Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital

09/11/2024

Hello Everyone!

We hope you are all having a great start to your week.
Salmon Brook Veterinary is having all-staff meetings today. We will be closed from 1pm to 2pm, and our doors will be locked at that time. Please keep that in mind if you plan to come to the hospital today for medication or food pickup. If you’re having an emergency, our answering service will answer and direct you to a member of our treatment staff.

We thank you for your patience and look forward to speaking with you.

Send a message to learn more

09/10/2024

Happy Cat Month! 🐱

Yes, the whole month of September is devoted to educating and spreading awareness on how to keep your cat Happy and Healthy.

Did you know that less than 50% of cat owners bring their pet to the vet for annual care? Veterinarians suggest that Cats should be seen annually by the Veterinarian for a routine physical to make sure that they are healthy and prevent medical diseases through preventative medicine or monitoring your cat's overall health. There are medical conditions that can be caught and prevented at your pet’s annual physical that you might not necessarily notice yourself.

What makes a happy cat?

Mentally stimulating toys, and exercise

Cats require interactive toys, scratching posts, and active play to stimulate them daily. When a cat is not properly stimulated it can lead to them exhibiting destructive behavior (scratching furniture, chewing on items in the house..etc), obesity, excessive sleeping, overgrooming, and aggression or attention-seeking behavior. It’s important to have plenty of toys and places your cat can hide and play in your home to mentally stimulate them. Cats are easy! An empty box or paper bag for them to explore and play in will keep them entertained.

Exercise is also important for cats, keeping them active by playing with them with interactive toys that they can chase is a great way to keep them healthy and happy. You can clicker train them, purchase a feather toy, use Catnip toys, and interactive puzzles, or get an electronic toy they can chase. It sounds odd, but if you have a higher-energy cat, cat wheels are a great way to have them burn off excess energy and keep them entertained! In addition to having a happier and healthier cat, active play with them will also help strengthen your bond with your furry friend.

While cats are known to be independent and do enjoy their alone time napping and lounging around, they do want and enjoy attention from their human family, socialization is important for their overall happiness.

We wish you all a Happy Cat Month!

08/30/2024

🌟🇺🇸Happy Labor Day from all of us at Salmon Brook Vet! 🌟🇺🇸

As we head into the holiday weekend, we want to remind everyone that our office will be **Closed on Labor Day**. We will be open back up during regular business hours on Tuesday 7:30am to 8pm. If your pet needs any food, medication, or care supplies, please stop by before the long weekend begins! We are open until 8pm tonight, and tomorrow 8am to 5pm.

**Tips for a Safe & Fun Weekend with Your Pets:**

🐾 **Beat the Heat**: Keep your pets cool and hydrated, especially during outdoor activities. Avoid walking them on hot pavement, and make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water.
🎆 **Fireworks Safety**: Fireworks can be frightening for pets. Create a quiet space for them at home, and consider turning on the TV or some calming music to help drown out the noise.
🏞️ **Pet-Friendly Outings**: If you're planning a hike, beach trip, or picnic, be sure to check that the location is pet-friendly and safe. Always keep an eye out for potential hazards like hot sand or sharp rocks.
🐶 **Stay Supervised**: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a trip to the water, always supervise your pets to ensure they stay safe and out of trouble.
Wishing you all a fantastic Labor Day! Stay safe, have fun, and we’ll see you after the holiday! 🐾

08/27/2024

I know there are a lot of mixed feelings about the end of summer and the approaching Autumn months! We hope that all of you, and your furry family members had a fun summer. To Celebrate the last bit of summer we invite you to share your favorite Summer Pet photos of you and your pet's hiking, hanging out on the beach, lounging at the pool, swimming, or just enjoying the sun! ☀🌊⛱

As a few reminders to pet owners during the approaching Autumn months please keep in mind, that we do recommend year-round heartworm, and flea and tick prevention.

Also while the days get shorter if you are walking earlier in the morning or later at night get reflective vests, or a collar for when it is dark out for you and your pet's safety.

Make sure antifreeze is out of reach and put away from animals, cats and dogs are very attracted to it because of its sweet scent, and taste, which is very toxic to them.

Iris spent her summer swimming, and playing with her favorite pool toys!

08/03/2024

Hello,

We were having technical issues with our phones this morning due to last nights storm. We are open today until 5pm, and we are happy to report our phones are back up and running. We apologize for the inconvenience and are looking forward to speaking with you. You should be able to reach us on our hospitals main number 860-653-7238.

Send a message to learn more

08/02/2024

Hello,

Due to the severity of the storm we will be closing the hospital for the day. If you are having a large animal emergency please call our hospital phone number and it will forward you to our answering service that will contact an on call large animal doctor 860-653-7238. If you are having a small animal emergency please reach out to VCA Veterinary Specialists of West Hartford or your closest ER. We will be opening back up at 8am tomorrow.

