Animal Hospital of Conroe

Ruby Tuesday reminding everyone to stay hydrated this summer.

Texas weather be making us feel like a Sarah McLachlan video

Meet Dr. Dewyer and her dog Lucy. We used to think she was a total cat 🐱 person until she adopted Lucy. Dr. Dewyer graduated from A&M and all the pets/clients who see her appreciate her patience, time she gives her clients, and her thoroughness. If you would like to meet her and Lucy your welcome to call our clinic or book your appointment online. animalhospitalofconroe.com/book-appointment/#appointment-type

McGee gets his cherry eye repaired! “Cherry eye" is a common term for prolapse (or popping out) of the third eyelid gland. In some dogs, especially certain breeds and often in younger animals, the gland of the third eyelid can become swollen and pop out of its normal position, making it visible as a reddish-pink mass in the corner of the eye, resembling a cherry. That's why it's called a "cherry eye." In this case, surgical repositioning was needed to correct the cherry eye. This is the most common treatment; veterinarians surgically tack the gland back to normal. This approach is favored because it preserves the gland's function while maintaining healthy tear production. McGee is expected to make a full recovery in just a few weeks!

Annual wellness exams are essential for pets to detect illnesses early, stay up to date on vaccinations, obtain parasite prevention and control, dental health, and much more! As pets age, their needs change. Regular exams help tailor care recommendations to the appropriate life stage, whether it's puppy/kitten, adult, or senior. Knowing that a trained professional has examined your pet and given them a clean bill of health (or provided guidance on managing any health issues) can provide significant peace of mind to pet owners. Give us a call to book your pet’s wellness exam today!

When selecting bones and chews for dogs, it's essential to consider the size, age, health, and chewing habits of your dog. Raw, cooked, or smoked bones, hooves, antlers, and ice cubes are NOT recommended as they are too hard and notorious for damaging teeth and the GI tract. Be aware that many other options on the market are damaging to your dog's digestive health as well due to rich flavors and high calories. The general rule for chew toys and treats is that they are safe if they soften up while being chewed on or if the toy indents when you push your fingers into it. Here's a list of some generally safe chews, along with things to keep in mind: - Dental Chews: Various dental chews on the market are specifically designed to clean a dog's teeth while they chew such as Greenies, Tartar Shield, OraVet Chews, VeggieDents, and CET chews. - Artificial Bones: These are often made of rubber and try to avoid nylon or plastic bones due to their hardness which can break teeth. A good example is Kong Toys. Ensure the chew is size-appropriate for your dog and isn't wearing down too quickly. - Raw Hides: rawhide strips or rolls without a knot on the end are great, just remember there are a lot of calories in these so give them to your pup in moderation. Happy chewing!

Meet Millie! Millie is a bulldog who was playing with some kids on the hot pavement, and all the chasing and sliding, unfortunately, rubbed off Millie’s paw pads, ouch! The medical staff worked diligently to ease Millie’s pain by first removing any dead skin from her paw pads, then soaking them in an antiseptic solution before wrapping them in a clean bandage. She is expected to be back to her normal self in a few weeks. Millie was a trooper during her treatment and gave the staff kisses the whole time! Keep in mind that asphalt temperatures are much hotter than the air temperature during hot days. If the air temperature is 77°F the asphalt temperature is 125°F, increasing as the air temperature increases.

Bloodwork is an important diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to assess the health of pets and to detect any underlying medical conditions and should be done annually with your pet's wellness exam. This procedure is especially important for middle-aged to senior pets in order to catch and treat any diseases early. Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next visit!

Dental care for your pets is extremely important in preventing tooth decay, removing harmful bacteria, and ensuring they live a long life. Just like humans, dogs need to get their teeth cleaned regularly. If your pet is cooperative, we recommend dental care at home to help keep their teeth clean and healthy in between visits to the veterinarian. If your pet is due for a dental cleaning, book an appointment today!

Keeping your dog's joints healthy is a surefire way to give them a longer life. Providing regular exercise to maintain muscle strength and promote joint flexibility, giving them a balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine, along with weight management, can help support healthy joints and reduce the risk of joint-related issues later in life!

