The official page for Bolton Veterinary Hospital, Bolton Veterinary Hospital Corner Clinic,
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Bolton Veterinary Hospital is a 24-hour, AAHA accredited, full-service, small and large animal hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.
Our pets love us for who we are, and since many of our friends are furry ones, it comes naturally for us to feel the same way towards other humans too. We are honestly SO proud to be a welcoming and inclusive workplace, where each of our staff can feel comfortable being their authentic selves. This place is DECKED OUT with rainbows in June!! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🩵
The cats are obviously in charge… 😹 But for what it’s worth, we are in total agreement with their top picks.
Our Wirecutter testers have been hard at work testing our recommended cat litter. So please let us introduce you. And this is what they recommend: https://nyti.ms/3Vx7AEc
Don’t be a kidnapper of young birds found on the ground, they are likely just doing their best to learn how to fly! Their parents are nearby watching from a safe distance.
“If you care, leave them there.”
🐣 It's fledgling season!
👶Fledgling is the term used for young birds that have feathers, can fly a short ways, but aren't full adults yet. Sometimes fledglings will leave the nest a little prematurely and there's no need to panic.
🌳If you find fledglings out of the nest but out of harm's way from cars, people, pets, weather, etc. then it's very likely the parent bird will be able to find them and continue feeding them until they're ready to be on their own. If the bird is in a dangerous spot then carefully return the bird to its nest (or as close as you can) or to a nearby safe spot like under a bush or on a branch.
That’s one way to get the whole beach to yourself… 😏
🪴❤️
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🩵
Travel plans this summer? Make sure your pets have the best time they can, while you’re away!! ❤️
In the event a wild rabbit nest is accidentally destroyed, the babies may be placed a short distance away in a sheltered area, and the mother is likely to return for them. Please share so that others may learn. You can learn much more about how to help sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals under the "Wildlife Help" section of www.wildlifecenterli.com
Here is a Mother's Day message on behalf of wild animal moms (and dads!), please share so that others may learn. You can learn much more about how to help sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals under the "Wildlife Help" section of wildlifecenterli.org
“Baby birds fall from the nest for a variety of reasons. In many instances, provided that the baby is unharmed, we may recommend that the baby be placed back in his/her nest. Nobody will raise that baby quite like his/her parents, and if there is no evidence of injuries, start by looking for the nest. If the nest is nearby and safe to reach, try to pop the baby back inside. If the baby is injured, you cannot locate the nest, or you can’t reach the nest, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Like with human babies, baby bird digestive tracts can be pretty sensitive and diet varies widely from species to species. With that in mind, please avoid feeding the baby unless given instruction to do so.The most important thing you can do as a rescuer is keep the baby warm and safe (in a cardboard box with a soft cloth on the bottom).
For more information on what to do for sick, injured, and orphaned birds, visit our website: https://avianhaven.org/found-injured-bird/“
We should request the flip side of this: Tell us about your favorite books when you bring in your dog 😍
Spring brings all kinds of delights, and one of them is coming from the East Hampton Public Library. The library is spreading “pawsitivity” this month, with a new program called “May We See Your Dog.” “We are forgiving the fee for one lost damaged item per patron, in exchange for a dog pho...
Oh wow!!
“A few days after getting hurt, Rakus picked some leaves off a vine… he applied some of the plant’s juice directly to the wound, repeating the application over the course of seven minutes. At the very end of this process, he applied more solid plant material on the wound, like a kind of plaster. The wound didn’t appear to get infected, and in a couple of days, it had healed entirely.”
In a rare observed case of self-treatment in a wild animal, scientists documented an orangutan applying a medicinal plant to a wound on his face.
Eeep, we’re so glad rescues like Western Mass Rabbit Rescue, Everybunny Counts Rabbit Rescue, & House Rabbit Connection exist to help keep bunnies in a quieter setting and out of dog & cat shelters… the only place better is adopted into a loving home!!
🐰💜
Credit: MUTTS
Guess we should be flattered the birds found our p**p bag dispenser so inviting 🤷🏼♀️
Ooh!! We’ll have to get our paws on a copy of this book!
This book is AMAZING!! I can't believe I've gone my whole life without knowing about Joan Procter and her role in developing herpetological zoo science — and consequently, shaping modern pet reptile husbandry as well. This woman is my new role model😍 Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift.
Do you know of another great children's book about reptiles? Leave your reccs in the comments!
