Stones River Veterinary Hospital

01/09/2025

🐾 Post-Surgery Recovery: Why Rest is Key! 🐾

After your pet’s routine surgery, it’s crucial to limit their activity during recovery. We know it’s tough to keep them still, but here’s why it’s so important:

1️⃣ Protect the Incision: Too much movement can stetch and strain the surgical site and cause stitches to come loose.
2️⃣ Reduce Swelling & Bruising: Rest helps control inflammation and ensures a smoother healing process.
3️⃣ Avoid Complications: Keeping them calm lowers the risk of infection, seromas, or other issues.
4️⃣ Support Internal Healing: For procedures like spaying and neutering, internal organs need time to heal too.
5️⃣ Prevent Self-Trauma: Less activity means less chance of licking, biting, or scratching the incision.

A little rest now means a healthy, happy pet sooner! 🐶🐱 Help your pet recover by sticking to the vet’s advice—no jumping, running, or rough play for a little while. You’ll be back to their playful self in no time! 💙

01/08/2025

🐾💡 "The Cone of Shame": Important, but Temporary! 💡🐾

We know, we know – those cones can be frustrating and uncomfortable for your pet (and for your shins too)! 😬 But here’s why it’s so important to keep it on after surgery:

1️⃣ Prevent Infection: Licking or chewing the incision can introduce bacteria and cause infections. The cone keeps your pet from making things worse.
2️⃣ Promote Healing: Licking can delay healing, pull out stitches, or cause unnecessary trauma to the surgery site.
3️⃣ Peace of Mind: The cone ensures your pet’s safety when you’re not around to supervise. Pets can cause touble to their incision sites in just a a matter of minutes (trust us we've seen it).
4️⃣ Temporary: It’s not forever – just 10-14 days and then your pet (and your shins) will be back to normal, healthy, and happy! 🐾💕

We get that it’s a bit of a hassle, but the cone is a small sacrifice to help your pet recover safely and comfortably. Thanks for being a patient and caring pet parent! 💙

01/07/2025

🐾✨ Routine Pet Surgeries: Spay & Neuter 101 ✨🐾
🫣Plus a sneak peak behind the scenes of a routine neuter here at Stones River Veterinary Hospital

Thinking about spaying or neutering your pet? Here's a quick look at the process!

1️⃣ Pre-Surgery Check: Your vet will do a health check and may run blood tests to ensure your pet is ready.
2️⃣ Anesthesia: Your pet will be put under anesthesia, so they feel no pain during the procedure.
3️⃣ The Surgery:
Spay (female): Removal of ovaries and often the uterus via a small incision.
Neuter (male): Removal of testicles through a tiny incision.
4️⃣ Recovery: After surgery, your pet gets rest, pain meds, and m
will wear a cone to keep them from licking the area to ensure proper healing.
5️⃣ Back to Normal: Most pets bounce back within a few days to a week. However, its important to limit activity for 14 days! 🐾💕

Spaying and neutering not only helps prevent unwanted litters but can also improve your pet’s health and behavior. If you have questions or want to schedule a procedure, give us a call!

01/06/2025

🐾 Spaying & Neutering: Health Benefits Beyond the Basics 🐾

Did you know spaying and neutering your pet can prevent a variety of health issues down the road? Here's how:

1️⃣ Cancer Prevention: Spaying females eliminates the risk of uterine & ovarian cancer, while neutering males prevents testicular cancer.
2️⃣ Prevents Infections: Say goodbye to risky uterine infections (pyometra) in females and testicular issues in males.
3️⃣ No Unwanted Pregnancies: Spaying and neutering help prevent the health risks associated with unplanned pregnancies and difficult births.
4️⃣ Better Behavior: Reduces roaming, marking, and aggression—keeping your pet safe and happy!
5️⃣ Increased Lifespan: Pets that are spayed or neutered tend to live longer, healthier lives, free from reproductive health problems.

Spaying and neutering aren’t just about preventing unwanted litters—they’re a step toward ensuring a long, healthy, and happy life for your pet! 🐶🐱💙
👀 Keep an eye out in the coming days for more info on the spay/neuter process here at Stones River!

