Ayer Animal Medical Center

08/08/2024

Calling all cat lovers!! May you & your beloved cats enjoy this wonderful day with lots of celebration full of adorable moments. 🥳😻🐾

07/31/2024

Staying active is essential to both the physical and mental well-being of your dog. As a busy pet owner, ensuring your companion is getting enough exercise can sometimes fall to the wayside, but we’re here to offer some ideas on how to implement regular activity into their life – and yours! 🏃

Age, breed, size, and additional health considerations will all influence how much exercise your dog should be receiving each day. Also important to consider are weather conditions. If it’s too hot or cold out for you, it’s likely the case for them, as well, in which case outdoor time should be limited. If you are ever unsure about your pet’s exercise needs, we’re more than happy to provide honest, professional advice during your next visit.

Click here to learn more about the unique health benefits of each of these activities: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/the-ultimate-list-of-exercise-ideas-for-dogs-and-cats

07/26/2024

Did you know that a 2022 study conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 61% of U.S. cats are classified as overweight or obese? Between visits, here are some clear signs you can look for to get an idea of whether your cat is overweight:

✋ By Feel: If you feel your cat's rib cage, the padding on healthy cats will be about as thick as that on the back of your hand. If you can’t feel your cat's ribs at all, or if you can only feel them when pressing firmly, then they may be obese or overweight.
🔎 By Sight: Begin by looking down at your cat when they are standing. There should be a slight indentation above the hips resembling a waist (remember that this may be difficult if your cat has long hair). If the waist area bulges out instead, they may be overweight.

Save this diagram for easy reference, and to learn more, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/is-my-cat-overweight

07/19/2024

Here’s an eye-popping fact: Just ONE burger patty given to your dog as a snack is like you eating FIVE cupcakes in one sitting! 🧁 😱

If we eat a few cupcakes in one day on occasion, it is not going to have a large impact on our overall health. However, when consumed in those quantities regularly, in additional to regular meals, weight gain is very likely. The same is true for our pets. A burger patty given to your pet for a special meal on their gotcha day isn’t going to be very harmful – but used regularly as a training aid or treat could lead to sizable weight gain. Check out our article for mindful treat giving strategies and more: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/human-snacks-and-weight-gain-in-pets

07/16/2024

Thanks to our friends at Bulger for this super helpful diagram!

Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care. Which one is right for your pet?

Not knowing where to bring your pet when something's wrong can be scary. We're trying to help! Many emergencies we see aren't true emergencies, but should be seen promptly. Urgent care veterinary clinics are popping up to fill that gap between a long wait for an appointment with your regular vet and a long wait at the ER.

Please note: this list is not exhaustive. If you are concerned that your pet needs to be seen despite minor symptoms, don't hesitate to bring them to an ER.

07/12/2024

Looking to join a team that's passionate about pets and providing high quality medicine & education? Have experience working in the veterinary field already? Come join us! 🤩💙
Visit careers.thrivepetcare.com/us/en/job/31299/Veterinary-Technician for more details.

07/12/2024

The best way to know your dog is at a healthy weight? Staying up-to-date on their routine wellness appointments, where we will monitor your pet’s weight and provide a professional diagnosis. Between visits, here are some clear signs you can look for to get an idea of whether your dog is overweight:

✋ By Feel: You should be able to feel their ribs and there should not be a thick layer of fat covering these bones.
🔎 By Sight: The chest should be wider than the abdomen, and you'll notice a significant tuck-up from chest to stomach.
😴 Behavior: Overweight dogs may also walk a bit slower than before, take more naps than usual, and may pant on your daily walks.

Save this diagram for easy reference, and to learn more, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/is-my-dog-overweight

07/04/2024

AAMC is closed today in observation of the holiday. We want to wish everyone a safe & happy celebration! We will reopen with regular hours on Friday July 5th at 8am. ❤️🤍💙

***Please remember to create your pets a safe space during this holiday & to make sure all ID tags are on them, as more pets go missing on this holiday than any other time of year.**

07/03/2024

We “hope you’re having a good summer” too!
Thank you to whoever sent us this patriotic snack board! 😋

And as a reminder, the bbq foods and snacks are for us humans only! Please be mindful of what others may be offering to your pets, although we are wishing you a happy fourth, we’re wishing you a happy fifth also. 🤞

Have a safe fourth everyone !

06/27/2024

A microchip may just be the size of a grain of sand under your pet’s skin, but it has the power to hold all their important information for life, which can be accessed via a national database in the event a lost pet is found and brought to a shelter or vet.

Before comes to a close, we want to take a moment to remind pet owners that just because a pet has been chipped doesn't mean their information is registered is up-to-date! We can check their chip easily during your next visit, and if you haven't chipped your pet yet, there's never been a better time.

To learn more about how microchips work, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/service/microchipping

06/27/2024

Just a reminder, as July is around the corner, AAMC will be closed next Thursday 7/4 in observation of Independence Day. 🎇

06/25/2024

Warning:️ this post is about p**p! 💩 If you’ve ever wondered why you’re asked to bring in a f***l sample as part of your pet’s annual wellness exam, the answer is to check for intestinal parasites.