Our feline clients are some of our favorites to care for. Here are 5 fun facts about cats! 1. Cats have a remarkable ability to rotate their ears up to 180 degrees, allowing them to locate sounds with incredible precision. This keen sense of hearing helps them detect even the faintest noises, making them skilled hunters. 2. Despite being carnivorous, cats have taste buds that are not particularly attuned to sweetness. They lack the taste receptors for detecting sweet flavors, unlike humans and many other mammals. 3. Cats are highly acrobatic and have a flexible spine that enables them to twist, turn, and squeeze through narrow spaces. Their exceptional agility is attributed to their collarbone, which is free-floating and allows for increased flexibility in navigating tight spots. 4. While cats are known for their independent nature, they are also capable of forming strong social bonds. Cats have been observed engaging in various forms of communication, including purring, rubbing against their owners, and even blinking slowly, all of which are considered signs of affection and trust. 5. Cats have an extraordinary sense of balance, aided by their highly sensitive inner ear structures. This remarkable balance allows them to land on their feet when falling from heights, a skill known as the "righting reflex." They can twist their bodies in mid-air and adjust their limbs to ensure a safe landing.

Just 2 friends enjoying themselves!

When is it time to get your cat vaccinated? Vaccinating your cats is crucial for their health and well-being, as it helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases among feline populations. Vaccines protect cats from potentially life-threatening illnesses such as feline distemper, rabies, and feline leukemia virus. By ensuring your cats are up to date on their vaccinations, you are not only safeguarding their health but also contributing to the overall welfare of the feline community. Give us a call with any questions!

Leaving a pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket quickly, reaching deadly levels within minutes, even with the windows cracked open. Pets can suffer from heat stroke, organ failure, and even death in these conditions. It is crucial to never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, ensuring their safety by keeping them at home or bringing them along with you if necessary.

What to Expect at the Vet!

Bringing your senior pet to the vet can understandably be somewhat nerve-wracking, especially if you suspect something isn’t right. We are here to help support you and your pet during your visit. Below is what to expect when bringing them into the hospital. • Our staff is here to help if you need assistance moving your pet from your vehicle into the hospital, please give us a call when you arrive, and we will be happy to help make transportation more comfortable. • Your pet’s annual exam will be the same as it always is; the doctor will review your pet's medical history, and we will take their weight and temperature, and check on vitals for any abnormalities. • If you come in with any concerns for your pet, additional tests will be done to address these such as bloodwork, culture samples, and/or radiographs (x-rays). The doctor will discuss any concerns or additional procedures with you depending on your pet’s individual needs. • At-home care will then be discussed. If there are any health concerns such as weight management or medications needed, you will be sent home with any medications and discharge instructions. Please give us a call if you have any additional questions or concerns about bringing in your senior pet!

Why your pet needs Annual Bloodwork!

Annual Bloodwork: What it means and why your pet needs it. •What is blood testing? Blood testing informs your veterinarian of your pet's complete blood count or CBC. This tells them how many red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets. The other portion of the blood work, called the chemistry panel, helps evaluate the blood glucose level, liver function, kidney function, electrolyte balance and protein level in your pet’s body. •Why does blood cell count matter? Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen through the body, making them critical to a healthy life. The size, color, and appearance of red blood cells indicate many different diseases. Blood testing can help predict and prevent these diseases before they get critical. •What about white blood cells? White blood cells are responsible for immune system responses in the body. A high amount of white blood cells indicates infection or certain types of cancers. White blood cells also tell your veterinarian your pet's stress level, and if any inflammation is present. •Do blood tests also test platelets? Yes, platelets are responsible for healthy clotting to prevent bleeding. A low number of platelets can indicate an immune deficiency or disorders and other serious health problems. •Why is the chemistry panel important? This portion of the blood work helps the veterinarian evaluate how the internal organs are functioning and if there are any medications, diet, or lifestyle changes your pet may need in the future. Blood testing is very important to understand your pet’s overall health (especially senior pets), predict and prevent disease, and develop a detailed health history. With annual testing, you can learn exactly how to care for your pet based on its unique health needs. Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next annual exam!

Welcome Kelsey Winterman!

The Animal Hospital and Emergency Clinic of Conroe is happy to welcome Dr. Kelsey Winterman to the team! Dr. Kelsey Winterman grew up in Montgomery, Texas where she raised several livestock projects through 4-H and FFA. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in 2009, and then graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Dr. Winterman enjoys spending time with her husband, Shawn, and their son, Brody. They enjoy spending time on their farm where they raise cattle, and own 2 dogs (Layla and Betty), and 2 cats (Annie and Lilly). Help us welcome Dr. Winterman in the comments below!