We hope you are all safe and apologize for the inconvenience.

08/02/2024

The power is out and the hospital is running on a generator. Our phones are also out with restoration time after 6:30pm. We are still seeing no appointments at this time but check back periodically for updates. We apologize for the inconvenience.

07/30/2024

🇨🇦🇲🇽THERE ARE NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS ENTERING AND RETURNING TO THE U.S. FROM OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING CANADA AND MEXICO. 🇨🇦🇲🇽

Please be aware that there have been recent changes in the requirements for entering and re-entering the United States with your pets after traveling abroad, including trips to Canada and Mexico. Preparing your pets for international travel can be a lengthy process, so we strongly encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible to start making the necessary arrangements. Our team at Salmon Brook Vet is here to help ensure your pets meet all the new regulations and can return home safely with you. Contact us today for more information and assistance with your travel plans.

07/09/2024

Hello Everyone!

We hope you are all having a great start to your week.
Salmon Brook Veterinary is having all-staff meetings today. We will be closed from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, and our doors will be locked at that time. Please keep that in mind if you plan to come to the hospital today for medication or food pickup. If you’re having an emergency, our answering service will answer and direct you to a member of our treatment staff.
We thank you for your patience and look forward to speaking with you.

Send a message to learn more

07/02/2024

Hello Everyone!

We hope all of you have a great 4th of July. Tomorrow, the hospital will be closing early. We will be closed at 5 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., and on Thursday, we will be closed for the Holiday. If you plan to pick up food or medication, please plan accordingly. We will be open back up during our regular business hours on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A few things to remember during the Holiday are to ensure your pet is kept in a secure, safe space and avoid bringing them outdoors during the fireworks to prevent them from injuring themselves or running away. If you are having a celebration, avoid feeding them food scraps and ensure they don't have access to the trash, alcoholic beverages, or grease from the grill.

We hope you and your family have a fun and safe Holiday!

Send a message to learn more

06/27/2024

The office is OPEN! Appointments are on as scheduled. There are many trees down in the area.

Our phone lines are down this morning. I apologize for the inconvenience.

06/25/2024

Hospitals since the pandemic have had a very large intake of new patients, since the pandemic the percentage of households in America with a pet has more than doubled. Veterinary Hospitals everywhere have been booking out further than they ever have, and have been trying to find new ways to accommodate their patient's and client's needs. We, as a hospital, try our best to accommodate our patient's needs and see them when they are sick. When our Veterinarians are fully booked one of the ways we are able to fit our patients in is by admitting. An admit is when you bring your pet in the morning, at that time you would meet with a technician to speak with them about what is going on, and you would leave them for the day. This makes it so our Doctor's are able to see them if there is a cancellation, in between surgeries, or appointments. It is also helpful if the pet needs diagnostics, and additional treatments throughout the day, we are able to keep them here and monitor them in our treatment area while they are receiving the care they need.

At the end of the day, we may not be able to accommodate seeing your pet if they require an admit. It's crucial to contact us as early as possible when you notice concerning symptoms. In some cases, we may not be able to perform the necessary diagnostics and treatments, and we may need to refer your pet to an ER hospital if we believe they cannot wait overnight based on their symptoms.

As pet owners, it can be challenging to determine when to take our pets to the ER versus when to see our primary care Veterinarian. There are specific situations where your pet would benefit from being seen by an Emergency hospital that offers overnight care and has the necessary equipment and staff. If your pet is in respiratory distress, has collapsed, was hit by a car, has had more than 3 seizures in a 24-hour period, or has a bloated or distended abdomen, it's likely we would recommend an Emergency facility. However, you are always welcome to call us, and based on your pet's symptoms, we will suggest the best course of action for their medical care.

06/18/2024

In hot weather, be especially watchful of all dogs for signs of heat stress. Normally, a dog sheds heat by panting, not by sweating, and in hot weather, it is possible for a dog to dangerously overheat.

The signs of overheating are increased panting, labored breathing, “honking” panting, sometimes salivation, weakness, and collapse. If you think a dog is having trouble breathing and might be overheating, move them to a cool, shady area or an air-conditioned space.

If they seem weak or if they collapse, call your Veterinarian at once.

Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis have even more trouble shedding excess body heat. Dogs with Laryngeal Paralysis can’t move enough air to do this efficiently. This means that it is very easy for them to overheat, especially in hot weather. They can overheat so badly that it becomes life-threatening.

One early sign of Laryngeal Paralysis is a change in the dog’s voice. The bark starts to sound different. Another sign is a dog that “honks” or “roars” as it pants. They also may appear to be working harder to breathe than most other dogs. If you have a dog that breathes like this, it's important to have your Veterinarian evaluate him or her for Laryngeal Paralysis. Remember, early detection and management can significantly improve the dog's quality of life.

