We work hard to provide exceptional service to every animal brought into our hospital. At Happy Paws Clinic, we take pride in providing the best veterinary medical, surgical, and dental services for pet owners. Our caring and knowledgeable staff will handle your pet medical care, pet dental care, pet vaccines, and spaying and neutering with skill and professionalism.

RELIABLE AND TRUSTED ANIMAL CLINIC IN Laguna Beach, CALIFORNIA

PRIMARY CARE

We know what it takes to keep your pet healthy and happy with vaccines, diet and everything in between.

  • Our pets get stressed too! Come talk to your veterinarian about how to identify what triggers your pet’s anxiety and build a treatment plan together, which may include lifestyle changes, calming tools, or medication. Whether it’s aggression, separation anxiety, or sleep issues, mental well-being is a critical element of your pet’s health.

  • Even though it’s the hardest part of being a veterinarian, we always approach end-of-life decisions with the same dignity and care that we bring to prolonging their lives. We’ll work with you to do what’s best for your best friend’s quality of life.

  • Is your pet feeling (or looking) a little sluggish? Your veterinarian can help implement diet or lifestyle changes to combat the effects of age, obesity, or other conditions. It could be creating meal plans, changing food types, or adjusting daily intake which may be combined with vitamins, medications, or exercise routines to encourage longevity and svelteness.

  • Our in-house pharmacy ensures we can treat your pet quickly and conveniently at your visit and will recommend the best medications and products to ensure they’ll thrive. We also partner with pharmacies to deliver prescriptions to you as needed.

  • Choosing to spay or neuter your pet can keep them healthy (and ensure you don’t end up with a bunch of unintended fur babies!). Spaying removes the ovaries, and typically the uterus, while neutering involves removing the testes. Both procedures end the ability to reproduce and spaying eliminates the heat cycle in female pets. This can also reduce the risk of certain cancers in some breeds along with limiting aggression, territorial behavior, and wandering to mate.

  • Vaccinations are critical in the fight against disease. Your veterinarian can advise you about foundational vaccines, including rabies, parvovirus, hepatitis, bordetella, canine influenza, distemper (panleukopenia in cats), feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, chlamydia, and leukemia. Depending on your pet’s breed, age, lifestyle, and habits, we recommend tailored treatments.

  • Some pets are more prone to skin woes than others, and your veterinarian is ready to guide both of you on the journey to health and beauty. We’ve seen it all, from allergic reactions to fleas and ticks to ringworm and alopecia (hair loss), and will get your fur baby back to looking and feeling their best.

  • When the worst happens, you want someone you trust by your side. Our veterinarians are well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in pets and will help with early detection and navigating the specialized oncological care that has increased survival and care rates in the animal community.

  • Start your pup off on the right paw to prevent problems later on. Your veterinarian will help design your vaccination schedule, and parasite prevention, discuss spaying or neutering, and more.

  • Our hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art surgery suites and our veterinarians are trained to perform routine and advanced surgeries, all while using the safest and most up-to-date anesthetic protocols, keeping our patients comfortable during the pre-and post-recovery time. We can help with everything from mass removals and biopsies to advanced ACL orthopedic reconstruction; your veterinarian will work with you to determine the right course of action.

  • Semi-annual checkups are the cornerstone of great pet care. Our best friends can’t tell us what hurts, so a veterinarian can diagnose problems early before they become larger problems. During the exam, we will perform a nose-to-tail examination, closely inspecting skin, ears, nose, and other sensitive areas. We’ll discuss your pet’s lifestyle, diet, and other key factors that drive healthy day-to-day life and recommend additional treatments such as vaccinations, heartworm, or tick and flea prevention.

  • Lab screening should be done annually, to compare patterns in your pet’s health year-over-year for early detection of issues, from dehydration to hormone issues to cancer. We use blood tests, urinalysis, fecal testing, parasite screening tests, and cytology to get to the bottom of what’s ailing your pet. We also provide advanced imaging on-site, from x-rays to ultrasounds – we’ll look inside your pet to see what they can’t tell us.

