Dixieland Veterinary Services

01/15/2025

Walk Your Dog Month: Start the Year on a Healthy Foot (or Paw!)

Walk Your Dog Month happens every January, making it the perfect opportunity to set positive, healthy routines for both dogs and their owners. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us, January offers a fresh start and plenty of motivation to get outdoors. Regular walks not only keep dogs physically fit but also help stimulate their minds and improve their behavior. For owners, it’s a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and enjoy quality time with their furry companions.

Whether it’s a brisk morning stroll or an afternoon hike, walking your dog regularly benefits both species in numerous ways. Bundle up, grab a leash, and make the most of this month dedicated to strengthening the bond between you and your four-legged friend.

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01/13/2025

The Importance of Vaccines

Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting pets from serious diseases. Today we’re focusing on the DHLPP vaccine, a critical component of canine healthcare. This combination vaccine protects dogs and puppies against multiple life-threatening diseases. Below is an overview of why this vaccine is so important:

What is the DHLPP Vaccine?
The acronym DHLPP stands for:
D: Distemper
H: Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus)
L: Leptospirosis
P: Parvovirus
P: Parainfluenza

Each of these diseases poses significant risks to dogs, and vaccination is the most effective form of prevention.

Importance of Protecting Against Each Disease
1. Canine Distemper
A highly contagious and often fatal viral disease.
Affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems.
Symptoms: Fever, nasal discharge, coughing, seizures, and paralysis.
Why Vaccinate? Vaccination is crucial, especially for young puppies, as it prevents this devastating disease.

2. Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus-2)
Affects the liver, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels.
Can cause fever, jaundice, and, in severe cases, death.
Why Vaccinate? Vaccination offers lifelong protection against liver disease caused by the virus.

3. Leptospirosis
A bacterial infection affecting the kidneys and liver.
Can spread to humans (zoonotic disease).
Symptoms: Vomiting, fever, lethargy, and potential kidney or liver failure.
Why Vaccinate? Essential in areas with wildlife exposure or standing water, where bacteria are common.

4. Canine Parvovirus
A highly contagious and often fatal virus.
Attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Why Vaccinate? Puppies are especially vulnerable, but vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection.

5. Parainfluenza
A respiratory virus contributing to kennel cough.
Symptoms: Coughing, nasal discharge, and breathing difficulties.
Why Vaccinate? Reduces the severity and spread of respiratory infections.

Benefits of the DHLPP Vaccine
Life-Saving Protection
These diseases can be deadly, especially for unvaccinated puppies. Vaccination provides simple, effective protection.

Herd Immunity
Widespread vaccination lowers the overall prevalence of these diseases, protecting both vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs in the community.

Cost-Effective Prevention
Treating these diseases can be expensive and often requires intensive veterinary care. Vaccination is a much more affordable alternative.

Required for Social and Travel Situations
Many boarding facilities, dog parks, and travel regulations require proof of DHLPP vaccination before entry or participation.

Vaccination Schedule
Puppies: Begin the series at 6–8 weeks of age, with boosters every 3–4 weeks. A total of four vaccines in the series is recommended for optimal protection.
Adult Dogs: A booster is recommended every 1 year, depending on your veterinarian’s advice and your dog’s risk factors.

The DHLPP vaccine is a cornerstone of preventive care in dogs. By vaccinating your pet, you’re not only protecting them from potentially deadly diseases but also helping to reduce the spread of these infections within the community. Ensuring your dog stays up to date with their vaccinations will help them live a long, healthy, and active life. Call us at Dixieland Vet to set up a schedule for your pet's vaccinations at (850) 547-4160.

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01/10/2025

A Special Visit from K-9 Highway!

The Holmes County Sheriff Department’s very own K-9 Highway stopped by Dixieland Vet recently to remind pet owners about the importance of regular blood work for their pets.

