Lockport Animal Hospital, PC / Dr. Joseph A. Caffarini

02/26/2025

Oops, a day late:
February 25~ Spay & Neuter Day!

Benefits of spaying and neutering:
*Reduces the risk of uterine infections, mammary tumors, and testicular cancer
*Prevents the suffering and death of millions of companion animals each year
*Improves the quality of life for pets and their owners
*Reduces the euthanasia of unwanted animals

02/25/2025

02/25/2025

Jonathan the tortoise is the oldest known land animal, estimated to be around 193 years old! 🐢 Estimated to have been born around 1832, Jonathan is older than the lightbulb, has lived through two world wars and is reportedly doing really well, still, in 2025!

02/23/2025

🚨 WARNING: Your yard cleanup could wipe out an entire generation of native pollinators! 🐝

SURPRISING FACTS:
80% of native bees nest in dead plant stems.

A single stem can house up to 20 pollinator larvae.

Early cleanup destroys 6 months of bee development.

Native bees contribute $2000 per yard in pollination.

What’s Really Living in Your "Messy" Yard:
Hidden Residents:

Mason bee cocoons

Leafcutter bee nests

Native wasp larvae

Beneficial predator eggs

Critical Areas to Protect:

🌿 Hollow plant stems

🍂 Leaf litter piles

🌱 Standing perennials

🌸 Seed heads

How to Help:
Delay cleanup until May.

Leave stems at 15" height.

Create brush piles.

Mark areas designated for pollinators.

ACTION PLAN:
✅ Pause all cleanup until temperatures consistently reach 50°F.
✅ Bundle and store cut stems.
✅ Establish "pollinator corners."
✅ Educate your neighbors.

02/23/2025

02/22/2025

Call if you have concerns...815-838-7878.

Vomiting is a common problem in dogs, but it's really important to recognise when something could be wrong. Fortunately, most cases are caused by something minor that resolves itself in less than 24 hours, but some are much more serious and require veterinary treatment ⚠️

When you should contact your vet:
- Retching (trying to vomit but not bringing anything up)
- Low energy (lethargy)
- A bloated tummy
- A painful abdomen
- Vomiting for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting constantly with no breaks
- Vomiting and is very young or very old
- Vomiting and is otherwise unwell/has other illness
- Blood in their vomit
- Signs of dehydration (sticky gums or sunken eyes)
- Disorientation or collapse

See the full guide and possible causes: https://pdsa.me/MJ5f

[Visual description: Infographic reads: dog vomit guide. Vomiting is a common problem in dogs that can be caused by many different things, some minor, some very serious. Vomiting, retching and regurgitation are all caused by different things, so being able to tell them apart is important. What's in my dog's vomit? ‘Coffee grounds’ - blood that has been digested can look like coffee grounds. Fresh blood - let your vet know whether there is a large or small amount of blood. Green liquid - a large amount could be a symptom of a gut blockage. Foam/froth - if your dog is producing foam/froth but no vomit call your vet. Yellow bile - bile from the gall bladder is usually yellow or greenish-yellow. Grass - eating grass is normal for dogs so it might turn up in their vomit. Undigested food - check whether your dog is regurgitating or vomiting. Always call your vet if you are concerned.]

02/13/2025

02/09/2025

February is .

February is . Whether companion, confidant, or protector, our pets are always there for us. Because our pets can’t speak for themselves, we each take on a responsibility as owners to advocate for them and provide the support and resources they need to live healthy, happy lives. Here are the 6️⃣ pillars of responsible pet ownership. http://bit.ly/39tXOtJ

02/09/2025

😍🐾🏈

These dogs will be having a ball on Super Bowl Sunday.

02/07/2025

https://reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/news/avoid-sick-or-dead-wildlife-due-to-avian-flu-risk/?fbclid=IwY2xjawITelVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTQEIV3Wb0MT4o6rxnj3OluR_3RiGTJvtOb8Gv5_HgU2LM7wG6jblsBobQ_aem_ul_LHEtkzwRZHJ4kqUPV3g

Due to the detection of avian flu in Illinois, the Forest Preserve District is reminding visitors to refrain from touching or getting near dead or sick animals. Pets also should be kept from carcasses or f***s and feathers of animals. 

02/07/2025

Heartworm disease is easier (and cheaper) to prevent than to treat. Protect your pet and their health by staying on top of prevention!
Call today 815-838-7878 to schedule a heartworm test and refill your prevention prescription.

02/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1126740578650703

02/03/2025

https://reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/5-things-groundhogs/?

Groundhogs get a lot of attention on Feb. 2, but there's a lot more to these critters than the silly notion that they can predict when winter will end.

02/02/2025

Sneezing, itchy paws, and dry skin are signs that your pup might have winter allergies!
Call today for help to relieve these uncomfortable symptoms.
815-838-7878.