Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill

04/07/2025

National Pet Health Insurance Day

This day aims to encourage pet parents to consider health insurance not only for themselves but also for their furry companions. By choosing insurance for your pet, you can make manageable monthly payments instead of facing large expenses later on.
However, it's important to note that pet insurance differs from human insurance, so be sure to do thorough research to find the best coverage for you and your pet. Most insurance companies require you to pay your bill in full upfront, after which you can submit the invoice for reimbursement.
At Sixes Animal Hospital, in partnership with Trupanion, we can submit your invoice before you check out, allowing you to see how much will be covered.
We recommend asking your local veterinary office if they accept insurance and what their process entails. This way, you can save money while ensuring your furry friend receives the best possible healthcare.

04/04/2025

**Pet of the Week**

This week highlights how friendships can come in all shapes and sizes. Miller, who weighs 150 pounds, and Darla, who weighs just 10 pounds, are truly two peas in a pod. These wonderful companions came in for their yearly heartworm test and ProHeart prevention. This serves as a reminder that regardless of size, heartworm prevention is essential for ensuring a happy and healthy pup.

04/01/2025

**Heartworm Awareness Month**

April is Heartworm Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heartworm disease and its serious, potentially fatal consequences for our pets. We encourage pet owners to educate themselves about the signs and symptoms of this disease. It's important to have your pet tested for heartworms annually and to continue administering monthly preventative treatments. By taking these steps, you can help protect your furry companion from the dangers of heartworm disease.

Heartworms are caused by infected mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your pet, the heartworm larvae are transmitted into their bloodstream. Once inside, it takes approximately six months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms, which can then reproduce. These worms can live for several years, leading to an increasing number of adult worms in the infected pet, which can lead to fatal outcomes if not diagnosed or treated. Regular check-ups and heartworm testing are vital for your pet's health. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; your team at Sixes Animal Hospital is here to help. Please refer to the links below to educate yourself further on how to protect your beloved companion.

https://sixesanimalhospital.com/5-heartworm-disease-facts-to-keep-your-pet-safe/
https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs

03/28/2025

*** Pet Of the Week***

What better way to celebrate Respect Your Cat Day than by featuring this handsome purr box? Felix recently suffered from a urinary tract infection, but he still enjoys head bops and chin scratches during his visits with us. This beautiful boy has such a calm demeanor that it makes all of us here at Sixes Animal Hospital crave some kitty snuggles.

03/28/2025

**Respect your Cat Day**

This day is dedicated to giving your feline companions some extra love. The domestication of cats dates back thousands of years; in ancient Egypt around 2500 BC, cats were even worshiped as gods. This special day was established in 2005 to encourage people to show extra affection toward their cats.

To celebrate your furry friends, consider their history, instincts, and basic needs. A great way to honor them today is to provide opportunities for scratching and hunting, respect their desire for attention, pet them gently, give them space, or simply sit on the floor with them to appear less intimidating.

03/23/2025

***National Puppy Day***

National Puppy Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unconditional love and joy that puppies bring to our lives. It also raises awareness about the many orphaned pups who are rescued from puppy mills or the streets. If you're considering adding a puppy to your family, please look into local shelters for adoption.
You can take part in this special day by using the hashtag and sharing a photo of your puppy on social media.
Consider treating your puppy to something special, taking them for a walk, or playing with their favorite toy.

03/21/2025

***Pet Of The Week***

This sweet boy, recently adopted from Cherokee Animal Shelter, just wanted to play some ball during his appointment with us. We're delighted that Ruff has found his forever home and will be receiving his medical care at Sixes Animal Hospital. Today, he received some of his booster vaccinations. We look forward to seeing his personality develop and are happy to accommodate some playtime during his visits.

