Millersburg Animal Clinic Blog

Among the various health risks that pets face, heartworm disease stands out as a particularly insidious threat. This disease can have devastating effects on your pet, and yet, it is preventable. This article will delve into heartworm disease and stress the importance of proactive prevention.

Owning a pet offers immeasurable joy, companionship, and love. However, it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their safety and well-being. Many common items found in our homes could pose significant poisoning risks to our furry companions. By understanding these hazards and how to prevent them, we can create a safer environment for our pets.

We all wish for our furry friends to live happy, healthy lives by our sides. But often overlooked in pet care is a critical area that affects their overall well-being: dental health. Just like us, pets' teeth need regular attention to prevent discomfort, disease, and systemic health issues. In this article, we'll provide you with five essential tips to give your pet the sparkling, healthy smile they deserve!

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring unexpected challenges for pet owners. As a veterinary team, we've seen our fair share of holiday-related pet emergencies, from tinsel ingestion to Christmas tree accidents. But with a little bit of preparation and foresight, you can help keep your pet friends safe and healthy this holiday season. In this blog, we'll share some common holiday hazards for pets and offer practical tips for avoiding them.

As Thanksgiving approaches, we all prepare to indulge in festive treats and a hearty Thanksgiving meal. But as pet owners, we must remember that our furry friends should not indulge in the same way. This Thanksgiving, we have compiled a list of foods your pet should avoid. Read on to learn how to keep your pets safe while you enjoy a delicious feast.

Halloween is a time to celebrate with friends and family and have fun with spooky costumes, which is why most people look forward to this holiday. However, for pets, it can be a terrifying experience. Often, they get scared by the sudden appearance of strangers, loud noises, and unfamiliar smells, which can lead to anxiety or even aggression. It's essential to keep a close eye on your pet when the festivities are happening outside, and even inside your home.

As pet owners, we can attest that flea infestation can not only be annoying but also extremely dangerous to our pets. Fleas can cause severe skin irritation, anemia, and even transmit deadly diseases. As we approach the fall season, it's essential to be proactive in preventing fleas before they become a problem. In this article, we will discuss the flea life cycle, the dangers of fleas infesting your pet, signs to look out for, the benefits of flea prevention, and why you should purchase flea prevention medication from us, your trusted veterinarian.

Summer is the perfect time to take your dog on outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking or just playing in the park, there’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors with your four-legged companion. But before you head out, make sure that your pet is prepared for the adventure. From bringing plenty of fresh water to being aware of signs of heat stroke, there are several things you can do to help ensure that your pet stays safe and healthy during your summer outings.

As we enter into summer, the temperatures begin to rise, and it is more important than ever to keep in mind how the heat can impact your pets. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both potentially fatal conditions for your pets and, as a pet owner, it is crucial to recognize the signs and take steps to prevent them.

As pet owners, it's crucial to prioritize the mental and physical health of our beloved companions. One of the most common causes of stress in pets is summer thunderstorms and fireworks. During these events, pets exhibit various behaviors that indicate fear and stress.When experiencing a thunderstorm or fireworks, pets may pant excessively, bark or howl, tremble, hide, or even become destructive. These behaviors can be alarming and cause stress to both the pet and the owner.So what can you do to help alleviate your furry friend's stress during these situations?

Have you thrown yourself into your spring cleaning? If you’re like most people, you’re airing out the house, getting some plants in the ground, and enjoying the beauty of this season with your pet by your side. In fact, this is one of the best times of year to be a pet–the birds and squirrels are active and back to their favorite hobby of entertaining our dogs and cats, and the weather is perfect for letting some fresh air in for your cat or taking your dog on a long walk. If you’ve knocked out your spring cleaning and are ready to move on to some pet care musts, we’re here to help! We put together a list to help you plan your springtime pet care.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, every year, thousands of pets are affected by accidental poisoning. To raise awareness about common poisons and how we can prevent our pets from being exposed to them, Pet Poison Prevention Month is observed in March.

February is Pet Dental Health Month and it’s a great time for pet owners to brush up on their pet care knowledge. Just like humans, pets need good dental healthcare. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics of taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums all year round. Let’s dive into the significance of proper pet dental health and how you can keep your pets healthy and happy.