📣 Rabies vaccine clinics have been planned for this spring & summer! If your pets are vaccinated at a clinic like this, please remember to send a copy of their vaccination certificates to us so we can keep their records up-to-date.
The CVMA will be hosting a limited number of low-cost rabies clinics this spring.
Visit https://ctvet.org/page/rabies-clinics for the full schedule.
“Bunnies will gently nibble your toes to get your attention… despite being funny and affectionate, rabbits are also high-maintenance. Because of the amount of care and resources rabbits require, they are often dumped in public parks once their novelty wears off. Many animal shelters see a bump in their bunny population after Easter.”
Kudos to our friends at Everybunny Counts Rabbit Rescue, Western Mass Rabbit Rescue, & House Rabbit Connection for their efforts during what becomes a hectic season!! ❤️
Rabbits are adorable and intelligent pets, but they’re also high-maintenance. Here’s how to properly raise them.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is hosting a survey about your preferences in terms of choosing sources of veterinary care. If you choose to share your email address upon completion of the survey, you’ll be entered to win one of 75 PetSmart gift cards worth $10-$100 (chances of winning are dependent upon number of surveys completed.)
Start the survey here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7805345/24003socmed h
Heartworm preventatives are cheap, safe, and easy to use. Heartworm disease is sneaky, destructive, and awful to treat. This is also why we do screening blood tests every 1-2 years; if this disease is present we need to know it BEFORE a heart is full of worms 😵💫
Heartworm Disease. It will kill your pet. Don't you want to prevent this?
Spring is in the air, and turtles are in the road, as females seek locations to lay eggs & then head back to the water. If you find a turtle in the road, please move it to the side in the same direction it was already headed. Do NOT relocate them to another habitat; they’re quite determined to follow through on their original plan. Furthermore, please do not try to keep wild turtles as pets.
You can learn a great deal more about turtles from our friends at Lutz Children's Museum, Riverside Reptiles Education Center, & Turtle Rescue League
We’re a bunch of nerds here, it’s true 🤓🌑😁
Golly, we’ve come a long way!! We’re reflecting on Bolton Vet’s long history serving our community’s pets and livestock today, on our 71st birthday 🥳
We like that they chose a dog named Speck to wear spectacles 🤓
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
With that in mind, here is a helpful FAQ relating to your canine friends and the upcoming eclipse.
Q: Do dogs actually need to wear eclipse glasses?
A: Dogs will not stare at the sun, and though Speck (pictured) likes to model them, it is not necessary for your dog to wear glasses.
Q: Can the eclipse harm dogs?
A: Your dog can safely be outside with you. They are much more likely to look at you than the sun, but they might look up briefly if they were to see a bird fly by.
Q: Will dogs act differently during the eclipse?
A: Most dogs will not exhibit dramatic changes in behavior, but they might act like it is bedtime. Some dogs may act confused or anxious.
Q: What should I do for my dog during the eclipse?
A: It is probably best to avoid both large crowds and leaving your dog in a car unattended. Keep your dog safe on a leash or indoors in a space where they feel comfortable. It is always a good idea to have your dog identified with an ID tag and/or a microchip in case they were to wander.
True of domestic rabbits too: Some p**ps are made for snacking (and we’re not fooling!)
The last thing a plant sees...
Did you know Eastern Cottontails actually produce two different types of droppings? We’re both talking jelly beans. The first is soft and green in color and is re-ingested (eaten) so that the rabbit can digest it more thoroughly, ensuring they get all possible nutrients. The second is small and hard and is only waste, having had all the nutrients extracted from it. Please look closely before picking anything up. You’re welcome.
Image: A baby Eastern Cottontail rabbit at Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, Texas.
Hey, there’s something fishy about this character who’s telling us she’s the Easter Bunny!!
Speedy the Turtle is what you might call a frequent flyer at Bolton Vet, and she came in needing a little help laying eggs overnight. We couldn’t resist jazzing them up (don’t worry, they’re not fertile)… Turns out microscope slide stain makes a handy egg dye!! 🤓
“Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a degenerative condition that leads to a decline in brain function in aging pets, causing behavioral changes. Join this free webinar on Thursday, April 4th at 6PM ET as behavior experts from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Kate Anderson, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, and Dr. Pamela Perry, behavior consultant, share insights into how CDS affects dogs and cats and offer strategies to enhance the quality of life for senior pets.”
