Best Anaheim Veterinarian

Anaheim Veterinarian Tips

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Summer is almost over! We hope that all of our furry patients and their humans got the chance to enjoy the beautiful summer we’ve had here in Anaheim and the whole Orange County. We know that as pet owners, it can sometimes be challenging to balance all of the tempting summer fun with caring for your pet. For example, many pet owners have to stay home on the 4th of July to take care of their pets and help comfort them through the anxiety that fireworks and other holiday sounds may cause. 


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In honor of National Rescue Day, we wanted to provide everyone with the resources to adopt a new best friend for life! There are millions of dogs and cats in need of loving homes in the US and we encourage anyone who is looking for a pet to take in a rescue instead of purchasing from a breeder or store.


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Unleash the hounds! Actually, don’t do that, but definitely don’t leave them home alone this Halloween. There are tons of dog-friendly Halloween activities in Anaheim and Orange County that you and your pet can attend together. At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center, we’ve compiled a list of events that you and your dog can both look forward to this year. Let’s get started!  

Anaheim Fall Festival Howl-o-ween Pawrade

Every year, the city of Anaheim hosts a Fall Festival filled with ghostly games, activities, and food. This year, it will take place on Saturday, October 27, near Downtown Anaheim. If your dog has a paw-rticularly impressive costume that you two would like to show off, there’s a pet parade at 2:45PM and a costume contest at 3PM. Hope to see you there!

Anaheim Plaza Trick-or-Treat

Anaheim Plaza is a shopping center filled with tons of hip, new shops and restaurants down Euclid Street. This year, they’re inviting you, your family, your friends, and your pets to trick-or-treat with them! Stop by the Anaheim Plaza Trick-or-Treat on Saturday, October 27, for face painting, a balloon artist, a live DJ, raffles, and giveaways between 11AM and 1PM.

Canine Costume Contest

Huntington Beach Downtown is hosting an entire day of Halloween festivities that includes costume contests, pony rides, petting zoos, games, entertainment, and more! The celebration starts along the first three blocks of Main Street and the first block of 5th street at the Strand between 4PM and 8PM. Pets are welcome and encouraged to participate in the canine costume contest.

Doggie Date Night at Fred’s

Every Monday night, Fred’s Mexican Cafe hosts a doggie date night. Bring your pup down to Huntington Beach and with the purchase of each human entree, the restaurant will also give your furry friend a doggie dinner as well. The two of you can feast together on their outdoor patio to get in the spooky spirit on Monday, October 29.

Pumpkin City

Still haven’t gotten your jack o’ lanterns ready for Halloween night? Not to worry, just head over to Pumpkin City in Anaheim, CA. The charming pumpkin farm has tons of gorgeous gourds to choose from as well as amusement rides, game booths, and activities that everyone can partake in. Best part is dogs are allowed in as long as they’re leashed and picked up after. Now, you can finally let your pup pick the pumpkins for once!

Anaheim Town Square Trick-or-Treat

Another spooktacular event that you and your dog can attend this year is the Anaheim Town Square Trick-or-Treat. There will be free crafts for kids, raffles, face painting, train rides, and more. Stop by between 11AM and 3PM on Saturday, October 27, to get in on the fun.

We hope you and your pet have a great time on Halloween! To keep you and your furry friends safe, we’ve also created a Pet-Friendly Guide to Halloween. Brookhurst Animal Medical Center is a veterinary clinic in Anaheim that offers attentive veterinary care to animal throughout Orange County. Contact our Anaheim vet, Dr. Lopez, if you’d like to book an appointment.

 


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We love animals of all shapes and sizes here at Brookhurst Animal. Although our veterinarian primarily treats domesticated animals nowadays, Dr. Lopez has had extensive experience with exotic creatures in the past! He’s treated all types of wild animals, like snakes and lions.

There are tons of critters freely roaming the streets even here in Anaheim. Although these animals are beautiful and deserve to be respected, they can also be dangerous to us and our pets. We’ve compiled a guide for pet owners and how to handle wild animals in Anaheim!