As we move into the New Year, it is a perfect time for resolutions and looking at the year as a whole. Just as for ourselves, and the goals we may set, the New Year provides a moment to pause and consider how we can plan for our pet's health and wellness for the next twelve months. Here are some steps you can take to help your pet have a healthy year ahead!

When our pets are sick or injured, they can’t tell us where it hurts or how they feel. However, there are subtle signs that can help you determine when your pet isn’t feeling well. Knowing how to recognize these hidden signs of pain is essential for getting your pet the help they need and improving their comfort.

Is your pet constantly scratching? Pets can suffer from various skin issues that can cause extreme discomfort. Some pets may develop skin irritation as a result of allergies, while other pets may be itchy from fleas or other parasites. To provide your pet some itch relief, you’ll need to know what to look for and what is causing your pet’s problem.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common skin issues in pets and what you can do to help.

Pets are a part of your family, and it’s essential to consider them when making emergency plans. July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day and the perfect opportunity to learn more about keeping your furry friends safe.

In this article, we’ll discuss some common fire dangers and what steps you can take to prepare your pet for an emergency.

Does your dog have a fear of thunderstorms or fireworks? Many pets are scared of sudden loud noises and experience various symptoms due to their noise aversion. Unfortunately, thunderstorms and fireworks shows often occur more frequently during the summer months and can cause increased anxiety in your pet.

Are you ready to enjoy warm summer days with your furry friend? With summer just around the corner, it’s essential to make sure you and your pets are prepared for some fun in the sun.

While parasite prevention is essential for your pet’s health, it can also play a critical role in keeping you and your family safe. Some of the parasites that affect pets can be spread to people.

In this article, we’ll discuss which parasites could be a risk to you and how to keep you and your pets parasite free.

Is your home a safe space for your pet? Unfortunately, many everyday items in your home can pose a significant risk to your pet’s health.  Here are a few dangers that may be lurking in your home and steps you can take to help keep your pet safe.

Are you looking for ways to show your pet some extra love this Valentine’s Day? While toys and treats are great, there is nothing better than giving your pet the gift of health. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and an excellent time to make your pet’s dental health a priority.

It's a new year, which means it's a perfect time to reflect on the special bond you and your pet share. You love your pet. And they love you! Pets are treasured members of our families, so it just makes good sense to consider the year ahead and plan ways to help your pet stay in tip-top shape! Read on for 8 simple ways you can make your pet's life even better.

Celebrating the holidays with your pet is a wonderful gift. However, these celebrations can pose some potential risks to your pet’s health. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to help keep your pet safe this holiday season.

It is the season of gratitude! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for allowing us to care for your precious pets, and share a few reasons why we are so grateful this holiday season.

The week of October 17-23 is wonder-fur! Why are we so excited? It’s National Veterinary Technician Week! And we love taking the opportunity to celebrate the hardworking veterinary technicians that make our practice the special place that it is. Are you curious about how our vet techs are vital to the care of your pet when you walk through our doors? Here are 3 reasons we love our vet tech and why you should, too!

It crosses every pet owner’s mind: “Is my pet in pain?” And this question comes up more and more as our pets get older. One of the most difficult things about being a pet owner is that our pets cannot verbalize how they’re feeling. This leads us to wonder if our dogs and cats are living their best lives. The last thing you want is your pet struggling with chronic or acute pain, after all. And while your pet will likely never learn to speak human, they often send more subtle signs that they’re in pain. Here are 3 of the most common signs that your pet is in pain:

Cats are wonderful pets; in fact, over 25% of US households share their home with a feline companion, according to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). They’re cute, cuddly, comical, and provide delightful companionship! But there are some things you will want to keep in mind to keep your cat's health in tip-top shape. Since August 22 is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, we're sharing 5 habits that positively impact the health of your cat!