  • Microchipping can instill peace of mind for those of us with pets that are a little too curious about the outside world. If your pet gets lost, the chip is scanned to obtain your name, address, and phone number so you can be reunited.

  • Ongoing oral hygiene is key for pets and can prevent tooth loss and other serious infections. Your veterinarian should examine and perform a comprehensive oral and radiographic evaluation of your pet’s teeth and gums, all while under very closely monitored anesthesia. This should occur annually to identify and avoid disease, decay, or pain, and provide any additional necessary dentistry care or oral surgery, such as extractions.

  • As your pets settle into more advanced age, it becomes more important to stay on top of their checkups, blood work, and dieting and exercise routines. Exams should continue every 6 months and oftentimes will need to be more frequent depending on any diseases present. Always talk to your veterinarian about any changes in appetite, abnormal behavior, or decreased mobility that could indicate joint pain and arthritis development.

  • Domestic and International Health Certificates are federal documents stating your pet is safe to travel, indicating no threat of disease or risk. Check with your destination for entry requirements and come see us to ensure smooth sailing.

Urgent Care

  • Pets get colds, too and if their coughing persists, come see us. It could be Bordetella (kennel cough), which presents with a dry cough, occasionally followed by dry heaving or vomiting. It’s very contagious, but there is a preventative vaccine, and your pet can be medicated if it occurs

  • Eye infections can cause discomfort, redness, or sensitivity to light. Common causes of eye infections are viruses, bacteria, fungal spores, irritants, or allergens, such as smoke or shampoo. Eye infections require immediate treatment to avoid complications, and any medication placed in the eye should be reviewed by your veterinarian.

  • We all know pets sometimes eat something they shouldn’t. Occasionally they snag something you were really looking forward to… These tummy troubles can be minor or severe. Persistent or bloody diarrhea or vomiting is a cause for urgent concern and will likely need urgent attention, especially if in combination with dull hair, weight loss, fatigue, or a swollen belly.

  • Your pet may also get rashes, which may look alarming and uncomfortable, but they are quite common. Rashes can be anything from a simple bacterial skin infection to a more serious underlying condition. Consult us about new or persistent rashes on your pet.

While we're not an emergency hospital, we perform life-saving procedures in moments of crisis for our patients, during our open hours.

  • Ear infections are very common in pets and can worsen without medication. The infected ears often look red and puffy and may develop a smell or black or yellowish discharge. You might also notice frequent head shaking or ear scratching.

  • If your pet is limping, bring them in as soon as possible. Limping indicates pain, and the sooner we are able to identify the reason, the better the prognosis, and the quicker the recovery. Reasons for limping can include things as simple as a broken toenail to others as serious as ACL tears or fractures. It is important for your veterinarian to perform a full physical exam to help get your furry friend back to full health.

  • Pets can be mischievous and may sometimes ingest toxic substances! Signs can include changes in urination, diarrhea, skin or gum discoloration, tremors or shaking, changed heartbeat, panting, reduced appetite, and collapse. Identify the poison, if you can, and confer with your veterinarian about how best to treat the toxic ingestion within your pet’s system.

  • If you notice changes in your pet’s peeing habits or accidental / inappropriate urination in the house – often a significant change in volume or frequency, discoloration or smell – your pet may be suffering from a urinary tract infection, cystitis, urinary stones, or enlarged prostate. Urinary issues can quickly become serious in pets, so visit your veterinarian for urinalysis and treatment.

  • Superficial lacerations may heal by themselves, but if the cut is deep or won’t stop bleeding, come see us, as it may require stitches or antibiotics to stave off infection.

  • You may occasionally see growths appear on your pet, which can be alarming. Watch the growth to see if the shape, color, or size changes and if the pet’s behavior has changed. Growths can appear for many reasons such as infections, allergic reactions, fat, tumors, cysts, warts, or abscesses, and your veterinarian can guide you on the appropriate treatment. Some may be surgically removed or biopsied to determine the severity and if further treatment is necessary.

  • Itching can often be a reaction to environmental or food allergies, and your veterinarian can test for allergies to keep your pet comfortable and safe in the future.  Scratching can also be a harbinger of fleas or ticks, which can spread to humans. Ask your veterinarian about the best options to protect your pet and your family. 

