Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital

07/23/2024

🌟 Allow us to introduce our Neurology Department 🌟

Did you know that pets can suffer from neurological disorders just like humans? These conditions can range from mild issues like balance problems to more severe disorders like seizures and paralysis. Dr. Bronwyn Riggs, the only pet neurologist/neurosurgeon in the NH Seacoast Area, is dedicated to diagnosing and treating these complex conditions. With her expertise, we can help improve your pet's quality of life. Stay informed and proactive about your pet's neurological health! Visit https://bit.ly/4bQ88uY to learn more! 🐾

07/17/2024

Embracing the sunrise of a fresh new day with our spanking new signs up. A new journey begins!

07/16/2024

📣 Exciting News! 📣

Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital has launched an Instagram page! 🎉🐾 Follow us for behind-the-scenes glimpses of our dedicated team, heartwarming pet stories, tips on pet health, and so much more!

We invite all of our Facebook followers to join us on Instagram. Engage with us, share your pet photos, and stay connected with the latest updates from our hospital. Let's build a vibrant community of pet lovers together!

🐶🐱📸 See you on Instagram ! 🌟

07/15/2024

🔥🐾 Pet Fire Safety Day Awareness! 🐾🔥

Today marks Pet Fire Safety Day, a crucial reminder for all pet owners to safeguard their furry family members from unexpected dangers. Each year, house fires affect not just humans but thousands of pets. Here's how you can prevent these tragedies:

🚫 Secure Pets: Keep pets away from open flames including candles, cooking appliances, and fireplaces. Never leave your pet unattended near an active fire.

🔌 Electrical Safety: Check your home for loose wires and potential chewing hazards. Pets can accidentally start fires by chewing on electrical cords.

🧯 Accessible Exits: Make sure your pet has an easy escape route in case of fire. Consider a pet door or keep pets near entrances when you’re not home.

🏷️ Visible Alerts: Use a pet alert window decal to inform firefighters about pets in your home. It could save their lives!

📞 Preparation is Key: Have a plan that includes your pets. Practice evacuation routes with your pets to reduce panic during an actual emergency.

🛑 Smoke Detectors: Regularly test smoke detectors and have them in key areas around your home to increase your reaction time during a fire.

As pet lovers and caregivers, it's our responsibility to ensure their safety. Share your own fire safety tips or how you keep your pets secure. Let's keep our pets safe, not just today, but every day! 🔥🐶😺

From all of us at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, wishing you a safe Pet Fire Safety Day. Remember, we're here to help with any concerns about pet safety or health!

07/10/2024

🐾🎉 Happy National Kitten Day! 🎉🐾

Today at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, we're celebrating the tiniest, most adorable members of our pet family—kittens! 🐱💕 Every day, we see the joy these little furballs bring into our lives, and we're committed to keeping them happy and healthy.

From their playful antics to their curious natures, kittens remind us of the wonder and joy in the world. As an emergency animal hospital, we also know the importance of early care in a kitten's life. That’s why we encourage all kitten parents to consider regular wellness checks to ensure these little ones grow up strong and healthy.

📸 Share a photo of your kitten in the comments below and tell us what you love most about them! Let's fill our feed with these adorable faces! 😻

And if you ever need us, remember, Port City is here 24/7 to ensure your kitten's health is never put on pause. 🏥

07/08/2024

🐾 July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month! 🚀 At Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, we're committed to ensuring the safety of our beloved pets in the greater Seacoast area and beyond!

🔖 ID Tags & Microchipping: Equip your furry friend with ID tags for immediate contact details and a microchip for permanent identification. These small tools can be lifesavers if your pet ever gets lost.

🏡 Secure Your Fencing: Ensure your yard’s fencing is escape-proof to keep your adventurous pets safe at home. Check for any gaps or weak spots and make sure it's tall enough to prevent any over-the-fence excursions.

📣 Help us spread the word and keep all our pets safe this month!

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🎆 Today, we celebrate America's independence and the values of freedom and democracy that define our nation. As we honor this important day, let’s also remember to keep our pets safe amidst the celebrations.

🌟 Patriotic Pets: Dress up your pets in fun, safe, and comfortable patriotic gear! Share your adorable photos in the comments. Let’s see who’s wearing the red, white, and blue with pride!

🐾 Safety First: While fireworks are a traditional part of our celebrations, they can be frightening for pets. Here are quick tips to ensure your furry family members stay calm and safe:

Keep pets indoors in a quiet, sheltered space.
Play soft music or turn on the TV to mask the sounds of fireworks.
Ensure all pets have ID tags and microchips in case they get scared and escape.
🇺🇸.

Reflecting on Freedom: As we enjoy the festivities, let's reflect on the bravery of those who fought for our freedoms. Today is a day to cherish and celebrate the liberty we share as a nation.

We're here to help if you need advice on keeping your pet secure during the holiday celebrations. From all of us at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, have a safe and splendid Fourth of July! 🎇🐶😺

07/01/2024

🌞🐾 Keeping Pets Hydrated: Your Summer Guide! 🐾🌞

As we dive into the hottest season of the year, it's crucial to ensure our pets stay hydrated. Just like us, our furry friends can suffer from dehydration and heatstroke. Here's how you can keep your pet safe and hydrated:

🚰 Fresh Water Always: Ensure your pet has access to fresh water at all times. Change their water daily and consider multiple water stations in your home.

🌳 Shade is a Must: Whether indoors or out, make sure your pet can relax in cool, shaded areas, away from direct sunlight.