01/03/2025

⬇️Check the comments section to learn about requesting appointments!

Did you know we have a free app!?
It's super convenient for requesting appointments or medication refills. Downloading the app automatically enrolls you into our loyalty program allowing you to earn "paws" 🐾 that can be redeemed for free services and products (like a nail trim or your pet's flea and tick prevention).
🔎Search "Stones River Veterinary Hospital" in your app store to download!

🤫Pssssttt... it's also the first place to get the latest hospital info, such as weather closures or new updates!

12/31/2024

As we close out another year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our amazing clients and their furry companions. Your trust and support have made this another wonderful year, and we’re honored to be a part of your pet’s health journey. 🐾💙

We look forward to continuing to care for your pets and being part of your lives in the coming year. Thank you for choosing us as your trusted veterinary team! Wishing you and your pets a joyful and healthy year ahead! 🐶🐱🎉

12/26/2024

🎶On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, two sweatered hounds and a beagle in a cat tree 🎶 🤣

12/25/2024

12/17/2024

❄️🎄This holiday season, don’t forget to add some safe and fun toys to your pet’s holiday gift list! Toys are not just a treat but an important part of your pet’s well-being. They provide comfort, keep them entertained, and even help prevent unwanted behaviors. But with all the holiday excitement, safety should be your top priority.
Here are some tips to ensure your pet’s toys are both festive and safe this Christmas:
• Size Matters: Choose toys that are the right size for your dog. Small toys can be a choking hazard, especially when there’s extra holiday excitement!
• Supervise Playtime: Keep an eye on squeaky toys—your dog may try to destroy the squeaker, risking ingestion. Better safe than sorry!
• Avoid Small Parts: Check for any ribbons, strings, or parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. As your pet plays with their new toys, toss any that start to break apart.
• Durability and Comfort: Look for durable toys that can withstand holiday chewing! Kong®-type toys or tough, machine-washable toys are perfect for winter play.
• Skip the Rawhide: Rawhide can pose choking risks and may come from inhumane sources. Opt for safe alternatives like rubber or nylon chews instead or chexk with your veterinarian about safe rawhide options- we really like Purina Dental Chewz and sell them in our hospital!
This holiday season, spoil your furry friend with safe, fun toys that will keep them entertained while you enjoy the festivities. Consider interactive toys like Kong® filled with treats or cozy comfort toys for those winter cuddle sessions.
Here's to and happy, safe holiday playtime to all the pets out there!
🎅🐾🎁

12/10/2024

As the holidays fast approach please keep in mind that our distributors will not ship as frequently/efficiently, and we will have holiday closures ourselves, both of which can affect your ability to get your pet's normal medications.

Please look ahead for the month and if you will need refills in the next 7-14 days please reach out so we can ensure it will be here for you! Also it may be wise to order ahead through the online pharmacy as well if that is where you normally fill your medications!

Additionally, if you plan to travel make sure you have enough of your pet's prescriptions to get you through your travel days and let us know if you will need to obtain an early, or larger than normal, refill.

12/09/2024

🌍🐾 Happy International Veterinarian Day! 🐾🌍
Today, we celebrate the incredible work of veterinarians around the world! From caring for our beloved pets to protecting livestock, wildlife, and public health, veterinarians play a crucial role in keeping animals—and us— safe and healthy!
Veterinarians work in various fields, including clinical care for pets and livestock, wildlife conservation, research, food safety, and the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans).
The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting animal welfare, improving veterinary education, and addressing global challenges related to veterinary medicine.
While we certainly have an abundance of appreciation for veterinarians around the globe, we have a certain affinity for these ones 😉

Help us in thanking our doctors for their hard work, dedication, and compassion.

12/04/2024

The holidays often mean travel and long car rides. Dogs who experience anxiety in cars can show excessive panting or licking, nausea or vomiting, shivering, and even refusal to get in the car. Seeing your pet anxious can be heartbreaking, and we are here to help! Schedule a visit today.Then find recommended calming and anxiety products at https://stonesriver.myvetstoreonline.pharmacy/shop

12/02/2024

Found jewelry!
We found some jewelry in our parking lot today (12/2). If you are missing jewelry and have been in our parking lot recently please reach out to us by phone to identify and claim it!
Accurate description required to claim.