Street Dogs

Street dogs live in urban areas, subsisting maily off leftover scraps from garbages and small animals. Like domesticated dogs, they’re highly intelligent and they’ve learned how to survive by learning human behaviors. For example, wild dogs have learned to use crosswalks and ride subways efficiently.

Although these scrappy dogs may be adorable, they can be dangerous to people and their dogs. We advise people to avoid approaching street dogs since street dogs are not vaccinated and they could be carrying heartworm, parvo, rabies, ticks, or more. Since these dogs also don’t have owners or training, they can be difficult to control when they feel threatened. You can’t know for certain whether a street dog is hostile or not.

If you encounter a dog on the streets, do not approach it. Go a different route or wait somewhere out of sight. Most street dogs will attack out of fear, so you don’t want to trigger the dog by running towards it or kicking it. If you’re walking your dog, do not let it engage with the street dog. Use your body to block their view of each other and stand still, avoiding eye contact. Usually, dogs will not attack people who are standing calmly.

In the event that the street dog does attack, try to distract it by throwing food or a stick far away. Call animal control as quickly as possible and try to protect your face, hands, and chest. One tactic that often works is giving the dog a piece of clothing to attack rather than letting it attack you.

Pet Owner’s Guide to Wild Animals in Anaheim

Feral Cats

Feral cats are quite common in Anaheim. Unlike stray cats, who are tame and comfortable with human interaction, feral cats have adapted to wildlife and rarely engage with people. Many of these cats coexist in colonies, sharing space and food with each other. They typically keep their distance and they’re able to survive independently by hunting small animals and scavenging for scraps.

It’s improbable that feral cats will pose much of a threat to you as they are usually quite fearful of humans. However, they can be a nuisance in the neighborhood. Since they’re not domesticated, they will urinate and defecate almost anywhere which can be unpleasant for people living nearby. Feral cats are also known to carry fleas, dig holes, and fight loudly. For people with small pets like rabbits, hamster, guinea pigs, or birds, it’s important to keep them inside unless you’re supervising because they are easy prey for feral cats.

The best way to prevent feral cats from occupying areas close by is spaying and neutering them. Cats are known to breed constantly when they’re not sterilized. Since there aren’t enough homes or food to provide for them, it’s better to spay or neuter them to avoid overpopulation. Orange County offers Trap-Neuter-Return and Spay-Neuter-Return for people who would like to stabilize the feral cat population.

Opossums

These backyard marsupials are pretty common in Anaheim. Unlike cats and dogs, they’re rarely domesticated. The nocturnal creatures are mostly harmless, but they can become troublesome if they’re ruffling through your trash for scraps and digging up your backyard. Since opossums are omnivores, they can also pose a threat to smaller pets like kittens, hamsters, mice, etc.

Here are a few ways to ward off unwanted opossums:

  • Eliminate areas for them to nest and seek shelter by clearing bushes, filling potholes, removing rocks, and trimming grass evenly
  • Place locks on trash cans
  • Keep doors closed and vents covered
  • Scatter crushed garlic around the area
  • Install lights or sprinklers that are motion-activated

Opossums are also fearful of predators like large dogs and full-grown cats. Having your dog mark its territory outside and guard the premise is another excellent opossum deterrent.

Pet Owner’s Guide to Wild Animals in Anaheim

Peacocks

Believe it or not, there have been multiple sightings of rogue peacocks in the streets of Anaheim. Originally introduced from India to Los Angeles, these peacocks eventually made their way to Orange County. It can certainly be surprising to see a wild peacock in your backyard, but it’s not too uncommon here in Southern California!

These magnificent creatures certainly add vibrancy to the local scenery, but Anaheim might not be the most ideal place for them to live. Many residents have complained about the fowl shrieking in the morning, scratching vehicles, defecating, and digging up plants. Furthermore, it’s not completely safe for them to be walking around. They could easily consume harmful pesticides and rat poisons or get hurt by the feral cats and dogs.

