May 2026

The Creekside Chronicle -

Wags & Wellness

May is Arthritis Awareness Month

As your pet gets older, you may notice small changes — taking longer to get up, hesitating before jumping into the car, slowing down on walks, or choosing rest over play. It is easy to assume these are simply signs of aging, but often they can be early signs of arthritis or another mobility issue.

One of the first things I tell families is to watch for changes in your pet’s normal routine. Stiffness after resting, limping, reluctance to climb stairs, slipping on hard floors, muscle loss, or panting with movement can all be signs that your pet may be uncomfortable.

If you notice your pet slowing down, I encourage you not to wait too long. When you bring your pet in, I start with a physical exam to look for pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion. In some cases, I may recommend bloodwork to rule out other issues and make sure your pet is a good candidate for medication if needed.

The good news is that there are many ways we can help. Joint supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, weight management, and simple home changes — like non-slip rugs, ramps, and orthopedic beds — can make a meaningful difference. Some pets also benefit from rehabilitation therapies such as laser therapy or controlled exercise. (In the photo above, Charlie models for some photos of laser therapy with Sharon and me.)

My biggest advice is this: if your pet is slowing down, don’t assume it is "just old age." Often, slowing down is one of the earliest signs that something is uncomfortable.

The sooner we recognize those changes, the sooner we can help your pet stay comfortable, active, and enjoying the things they love most.

~ Dr. Jan Crowe

A Day At The Beach

Beach days with your dog are the best—sun, sand, zoomies, and salty kisses. Before you load up the car, here are a few simple ways to keep your pup safe and happy while you’re soaking it all in:

☀️ Mind the heat

Sand heats up fast (way faster than the air). If it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for their paws. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet—plus don’t forget shade and plenty of fresh water.

🌊 Skip the saltwater sips

We know they’ll try it 😅 but saltwater can upset their stomach and lead to dehydration. Offer fresh water often to keep them feeling good.

🏖️ Know their swim style

Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and waves can be tiring—even for confident pups. A life vest is a great option for extra safety.

🐚 Watch for beach hazards

Shells, jellyfish, rocks, and even fishing hooks can be hiding in the sand. Keep an eye on curious noses and busy paws.

🌡️ Take cool-down breaks

Between the excitement and the sun, overheating can sneak up quickly. If your pup is panting heavily or slowing down, it’s time for a break in the shade.

🐾 Rinse and reset

A quick rinse after your beach day helps remove salt, sand, and bacteria that can irritate skin and paws.

🦟 Stay up to date on preventatives

Beach environments can expose pets to parasites—make sure your dog is protected before you go.

Creekside tip:

If your pup seems off after your beach trip—vomiting, limping, or low energy—give us a call. We’re always here to help 💙

Have the best time making those sandy memories with your four-legged family members!

Did You Know?

A dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be up to 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than ours. That’s why your dog can find the one treat you forgot in your jacket pocket three days ago and smells that are undetectable to humans.

Pet trivia: Cats and dogs have a special “third eyelid” called the nictitating membrane. It helps protect and moisten the eye.

Fun fact: It is said that a dog’s nose print is unique — kind of like a human fingerprint.

Quick smile: Most dogs tilt their heads not just because it’s adorable (though it is), but because it may help them better locate where a sound is coming from. Incredible cuteness is a bonus :)

Creekside fun fact: A healthy walk does more than exercise your dog’s body — it also gives their brain a workout. All that sniffing is mental enrichment, which can help reduce stress and boredom. And use up excess energy which may translate into "calm" and / or "tired."

Did you know? Cats often prefer running water because, in nature, moving water is usually fresher. That’s why some cats become instant fans of pet fountains.

Seasonal reminder: As the weather warms up, pavement can heat faster than many people realize. If it feels hot to the back of your hand, it can be too hot for your dog’s paws.

A Big Creekside smile: When your dog greets you at the door with a wagging tail, they’re not just excited — they’re reconnecting with their favorite person.

Hurricane Season - incoming!

June kicks off hurricane season. Especially if you are not from an area with hurricanes, all of the news coverage and conversations can be unsettling and overwhelming. We have hurricane resources on our website for families with pets. This will better prepare you for getting ready for a storm. We have Travel and pet care tips. We will post a hurricane series all of June, Including Q & A.

We Love Our Patients! We've "got you"

Know that we've "got you." If you are a regular client of ours and something pops up and you need us out of the blue, please call us. We may have an opening! We will do our absolute best to get you in and see that your baby is taken care of. If your appointment is too far out and you need us sooner, call or email to get on our "bump list" - we keep a list at the front desk and will call you as we get cancellations to see if you want that appointment. Alyssa and Shannon will get you taken care of!

Request an appointment by email here

We are always accepting new clients and patients

The highest compliment we can receive is your referral

We are independently owned - intentionally different.

Creekside Veterinary Clinic, PA |843-824-8044| desk@creeksidevetclinic.com | www.creeksidevetclinic.com

"We are Here For The Life of Your Pet Because We Care."