Merritt Animal Hospital

04/24/2025

🌟 Happy Veterinary Reception Week! 🌟
We just wanted to take a moment to shout out to two incredible people who make such a difference every single day—Beth and Brittany. 💖
As veterinary receptionists, they are the first faces our clients see and the calm, kind voices they hear when they call in. From handling the busiest days to comforting pet owners in stressful moments, they give so much of themselves to ensure both pets and their families feel seen and supported. Their dedication, compassion, and teamwork truly elevate the care we provide and are such an essential part of our veterinary family. 🐾💕
Beth and Brittany, your ability to juggle everything with a smile is nothing short of inspiring. You create an environment where everyone feels welcome and heard. Your warmth and kindness make every client and pet feel like they are in the best hands. You both create an atmosphere of trust and calm that is so important, especially when our furry friends need us the most.
Thank you both for your unwavering support, your hard work, and your kindness. You make such a difference, and we are so lucky to have you as part of the team! Here’s to you this week—and always! 🏆

Have our receptionists ever gone above and beyond for you and your pet? Let’s take a moment to appreciate all their hard work and dedication. Share your appreciation by dropping a comment below to show Beth and Brittany some love! 🥰

04/22/2025

Happy Earth Day from Merritt Animal Hospital! 🌍🐾 Our pets love spending time outdoors—chasing squirrels, rolling in the grass, or just soaking up the sunshine. 🌞 This Earth Day, let’s remember to appreciate the beauty of nature—just like our furry friends do every day! 🌿💚
Take your pet for a stroll, explore a new park, or simply enjoy the fresh air together. After all, they’re experts in loving the earth! 🌳🐕

Pictured is our Client Care Managers 3 fur babies, Bruce, Tessy, and Nora enjoying the day outside. 🥰

04/20/2025

Hoppy Easter from Merritt Animal Hospital! 🐰🌸💐

Wishing all our furry (and not-so-furry!) friends and their families a joyful, treat-filled Easter! 🐶🐱🐰

🐾 May your day be full of snuggles, sunshine, and maybe a few extra belly rubs!

💐 Just a reminder: Keep chocolate and Easter treats out of paws’ reach—some things are better left for the humans! 😉

Thank you for trusting us with your pets’ care. We’re so grateful to be part of your extended fur-family 💛

📸 We'd love to see your pets all dressed up for the holiday! Drop your Easter pet pics in the comments! 🐾📷

04/18/2025

04/17/2025

It’s Pet ID Week, and we can’t stress enough how important it is to keep your pets properly identified! 🐾 A collar with tags, a microchip, or both—having your pet’s ID up to date can make all the difference if they ever get lost. It’s a small step that can bring big peace of mind. Let’s make sure our furry friends are always safe and sound. 🐕🐈

04/15/2025

Join us for a 4DX snap test on Gigi! 🐶 This test checks for heartworm antigen, anaplasma, borrelia (Lyme disease), and ehrlichia. It runs for 8 minutes, and results appear as blue dots—one control dot and any extras indicating a positive result for heartworm or tick-borne diseases. Watch to see how it’s done! 🩺✨

04/13/2025

🐾 Say hello to sweet Gracie! 🐶✨
She came in a few days ago for a dental consult, and we couldn’t get enough of her gentle personality and wagging tail. 🦷❤️ Regular dental care is so important for our furry friends, and Gracie’s on the right track to keeping that smile healthy and bright!

Good girl, Gracie! 💕

04/10/2025

Happy Hug Your Dog Day! 🐾❤️ Today (and everyday) is the perfect excuse to shower your furry friend with extra love and snuggles. Dogs bring so much joy, loyalty, and comfort to our lives, so let’s give them a big, heartfelt hug to show just how much we appreciate them. After all, they’re always there for us, wagging their tails through thick and thin. So, grab your pup and give them the biggest hug today – they deserve it! 🐕
💖
Katie, our amazing vet assistant, is always showering her dogs (and her cats, chickens, cows, goats…) with love and hugs! 💖 And when she’s at work, she brings that same level of care and affection to your pets, treating them like her own!

04/08/2025

One thing our clients always ask for is nail trimming for their pets, and we're always happy to help! 🐾 We know trimming your pet's nails can be a little intimidating, so we've made a quick video featuring one of our techs showing how it's done. She’ll point out the little black dot called the "quick" — that's your guide for knowing when to stop! Your pets will thank you for it! 💅

04/06/2025

Meet Ollie, one of our wonderful patients who came in for a heartworm test! 🐾 Ollie was such a good sport and showed off his patience throughout the whole process. We're happy to report he's in great health! 💙

04/03/2025

Want to pamper your pet with a nail trim, or due for a heartworm test? Perhaps you want to microchip your pet? Call 519-360-4508 to talk to a team member about booking now!!

04/03/2025

A few days ago, we had the adorable Mr. Spot, the chihuahua puppy, come in for a flea and deworming exam! 🐾 These exams are performed by our skilled technicians, and with flea season in full swing, it's the perfect time to get your pets checked. Don’t wait—book your flea and deworming exam with one of our techs today to keep your furry friend happy and healthy! 🐕

04/01/2025

🐾Heartworm Awareness Day!🐾

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs, cats, and even other animals. It’s caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, and the worms can grow up to a foot long, causing damage to your pet's heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

👉 Why Heartworm Prevention is Essential:

Heartworms can go undetected for months, often showing no signs until it’s too late.
The treatment for heartworm is expensive, lengthy, and sometimes difficult for your pet.
Prevention is simple and affordable! Heartworm medications are easy to administer and highly effective.