  • Scooting is your dog's attempt to alleviate irritation on the glands around their anus. Dogs have two sacs, called anal glands, on either side of their rear end, which are typically emptied by regular bowel movements but can clog, causing discomfort, infection, and bad smells for you. Your veterinarian and their team will express the gland to get things back to normal.

Everything you need to know about Surgery

Our Surgical Expertise

Happy Paws Clinic hospitals offer a wide array of surgeries. This is not a complete list, so please reach out to your local hospital to ask questions about these or other surgical offerings. 

  • Dentistry procedures 

    • Comprehensive Oral and Radiographic Evaluations (CORE) and oral surgery helps to treat diseased teeth and gums, including tooth extractions, preventing more serious illness and bone loss. 

  • Spays and neuters

    • Spaying and neutering your pet will sterilize them and help prevent the development of common health and behavioral problems. 

  • Mass removal

    • Veterinarians will perform mass removals to excise potential cancers, conduct biopsies, and remove blockages.

  • Wound repair

    • In wound repair surgeries, the veterinarian will debride the wound, treat any infection, and stitch the lacerations – ensuring that your pet leaves the surgery ready to heal.

  • Cosmetic surgeries

    • Many patients need simple corrective surgeries to alleviate common congenital abnormalities. Oftentimes these procedures are performed preemptively to reduce the chance of larger issues developing. Some are more minor, breed-related nuances that require surgical attention. These may include, third eyelid gland repair (cherry eye), eyelid surgery, stenotic nares and elongated soft palate, redundant vulvar folds, umbilical hernias, and more.

  • Abdominal Exploratory 

    • Soft tissue surgeries cover a wide range of procedures that involve the internal organs, tumors, hernias, and the body wall. Our veterinarians are trained to perform a broad scope of soft tissue surgeries, all the way from cardiothoracic to reconstructive operations. 

  • Foreign body removal

    • The method used to remove a foreign body will depend on the nature and location of the object. Sometimes, objects can be removed by hand or with simple tools. When the object has traveled further down the digestive tract, scopes or surgical incisions made into the intestines may be necessary. 

  • Bladder stones

    • The surgery to remove bladder stones is called a cystotomy and involves surgically opening the bladder and removing the stones to treat pain and blockages. 

  • Orthopedic

    • Common orthopedic surgeries include ACL repair, total hip replacement, fracture and dislocation treatment, femoral head ostectomy, and kneecap luxations.

Surgery at Happy Paws Clinic comprises the full range of surgical procedures and support.

Our highly trained team of veterinarians and technicians will provide the best-in-class surgical care for your pet. We go above and beyond in caring for both you and your pet before, during, and after their surgery. For a typical procedure, we can bring a specialist to your Happy Paws Clinic so that your pet is in a familiar place and their vet can be with them the whole way.

What to Expect

The surgical journey always begins with a wellness exam, in which we’ll do a comprehensive check of your pet’s health, often including blood work, and discuss treatment options for their diagnosis. We know this may be a scary time for both of you, so we always keep you involved at every step and will talk through every concern you may have. 

Your veterinarian will provide comprehensive guidance for how to prepare for your specific surgery, but in most cases you will need to withhold food overnight but continue to hydrate your pet. You’ll then admit your fur baby into our tender care, and we’ll let you know when the surgery is done and anesthesia is worn off; in most cases you can take your pet home the same day. We’ll be in touch throughout the day with updates.

Post-operative care will vary depending on the procedure. We’ll always provide detailed instructions on how to ensure your pet stays on the healing journey, as well as any important watch-outs. 

Some pets may be a little groggy after surgery as they recover from the anesthesia. They should generally be kept calm and quiet, reducing activity as much as you can, to ensure healing. Confining them to their crate or a quiet room is often helpful, and we’ll provide a cone to keep them from irritating their wound if necessary. 

Oftentimes, we see your pet 10-14 days after the operation to ensure healing is progressing as expected (and to give them some well-deserved treats)!