Senior pets, much like their human counterparts, may face both physical and cognitive challenges as they grow older. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is a degenerative condition that leads to a decline in brain function in aging pets, causing behavioral changes. Join this free webinar on Thursday, April 4th at 6PM ET as behavior experts from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Kate Anderson, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, and Dr. Pamela Perry, behavior consultant, share insights into how CDS affects dogs and cats and offer strategies to enhance the quality of life for senior pets. Although there is no cure for CDS, pet owners can work with their veterinarians to create a management plan to address behavioral changes and slow the progression of the disease.
We asked our staff, if you could “upgrade” a species, what would you wish for? Some of our favorite replies were:
♥️ Lifespan upgrades for all pets
🐈 Cats who vacuum the house
📣 Dogs who can talk
🐒 Prehensile tails for cats
🚽 Dog who can use the toilet… and flush it!
🦄 Horses who can pay their own bills
🐅 Friendly tigers
🧐 House-trained capybaras
🐉 Enormous dragonflies
👍🏼 Opposable thumbs for cats
🐇 Rabbits born spayed
🤦🏻 Many upgrades recommended for humans
We joke all the time that our pets have better tick preventative options available than we humans do… But now, an oral tick preventative for people seems to be on the horizon! (The drug being developed is the same active ingredient as Credelio for dogs; this is the same drug class as the very familiar Nexgard and Simparica.)
Your pets can already eat a chewable tablet for tick prevention. Now, a pill that paralyzes and kills ticks has shown positive results in a small human trial.
OMG, what a fun idea!!
Celebrate Easter with us this year! Come and enjoy a unique event where kids can meet our adorable rabbits. Join us for an exciting Easter egg hunt, followed by photos with a *REAL* Easter Bunny! Saturday, March 30th at 9am in Ellington, Connecticut. Baskets will be provided!
Sign up for tickets at https://tinyurl.com/ebcegghunt24. All proceeds go towards rescuing and caring for our rabbits.
Looks like a nice weekend… to be a hungry tick who just woke up from being dormant and is coming to find you. 😵💫 Here’s a reminder to keep yourself and your pets protected from parasites!!
222 Boston Tpke
Bolton, CT
06043
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Poll! Does your pet like the snow? Answer in the comments with the corresponding emoji! ❄️ = Yes! 🥶 = No! 🧐 = Never seen it!
We all know the adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" and we're here to tell you that this is far from true! When you first got your pet, you more than likely spent a lot of time training them and teaching them basic commands. Now that your pet is older, training might be far from the first thing on your mind. Pets, particularly dogs, are happier when they are mentally and physically active! One-on-one training provides exactly that in addition to getting the attention they may be craving. Specifically when using positive reinforcement methods! Positive reinforcement is when rewards come when you do something correctly, even though you may not know what you’re supposed to do. No punishments are ever handed out. There are many benefits of using positive reinforcement training methods for pets, including: ❤️ Reduction in fear and stress of pets 🧡 A strengthened bond between pet and owner 💛 Faster learning of new behaviors 💚 Ability to teach unnatural behaviors 💙 Ability to teach complex behaviors 💜 Children can safely use this method (training involving punishment can be dangerous)
It's #walkyourpetmonth and we want to know---how often do you walk your pet? Once or twice a day? A week? A month! Let us know in the comments down below!
Do you make New Year's Resolutions? This year, we want to take more time to "paws", take deep breaths, and appreciate all the little moments in life. What's your resolution this year?
You may already know that overweight pets are more likely to live shorter lives. But excess weight can cause a variety of health issues with your pet in the meantime. ➡️ Cancer - Overweight pets are more susceptible to certain cancers. ➡️ Joint Injuries - Even just a few extra pounds can add significant stress to your pet's joints (knees are the most commonly affected) costing an average of $3,480 to treat. ➡️ Urinary Tract Infections - Overweight female pets have more trouble cleaning hard-to-reach places or folds of fat may trap bacteria, leading to a UTI. ➡️ Heart Disease - In overweight pets, the heart and circulatory system are working overtime which can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure. ➡️ Back Problems - Overweight pets with short legs and long bodies are prone to intervertebral disc diseases. Be sure that you measure out portions each day appropriate for your pet, choose the appropriate diet, show love without treats if needed, exercise regularly, and visit the vet routinely!