To ward off these birds, you can sprinkle red pepper in your yard and cover plants with netting to prevent them from scratching up your hard work. You can also get a motion-sensored sprinkler or throw water at them manually. If your property has trees, make sure to keep branches clipped as peacocks often climb trees in the early mornings. Should things become too unmanageable, you can always call animal control.

Coyotes

Lions, tigers, bears, and… coyotes? Yes, there are plenty of coyotes roaming around Anaheim Hills that have made their way down to Anaheim. These highly adaptable animals have been extremely successful at surviving and spreading to urban areas throughout the US. Despite making homes in our community, it’s still rare to encounter upon a coyote in broad daylight. The animals much prefer hunting at dusk or dawn.

In civilized areas, coyotes may rely on hunting smaller, domesticated creatures. Fully grown coyotes are usually about 1.5 feet tall, 4 feet long, and around 20-50 pounds heavy. Coyotes are larger than most cats and dogs, so if there is a coyote warning, we highly recommend taking outdoor pets inside to avoid problems.

Though coyotes usually hunt rabbits, squirrels, and snakes, they are known to go after larger prey in times of desperation. Especially after the fires and drought in Orange County, coyotes have become much bolder because of their dwindling food supply.

As urban coyotes become more used to humans, it’s important to know what to do should meet one. Like their domesticated counterpart, dogs, coyotes usually won’t attack unless they feel threatened, so don’t make sudden movements that could startle them. Treat coyotes as you would a street dog – stand up straight to look larger and place a large object between the two of you if possible. You can also make loud noises to scare off the coyote if it doesn’t back off. If you encounter an entire pack of coyotes, call animal control immediately!

Pet Owner’s Guide to Wild Animals in Anaheim

Snakes

The most common snakes found in cities are garter snakes. They are small to medium-sized snakes that eat small creatures that they can hunt, such as mice, slugs, lizards, and small fish. Though snakes have a treacherous, killer reputation, garter snakes are typically harmless. Though they do produce venom, it’s such a minimal amount that it can’t hurt humans.

Rattlesnakes are also fairly common in Orange County. They’re easily identified by their tails, which have rattles at the end. Unlike garter snakes, their venom is poisonous to humans and they can even paralyze.

If you come across a snake, don’t panic. Urban snakes are usually much too small to be hunting and attacking humans. These snakes will only bite if they’re frightened. If you have small children or pets, you can call a professional service to remove the snakes or purchase a snake trap. Otherwise, leave it alone! If anything, these slithery fiends will only help get rid of household pests like rats and bugs.

Ducks, Swans, & Geese

We often see ducks, swans, and geese at the local pond or park, but sometimes, they may wander into our neighborhoods. These birds are pretty harmless, but we don’t recommend trying to provoke them or even feeding them near your home. Since most urban waterfowl are used to being fed by humans, they aren’t scared of us like other wild animals. Once they realize you have food, they won’t hesitate to chase you down!

Small children should be supervised if you are observing them. These bold birds may peck with their sharp beaks if you’re not careful. To keep your dogs and cats from chasing or hunting them, we encourage owners to keep their pets on leashes if there are wild birds around.

Pet Owner’s Guide to Wild Animals in Anaheim

 

Raccoons

Perhaps the bravest of all wild animals is the raccoon! These striped, nocturnal animals mainly eat human leftovers by sifting through garbage. These critters are notorious for breaking into homes to filch snacks and damaging property. Worst of all, they could get into fights with household pets. If you have tiny pets like kittens, puppies, gerbils, etc, make sure they’re safe from raccoons. The omnivores will eat almost anything they can get their hands on.

To prevent raccoons from infesting your home, block all entryways inside. If they’re already there, you can install one-way doorways to keep them from coming back. Place locks on all trash cans and use sensory alarms to ward them off. Bright lights, pungent smells, and sprinklers are all great ways to scare off raccoons. Many people use the scent of ammonia and cayenne pepper to repel them.