Surgery FAQ

  • When under sedation, your pet is not completely under anesthesia. Depending on the procedure and anticipated length of time, different sedatives can be used. Often sedation is used for more minor procedures (x-rays on a wiggly pet, deep ear cleaning, broken toe nail,etc) that don’t require complete anesthesia. Sedation involves a small dose of medication, typically injected intravenously, to calm the patient and allow our veterinarians and teams to complete a procedure without the patient experiencing fear or intense pain. Complete anesthesia involves a more complex approach including premedications, induction, and intubation. Generally, patients under sedation can still lift their heads and move their legs, but they cannot stand. Your veterinarian will discuss the best route for the necessary procedure.

  • Your Happy Paws Clinic team will call you as soon as your pet wakes up from surgery to tell you about the operation and provide comprehensive guidance. Take-home instructions will include guidance on food, medications, and follow-up appointments. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact the hospital. Your pet may be sleepy for the first 48 hours post-surgery and may have irregular appetite and bowel movements.

  • We will provide activity guidance post-surgery depending on the procedure performed. Generally, we recommend limiting excessive movement for the first 24 hours post surgery. More time may be instructed depending on the procedure. If you’re having a hard time keeping your pet controlled, we can prescribe some mild at-home sedatives to help them relax for the first few days. Please contact your vet if you have questions on post-op activity.

  • Depending on the type of surgical procedure and healing process, your pet may or may not need to come back for follow-up appointment. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or concerns about the surgical site or your pet’s health post surgery.

  • Yes, you will need to book a pre-op appointment. During the appointment, our veterinarian will discuss the procedure plan, necessary preparation, risks, recovery, and expected cost.

  • There are a number of reasons to spay and neuter your pet. In addition to sterilization, spaying and neutering can reduce the likelihood of developing certain illness and behavioral problems. It has also been shown in certain breeds to reduce certain cancers and orthopedic issues. Please contact your veterinarian to learn more about the potential benefits of spaying/neutering your pet.

  • As you approach the day of your pet’s procedure, you will receive tailored instructions via email. For most surgical procedures, your pet should not consume food after 10pm the night prior to surgery. Water is usually okay in small amounts. Ask your veterinarian about continuing existing medications or supplements. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your hospital team.

  • Your pet will go under general anesthesia for surgery to keep them safe and calm. Some minor biopsies and mass removals may be performed with sedation and local anesthetics.

Everything you need to know about Oral Health

Oral Health FAQ

  • We will make sure to keep you informed during the cleaning of the estimated timing. Usually, a comprehensive oral and radiographic evaluation, without extractions, will last under an hour. If there are extractions or extensive disease, the procedure may take longer. Your veterinarian will keep you updated throughout the procedure.

  • Yes, all pets will have a preparatory appointment. The veterinarian will assess your pet, review medical history, discuss comprehensive preanesthetic blood work, and walk through the plan with you.

  • Yes, your pet will be under full anesthesia during cleanings. This protects your pet by making sure they don’t move while the veterinarian uses sharp surgical tools and water to clean your pet’s teeth. It’s less stressful for everyone!

  • Extractions involve surgically removing your pet’s teeth. Teeth may be removed if they are broken, dead, or seriously infected. We aim to remove as few teeth as possible, but we perform a thorough assessment to make sure that all problems are addressed.

Oral Health includes everything from examination and cleaning to treatment and oral surgery.

Oral health plays an important role in your pet’s overall wellbeing and allows them to joyfully sink their teeth into life. Ward off gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and more serious health problems by scheduling annual dentistry exams for your pet. As with all medicine, prevention is the best practice.

Why is Oral Health Important?

Oral health is key in maintaining your pet’s overall health. We will guide you in how best to provide care at home – but we know how difficult it is to stay on top of regular at-home cleanings with a wriggling fur baby. Dental treats, water supplements, and regular brushing can help in staving off plaque, tartar, and gum disease. 

