asleep throughout the day, especially when they are excited. The pet may be eagerly running up for a treat in one moment and fully asleep on the floor the next. Other diseases that cause sudden collapse, like seizures or heart disease, look very similar and should always be checked for as well.
If you notice any of these signs in your pet, make an appointment to discuss them with your veterinarian. Capturing a video of your pet’s behavior will help your veterinarian reach a diagnosis.
Want to help prevent dementia in your dog?
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