Pull out the sunglasses, ball caps, and flip-flops! Summer is in full swing. For pet owners, summer offers some of the most exciting activities to keep pets active and elated. Unfortunately, this lovely season also comes along with some less-than-fun hazards that can put a real damper on the joy of summer. While you may know not to leave your pet in the car, there are some other overlooked dangers that arise under the summer sun. Keep your pet safe by avoiding these summertime hazards:

It's back to work for many of us that were working from home. But what does it mean for our pets? Amidst the pandemic, our pets became accustomed to us being home for them nearly 24/7. This can make for a ruff transition for pets and their people, leading to increased cases of separation anxiety, behavior issues, and just general boredom for pets. We want to give you five tips on how to make the adjustment process easier

As summer approaches, so do the booms, blasts, and excitement that come along with this commotion-filled season. From thunderstorms to the Fourth of July, pets experience an array of experiences that can bring out their anxiety. Preparing for the noise, hustle and bustle, and celebrations can reduce your pet’s stress and prevent young pets from trauma that could lead to life-long fears. Unsure how you can prep for booms and blasts? Here are our top tips for helping your pet through the summer celebrations and downpours.

You would never take risks when it comes to your pet’s safety, health, and wellbeing. Would you? Well, with the rise of counterfeit prescription drugs and rogue online pharmacies, you may inadvertently be putting your pet at risk [1]. Your pet’s health has always been our top priority which is why you trust us to provide them with the best care,

The dog days of summer are here. For many, this season comes with endless possibilities for having fun with your pets, like picnics, nature walks, and swimming pools. After being stuck at home for so long due to COVID-19, we bet you’re looking to break up the boredom with some outdoor adventures.

Does your dog or cat run and hide when there’s a thunderstorm? What about the Fourth of July? Between unpredictable weather and fireworks, your pet may be dreading summer.

Are you ready to hop into spring? We sure are. In spite of the uncertainties of this unprecedented time, we are happy to see so many people (distantly) uniting and finding creative ways to be the community we’re proud to serve. From treasure-hunt style Easter egg hunts to the resurgence of “Victory Gardens,” it’s heartwarming to see folks looking out for each other while staying safe and healthy.

Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? We love that this month is devoted to your canine’s canines, your kitty’s chompers, and your pet’s pearly whites. While your companion’s mouth may be a source of kisses and smiles, pet parents may overlook how much their pet’s dental health affects their overall well-being.

Are you ready to ring in the New Year with some new tricks to teach your dog or cat? Yes--cats can learn tricks, and they’re rather good at it! January is “Train Your Pet Month”. You can celebrate with your best friend by teaching them a few new moves to impress the neighbors. It’s also a great time to make an appointment with our clinic to work on breaking some bad habits if you’re concerned about new or recurring behaviors that are getting in the way of the bond you share.

As the holidays approach, you’ve probably switched into Santa-mode and started making a gift list and checking it twice. And like most pet parents, you probably buy your pets something extra special to thank your best friends for being oh-so-amazing! If you’re still deciding on the perfect present for your pets this year, we have some unbeatable ideas that your pets are sure to appreciate!

August is here, bringing plenty of sunshine and joy. Do you know what else August provides pet parents? A chance to take a moment and meditate on your dog’s health. That’s right! August is National Immunization Awareness Month, or as we like to think of it: “National Protect Your Pets and Help Them Live a Long and Happy Life Month” - but that’s a bit of a mouthful!

Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Fourth of July and pet dangers. We tried to answer some questions you may have and suggest ways you can help keep your pet safe this Independence Day!

Summer is the best season to be a dog! The sunshine and great weather lead to endless possibilities of fun outdoor activities. From doggie paddling on a beach summer vacation to leaping through the woods, summer is dog-gone fun!

If you only visit our Millersburg Animal Clinic when your pet is injured or sick, you’re missing the opportunity to get a complete picture of her health. The preventive care exam allows our veterinarians to detect potential health issues and begin monitoring or treating them right away. By committing to preventive care, you could extend it by months or years. It’s well worth the investment when you consider how much love and joy your pet brings into your life.

Acute moist dermatitis, more commonly known as hot spots, occurs due to a bacterial infection on your pet’s skin. Your dog or cat will naturally bite, chew, lick or scratch his skin in response to an irritant. Unfortunately for your pet, this tends to increase rather than decrease his discomfort. Anal gland disease, allergies to fleas or food ingredients, mange, tick bites, and inadequate grooming are the primary causes of hot spots in companion animals.

Your pet is part of the family and you naturally care about her safety. You also want to include her in family activities whenever possible over the carefree days of summer. By keeping the following safety tips in mind, your entire family can have a summer to remember.