Blood work is especially recommended for:

New dog owners
Dogs preparing for surgery
Dogs with health conditions
Geriatric dogs

At Dixieland Vet, we recommend annual blood work for all pets to ensure they receive the best care possible and catch potential health issues early.

Call us today at (850) 547-4160 to schedule your pet’s appointment. Let’s keep your furry family members happy and healthy!

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01/08/2025

🐾 Attention Pet Parents! 🐾

Did you know that while your pet’s ID and rabies tags are important, a microchip can be a lifesaver if they ever get lost?

Even if their tags go missing, a microchip provides a reliable way to contact you and help reunite you with your furry friend.

Ensure your pet is microchipped and that your contact information is current—because every second counts when it comes to bringing them home! 🐶🐱

Stay prepared and enjoy peace of mind. Chip your pet today!

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01/06/2025

Why Rabies Vaccination is Essential for Your Dog

Rabies vaccination plays a critical role in safeguarding your dog’s health and protecting public safety. Here’s why it’s so important:

🐾 Prevention of a Fatal Disease
Rabies is a viral infection that targets the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent this deadly disease.

🐾 Protection of Humans
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans, usually through bites or scratches. Vaccinating your dog reduces the risk of transmission to people.

🐾 Compliance with Legal Requirements
In many regions, rabies vaccination is required by law. In the U.S., states set the age at which pets must be vaccinated. In Florida, all dogs and cats aged 12 weeks or older must be vaccinated. Failure to do so can lead to legal consequences.

🐾 Control of Disease Spread
Vaccinating your dog helps limit the spread of rabies among animal populations, reducing the risk for other pets and wildlife.

🐾 Peace of Mind
A vaccinated dog means owners can relax, knowing their pet is protected from exposure to rabies. It also prevents potential risks to family members, neighbors, and other pets.

Schedule Your Dog’s Rabies Vaccination Today!
Rabies vaccination is vital for preventing a deadly disease, protecting public health, complying with local laws, and ensuring the well-being of both pets and humans.

Call or text us today at Dixieland Vet to book your dog’s vaccination appointment and keep your pet safe!

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At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

01/03/2025

Heartworm prevention in dogs is critically important because heartworms are parasitic worms that can cause severe damage to a dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes, and if left untreated, heartworm infection can lead to heart failure, lung disease, organ damage, and even death.

Prevention is key because heartworm disease is much easier and more cost-effective to prevent than to treat. The preventive medications, typically administered monthly, kill the immature heartworms before they can grow into adults and cause serious harm. Since heartworm treatment is complex, expensive, and can carry risks, preventing infection is the most effective way to protect your dog's health and quality of life. Regular testing for heartworms is also essential, as some infected pets may not show symptoms until they have advanced significantly.

If you have any questions about heartworm prevention or would like to get your pet started on preventatives now, call or text us at Dixieland Vet at (850) 547-4160!

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At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

01/01/2025

Happy New Year from Dixieland Vet!

To all our wonderful clients, we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025 for you and your beloved pets. Thank you for being part of our Dixieland Vet family! We will resume normal clinic hours on January 2.

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12/30/2024

Just a reminder that Dixieland Vet will be closed on December 31 and January 1.

If you have an emergency during this time, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Gannon or Dr. Sullivan at (850) 547-4160. They will assist you in determining whether you need to visit an emergency clinic.

For immediate care, the nearest emergency clinics are:
Urgent Care Vet: (850) 896-9286
Niceville Urgent Care: (850) 517-9851

Clinic hours will resume on January 2. Here’s wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year from all of us at Dixieland Vet!

12/27/2024

Friendly Reminder from Dixieland Vet

Roxy stopped by for her annual wellness check and wanted to remind everyone that Dixieland Vet will be closed on December 31 and January 1.

If you have an emergency during this time, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Gannon or Dr. Sullivan at (850) 547-4160. They will assist you in determining whether you need to visit an emergency clinic.

For immediate care, the nearest emergency clinics are:

Urgent Care Vet: (850) 896-9286
Niceville Urgent Care: (850) 517-9851

Here’s wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year from all of us at Dixieland Vet!