💡 Signs of Heartworm Disease:

Coughing
Fatigue
Weight loss
Difficulty breathing
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see a vet as soon as possible.

✨ How to Protect Your Dog:

*Administer heartworm preventatives as recommended by your vet.
*Keep your pet on a regular check-up schedule to catch any potential issues early.
*Avoid areas with heavy mosquito populations, especially during peak seasons.
*Remember, prevention is always better than treatment! Keep your dog safe and healthy by staying on top of heartworm prevention. ❤️🐶

If you have any questions or need guidance on heartworm protection for your furry friend, reach out to us! We're here to help. 📞

04/01/2025

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Our staff’s pets have officially taken over Merritt Animal Hospital! 🐶🐱 From answering phones (mostly just barking) to assisting in surgery (aka stealing gloves), they’re working very hard. Dr. Echo is on her third nap break and keeps getting distracted by treats. We may never get control back… 😳🐾

April Fools! 🤡 Don’t worry, the actual team is still here to take care of your pets! 😂🐾

03/28/2025

🚨 Myth-Busting Series Continued: Myth #4 Busted! 🚨

Myth: "Cats always land on their feet." 🐱

The Truth: While cats have an incredible ability to often land on their feet thanks to their "righting reflex," it’s not a guarantee every time! 🙀

Here's the deal:
Cats have a flexible spine and an innate ability to adjust their body mid-air to land safely. However, this doesn’t mean they're immune to injury. In some cases, such as from a higher fall or unexpected circumstances, cats can still hurt themselves. 🏥

So, while they’re agile and skilled at avoiding danger, they’re not invincible! Stay safe, little furballs. 🐾💕

03/25/2025

Wrap & sterilize surgical pack with us!

Ever wondered how we sterilize surgical tools? Here's a quick guide!

Step 1: Gather Supplies 🧰
Collect all the tools needed for the specific pack.

Step 2: Lint Roll 🧼
Lint roll both layers (front and back) to remove any pet hair or debris. (We often find fur hiding in all the little crevices!)

Step 3: Lay the Layers 🔷
Place the outer layer in a diamond shape, then do the same with the inner layer.

Step 4: Add Gauze & Sterile Indicator 🩹
Put a paper towel and gauze squares in the center, followed by the sterile indicator, which confirms the autoclave has reached the proper temperature for sterilization.

Step 5: Organize Tools 🔧
Arrange the tools neatly. (Like a game of Tetris!)

Step 6: Add Drape & Clamps 🩺
Place the surgical drape and towel clamps on top of the tools.

Step 7: Wrap the Inner Layer 🧴
Wrap the inner layer and place a hand towel on top for the surgeon to dry their hands after scrubbing.

Step 8: Close & Seal 🔒
Fold the outer layer, leaving tabs to open it easily. Seal with sterile indicator tape, which will show black stripes after sterilization.

Step 9: Sterilization in the Autoclave 🔥
Place the pack in the autoclave and set the temperature (121–134°C or 250–273°F). The autoclave uses heat and pressure to sterilize, killing microorganisms. This takes 15-60 minutes, depending on the load.

Step 10: Cooling & Storage 🧊
After sterilization, release the pressure, let the pack cool, and store it. The pack stays sterile for 6 months to 1 year, depending on type and storage conditions.

Hope you found this guide helpful in understanding how we keep our surgical tools safe and sterile. Stay tuned for more! 😊

03/23/2025

It's National Puppy Day! 🤎🐾
Puppies are irresistibly cute and fun, and a great addition to the family. But before bringing one home, it’s important to understand the long-term responsibility involved. Puppies need care, time, and attention for many years.

What You’ll Need Before Bringing a Puppy Home:
• Identification: ID tags with your contact info.
• Crate/Bed: A safe space for sleeping.
• Food & Water Bowls: Durable, easy-to-clean options.
• Puppy Food: Breed-appropriate food for healthy growth.
• Leash & Collar/Harness: For walks and training.
• Toys & Chews: For mental stimulation and teething.
• Grooming Supplies: Brushes, nail clippers, puppy-safe shampoo.
• Vet Care: Vaccinations, flea prevention, and health check-ups.
• Pet Insurance: Helps cover unexpected health costs.
Key Things to Know:
• Time & Effort: Puppies require daily attention for training, exercise, and socializing.
• Training: Patience is needed for potty training and basic commands.
• Health: Keep up with vet visits and vaccinations.
• Safety: Puppy-proof your home for safety.
• Financial Responsibility: Consider the costs of food, care, and supplies.

Puppies are a lifelong commitment! They will depend on you for love and care for many years, so it's important to ensure you're fully prepared for the responsibility before bringing one into your home. If you have any questions or are ready to book, feel free to give us a call – we're here to help!

Pictured is Walker, one of our staff’s adorable puppies!