12/01/2024

🤔Ever wonder if your pups are getting enough exercise and activity while boarding with us?
Worry not! Social pups get plenty of play time, and our more introverted guests get the yard to themselves multiple times a day to roam, play fetch with the staff or take the time to sniff every single blade of grass (if you know, you know🤣)

11/26/2024

Our office will be closed on Thursday, November 28th through Sunday, December 1st. We will resume normal hours Monday, December 2nd.

Boarding: Pets must be dropped off no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday November 27th and will be available for pick up Sunday, December 1st between 4:00-5:00pm

please note there will be no drop-off or pick-up availability on Saturday

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday!!

Should your pet experience a medical emergency please contact Veterinary Emergency Group @ 615-257-5160

11/21/2024

Thanksgiving Pet Safety
This holiday keep the feast on the table—not under it.
Eating turkey or turkey skin—sometimes even a small amount—can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis.. Never give them any leftover bones.
Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins, and grapes. If you want to share a Thanksgiving treat with your pet, make or buy a treat that is made just for them. Not only are bones a choking hazard, but they can splinter inside your pet’s digestive tract and cause a trip to the emergency vet.

Garlic, onion, leeks, and chives. These seasonings are common in many Thanksgiving dishes and are toxic to dogs and cats – they can cause destruction of their red blood cells. Avoid giving your pet a bite of anything cooked with these ingredients, like green beans, potatoes, stuffing, or gravy.

Unbaked dough containing yeast. Unbaked yeast dough can cause a stomach blockage if eaten because the yeast in the dough makes it rise and expand. Plus, the natural fermentation of the yeast in your cat or dog’s stomach can cause alcohol poisoning. If you plan on baking some delicious dinner rolls for Thanksgiving, make sure to proof your dough somewhere that your pet can’t get to it, such as in a turned-off oven or microwave, not right on the counter where it’s often in your pet’s easy reach.

Desserts like pies, fruitcakes, or cookies should be kept out of your pet’s reach as well. Many people know that chocolate is toxic for dogs and cats, but so are raisins, currants, and the popular sugar-substitute xylitol. Xylitol, even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs, so keep that slice of keto-friendly/diabetic-friendly/sugar-free pie to yourself.
Not only do you not want to give your pets any toxic foods, but you want to make sure they don’t decide to dive into the trash in search of yummy scraps. Ask family and guests to not feed the dog and make sure your trash can is secure!

If you fear your pet has ingested something that may be toxic to them, contact your local emergency vet
(in Murfreesboro, that's Veterinary Emergency Group or Animal Medical Center).

11/18/2024

☝️Dont be fooled by cooler temperatures, pets still need prevention year-round.

Contrary to what many pet owners believe, protecting dogs and cats from parasites requires a year-round commitment. Although fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests are known to thrive in warmer climates, they don’t disappear when the temperature drops. Opting to skip preventive treatments just because it’s winter time could have long-term negative consequences for your pet.

FLEAS- The most common type of external parasite found on cats and dogs, fleas are more than just a seasonal annoyance. Even though fleas thrive primarily in humid environments above 70°F, they can survive in near-freezing conditions and are not entirely inactive during winter. In fact, when it gets even colder outside, the perfect environment for fleas still exists—your home! Warm, stable indoor temperatures make continual breeding possible. Year-round prevention will ensure your home doesn't become fleas' new hangout!

TICKS- Like fleas, ticks don’t take time off. On their own, ticks live and breed in temperatures above 40 F. Some tick species can even be active all year long, regardless of temperature. Ticks transmit a variety of harmful diseases that affect pets and people alike, making year-round prevention essential.

HEARTWORMS- The risk of taking a seasonal break from preventing heartworm lies primarily in the unpredictability of weather patterns and fluctuating temperatures. Above-average temperatures and rainfall throughout the country this year have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, the source of this serious, potentially fatal infection. An abrupt end to winter and an early spring could result in mosquitoes emerging early; similarly, a warm, wet autumn can keep mosquitoes active later in the season than anticipated. Heartworm disease is serious and can be deadly. We heavily encourage clients to maintain year-round prevention.