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from the staff of Dixieland Veterinary Clinic and Drs. Sullivan and Gannon!

12/24/2024

Wishing all our clients at Dixieland Vet a blessed and Merry Christmas!

📅 Please note: We are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as well as New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

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12/23/2024

Holiday Announcement from Dixieland Vet

Bug stopped by to pose for a festive photo in front of our Christmas tree and to remind everyone of our holiday hours!

We will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Wishing all our amazing clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for trusting us with your pets, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025!

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12/20/2024

Axle came to see us at Dixieland Vet with an ear issue but he's all fixed up for the holidays now!

Bacteria and yeast are natural inhabitants of your dog’s ears, but under certain conditions, they can multiply excessively and cause an infection. Factors like excessive moisture, allergies, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism, or foreign bodies can contribute to this overgrowth.

Treatment varies depending on the severity of your dog’s condition. If you’re struggling to manage your dog’s ear infection, be their hero! Contact Dixieland Veterinary Services and we’ll help determine the best treatment strategy to get your furry friend feeling better.

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12/20/2024

Ready to spread some holiday cheer? 🐾🎁 Show us your adorable fur babies dressed up in their festive best or enjoying holiday activities!

Whether it's a Santa Paws costume, a cozy sweater, or a cute reindeer antler headband, we want to see your pets getting into the holiday spirit! 🦌✨

Share your favorite holiday pet photos in the comments below and let's make this season merry and bright for all our furry friends. 🐶🐱

Don't forget to use to join in the holiday pet parade!

12/19/2024

Don't forget to join us for Christmas with Santa on Friday, Dec. 20th, from 3–5 p.m.

📸 Bring your pets (dressed up or as they are!) to take a photo with Santa. Anyone making a donation to Alaqua Animal Refuge will receive a digital copy of their photo as a thank-you for $3! All donations will go to the refuge.

🎁 Donation Items Needed:
Linens
Pet food
Cleaning supplies
Monetary contributions

Alaqua Animal Refuge cares for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and even a few exotics.
We look forward to seeing you and your furry friends tomorrow for this special holiday event!

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12/18/2024

Georgie, Gemma, and Fiona Invite You to Christmas with Santa!

Georgie and Gemma recently visited Dixieland Vet for their puppy vaccines, accompanied by their big sister, Fiona. They’re excited to invite all our clients to join us for Christmas with Santa on Friday, Dec. 20th, from 3–5 p.m.

📸 Bring your pets (dressed up or as they are!) to take a photo with Santa. Anyone making a donation to Alaqua Animal Refuge will receive a digital copy of their photo as a thank-you!

🎁 Donation Items Needed:

Linens
Pet food
Cleaning supplies
Monetary contributions

Alaqua Animal Refuge cares for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and even a few exotics.

We look forward to seeing you and your furry friends on Dec. 20th for this special holiday event!

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12/17/2024

Holiday Fun at Dixieland Vet!

The staff of Dixieland Veterinary Services recently enjoyed a festive afternoon decorating Christmas cookies together. Sharing laughter and creativity, it was a wonderful way to celebrate the season and bond as a team.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Dixieland Vet!

12/16/2024

Smidgen, the most handsome dog ever, visited Dixieland Vet today for his annual vaccinations and wellness exam. And while he was here, he wanted to give everyone a heads up on Christmas with Santa at the clinic on Friday, Dec. 20th, from 3–5 p.m.

📸 Bring your pets (dressed up or as they are!) to take a photo with Santa. Anyone making a donation to Alaqua Animal Refuge will receive a digital copy of their photo as a thank-you!

🎁 Donation Items Needed:
Linens
Pet food
Cleaning supplies
Monetary contributions

Alaqua Animal Refuge cares for a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and even a few exotics

We look forward to seeing you and your furry friends on Dec. 20th for this special holiday event!

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