Older Labrador Retrievers are especially prone to this disease, but they are certainly not the only breed that can be affected.

Dogs that show signs of Laryngeal Paralysis should NOT spend long periods of time outdoors in hot weather. If the outside temperature is above 85°, they should be allowed outside just long enough to urinate and defecate and then immediately be brought back indoors into an air-conditioned environment.

06/15/2024

Hello, Salmon Brook Veterinary hopes everyone is having a great Saturday!

We want to let all our clients know that today we are closing at 4 pm instead of our usual 5 pm. The staff at Salmon Brook Veterinary are excited to spend some quality time with each other today at the polo match at the Farmington Polo Club.

If you plan on coming in today to pick up medication or need to schedule an appointment, please plan accordingly. We, as always, look forward to speaking with you and hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Send a message to learn more

06/06/2024

Hello Everyone!

Today, we wanted to discuss Product rebates for some of the preventatives and medications that many of our patients are taking. Zoetis Pet Care Rewards offers rebates for a handful of common medications, such as Simparica Trio, Apoquel, Rimadyl, and Cerenia. To receive the rebate, you would register an account with them, upload your invoice, and then receive a card in the mail that you can use in the hospital with us! In the picture below, you will find a QR code that you can use to file your rebate. If your pet is on any of those medications, let us know, and we can provide you with the receipt so you can submit your rebate. We offer many rebates for common preventatives we sell in hospital. If you are unsure if any rebates are offered for the medication you are giving, ask one of our receptionists, and we can provide you with the information you need!
Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.

05/24/2024

We hope everyone has a great Memorial Day this upcoming Monday!

On Monday, we will be closed for the holiday and will reopen at our regular business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

When attending Memorial Day parties with your family, it is essential to keep alcoholic beverages and table scraps away from your pet, especially fat trimmings and bones. If you are grilling, keep your pet away from hot grease and grilling areas where they might get burned. Never leave your pet in hot cars, and provide them with plenty of water on warm days. When taking your pet to places outside of the home, be sure to bring their identification tags and rabies information.

We hope you have a fun and safe Holiday with your families, and thank all of our clients, friends, and family who have served in our military for their service!

05/21/2024

Last week, on May 14th, it was National Chihuahua Appreciation Day!

Even though chihuahuas are the world's smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas have some of the biggest personalities! We want to introduce you to one of our favorite chihuahuas, Gertie. Gertie is our technician Cheyenne's dog. She was found two years ago in a dumpster but now lives a life of pampering. She loves the beach, was Cheyenne's maid of honor at her wedding, and, despite having no teeth, is the queen of her domain and runs a household full of big dogs. She loves meeting new people and is a very sweet girl!

05/07/2024

Dr. McNamara and veterinary technician Jennifer were recently invited to discuss Reptile Husbandry and Care at the monthly Granby 4H meeting. The presentation stressed the importance of researching before purchasing or rescuing a reptile. Did you know reptile species have different requirements regarding tank size/setup, temperature, humidity, diet, and supplements? That's why it's essential to do your homework before purchasing a reptile, so you can provide them with their optimal living conditions! Jennifer brought some of her own reptile pets to show the group while they were learning about the different species.

If you have recently acquired a reptile, we recommend an initial visit to determine their overall health and specific recommendations for your reptile. Dr. McNamara and Jennifer had a great time, but Clover the Skink stole the show, showing off his blue tongue and letting the kids feel his scales!

04/16/2024

If you have stopped by the hospital recently, you may have noticed the TV we have put back up in our waiting room displaying photos! We are looking to update the pictures that we have. We invite all of you to send us photos of your pets that you would like us to display on the TV in our waiting room! If you would like to send a picture, you can do so by posting a picture in the comments.

🐴We would like small, large, and exotic pets! 🐢

We would also like to introduce you to Jolene! One of our newer patients, that has been visiting us for her puppy shots. She is 7 months old, and super sweet! Can any one guess her breed?

04/16/2024

Thank you, Officer Abalan, for your hard work and dedication. The entire staff here at Salmon Brook appreciates what you do every day for the town of Granby!

04/09/2024

All dog owners have heard about Heartworm while visiting the vet, but do you know what Heartworms are?

Today, we wanted to take some time to discuss Heartworm and its effect on dogs if untreated or undetected. Heartworms are parasitic thread-like roundworms that are passed among dogs by mosquitoes. The mosquito bites an infected dog, taking in microfilaria, (microscopic worms early on in their life cycle, and then feeds from another dog, passing on the microfilaria to its new host.) The microfilaria travels through the dog's bloodstream until it reaches the heart. As the parasites age and become adults, they can get up to lengths of 12 inches long. Six months into the female adult life cycle, they start to release microfilaria into the bloodstream. This is why it's important to test yearly because heartworm in its early stages can go undetected.