Bats

Unbeknownst to most, bats are quite populous in Anaheim. Luckily, these bats aren’t really harmful and they only come out at night. In fact, they’re a huge help in controlling the bug population and balancing the ecosystem. With the recent increase in mosquitoes, we’re actually welcoming them with open arms… or should we say, wings?

The only concern with bats is the host of diseases they might be carrying without being symptomatic. In Anaheim, bats have been known to carry rabies and SARS. These diseases can be transmitted through their feces, urine, and saliva. Make sure your curious pets and small children stay away from such substances should you come across them.

If you find a bat, don’t touch it! Either leave it be, call animal control, or if you must, use gloves and protective clothing to trap and remove it. In order to evacuate bats from living in your home or attic, you will need to call a wildlife professional. They can safely move the bats to another place. If there’s a family of bats during summer, we don’t recommend trying to relocate them until the fall. Parent bats can easily get separated from their young and lose them in the process.

Pet Owner’s Guide to Wild Animals in Anaheim

 

Squirrels

Squirrels are probably the least problematic of all the wild creatures on our list. They’re quite common in Orange County and generally appreciated by the community for their nondisruptive and adorable demeanor.

Squirrels are less of a problem for people than people are for squirrels. Dogs and cats often hunt squirrels because they are natural prey. To prevent dogs and cats from bringing home dead squirrels, practice on obedience training and keep them on the leash when out.

Wild Rabbits

Here in Orange County, you’ll find a huge variety of adorable rabbit breeds in parks, backyards, and other fields. Like squirrels, bunnies are herbivores who are unlikely to agitate your pets. They do, however, overpopulate quickly and they can lead to barren gardens full of droppings. To deter rabbits from using your backyard as an all-you-can-eat buffet, here are a few tactics to keep them out:

  • Plant strongly scented herbs such as garlic, onions, oregano, and basil
  • Keep the yard clean, so they have no place for shelter
  • Get motion-activated sprinklers or lights
  • Set up wire fences around gardens

We don’t recommend trapping and relocating rabbits because they could be traumatized and hurt in the process. If they’re really becoming a problem, we suggest hiring a professional.

Our veterinarian in Anaheim is tending to wildlife problems regularly. At Brookhurst Animal, we respect all animals and we encourage pet owners to do the same. If your pet has been in an altercation with a wild animal, bring them the local vet immediately. Wild animals can carry diseases that must be treated as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to call Brookhurst Animal for animal emergencies in Anaheim or the surrounding Orange County area. We’re here to help!


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According to the LA Times, a relatively new breed of mosquitoes has taken over Southern California. This invasive breed is called Aedes Aegyptai and there have been multiple reports of its migration to Orange County. Unlike other mosquitoes, they bite during the day and mostly on the lower leg and ankle region. While mosquitoes can be itchy and annoying for us, they may be a life-threatening problem for our pets. The bloodthirsty pests are known to and infect dogs and cats with microfilaria, or heartworm larvae.

What is heartworm?

Heartworm is a deadly disease that causes long-lasting damage to an animal’s internal organs. Once the worms have matured, usually within 3-4 months, they can grow up to 12 inches long and survive for many years. They can infect and cause major damage to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidney. Dogs are more commonly affected by heartworm disease than cats, but it’s still possible for cats to get heartworm, too. While heartworm doesn’t affect dogs in the same way, they can cause clots in the arteries, so make sure to keep your Orange County equestrians safe from feral creatures! 

Symptoms of heartworm include loss of breath, lethargy, and a persistent cough. At first, however, there may be no symptoms of heartworm at all. That’s why it’s important to get your pets seen by a veterinarian regularly.

How do I prevent heartworm?

Preventing Mosquito Bites & Heartworm in Orange County

Once your pet is old enough, start getting them tested regularly. If you’re able to catch the infection early on, you can destroy the larvae and prevent heartworm disease.

