Westbrook Veterinary Hospital

08/30/2024

Bagel has found her people ❤️

Bagel update... she has settled right in 💜

08/30/2024

With Labor Day weekend approaching, we wanted to remind you that many Labor Day festivities and foods can be harmful to our pets.

Keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe this holiday weekend by following these safety tips listed below! ⬇

08/29/2024

Check out our adorable new friend Audrey who came in recently for her first visit with us. She is the sweetest and calmest little lady!

08/28/2024

Preparing for Labor Day weekend? Don't forget to swing by and grab any pet essentials before we close. Your pet's health matters, and we're here to help you plan ahead!

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲. 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝟖:𝟎𝟎𝐚𝐦.

08/26/2024

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟲𝘁𝗵, 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹! 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿.

𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙠𝙚: With carefully selected ingredients, you can make your favorite pooch their very own doggie cake - just make sure they only have one slice at a time! After all, there’s nothing wrong with extending the celebrations for a few days!

𝙊𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚: Arrange a get together in the park with your dog’s favorite buddies. Don’t forget to take lots of balls and frisbees to keep them all happy - and plenty of water for doggie refreshment.

𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠: Despite the old adage, teaching an old dog a new trick is definitely possible. Although training a dog is easier when they are young and more receptive, training an older dog just takes more time, repetition and patience.

𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙖: Capture those memorable moments and make an album of the great times you share with your dog. You don’t need to try and get your dog to pose (that’s almost impossible!) but you can get some beautiful pictures when you are out walking, at playtime, or even just when you are having some quiet time together.

𝙊𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚: Arrange a get together in the park with your dog’s favorite buddies. Don’t forget to take lots of balls and frisbees to keep them all happy - and plenty of water for doggie refreshment.

𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙩: What better way to end International Dog Day than by chilling out together? After playing with his buddies, learning new tricks and games, starring in a photoshoot and snacking on their favorite cake, why not sit down and watch a dog themed movie together while giving them a relaxing grooming session.

08/23/2024

We shared with you the other day the importance of taking your cat to the vet, however, we know that it can sometimes not be the easiest. The cartoon depicted below is one of our favorites from Simon's Cat. It shows the trials that cat owners can often go through trying to get their cat to the vet. You know you should be taking your cat to the veterinarian for their routine wellness examination at least once a year, and more frequently if you have a senior cat, but the mere thought of it probably makes your blood pressure rise. Is there anything you do to make the visit less stressful for you and your cat? Here are a few tips to make the visit a more pleasant experience for you and your feline friend.

1. Have your appointment scheduled ahead of time? Bring out the carrier! Taking out the carrier and leaving in around will allow your cat to become accustomed to it and they can come and go and explore it as they please

2. Using synthetic pheromone product is a great way to prevent and decrease stress in cats. A great product is Feliway which can be found at your local pet store. Try spraying the inside of the carrier 30 minutes before your appointment time to help calm your cat and decrease anxiety.

3. Your favorite felines treat or catnip being placed inside the carrier associates your cat with a positive experience as they get more familiar with the carrier. Keep in mind that if your cat needs special bloodwork or surgery and needs to be fasted, please avoid giving any treats.

4. Placing familiar toys and blankets from home inside the carrier to can make the carrier more inviting and less foreign.

5. Try practice drives around the block to make your cat more accustomed to the car ride and being in the carrier. Most times, just the car ride to the vet makes for a stressful encounter at the vet, so always reward them with their favorite treat so they associate a positive experience with the car ride

6. If after trying the above tips to no avail, ask us if a sedative is right for your cat. The medication would be given prior to the visit to calm him/her for future visits

08/21/2024

Tomorrow, August 22nd, is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day! According to the American Humane Society, cats visit the veterinarian half as often as dogs, and many only go in when they are sick! Although they masters at hiding how they are feeling, cats do get sick too and can endure some of the same diseases as humans and dogs can.

So why are yearly visits for my pet so important? Well, most importantly, the physical exam allows our Dr. Russo (or one of our other awesome vets that may fill in for her) to check for signs of illness and to discuss any changes that you may have or have not noticed. Dr. Russo will perform a head to tail exam to look for any abnormalities because the earlier they are discovered and addressed, the better the outcome will be overall. Recommended with our yearly examinations, are vaccines. Our 2 feline vaccines include FVRCP, which prevents three potentially deadly airborne viruses: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia; and the state required Rabies vaccine. Depending on your cat’s age and lifestyle, we will determine which vaccines are more specific to your cat.