Left untreated, heartworms can cause fatal and irreversible damage to not only the heart but also the liver, kidneys, and lungs. They make it harder for the heart to pump oxygen to the lungs, and they can cause scarring and the narrowing of pulmonary arteries. Heartworm has been found in all 50 states of the US, and despite contrary belief, mosquitoes can still be around in the cooler months, so it is important to keep your dog on year-long prevention and to test yearly to ensure that the treatment is working and they have not been exposed to the parasite.

If you are adopting a dog from the South, it’s important to get a heartworm test six months after arriving here, even if the dog had received a test prior to being brought here. If there is proof of year-round prevention and your pet has heartworm, companies will pay for the heartworm treatment.

If your pet is not on prevention, or you have questions about heartworm prevention medication or testing, give the office a call. We have plenty of options to choose from!

03/31/2024

03/26/2024

This month is National Poison Prevention Week!

This week in March was made to spread awareness of possible hazardous chemicals, medications, foods, and plants in your home that could be toxic to your pet. More than 2 million pet poisonings are reported to poison control centers annually in the U.S. It's essential to be proactive when selecting household cleaners and having toxic foods and plants in the house with animals. If you have something toxic to your pet in the house, keep it in a place your pet cannot access.

Did you know that Lilies are highly toxic to cats? Some types, like Lily of the Valley, are also extremely toxic to dogs and can cause severe symptoms, including GI upset, cardiac issues, seizures, and, in some cases, death. For cats, ingestion of the stems, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even water can lead to kidney failure. The initial signs of Lily ingestion are often loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. As you welcome new plants and flowers into your home this spring, it's essential to do your research to make sure you are not bringing home something potentially toxic to your pet.

If you are unsure if something is toxic to your pet, you are always welcome to call and ask! Please don't hesitate to call, especially if you think your pet might have ingested something toxic. Ingestions of foreign and potentially harmful material should be dealt with as soon as you notice or suspect it to prevent more severe symptoms.

02/23/2024

Happy Bird Health Awareness Week!

This week, we wanted to discuss one of the most common and beloved backyard pets: chickens.

Not only are chickens a great source of entertainment for you and your family, but they also provide fresh eggs and, as a bonus, can benefit your garden with their manure, eggshells, and a healthy appetite for bugs!

If you are thinking about getting chickens or already have chickens, a few husbandry requirements are needed to ensure your chickens remain happy and healthy. Ensuring your chicken coop is well-ventilated and adequately cleaned is essential to prevent respiratory issues caused by the ammonia. It's important to make sure there is no draft in your Chicken coop, but you also want to avoid using artificial heat in the colder months. Chickens can keep warm without heat, and chicken coops can get humid with them huddled together and breathing inside if it is properly ventilated with no drafts. If the power gets shut off, artificial heaters could be dangerous to your chickens if they are not used to the colder months without them and can pose a fire hazard.

Give good quality layer feed for egg production and offer oyster shell/ grit for strong egg shells.

Never use cedar bedding! The fumes can be toxic to chickens; Pine shavings are a safer option and absorbent material. Having proper perches and several nest boxes for your chickens is also important. Avoid unstable perches made of slippery plastics and metals. An unstable perch can lead to infections or issues with their feet, like bumblefoot. It would help if you had a cage or separate area for isolating new members for 4-6 weeks before introducing them to the flock or when they are sick or injured. It's important to isolate them from the flock to prevent the spread of possible infectious diseases and avoid the other birds in the flock attacking or injuring the sick bird further. If you have a chicken that suddenly passes or passes from respiratory symptoms, it's vital to take them to get a necropsy to determine if the cause of death was infectious and to protect the rest of the flock.

We hope this was helpful if you are considering getting Chickens or already have them. If you ever have questions or want to schedule an appointment for a Chicken, don't hesitate to call. We would love it if you shared some of your pictures of your coops and feathery family members to commemorate the holiday!

(Check out our receptionist Lauri's Chickens and coop!)

02/09/2024

Hello Everyone!

We are happy to announce that our hospital's Large Animal Department now has its very own page. You don't have to own a large animal or be a client to interact with this page, so anyone who wants to learn more about large animals and how to care for them is welcome.

Please visit our page for case discussions, learning opportunities, promotional events, and more.

This week, we will introduce you individually to our Large animal doctors and technicians. Today, we are proudly introducing Dr. Prestigiacomo!

Salmon Brook Veterinary Large Animal

A Veterinary Hospital for all your pets healthcare needs. We also have grooming services available.