NOW OPEN in the former Fort Gatlin Village in the heart of Orlando -- Salazar Veterinary Hospital!
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We are excited to bring our passion for helping pets live long and prosperous lives (so we can love on them longer!) to the community.
11/07/2024
Does your pet seem a little slower to get up, struggle to jump, or seem stiff after resting? These can be signs of arthritis — a common condition in pets, especially as they age. Just like us, our furry friends can experience joint pain that affects their mobility and quality of life.
We understand that it is difficult to see your pet in pain and we’re here to help! Here are some ways that both you and your vet can support an arthritic pet:
1️⃣ Medications: There are both oral and injectable medications that can help with pain and inflammation
2️⃣ Home Care: Adding rugs to slippery floors or putting grippy booties on your pet’s feet can help prevent slips and falls
3️⃣ Weight loss: The joints of an overweight pet have to work much harder - weight loss can help reduce the strain on them
4️⃣ Annual vet visits: Regular exams and x-rays are essential for monitoring the progression of arthritis
10/31/2024
🎃 Happy Halloween from Salazar Veterinary Hospital! 🎃
As we all enjoy spooky season, let’s keep our furry friends safe! Here are some Halloween pet safety tips to keep in mind:
🕸️ Keep treats out of reach: Many candies are unfortunately toxic to our furry friends, including chocolate and sugar-free candies. Be sure to keep to keep all sweets safely stored away!
👻 Costumes: Are you dressing up your pet today? Make sure the costume fits well and doesn’t restrict movement, vision, or breathing.
🕷️ Proper Identification: With doors opening and closing all night, it’s important to double-check that your pet is wearing a tag in case they get out. You’ll also want to make sure microchip information is up-to-date!
🎃 Anxious Pets: With all the excitement of Trick-Or-Treaters, some pets can become anxious. It might be a good idea to set up a cozy spot, away from the front door, where they can relax if they need a break.
We hope everyone has a fun and safe Halloween! 👻🎃
10/25/2024
Is your pet developing any new lumps or bumps? As a pet parent, it’s natural to be concerned when you find a growth on your pet. While not every mass is serious, some can indicate more pressing health issues. It’s best to have it checked out, especially if you notice any of the following things:
✅ Rapid growth
✅ Color changes, discharge, or bleeding
✅ Attachment to deeper tissue
✅ Discomfort or lethargy
Early detection is important and allows us to explore more treatment options, such as surgical removal. Our veterinary team is here to provide a thorough examination and explore those options with you.
10/07/2024
Due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton, our office will be closed on Wednesday, October 9th. We will keep you updated on our status for Thursday, depending on if we have power and any damage from the storm. If you need any medication refills, please contact us today so we can process your request ASAP. For any emergencies during our closure, please contact Veterinary Emergency Clinic (VEC) at 407-644-4449.
We hope everyone stays safe during the storm!
10/04/2024
Have you ever wondered what exactly Veterinary Technicians do? Our technicians are the backbone of our practice, providing compassionate care and expertise for every patient that we see. Here’s a glimpse into all the work that they do:
🐾 Patient Care: From taking vital signs to administering medications and vaccines, our techs are trained to provide the best care possible for your furry family members.
💉Surgery Support: They assist in surgeries, monitor vital signs during anesthesia, and provide post-op care to make sure your pet recovers safely from anesthetic procedures.
🩺 Lab Work: Vet techs are phlebotomists and x-ray techs! They are trained to collect blood samples, place IV catheters, and take x-rays of different areas of the body. Their work running diagnostic testing helps vets make the best medical decisions for our pets.
💊 Medication Management: Filling medications is another responsibility of vet techs. They are not only trained to fill medications, but they can also teach you how to properly administer them at home!
🐈 Emotional Support: They offer comfort to anxious pets (and their humans!), making visits less stressful for everyone. Our techs are well-versed in animal behaviors, taking extra care to meet pets where they are.
Our Veterinary Technicians are not just assistants, they are skilled professionals who make a huge difference in the lives of your pets. Next time you’re in, be sure to thank them for all their hard work!
09/25/2024
Due to the incoming Hurricane Helene, our office will be closed tomorrow, September 26th. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, September 27th. In the event of an emergency, please contact VEC (Veterinary Emergency Clinic) at 407-644-4449. We hope everyone stays safe tomorrow!
09/20/2024
At Salazar Veterinary Hospital, we care about your pet’s safety just as much as you do. Did you know that many lost pets have no form of identification? That makes it extremely difficult to help them find their way back home. This is where microchipping comes in.
A microchip is a simple, permanent form of identification that can help reunite your furry family member in the event that they are lost. Unlike collars and tags, a microchip cannot fall off or become damaged.
The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin and can be scanned with a microchip reader. Most vet offices and shelters have these readers and can scan a lost pet for a microchip. If your pet is ever found, the chip will contain your registered contact information. It’s important to remember to update your information in the event of a move or phone number change.
Not sure if your pet’s microchip info is up to date or which company it’s even registered with? We can help! Just let us know and we can do a little homework to see what info your pet’s microchip company has on file and point you in the right direction if it needs to be updated.