Your cat or dog veterinarian can help keep these parasites at bay by administering a shot of Moxidectin every six months. It is a neurotoxin that shocks and kills the heartworm larvae before it can reach the internal organs. Another way to prevent heartworm is feeding your pet chewables that also kill off the larvae. While these medications can prevent heartworm, they are still toxins. Ask your veterinarian about how to use them correctly, so you don’t compromise your pet’s immune system.

Since heartworm is carried through mosquitoes, it’s more commonly spread during the hot season and warm climates. By keeping your home clean and mosquito-free, you can also reduce the risk of heartworm infection for your dog or cat. For example, if you have a pool, drain it to keep mosquitoes from breeding close by.

Can heartworm be treated?

Heartworm treatment exists, but it can be costly and dangerous to administer. It is a form of arsenic that is injected into the animal to kill off the worms, but it can also hurt your pet. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog or cat happy and healthy.

Getting bit by mosquitoes is no fun, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the last of the summer sun! As long as you are taking preventative measures to ward off icky heartworm, you can still go outside with your furry companion. If you have questions about heartworm or animal care, Dr. Lopez is a veterinarian in Anaheim who can help you. Make an appointment today!


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Orange County is full of fun activities whether you’re at Disneyland in Anaheim or touring historical landmarks in San Juan Capistrano. Not only are there amazing experiences for everyone to enjoy, the city is well known for its avid dog lovers and has tons of things for you and your dog to do as well. We highly recommend Orange County as a pet-friendly destination for families everywhere.

Aside from all the festivities that our county has to offer, there are also tons of lodging options that are pet friendly. Here are ten places you can check out for when you’re ready to check in!

#1 Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel

The Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel is located in Huntington Beach, also known as the “Dog Beach” of Orange County. According to the hotel’s policy, pets of all sizes, shapes, and breeds are invited to stay as long as they aren’t a disturbance to other guests. There is no additional fee for pets to stay at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel. Even better, you can request water bowls, bedding, clean-up bags, and treats for your pet!

While you’re in Huntington Beach, make sure to stop by one of the many dog friendly bars and restaurants on Main Street. You can also pamper your pooch at the pet spa or treat them to a biscuit from the local Barkery. And of course, the ocean is just a short stroll away, so definitely take advantage of California’s sunny weather and go for a splash in the water!

 

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Orange County

#2 La Quinta Inn & Suites

The La Quinta Inn & Suites are a chain of hotels that have multiple locations throughout Orange County. What’s great about that is each of their locations are pet-friendly! Whether you’re staying in Buena Park, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, or Costa Mesa, rest assured because they’ll welcome your cats or dogs at no extra cost. We do recommend calling beforehand to check if there are any limits on weight or number of pets allowed since the policy varies at each location.

For anyone staying in the Northern Orange County area, there’s tons of entertainment to be found. Guests often recommend spending a day at Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park or seeing a joust at Medieval Times in Buena Park. We do advise that you leave your furry friends at an animal daycare rather than in the hotel room if you choose to go to any of these events. It can be boring stuck inside all day!

#3 Motel 6

For anyone looking for a more affordable but equally hospitable place to spend the night, Motel 6 has a few branches of motels in Orange County that offer free board for pets. As long as your pets are well-behaved, you can keep them with you on your vacation! You can find these motels scattered throughout Orange County in cities including Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Orange, and Newport Beach. Usually, they’re strategically positioned right in the middle of bustling downtown areas. For example, the Anaheim Motel 6 is right by the Angels Stadium and the one in Irvine is just a short distance from Irvine Spectrum, where you can take a ride on the ferris wheel for a gorgeous view of Orange County. Definitely consider a Motel 6 if you and your pet plan on exploring the bigger cities!

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Orange County

 

#4 Hotel Peppertree

This cozy, boutique hotel offers all the perks of other hotels in a more suburban region of Anaheim. The calm hotel is perfect for pets and owners alike to relax for a weekend. The staff is happy to accommodate up to 2 pets per room for $25 a night.

Just around the corner of this hotel is Dad Miller Golf Course for a calming afternoon on the range. If you want to take your dog out for a walk, there’s also a park on Brookhurst Street a little further down.

