Southwest Animal Care Center

08/16/2026

We had a notification this weekend in the Palos Patch online newspaper. Below is a copy of the update.

OAK LAWN, IL—New details have become available on the bat found in Oak Lawn that has tested positive for rabies.

The bat was found inside an apartment complex in the 9800 block of South Pulaski Road. Cook County officials said the bat was found in a common space. Nobody has been reported bitten.

The bat was submitted for examination to the Illinois State Public Health Laboratory, where the bat was determined to be rabid. Six bats have tested positive for rabies so far in Cook County.

Bats are one of the more common carriers of Rabies in Illinois. Cats, in particular, are at risk for exposure as they are often the first domestic animal to come into contact with a sick bat.

Please be sure you and your pets are protected. Make sure your pets are up to date on their Rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is easily transmitted to humans. Left untreated or treated too late, it is 100% fatal to humans and animals alike. We offer 1/2 price vaccine clinics on Wednesday. Please call if your pet needs a vaccine.

08/14/2026

🎵🐾 If your pet had an End-of-Summer Playlist... what songs would be on it?

We have a few guesses... 😂

🎶 Who Let the Dogs Out
🎶 Sweet Dreams Are Made of Cheese
🎶 I Still Haven't Found What I'm Sniffing For
🎶 Cats Just Wanna Have Tuna
🎶 Every Snack You Take (I'll Be Watching You)
🎶 Pour Some Treats on Me
🎶 Oops!...I Chewed It Again
🎶 Eye of the Tiger (every cat at 3:00 a.m.)

Somehow, every pet's playlist ends with "Time for Dinner" on repeat. 🍽️😂

What song would your pet have on repeat all summer long?

08/13/2026

🐶🧠 Degenerative myelopathy doesn’t slow the love, but it can change the walk. 🐾💛 Learn the stages to help your pup live each day with comfort, dignity, and lots of tail wags. ✨❤️

Click below to read more 📲

Degenerative myelopathy is a genetic condition that impacts a dog's walking ability. Discover detailed insights into its causes, treatments, and preventive measures.

08/12/2026

🏕️🐾 POV: You planned the perfect camping trip... but your pet had other ideas. 😂

You packed the tent.
Your pet packed the chaos.

⛺ "Helping" load the car? ✔️
🐾 Tracking dirt (or somehow finding mud) within the first five minutes? ✔️
👃 Inspecting absolutely everything? ✔️
🐿️ Determined to investigate every critter, bird, or suspicious leaf? ✔️
🍖 Trying to "help" with every meal? ✔️
😴 Completely exhausted after keeping you on your toes all day? Absolutely.

Camping with pets creates some of the best memories—but a little preparation helps keep every adventure safe.

Before you hit the trail, remember to:
💧 Pack plenty of fresh water.
🦟 Keep your pet up to date on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
🏷️ Make sure their ID tags and microchip information are current.
🩹 Bring a pet first aid kit for unexpected scrapes or paw injuries.
🌿 Keep an eye out for wildlife, toxic plants, and other outdoor hazards.

Here's to muddy paws, curious noses, unforgettable adventures, and the kind of camping stories you'll laugh about for years. 🏕️❤️

08/11/2026

🐶🦴 When your pup’s spine causes more than a small hitch, intervertebral disk disease can mean pain and wobble. 🐾💛 Learn the signs and help them find comfort and strong steps again! 🩺

Click below to read more 📲

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), or a herniated disc, is a serious condition of the spinal cord. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.

08/10/2026

☀️🐾 Think you know your summer pet safety facts? Swipe to see if you're right! ➡️

When it comes to hot weather, there are plenty of myths that can put pets at risk. That's why we put together a quick Summer Heat Myth Quiz to separate fact from fiction!

In this carousel, you'll discover the truth behind questions like:
🐶 Do dogs only sweat through their paws?
🌞 Do black-coated dogs get hotter than light-colored dogs?
🚗 Does cracking the windows make a parked car safe for pets?

Some of the answers may surprise you—and knowing the facts can make a big difference in keeping your pet safe this summer.

👉 Swipe through to test your knowledge and learn the truth!

08/07/2026

Today is a bittersweet day. Morgan hung out with us during the summer of 2024 as a pre-vet student. She came back last summer as a kennel assistant and worked her way up to a technician. Today is her last day because she’s off to vet school! We are so excited for her and we know she will do great things in this field! Congrats Morgan, we are so proud of you!!! 💙🧡

08/07/2026

🐾 Scratching is a symptom—not a diagnosis.

If your dog can't stop scratching, chewing their paws, rubbing their face, or getting repeated ear infections, it's easy to assume they just have "sensitive skin."

But the truth is, itching is your dog's way of telling you something isn't right.

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about what could be causing your pet's discomfort.

Common underlying causes include:
🌿 Environmental allergies (pollen, grasses, mold, dust mites)
🦟 Flea allergy dermatitis—even a single flea bite can trigger intense itching in some dogs
🥩 Food allergies or sensitivities
🦠 Skin infections caused by bacteria or yeast
🕷️ External parasites such as mites
🩺 Hormonal or endocrine disorders, including hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease, which can affect skin and coat health
🧬 Less commonly, autoimmune skin diseases or other chronic skin conditions

While it may be tempting to treat the itch at home, lasting relief starts with identifying the root cause. Every dog is different, which is why the best treatment depends on what's causing the problem in the first place.

If your dog has been scratching more than usual, don't ignore it. We're here to help determine what's behind the itch and create a treatment plan that helps your pet find lasting comfort—not just temporary relief.

Because every dog deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin. ❤️

08/06/2026

🐶🦴 Legg-Calvé-Perthes may slow the stride, but with the right care, your pup can still chase tails and sunshine! 🌞🐾💛 Let’s keep those hips happy and comfy.

Click below to read more 📲

Legg-Calve-Perthes is a congenital disorder affecting the hip joints of dogs—particularly small breeds. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.

08/05/2026

☀️🐶 Can Dogs Get Sunburned? The answer surprises a lot of pet owners: Yes!

While we often remember sunscreen for ourselves, it's easy to forget that some dogs are just as vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays.

Dogs at the highest risk include:
🐾 White or light-colored coats
🐾 Pink noses and lightly pigmented skin
🐾 Thin-haired or hairless areas, such as the belly, ears, and around the eyes

Just like people, repeated sun exposure can cause painful sunburn and may even increase the risk of certain skin conditions over time.

If your dog loves spending time outdoors, try to provide plenty of shade, avoid the strongest midday sun when possible, and ask your veterinarian whether a pet-safe sunscreen is appropriate for your dog's lifestyle.

A little extra sun protection can go a long way toward keeping your best friend comfortable all summer long. ❤️