Another vital piece of information is performing Wellness Bloodwork. Doing bloodwork for screening is an important way to detect diseases early, even BEFORE they become symptomatic! As cat’s age diseases like hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes become more common. The sooner these diseases are detected, the sooner treatment can be started right away. Taking precautions on your feline friend’s health is vital - remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat! Give us a call today at 413-253-7797 to get your cat scheduled for their annual check-up.

08/20/2024

Now through September 20th if you purchase a 6-month supply of NexGard, NexGard COMBO, or NexGard PLUS you will be entered to win a PICKLEBALL SET! All clients who purchase the product will have their names entered into a drawing and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on September 23! *One entry per family.

08/19/2024

While it may be the middle of August and summer is beginning to wind down, it is still hot out there! During these hot days pets love to swim to cool off, but did you know that most Pet parents often underestimate the importance of cleaning their dog's ears, especially after swimming or bathing. Excess moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so be sure to thoroughly dry your dog's ears after swimming and bathing. Using a vet-recommended ear cleaner and drying thoroughly with a cotton ball will help prevent bacteria and yeast growth. Dogs with long or floppy ears are especially prone to infections since the ears don't get to breathe much. If you notice your pup shaking their head a lot or if the ears smell a bit stinky give us a call to set up an appointment.

08/17/2024

Happy Saturday and Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day to all of our lovely black kitty patients! Shows us photos of your black beauties in the comments section!

Some facts about black cats:
🐈‍⬛ Many black cats have yellow or "golden eyes". There eyes can also be blue, orange or green.
🐈‍⬛ Many cultures consider black cats to symbolize good fortune or good luck.
🐈‍⬛ There are 22 recognized breeds of black cats. Bombay breed is the only entirely black breed. Their coat is black from tip to root and their nose and paw pads are also black.
🐈‍⬛ Black cats’ fur can lighten in the sun and sometimes take on a reddish tint.

08/16/2024

Togi, an adorable Alaskan Malamute, came for a visit with us today to continue his puppy vaccines and he is growing by leaps and bounds! Last month he was just under 20lbs and today he weighed in at 35lbs. He is the sweetest boy and we cannot wait to watch him continue to grow!

08/14/2024

🐾🐾 Save NOW with instant rebates!

NexGard PLUS offers all of the protection of NexGard and Heartworm protection in one convenient chewable. The savings are already amazing when you buy a 6-month supply we'll take $35 off at checkout, but now through January 31, 2025, purchase a 12-month supply of NexGard PLUS and receive an instant rebate of $105!! 🐾🐾

08/12/2024

On this edition of “Our Staff is Awesome!”

In July, technician Kelly attended Take Action for Animals in Washington DC. This was a 3 day conference put on by The Humane Society of the United States. Kelly is a co-founder of Save The Buns, a nonprofit that rescues rabbits from animal testing. Save The Buns, Inc.

Kelly and her colleague learned more about the legislative way to make change while connecting with others who care about animal welfare.

08/08/2024

Happy International Cat Day to all of our adorable feline patients! Give your cat some extra love and attention on this special day.

08/05/2024

When your dog is protected, everybody’s a winner. Get a FREE soccer-themed toy* when you purchase 6 doses of NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets). For full prescribing info, https://bit.ly/NGP_PI.

07/24/2024

We've been seeing an uptick in rain again here in the Valley. Heavy rainfall can increase the risk of dogs getting leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can also affect humans and wildlife. Dogs can become infected when they come into contact with water that has been contaminated with urine from infected animals, especially if the water is stagnant or slow-moving, like in puddles, ponds, or lakes. They can also get leptospirosis from contact with urine-contaminated soil.

It is recommended that dogs at risk of exposure to Leptospirosis are vaccinated against the disease. At risk dogs are those that live in or visit rural areas, are exposed to wildlife such as rodents, raccoons, opossums and skunks, or visit forested areas to hike or camp. Probably about 95% of the pets that we see would fall into this category because of the area that we live in. Please ask us about the Leptospirosis vaccine at your next visit.

07/21/2024

Happy National Ice Cream Day! We hope you all get to enjoy some ice cream on this beautiful day we are having today in the Valley. Here’s a yummy recipe to let your pup enjoy the day right along with you.