Petting, scratching, and cuddling your pet could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep as mediation! Today is #nationalcuddleupday ! Share your cuddly photos with us! 🥰
Don't be surprised! You may be planning a night out with family and friends which means that your pet might be left home alone with lots of confusing noises coming from outside. Before you head out, double-check the house to make sure all the exits are secure and do what you can to ensure that your pet feels comfortable and safe. Remember to remove any harmful plants, foods, or medications that your pet could get into. 🥳🤩 Happy celebrating and Happy New Year! 🥳🤩
Gastroenteritis may seem like a simple case of vomiting and diarrhea, but medical treatment is warranted to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and to determine the underlying cause. If your pet is suffering from gastroenteritis, make a veterinary appointment and have the answers to these questions on hand during your appointment: ➡️ Has your pet had any new foods or treats recently? ➡️ When was the last time your pet ate and drank normally? ➡️ What is your pet currently eating, and how much? ➡️ Has your pet been exposed to any new people, pets, animals, or places recently? ➡️ Could your pet have ingested any cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals? ➡️ Has your pet had other vomiting and diarrhea episodes? ➡️ What medications or supplements does your pet take?
Yes, our precious doggos do get dementia...It's formally referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) which can present itself as involutive depression, dysthymia, hyper-aggression, or confusional syndrome. Here are some signs of doggy dementia. And remember, always speak with a Veterinarian about any concerns you have for your pet! 🐶 Pacing back and forth or in circles (often turning consistently in one direction) 🐶 Getting lost in familiar places 🐶 Staring into space or walls 🐶 Walking into corners or other tight spaces and staying there 🐶 Appearing lost or confused 🐶 Waiting at the “hinge” side of the door to go out 🐶 Failing to get out of the way when someone opens a door 🐶 Failing to remember routines, or starting them and getting only partway through 🐶 Sundowning
The thought of holiday food makes our mouths water! Yours too? Guess what? Your pet's mouth is watering, as well! As tempting as it may be to share your amazing spread with your pets, beware of the following foods that are particularly dangerous for your pets. The changes of routine during the holiday season can leave pets in a situation to find their way into extra trouble, too !! Keep tasty human foods safely out of reach. ❗Chocolate ❗Corn cobs ❗Gravy & fatty cuts of meat ❗Cooked ham bones, turkey bones, etc.
Have you ever noticed your pup's nose turn from its usual dark color to more of a pink or brown color? Guess what that's called!? Snow nose! aka Winter Nose ❄️ Snow nose most commonly affects Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. This condition is completely cosmetic! However, if your dog's nose gets smoother and smoother or raw with sores, you should definitely make a veterinary appointment.
You already know that overweight pets are more likely to live shorter lives. 😩 But did you know that there are other health issues that extra weight can lead to like diabetes, joint injuries, UTIs, and back pain? It's tough to help our pets keep up a healthy weight, we know. 👇Here are some simple and actionable steps you can take to help your pet stay healthy👇 1. Measure our portions (...with an actual measuring cup, folks! When we ask you how much you feed, we don't know how much "half of the yellow scooper" is...) 2. Choose a proper diet for your pet's life stage and activity level 3. Show love without treats. Yes 👏 you👏 can 👏 4. Exercise: A dog's weight in pounds, times two, is the number of minutes of moderate-intensity exercise they should have per day. 5. Visit the vet if your pet falls into the overweight class to check for signs of hypothyroidism, Cushings disease, diabetes, or arthritis
The holidays are creeping up and you might be considering taking your pet with you on a trip! Before you go, ask yourself these 5 questions! 1. Is my pet welcome? 2. Is my pet medically cleared & up-to-date on relevant vaccines for travel? 5. Is the route I'm taking the most pet-friendly? 4. Are there any travel rules or restrictions to consider? 5. What does my pet need for the duration of the trip, & are there any medication refills to pick up in advance? If your pet is good-to-go, we wish you safe travels and happy holidays! 🥰
💛 Did you know that owning a pet improves your cardiovascular health? 💛 The CDC and NIH found that pet owners display decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which can all minimize their risk of a heart attack. 💛 Furthermore, those who have already experienced a heart attack tend to have better recovery rates if they own a dog or a cat!