There are a variety of parasites that thrive inside of otherwise healthy pets, so having them routinely tested is essential to their well-being. Your pet's p**p will be checked for evidence of hookworms, roundworms, giardia, and more. 🔬
These parasites can not only make pets uncomfortable and irritable but can also lead to many more serious issues if left untreated. Several parasites can even be transmitted to people, so by having your pet’s f***s examined, you are protecting humans in your household, too!

To learn more about what intestinal parasites we test for in f***l exams, visit:

06/20/2024

With many celebrations including , here are some quick reminders on how to help prepare and calm your pet ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend. 🎆

If you know your pet is sensitive to fireworks, do reach out to us for help! We can provide guidance and may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help your pet ride out the festivities as comfortably as possible.

For more tips on how to prepare and comfort pets who are fearful of fireworks, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/how-to-calm-pets-during-fireworks

06/20/2024

☀️✨HAPPY SUMMER!✨☀️
Don't forget to call us if you are in need of a refill BEFORE your festivities begin!

06/17/2024

Check your pet for ticks every day, especially after they spend time outdoors. Run your fingers through your pet's fur with gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps. If you find a tick, it’s important to act quickly and safely. You can either try to remove the tick yourself or take your dog to your nearest pet urgent care or an emergency pet hospital for help.

If you choose to remove the tick from your dog, follow the steps below:

1) Use tweezers (or a tick remover instrument like a Tick Key) to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, removing the whole head and body.
2) Pull the tick straight out with slow and steady pressure. (If the head of the tick is left in the skin, it can cause an infection and still transmit disease, so make sure the whole body is removed!)
3) Once the tick is removed, you can place it in a sealed container in case your vet wants to test it for diseases.
4) Clean the area of your dog’s skin with soap and water then apply a pet-safe antiseptic.
5) Contact us for advice on next steps. We may ask you to bring the tick in for testing.

06/14/2024

June 20th

Community Advisory Notice

Attention residents: We have been informed by the Department of Defense that on June 20th, from approximately 6 PM until June 21st at 2 AM, there will be a significant military exercise taking place at Echo Range on USAG Devens RFTA. During this time, it may sound similar to a war zone due to the nature of the drill. We appreciate your understanding and patience as these exercises are critical for military training. Please plan accordingly if you are in the vicinity and sensitive to loud noises.

Thank you for your cooperation.

06/12/2024

Many of the diseases that parasites cause can spread from your pet to you and your family, too. Pests like and can crawl or hitch a ride into your home on shoes, clothing, or even on the fur of another pet. Itchy yet? Let’s talk pests:

🕷️ Ticks 🕷️
Not only are ticks a threat to our pets, but an estimated 476K Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year.* They aren’t just a warm weather issue, either: contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t die in the winter and do not hibernate, either. If you or your pet spend time in grassy or wooded areas, get in the habit of spot-checking yourself and them for these small, spider-like creatures after every outing. If you find one, pull it off carefully and intact, then call us.

🐜 Fleas 🐜
These teeny-tiny jumping parasites aren’t just annoying for the itchy rashes they cause in pets and people. Studies have shown that the plague is once again on the rise and that fleas are one of the culprits. Fleas can multiply and jump from host to host alarmingly fast, so if you catch your pet itching more than usual, have them checked for fleas ASAP.

To learn more about these pesky pests, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests

*source: www.CDC.gov
**source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

05/31/2024

May 31 is , and as temperatures rise, it’s important to know the signs of overheating in pets. can happen faster than you think, and action needs to be taken quickly! Learn what to watch out for and get more tips on keeping your pets safe this summer by visiting our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/protecting-you-pet-from-heat-risks

05/27/2024

May the spirit of Memorial Day remind us of the price of freedom and inspire us to live with gratitude and compassion.
As a reminder, our clinic is closed for the holiday & will be open with our usual hours on Tuesday, 5/28 from 8am-6pm.

Please contact your closest emergency veterinary hospital in the event of a medical emergency.

05/23/2024

that xylitol (aka birch sugar) a common sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butter brands, can be toxic to pets? Eating even a small amount of xylitol can cause a sudden release of insulin in dogs, leading to low blood sugar, seizures, and even liver failure. Keep your pets safe by double-checking ingredient labels and avoiding feeding them human snacks and desserts. If you suspect your pet has ingested a sugar substitute, take them to an emergency vet ASAP.

05/21/2024

that ONE bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes to transmit to your dog or cat? Scary, but true. Mosquitoes thrive all over the US, and not just during summer: different breeds are active throughout the year. 🦟

Treating disease caused by parasites in dogs can be complex and costly, and options are limited for cats. But there is good news: oral, injectable, or topical preventive medications are effective ways to protect your pet and are much more affordable than treatment itself, but *only* if your pet receives the recommended dose on a monthly or yearly basis. We can help find the right preventative for your pet based on their lifestyle and health needs, so don’t delay: book a visit today!