09/13/2024
As pet owners, we always want the best for our furry family members. Unexpected vet bills can add up quickly, especially in emergency situations! This is where pet insurance comes in.
Like human health insurance, pet insurance can help cover the costs of unexpected illnesses, accidents, and some even cover preventative care. The earlier you start using insurance, the better, since they won’t cover any pre-existing conditions. There isn’t one specific insurance that we recommend, but it’s important to do your research to compare prices and coverages. It’s also important to keep in mind that most pet insurances work based on reimbursement - you pay the clinic and the insurance reimburses you a percentage of the bill based on what you’re signed up for.
Give yourself some peace of mind about your pet’s health and consider signing up for pet insurance. Keep your pet and your wallet happy!
Not sure where to start? Head over to Pawlicy.com and let them help you find a plan that best suits your needs!
09/06/2024
Everyone, meet Holly! Holly has been coming to us for a couple of years now and she has some great owners. She’s battled chronic ear infections, seizures, and even a splenic tumor. Her owners’ diligence with preventive measures and never ignoring small problems has made it possible for us to keep her comfortable during her golden years. Holly came to us for a laser therapy session today to help with the arthritis she has in her spine. Isn’t she the cutest with her “doggles” on? 🥰
08/29/2024
In observance of Labor Day, our office will be closed on Monday, September 2nd. We encourage everyone to double-check medications and call, text, or email the office for any refill requests so we can ensure your pets have everything they need for the extended holiday weekend. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
08/26/2024
🐾 Happy National Dog Day from Salazar Veterinary Hospital! 🐾
Today, we celebrate all the wonderful dogs who fill our lives with love, joy, and endless tail wags. Whether they’re big or small, young or old, every dog holds a special place in our hearts.
To all our furry patients and their families, thank you for trusting us with your care. We’re so lucky to be part of your lives and to help keep your pups healthy and happy.
Pictured are the dogs that belong to our amazing team: Olive, Shelby, Helmet, Jake, Ivy, Texas, and Winston!
We’d love to see a photo of your pup in the comments! 🐶💕
08/26/2024
UPDATE: Gator has been found! Looks like a reunion is in the works. This community is amazing! ❤️
A pup our team has grown to know and love got loose. Please keep an eye out for sweet old Gator and contact Donna at the number below if you see him. Thanks, SVH Community!
08/15/2024
With the high temperatures lately, it’s important to make sure your pets stay safe and cool. Dehydration can sneak up on our furry friends quickly, especially in the current heat. Here are some tips on how we can keep our pets safe:
1️⃣ Fresh water: Ensure your pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
2️⃣ Avoid midday walks: Walk your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
3️⃣ Use the shade: If your dog or cat does spend time outdoors, make sure they have access to shaded areas to avoid being directly in the sun.
4️⃣ Protect paws: If you do have to walk during the day, doggy boots work great to protect those sensitive paw pads from the hot concrete.
5️⃣ Brachycephalic pups: Bulldogs, pugs, and other breeds with “smushed” faces do not tolerate the heat very well. We recommend keeping them inside to prevent them from overheating.
Remember, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Let’s keep our pets safe and cool during these sweltering summer days.
08/07/2024
🐾 Annual Checkup Reminder! 🐾
Is it about that time of year for your pet’s annual checkup? Just like us, our pets need annual checkups to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Here are a few reasons why an annual exam is so important:
1. Early Detection: Many illnesses can be treated effectively if caught early. Regular exams can help spot issues before they become serious.
2. Vaccinations: Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccines to protect them against common and preventable diseases.
3. Dental Health: Dental issues can lead to more serious health problems. Annual checkups include looking at the teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy, and letting you know if a dental cleaning might be needed.
4. Overall Wellness: Regular checkups provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have and get them addressed according to your pet’s needs.
07/25/2024
Did you know that all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito for your dog or cat to get heartworm? Unlike most other “worms” that animals can get, heartworms are exactly what they sound like - worms that develop within the blood vessels, putting stress and strain on the heart of the infected animal. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, and can lead to fatal heart issues, such as heart failure. Heartworm prevention is especially important here in Florida because of our state’s warmth and humidity, making it an ideal environment for mosquitoes. Since we have mosquitos here year-round, our pets are much more at risk of getting bitten by an infected mosquito. For dogs, we run a heartworm test every year to make sure that your pup has not picked up this disease, which is especially important if your dog is not on any heartworm prevention. Although cats do not get heartworm as commonly as dogs do, prevention is still important for them too since there is currently no safe and effective heartworm treatment for our feline friends. Giving heartworm prevention is crucial in preventing this disease and its devastating effects. Not only is heartworm disease potentially fatal, it is also very costly to treat and distressing for dogs.