#5 Hyatt House Irvine

Flying in from John Wayne? Hyatt House Irvine is conveniently located right next to the airport. The hotel will board your pet if it is under 50 pounds or if you have two pets, they will take both as long as they are less than 75 pounds combined. Their policy for pets varies depending on how long you stay so call beforehand to get an estimate!

During your stay, you can also venture to a few of the great hikes that the city offers. Red Rock Canyon, Turtle Rock Viewpoint, and Quail Hill Treehead are just a few places to get started. Irvine also boasts a well kept dog park called Central Bark which is great for socializing with other dogs and dog enthusiasts. When you’re out and about, don’t forget to hydrate and stay in the shade!

 

#6 Blue Lantern Inn

This Dana Point Bed and Breakfast is the perfect, cozy destination right by the beach. At Blue Lantern Inn, you can keep up to two dogs per guest room with a reservation and $65 fee paid in advance. They do have limited pet-friendly rooms, so call well ahead of time.The inn offers breathtaking views of the ocean and access to tons of pet-friendly restaurants, trails, and the gorgeous Dana Point Caves.

#7 Hilton Hotel

Not only is the Hilton a well known, upscale hotel, it’s open for pets! For a $50 fee, you can keep up to two pets in your room as long as they are less than 75 pounds combined. There are multiple branches of the hotel in Irvine, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, and Santa Ana.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Orange County

 

#8 Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel

If you have smaller pets, Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel might be the perfect place for you. You can keep two pets up to 50 pounds cumulatively per room for a flat rate of $50. The hotel boasts beautiful decoration, modern architecture, and friendly staff who are happy to help you with your pets.

A fantastic event for dog-owners in Newport Beach is the annual Corgi Beach Day, where all corgis and their owners meet up for a day of fun in the sun. Similarly, Yappy Hour is an event that’s hosted monthly by local establishments for owners to their dogs mingle and play with each other. There’s also Muttropolis located at Fashion Island if you’d like to pamper your pooch at a fancy dog boutique.

#9 Red Lion Hotel

At Red Lion Hotel, two pets of any size are allowed to stay with a nominal fee of $15. The hotel is right by downtown Anaheim. Guests can easily bring their pets to the Packing House or La Palma dog park in their spare time.  

#10 Air BnB

If all else fails and you don’t think any of these hotels are a good fit, tons of people welcome guests into their homes via Air BnB. Simply filter out all the pet-friendly options and send the owner a message about precious pet beforehand. Orange County is full of animal lovers, so we have no doubt you’ll be able to find the perfect place to stay.

No matter where you choose to stay, Orange County has tons to offer you and your pet(s). Remember that in hotel rooms, hostels, or Bed & Breakfasts, dogs and cats shouldn’t be left alone too long. If they get restless or anxious, they could do serious damage to the property and leave you with huge fees to pay afterward. Worse, they could hurt themselves or others! To avoid such scary situations, keep your pets safe and healthy when traveling with supervision and preparation.

If you find yourself needing a veterinarian during your stay, Brookhurst Animal Medical Center is a veterinary practice located in Anaheim and we are here to help. We know animal emergencies can be stressful and unexpected. We’re here to make those situations more manageable and help your pet no matter what.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Orange County


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The beauty of the Star Wars universe is how timeless the story is. With storylines that span decades and fans across all ages, the movies clearly have important stars. No, not Carrie Fisher. Not Harrison Ford either.

We’re talking about the creatures! The furry ones, the big ones, the scary ones, and most importantly, the adorable ones. Since day one, each movie has had a wide range of fictional creatures populating each planet, each based on real animals from our planet.  

 

Fathiers Horse + Dog + Cat + Lion

Star Wars Creatures & The Real Life Animals They’re Based On

This crazy combination of animals resulted in the majestic Fathiers. These creatures, who were destined to live their lives under the oppressive race-track culture on Canto Bight, break free after saving Finn and Rose from getting caught by The First Order.   