03/19/2025

***Allergies***
Spring is here, and so are allergies! Just like humans, pets can also experience allergies. Common symptoms of spring allergies in pets include excessive itching or licking, skin inflammation or redness, sneezing, bloodshot eyes, and hot spots. These symptoms are often triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen and grasses.
If your pet is showing any signs of allergies, please consult with the team at Sixes Animal Hospital. We can advise you on possible at-home treatments or recommend a visit for an examination. Unmanaged allergy symptoms can lead to skin or ear infections and potentially respiratory issues.

https://sixesanimalhospital.com/itch-relief-allergies-in-cats-and-dogs/

03/17/2025

03/14/2025

***Pet of the week***
This week, we are pleased to welcome Pippin to the Sixes Animal Hospital family. While she planned to visit us to discuss spaying options, her appointment took a different turn. Pippin came in because she had ingested a green squishy dinosaur toy. Thankfully, her pet parent responded quickly, which allowed us to safely remove the toy with a minimally invasive procedure. We look forward to seeing Pippin again for her spay surgery instead of an exploratory procedure.

03/13/2025

**World Kidney Day**

This global event emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about kidney health and the need for early detection and intervention in preventing and managing kidney disease. Annual wellness check-ups, which include bloodwork, can help veterinarians identify the early stages of this condition.

Kidney disease is classified into four stages based on lab values and the clinical signs your pet may be experiencing. If your pet shows increased thirst, nausea, muscle atrophy, weight loss, or weakness and lethargy, it may be time to consider getting a diagnosis as soon as possible. While kidney disease is manageable, it is currently incurable.

To learn more about kidney disease, please refer to the links provided.

03/10/2025

Flea and Tick prevention

Preventing fleas and ticks is essential year-round in the southern region. These parasites can lead to various health issues, including anemia, skin infections, and Lyme disease. A simple way to protect your pets from fleas and ticks is through monthly chewable or topical treatments.

In addition to treating your pets, it's important to maintain a clean home. Regular vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping can help eliminate these pests from your living space.
Ticks can survive for months without feeding and are often found in wooded areas, while fleas have four life stages and can reproduce rapidly. Refer to the chart below to check your state’s flea and tick season. It’s also a good idea to consult with your veterinarian and their team to determine the best prevention strategies for your pets.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/flea-tick-season/
https://sixesanimalhospital.com/ticks-and-pets-risks-prevention-and-removal/

03/05/2025

Attention all pet parents! If you would like to have your furry friend featured on our page, please email us a picture or short video along with a description of your pet's personality or the story behind the photo. Be sure to label your submission as "Pet of the Week." We love to showcase your pets, even if we haven't had the chance to see them in person during the week!

[email protected]

02/28/2025

Meet Destiny

Destiny began working at Sixes Animal Hospital and in the veterinary field just last month. She has always been interested in this area, so it’s a great opportunity for her to be involved while continuing her college education. When asked what she has enjoyed most about her work, she replied that she loves the chance to help animals and meet so many wonderful dogs.

02/27/2025

Meet Abby

Abby, a senior in high school, has been working at Sixes Animal Hospital for a year. When asked about her favorite aspect of this field, she said, "Overall, I enjoy helping the well-being of animals and spending time with the patients." Abby excels at restraining animals and gathering medical history for Dr. Scott, and she continues to develop new skills every day.

02/26/2025

** Pet Of The Week**

Peanut received her last puppy booster with us this week. She wants to remind everyone to get their vaccinations and not forget that on Wednesdays we wear pink.

02/26/2025

Meet Ainsley

Ainsley has been with Sixes Animal Hospital since July 2024. When asked what she enjoys most about her work, she shares that she loves connecting with fellow animal lovers and helping patients recover from illness or injury. Ainsley excels in performing routine dental procedures and monitoring furry companions while they are under anesthesia. With just about 3 years of experience in the field she hopes to continue her education.

02/25/2025

Meet Montana

Montana has been a part of Sixes Animal Hospital for two years. With five years of experience and a degree in animal science, she is well-prepared to handle the challenges of this field. When asked what she enjoys most about her work, she notes that it is helping animals and educating their owners. Montana excels at performing lab diagnostics and assisting in surgical procedures.