However, a veterinarian should provide a comprehensive oral and radiographic evaluation (CORE) procedure at least once a year to prevent, diagnose and treat more oral problems. Without regular at home cleaning, plaque and tartar naturally build up on teeth, causing everything from periodontal disease and gingivitis to swelling, infection, decay, and tooth or bone loss. In the worst cases, bacteria can even get into the bloodstream and infect other organs. According to the National Institute of Health, dental disease is the most common illness – and the most commonly undertreated illness – for dogs and cats, and will affect the majority of adult pets. We prefer to prevent issues before they lead to more serious oral health problems.

What Does an Oral Health Appointment Entail?

We know, we know – everyone dreads going to the dentist. We make it as easy as possible for you and your pet – the most important part of any surgical or dentistry procedure is anesthesia. We strive to provide the most comprehensive and high standard anesthetic plan, individually planned for each patient. From pain medication to post operative recovery, anesthesia is the most critical component of any procedure to make sure your pet stays safe, still, and comfortable. 

With our best-in-class dentistry equipment, we then perform a comprehensive assessment to check for any problems, including digital oral radiographs (x-rays) to peek below the gumline. If surgical tooth extractions or mass removals are necessary, we’ll take care of this while your pet is still under anesthesia. 

Next we use our ultrasonic scaling machine to clean plaque and tartar from the teeth, then polish scratches from their teeth to prevent future buildup.

Finally, your veterinarian will provide pain management counseling and coach you on best practices for continued oral health that are manageable for both of you (we promise we won’t make you floss your pup). 

Recovery is usually a breeze after a routine dentistry procedure, and your pet will leave with a brighter smile and in better health!

  • The majority of your pet’s tooth is under the gumline. Oral radiographs are a type of x-ray that allow the veterinarians to check the entire tooth to catch early signs of bone loss, abscess, and unerupted teeth.

  • Periodontal disease is the infection of the tissues surrounding the tooth, leading to uncomfortable inflammation. This inflammation and infection can lead to tooth loss and pain.

  • Anesthesia is a benevolent friend here – your pet won’t feel a thing! Before and after the procedure, we always work pain management into our treatment plan. If oral surgery is needed, nerve blocks are used to prevent feeling in the oral surgery being performed. Our team is also trained to alleviate fear and stress during all procedures and appointments with individualized strategies.

Virtual Care, Wherever You Are

Why Virtual Care?

We love to see you and your pets in person, but sometimes a quick chat is all we need to allay your concerns or make a diagnosis. Save time by taking a virtual appointment from home.

  • Behavioral Consultations

  • Chronic Disease Management

  • Follow Up Care

  • Nutritional Counseling

  • Preliminary Assessment

  • Prescription Management

Ways to connect virtually with your Happy Paws Clinic.

Virtual Care Services

We know what it takes to keep your pet healthy and happy, from expert guidance on vaccines to personalized diet advice and everything in between—all available from the comfort of your home.

Upload Pictures or Video

Send images directly from your smartphone or desktop to give your veterinarian a detailed look at your pet.

Video Calls

For more complex cases (or if your pet just loves to be on camera), schedule a virtual appointment to chat live with your veterinarian.

Instant Messaging

Save time by messaging us to get a super-quick response from your pet’s veterinary team.

Virtual Care FAQ

  • Think of our virtual care as your first line of defense when you have a question about your pet. Through virtual care, you have access to a licensed veterinary technician at your fingertips. Visit our virtual care page to learn more about how virtual care can work for you and your pet.

  • Virtual care is available during your hospital’s regular opening hours. You can chat with, or video call a licensed veterinary technician anytime from the comfort of your home when you have a question about your pet.

  • You can chat or video call a licensed veterinary technician via our online client portal

  • We hope to be your first resource for any and all medical questions. Our virtual care team is here to help with general advice and behavior-related questions, or to provide clarity on the urgency of a health concern, 24 hours a day. We will make virtual diagnoses only as medically appropriate.

  • Most times, you are speaking to a licensed veterinary technician over virtual care. We have doctors available for virtual consultation as well, but it is exclusive to existing clients due to Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) requirements. (VCPR rules do not let us establish new client or patient relationships via electronic means.) Appointments with our doctors can be scheduled through our virtual technicians depending on your pet’s needs.