To learn more about heartworm prevention, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests

05/20/2024

AAMC will be closed next Monday, 5/27, in observation of Memorial Day.
Thank you to the brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

05/16/2024

ICYDK, it’s important to wash your pet’s food and water bowls regularly, ideally every day. 🧼 In a recent study conducted by the National Science Foundation, dirty pet bowls have been ranked as the fourth germiest place in our homes, just behind toothbrush holders and the kitchen sink! Experts recommend pet dishes be washed daily, either in a sanitizing dishwasher cycle or scrubbed by hand with hot soapy water, then rinsed thoroughly and left to air dry.

05/15/2024

It’s the little things, like a gentle brushing after a dental procedure to make sure Belle is looking as good as she feels! Thank you to Kasey & Sarah for the care they provide to our surgery patients! 💙💚

05/14/2024

Thunderstorms & fireworks could be a more common occurrence over the next few weeks as we roll into summer fun. Now is the best time to start prepping a safety plan for any of your furry family members who are anxious about loud noises!

05/08/2024

As natural disasters become more common and frequent around the country, it’s important to have a plan in place to keep you, your family and pets safe if an emergency strikes. Spend some time today creating an evacuation plan and assembling supply kits that take both your family and pets’ essential needs into account. 🧳 ⛑

05/01/2024

While pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are tiny—they can cause BIG problems for our pets, and even our families. That’s why we’re sharing easy ways to save on preventive medications, which are essential to keeping your pet healthy:

🏥 Dog owners can visit us for 15% off ProHeart 12, which offers 1 year of continuous heartworm protection with just 1 dose.*

💛 Thrive Plus members can buy a 10-month supply of Simparica Trio and get 2 months FREE.**

💳 CareCredit cardholders can pay for preventative medications over time. Limited time offer for new cardholders. From May 1 – July 31, 2024, open a new CareCredit credit card account, spend $300 or more to earn a $50 statement credit or $1,000 or more to earn a $100 statement credit, and register for the offer with promo code OFFER2024 at: //carecredit.com/promotions. Visit: //carecredit.com/offer2024 for complete details.***

To learn more about why to protect against pests, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests
*Valid 5/1/2024-6/30/2024. In-clinic purchase only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts except for Thrive Plus member discounts and other parasite treatment related offers and promotions. Discount applies to ProHeart 12 only. Availability of products may vary. The offer does not include the cost of additional services, such as exams or diagnostic tests, that may be needed to fulfill a parasiticide prescription.

**Valid 5/1/2024-6/30/2024 for Thrive Plus Members ONLY. See full prescribing Information SimparicaTrioPI.com and ProHeart12PI.com. In-clinic purchase only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts except for other parasite treatment related offers and promotions. Discount applies to Simparica Trio only. Availability of products may vary. The offer does not include the cost of additional services, such as exams or diagnostic tests, that may be needed to fulfill a parasiticide prescription.

***Subject to credit approval. Between May 1 – July 31, 2024: (1) open a new CareCredit account, (2) use it to make qualifying purchase(s), and (3) register online at //carecredit.com/promotions to earn a statement credit. If earned, statement credit will post to account within 3 billing cycles of offer end date. Account must remain open, in good standing and not become delinquent. Limit one statement credit per account. Applications submitted during offer period but approved after July 31, 2024, are not eligible. Statement credit cannot be used to satisfy the required minimum monthly payment on your account and may not be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent.

04/27/2024

When you have a pet in your life, accidents and emergencies are bound to happen. For , we’re sharing a simple DIY first aid kit you can easily assemble for your pet. 🚑 🐶 While a kit like this one can help you address minor cuts and injuries in the moment, be sure to consult us or the closest emergency vet should your pet become ill or injured. To familiarize yourself with first aid techniques, seek out a pet first aid course near you or download the free official Red Cross pet first aid app.

To learn more about when to seek urgent or emergent care, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/pet-urgent-care-vs-pet-emergency-care

04/23/2024

Did any of these feline heartworm facts surprise you? 🐈 While most pet owners have heard of heartworm disease, many cat owners don’t know all the facts and the true risk these parasites pose for their cat’s health. In addition to these essential facts, we’ve rounded up more detailed explanations, treatment options, and tips for helping you keep your cat safe here:
https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/heartworm-in-cats

If you’re concerned your cat may have heartworm, or have questions about preventative options, book a visit today.

04/16/2024

is a serious and potentially deadly disease that affects dogs. It is caused by a parasitic type of roundworm, which is spread by infected mosquitoes and lives in the heart and lungs of infected dogs. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the heart and lungs, leading to fatal heart failure. If your dog isn’t currently on year-round parasite prevention, it’s essential that they be tested for heartworm ASAP. 🔬

Learn more about this serious disease and ways to keep your pet safe here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/heartworm-in-dogs