The Fathiers were created entirely by the digital effects team. They are enormous creatures and physically superior, such as the horse and lion, with faces similar to a dog or cat. These gentle giants have personality traits that are similar to those animals that we have here on our Earth. They certainly captured our hearts from the moment they appeared on the big screen.

 

Vulptex – Arctic Fox

Towards the end of The Last Jedi, the audience got a glimpse of the crystal-covered Vulptex creatures on the planet Crait. These sparkly creatures are based on the Arctic Fox, the fluffy animals of the Arctic Tundra. The Arctic Fox can be found anywhere from Alaska to Iceland, and weighs between 6.5 to 17 pounds.

Star Wars Creatures & The Real Life Animals They’re Based On

For the film, the creative director thought it would be interesting to see what these creatures would look like if they had crystals, instead of fur. The Vulptex ended up have coats that refracted light, and gave off  shimmering rainbows of color.

 

Ewok – ???

In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo were great and all. But the real stars of the show were the Ewoks.

Star Wars Creatures & The Real Life Animals They’re Based OnThese 3-foot tall creatures were helpful in defeating the Galactic Empire in the second installation of the original Star Wars trilogy. Our first guess was that the Ewoks were based on some kind of bear, since they look a lot like teddy bears (but fight like angry monkeys).  

Supposedly, the Ewoks were based on a dog breed called Griffon Bruxellois. The visual effects director and make-up artist for the movie looked at photos of these dogs for inspiration when creating the Ewok.

You can see it… right?

 

The Porgs – Puffins

By far the cutest of all of the Star Wars creatures, the Porgs, were the true stars of the show in The Last Jedi. In this movie, Rey tracks down Luke Skywalker to his hideout on Ahch-To and it is filled with these curious, feathered cuties.

Star Wars Creatures & The Real Life Animals They’re Based On

The Porgs are based on the Atlantic Puffin, which were all over the island that the Star Wars crew filmed these scenes on. In real life, the Atlantic Puffin can be found mostly in the sea, diving up to 200 feet into the water to catch fish. Porgs, on the other hand, can be found goofing around on Ahch-To.


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Who knew too much cuteness was a crime? Unfortunately, having over a certain number of cuddly companions can actually result in serious repercussions. In Orange County, each city has its own rules limiting the number of pets every household can have. So for the self-proclaimed cat ladies or dog whisperers, it may be a good idea to check your city’s ordinances about pets to avoid getting into trouble. There are tons of rules for both domestic and exotic animals that range from pet restrictions on dogs to walking catfish.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of pet restrictions in popular cities around Orange County and how you can work with them if you just can’t seem to part with all your precious pets.

Anaheim

As local residents ourselves, we’re quite familiar with pet rules and regulations in Anaheim at Brookhurst Animal.  Let us break it down for you:

  • No more than 3 adult dogs or 3 adult cats in each household
  • Only 1 bird, poultry, rabbit or rodent is allowed per 1800 square feet of property
  • Only 1 pig is allowed per residence
  • Dogs and cats over 4 months old are required to have a license
  • No peacocks or roosters allowed

If you have more than 3 adult dogs or cats, don’t panic. It’s still possible to keep them all by applying for a special permit from the city. As for other exotic pets like reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, owners are required to get their animals licensed.

Costa Mesa

Like Anaheim, Costa Mesa has similar rules regarding pet ownership which you can read more about in their city ordinance. Here’s what you should know:

  • No more than 5 grown (4+ months old) pets in one household
  • All livestock are prohibited without a special animal permit
  • All pets should be licensed (learn more here)
  • No beekeeping without adequate permission from the city

Fullerton

The city of Fullerton has an extensive set of rules for its residents. We’ve summarized the most basic parts below, but you can check out the full list here.

  • No walking catfish or piranha allowed
  • No more than 4 pets per household in single-family homes with a maximum of 3 dogs
  • No more than 2 cats or dogs per apartment, condominium, duplex or mobile home in any combination
  • No wild animals except for some birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, white rats or mice, nonpoisonous snakes less than 6 feet long, turtles, nonpoisonous toads, lizards, salamanders, newts, chameleons, and kangaroo rats
  • No more than 2 adult horses, cattle, or sheep are allowed for every 33,000 square feet of land

If you want to adopt a few more pets, you might be able to with enough extra land. Some animals need more space to comfortably exercise and it’s courteous to neighbors who may not want to hear or smell your pets.