Dog Ice Cream

▢ 1 banana (about 1/2 cup mashed)
▢ ½ cup peanut butter, see notes
▢ ¼ cup pumpkin puree
▢ 32 ounce plain Greek yogurt
▢ 40 dog treats

Step 1 & 2. Blend the yogurt mix. Beat the banana, peanut butter, pumpkin and Greek yogurt together until well blended and smooth.

Step 3. Assemble the frozen treats. Spoon about a tablespoon of the yogurt mix into each cavity of the ice cube tray. It should be about 2/3 full. Press a dog bone into each cavity. Tap the ice cube tray on a counter so the creamy mixture fills in over the bones.

Step 4. Freeze and enjoy. Freeze the dog ice cream for at least 2 hours. Then let your dog give one a try!

07/19/2024

Many owners like taking their dogs on walks to enjoy the warm summer weather with them, but many of them forget about one important detail: hot pavement can and will burn a dog’s paws. It can be tempting to take your dog everywhere you go, but it can cause serious harm to your dog if you are not careful. Remember that if asphalt and cement feels way too hot for you to leave your hands comfortably on the ground for at least 10 seconds, it can result in nasty burns on your dog’s paw pads. This is especially true if you have a new puppy with tender young paws.

If you notice or are concerned that your pet may have burned paw pads, please give us a call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment because burns can become infected. Your dog might need antibiotics or pain medication depending on the severity of the burn.

These tips will help your dog stay safe and uninjured this summer from the dangers of hot pavement. Happy Summer!

07/17/2024

July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month 💦 As things continue to warm up this summer it becomes more and more important to keep your animals hydrated!

What's your favorite way to keep your furry friends hydrated during this heat? Let us know in the comments section!

07/15/2024

It’s getting HOT out there! It is best to exercise your pets early in the morning and late evening when it is a bit cooler, and avoid the midday heat. Offer small amounts of fresh cool (without ice) water frequently during the walk. Do not assume your pet knows when to stop! Dogs with no-quit attitudes like Healers, Jack Russels, and other “hyper” dogs can run themselves into a heat stroke or exhaustion without hesitation. Always make sure you have control of your pet during times of extreme temperatures.

07/12/2024

Summer is here, and so are the bugs.️ From mosquitoes and ticks to bees and fleas, learn how to protect your dog from pesky bites and what signs to look for. https://pbxx.it/uL1SCG

07/10/2024

The temperatures continue to rise and it is important to keep our pets safe during these times of extreme heat and humidity.

07/04/2024

Our office is CLOSED today so that we may all enjoy the holiday. We will reopen tomorrow at 8am. If you have an emergency with your pet today please contact Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospitals in Deerfield or West Springfield at 413-665-4911. We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday!

07/03/2024

Tips for a safe 4th of July

07/02/2024

Happy Tuesday! We had a surprise visitor stop by our office this morning! Perhaps they were going to ask about medications for the fireworks but got sidetracked by the bird feeder.

If your pet needs medication to help deal with the upcoming fireworks please call ASAP. We are here until 6pm today and only here tomorrow from 8-1pm. We are closed on Thursday.

06/28/2024

Please note that our office will be CLOSED on the 4th of July. We will be open our regular hours for the rest of the week! If you need food or medications for your pets please contact us ASAP so that you won't be without for the holiday.

06/26/2024

If you’ve got a nervous pet at home who just doesn’t deal well with the noises and revelry of the 4th of July holiday be sure to plan ahead! Give us a call in the next few days to get your pet’s medications filled.

06/24/2024

Camping can be a fun and exciting activity to do by yourself, with friends, or with your entire family. Before you pack your bags and journey to the great outdoors, there are many things to consider first for you and your dog to have a safe, prepared, and pleasurable trip. Check out these tips from ASPCA Pet Insurance!

Camping with dogs can be an adventurous and fun vacation or even a life-long hobby. Learn how to be prepared from the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program.

06/21/2024

Meet one of our newest patients, Spud, an adorable 14-week-old French Bulldog!

06/20/2024

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫!

Today is the first day of summer and we are certainly feeling the heat! Be sure to stay cool and keep your pets cool as well. Exercise during the early mornings or late in the evenings and leave your pets home in the a/c whenever possible!