A friendly reminder to consider your pets during cold weather! Be prepared & plan ahead. Consider having the groomer leave your pets' coat longer, and consider a sweater for your short-haired pets (fun & functional!). If you bathe your pets during cold weather, make sure they are completely dry before taking them outside. When letting your pets out for a bathroom break, stay with them! If it is too cold for you to stand outside, it is probably too cold for your pets to spend much time out there either. If you do have an outdoor pet, remember that staying warm requires extra calories! Feed them accordingly. Check on their water frequently to ensure it doesn't freeze. Wipe your pet's paws after being in the ice and snow. Ice balls can cause frostbite! Use pet-safe ice melt or sand on walkways. If mice decide to get cozy in your house this winter, consider alternatives to rodent poisons, which pose a threat to pets and wildlife as well. More cold weather safety tips: https://bit.ly/keepyourpetswarm
There are two identified strains of the canine influenza virus (CIV) -- H3N8 and H3N2. Both strains are spread mostly through close contact, respiratory secretions, contaminated objects, and people carrying viral pathogens that can transmit to dogs. Canine influenza viral strains are highly contagious among dogs. CIV is mild in most cases but, as with people, some can develop into a more severe illness. Dogs with mild CIV will generally develop a mild cough that sounds similar to kennel cough. Dogs with CIV may also display the following signs: ➡️ Eye discharge ➡️ Sneezing ➡️ Nasal discharge ➡️ Fever ➡️ Lethargy ➡️ Inappetence In severe cases, dogs can develop a high fever, pneumonia, and a bacterial infection secondary to the viral infection. About 20% of dogs who contract CIV remain asymptomatic but can still pass it along to other dogs. If an outbreak occurs in your area, be sure to: ➡️ Vaccinate your dog for both CIV strains if you travel with your dogs, or if your local boarding kennel recommends it (that's uncommon around here). ➡️ Keep your dog away from other dogs who exhibit signs of illness ➡️ If you've been interacting with a sick dog, be sure to wash your hands and change your clothes before engaging with your own dog.
Fun Fact: 🐱🐱 cats is simply called a pair But 🐱🐱🐱+ cats? Well, 🐱🐱🐱+ cats are called a "clowder"! So...do you own a single cat 🐱? A pair of cats 🐱🐱? Or a clowder 🐱🐱🐱+? Type your answer in the comments, below.
Whether you're planning on adopting an older pet or you already have an elderly cat or dog, your senior pet deserves to be pampered and spoiled! 💓 Here are 6⃣ ways you can shower your senior pet with love 💓 1. ✅ Upgrade their bed: If your pet has had the same bed for months or even years, it's likely that the padding has compressed which provides little to no support on your pet's achy joints. Treat your pet to a firm, orthopedic bed that gives your pet plenty of cushion and support. 2. ✅ Encourage physical activity: Your pet is now at "retirement" age, so rest and relaxation are entirely natural! However, too little activity can cause senior pets to develop heart issues. Without regular, low-impact exercise, their muscles atrophy which, in turn, makes daily activities more difficult. 3. ✅ Mental enrichment: Your pet's brain is a muscle! Keep their mind sharp with enrichment activities like food puzzles, nose work training, or other daily training sessions. 4. ✅ Diet: As your pet ages, their nutritional needs change as well. Oftentimes, they require fewer calories. However, please remember that each pet will have individualized needs specific to their health. Speak to your veterinarian to determine the best dietary needs for your pet. 5. ✅ Home navigation: As your pet ages, going up and down stairs can be more challenging. Your senior pet may also struggle with tall furniture, slick floors, low food & water dishes, or litter boxes with tall sides. You can remedy these issues by placing runners on slick floors, raising your pet's food/water dishes, placing your pet's necessities all in one area, investing in a litter box with shorter sides, or installing ramps for easier access in and out o your home or favorite piece of furniture. 6. ✅ Bi-Annual Wellness Exams: Pets age much faster than humans and their health can change rapidly. With regular exams, you'll be able to closely monitor early signs of organ dysfunction, arthritis pain, dental
Don't forget about preventatives! Your indoor cat still needs flea and tick prevention, even if your dog is on it! Your dog ventures out into the wilderness and is naturally at a higher risk for attracting fleas and ticks. But, even your indoor pets can host these parasites! You and your dog can easily carry home fleas and ticks that will go looking for another suitable host and potentially find a nice home on your indoor cat! To keep everyone safe, administer year-round flea and tick prevention to each pet.
Poll: What are some of the ideal personality traits you want in a companion animal? Energetic? Playful? Calm? Loyal? Guard Dog? Intelligent? Cuddly? Post your answers in the comments below!
Bolton Veterinary Hospital is a 24-hour, AAHA accredited, full-service animal hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.