Garden Grove

  • Only 4 dogs, cats, birds, or other household pets in any combination allowed at each household
  • No more than 10 parakeets permitted on any premise
  • No more than 10 racing pigeons permitted on any premise

One requirement for all these cities in Orange County have is to maintain proper care of your pets. Regardless of how many you own, the most important aspect of owning pets is keeping them healthy and happy. This includes proper food, exercise, equipment, and wellness exams. If you’re looking for an experienced clinic, our vet in Anaheim at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center is available to help you and your pets.

Although these rules may seem inconvenient to pet owners in Orange County, they are in place for good reason! Having certain exotic pets can be a huge threat to the native species and they can seriously damage natural ecosystems. While some adjust well to domestic living like guinea pigs and a few reptiles, others may have natural behaviors that can be difficult to handle and even dangerous for their owners. Limiting the number of pets per household also helps control pet waste and noise in the city. Though it’s difficult to resist the temptation of rescuing the neighborhood stray, it may not always be in your best interest to adopt another dog or cat if you don’t have the resources to care for it. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to check with your local government officials and vet for advice in Anaheim.


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March 19, 2018 Orange County Pet News

When you’re having a stressful day at work, nothing can turn that frown upside down like pulling up Instagram and finding funny dog videos all over your newsfeed. It’s much healthier than stress-eating and way cheaper than therapy.

We’re compiling all of the local canine-celebrities that we think you should follow on Instagram. These mischievous munchkins are always up to no good, and we love it. What’s even better is that they post about some of the hottest spots in Orange County to take your dog to!

Check them out!

    1. Vala The Corgi

      This dream team consists of two corgis, Vala and Archi, and their human sister. Like all siblings, Vala and Archi like to pretend that they don’t love each other – but we can see right through it! The trio can be found snuggling, sharing food, and driving their dog mom insane.

       

      2. Life of the golden boys (OC)

      The stars of this page are golden-retriever brothers, Sir Alex and Gunnar. These guys enjoy chewing on each others’ tails, serving their neighborhood watch group, and napping. Most importantly, they spend their time soaking up the Orange County sun!

       

      3. Kodie The Yorkie (OC)

      Commitment, enthusiasm, and perseverance. When it comes to protecting his toys, this little nugget is serious.
      Kodie the Yorkie can be found exploring Orange County’s dog-friendly beaches, playing dress up, and most importantly, hoarding his toys. We’re really excited to see what this adorable doggy is getting up to next.

       

      4. JediShnauzer (OC)

      There’s no shortage of Star Wars jokes on this page. Jedi the Miniature Schnauzer is a  huge fan. And he is excellent at playing dress up! Some of his favorite characters are Yoda (of course) and Harry Potter. When he’s not looking for new toys, you can find Jedi and his friends scoping out aisle 3 at Target.

       

      5. Golden Huck Fin (LA)

      This glorious golden retriever is fondly known as a local drama king, tennis ball collector, and cuddle connoisseur. Even though he is not from the OC, we think this beautiful canine deserves a little recognition for everything he does to bring joy to the Instagram community!

      View this post on Instagram

      Did you say Brunch?? 🥞🥓😋 #sundaybrunch

      A post shared by F I N L E Y (@golden_huck_fin) on

       

      6. Popeye the foodie (LA)

      OK – he’s not from Orange County either. But LOOK AT THOSE EARS.

       

      Popeye’s favorite things to do include visiting the hottest dog-friendly restaurants and cafes in Los Angeles and Orange County. And we have to say, he has excellent taste in food. We’re glad to see that he is super careful to avoid anything he’s not supposed to eat

 


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CONTACT

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Anaheim, CA 92804
714-776-7387

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