Here at Salazar Veterinary Hospital, we have several effective options available to prevent heartworm disease for both dogs and cats. For dogs, we carry monthly heartworm preventatives, such as Nexgard Plus (which also prevents fleas and ticks) and Heartgard Plus, both of which are beef-flavored chewables. Alternatively, we can administer an injectable heartworm preventative, called ProHeart 6, which protects against heartworm for 6 months without having to give a monthly chew. For cats, we carry Nexgard COMBO, which is a monthly topical preventative that also protects against fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. By prioritizing heartworm prevention, you can help your pet avoid the pain and complications of heartworm disease, ensuring they remain happy and healthy in Florida’s mosquito-prone environment.
Looking for a different brand of prevention or prefer to have it shipped to your house? Check out our online pharmacy located on our website, under the “resources” tab.
Interested in getting your dog or cat started on heartworm prevention or need to pick up a refill of your preventives? Give our office a call or text at (407) 807-6611.
12/19/2023
The much anticipated and happy ending to Winston's case! 😊🐶💙 Thanks for following along!
12/18/2023
Review Winston’s x-rays with us! Can you spot the tumor? (Hint: it’s really big! 😱)
12/15/2023
Let's take a closer look at Winston's bloodwork and discuss why we require it before putting pets under anesthesia! 🐶
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Videos
The much anticipated and happy ending to Winston's case! 😊🐶💙 Thanks for following along!
#veterinarian #vetmed
#vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
Review Winston’s x-rays with us! Can you spot the tumor? (Hint: it’s really big! 😱) #veterinarian #vetmed #vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
Let's take a closer look at Winston's bloodwork and discuss why we require it before putting pets under anesthesia! 🐶 #veterinarian #vetmed #vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
Everyone, meet Winston! We’re going to show you Winston’s case as he goes through a splenectomy. Follow along with us for this four part series! 🐾 #veterinarian #vetmed #vetmedlife #veterinarymedicine #dogsoftiktok
Loretta has a history of being anxious at the vet…but you’d never know it! It’s amazing what a little extra time and patience can do! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when we bring your pets to the back, this about sums it up: we build trust, love on your babies, and spoil them a little bit while they’re in our care. ❤️ A little something extra special about Loretta: Her mom owns Loretta Josephine Boutique, an online women’s clothing and accessories boutique, that gives back a portion of every sale to the Pixel Fund Rescue (who helped bring Loretta into her family’s lives) and AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute (who provided life-saving medical care to Loretta’s mom, Danielle). Go check out her website and see how you can help support small business and give back to the community! You’ll also find some AWESOME pictures of Loretta sprinkled throughout. 🐶❤️
The origins of Salazar Veterinary Hospital (SVH) could easily be traced back to Dr. David Salazar’s youth, as he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a veterinarian and start his own practice. But let’s skip forward to recent years...
Dr. Salazar graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2012 and accepted a position at a mixed animal practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. After nearly two years of working with everything from dogs and cats to horses and pigs, he decided to move back to his home state of Florida to be closer to his family. Shortly after relocating, he met and began dating April Evans, who (as an animal lover) was immediately drawn to his passion for his profession. On November 7, 2015, David and April married.
With Dr. Salazar’s varied and intensive experience as a veterinarian and April’s managerial background, becoming practice owners seemed like a no-brainer. In late 2015, they began looking into purchasing an existing veterinary hospital. After three years of exploring this option and failing to find a hospital that felt “right,” Dr. Salazar decided that the best way for him to achieve his dream would be to open a hospital from scratch. So, in December 2018 -- with barely any idea of the process ahead -- Dr. Salazar contacted a veterinary practice consulting group for guidance and applied for a bank loan. Before the end of 2018, Salazar Veterinary Hospital, LLC was created.
The funny thing about starting a business is that some things move quicker than anticipated, while other things require a lot of sitting around and waiting. Basically, patience and adaptability are key. Even with consultants and excellent contacts, though, the process has not been smooth or easy. Finding the right location to open a hospital was a challenge -- while Orlando is still developing, it’s also pretty jam-packed and lacking lease spaces appropriate for a veterinary hospital. Let’s not even get started on the process of negotiating lease terms and how long that took! Connecting with a contractor who could see Dr. Salazar’s dream through to fruition was (mostly) painless, but waiting on approvals and permits from the city to even begin construction was excruciating.
Now that the ball is rolling and construction is well underway, the light at the end of the tunnel (“Grand Opening Day”) is finally in sight. There is still much to be done -- as this is being written, Salazar Veterinary Hospital is currently four blank walls, concrete flooring with plumbing protruding, and exposed air conditioning ducts where a ceiling will eventually be. Outside of the construction zone, Dr. Salazar and April are diligently working at hashing out the day-to-day details of daily hospital operation to ensure they can meet their ultimate goal which they set forth at the inception of SVH: “Through preventative care, our ability to help pets in need, and our passion for building the human/animal bond, our primary goal is for patients to live long and prosperous lives so their families can love them longer.”
The Salazar family -- David, April, and their 3-year-old son, Hunter -- welcome you to join them on their journey toward opening Salazar Veterinary Hospital. Progress updates will be posted regularly, along with appearances in the community, information about the hospital, and more. We look forward to meeting you and your furry family members!