👅 Watch for Signs of Dehydration:

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Increased heart rate
Dry or sticky gums
Weakness or lethargy
Sunken eyes

🕒 Mind the Time: Avoid vigorous play or walks during peak sun hours. Early mornings or evenings are safer and cooler.

🍉 Fun with Ice & Treats: Spice up their hydration routine with ice cubes, frozen treats, or fruits safe for pets (like watermelon, minus the seeds!).

🚑 Know When to React: If your pet shows any signs of dehydration or heatstroke, it's essential to act fast:

💦 Provide them water immediately
💨 Bring them to a cool, air-conditioned area
🆒 Apply towels soaked in cool (not cold) water to their head, neck, and chest
📞 We're Here to Help: If your pet’s symptoms persist or worsen, bring them in to be seen. Our team is ready to ensure they receive the care they need.

Let’s make this summer safe and enjoyable for our pets! July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month. Remember, if you're ever concerned about your pet's hydration or heat tolerance, give us a call or visit us. Your pet's health is our top priority! 💧🐶😺

06/30/2024

🌍📱 Happy World Social Media Day! 📱🌍

Imagine if our furry friends had their own social media accounts! 🐾✨ If your pet could update their status, what do you think they would say?

🤔 Let's get creative and share in the comments below! Whether it's a purr-fectly posed selfie or a "pawsome" adventure update, let's celebrate the joy our pets bring to our lives, both online and off! 🐶🐱💕

📱🐾

06/24/2024

🐾📸 Happy National Selfie Day, pet parents! 📸🐶🐱

Today is the paw-fect excuse to strike a pose with your furry best friend! 🐾❤️ Whether it's a silly selfie or a heartwarming moment, let's celebrate the unconditional love and joy our pets bring to our lives. 🥰

Share your favorite pet selfies in the comments below and spread some smiles! Let's fill our feeds with adorable faces and wagging tails! 🐾📸

📸🐾

06/21/2024

🐾 Happy Take Your Dog to Work Day! 🐾 Today, our furry friends join us in our daily grind! Do you have your four-legged coworker with you? Share your pictures below and let's see who's keeping your productivity up—or maybe just stealing your chair! 📸🐶

06/20/2024

Our final post in our Tick Awareness Series features:

🕷️ Deer Tick (Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes scapularis) 🕷️
The Deer Tick is a primary carrier of Lyme disease and is often found in wooded and bushy areas.
Diseases Associated:
⭕ Lyme Disease: Look for symptoms like fever, lameness, and swollen joints.
⭕ Anaplasmosis: Causes fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Prevention Tips:
⭕ Use vet-recommended tick preventatives year-round.
⭕ Avoid high-risk areas like tall grasses and dense woods.
⭕ Conduct daily tick checks, especially around the neck, ears, and between toes.

As a friendly reminder:

General Tick Safety Tips for Pet Owners
⭕ Tick Removal: Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull steadily. Clean the bite area thoroughly after removal.
⭕ Monitoring Health: Watch for signs of tick-borne illnesses such as fever, lethargy, and changes in behavior. Contact your vet if you notice any symptoms.
⭕ Vet Visits: Regular check-ups and tick prevention are crucial for your pet’s health.

Keep your furry friends safe and healthy!

For more information or if you suspect your pet is experiencing a tick-borne illness, contact us at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital.

Protect your pets from Lyme disease carriers!

06/19/2024

Today's creepy crawling pest is:

🕷️ Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) 🕷️

Identified by the distinctive white dot on its back, the Lone Star Tick is aggressive and can transmit diseases with just a single bite.

Diseases Associated:
⭕ Ehrlichiosis: Causes fever, fatigue, and joint pain.
⭕ Tularemia: Symptoms include fever, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes.
Prevention Tips:
⭕ Use tick repellents for both you and your pets.
⭕ Wear protective clothing when hiking in tick-prone areas.
⭕ Check pets and yourself thoroughly after spending time outdoors.

Be vigilant against these aggressive ticks!

06/18/2024

Our Tick Series Continues!

🕷️ American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) 🕷️

The American Dog Tick is prevalent in grassy and wooded areas, posing a risk during outdoor adventures. They are most active from spring to fall.

Diseases Associated:
⭕ Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF): Symptoms include fever, skin rash, and joint pain.
⭕ Tularemia: Causes fever, lethargy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Prevention Tips:
⭕ Avoid tall grasses and wooded areas during peak tick season.
⭕ Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.
⭕ Keep lawns mowed and clear of debris.

Enjoy the outdoors safely!

06/17/2024

As a follow up to our previous tick post, we're sharing information about each tick, their associated diseases and how you can prevent exposure.

🕷️ Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) 🕷️

The Brown Dog Tick is commonly found in warmer climates and can thrive indoors, making it a year-round threat. These ticks are notorious for infesting homes and kennels.

Diseases Associated:
⭕ Ehrlichiosis: Can cause fever, lethargy, weight loss, and bleeding disorders.
⭕ Babesiosis: Leads to anemia, lethargy, and jaundice.
Prevention Tips:
⭕ Regularly inspect your pet, especially after walks.
⭕ Maintain clean living spaces and wash pet bedding frequently.
⭕ Use tick preventatives as recommended by your vet.

Stay alert and protect your pets from these indoor invaders!

06/15/2024

A look into the eyes of service, Dr. Alison Clode DVM, DAVCO, once again honors her annual commitment to the ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Exam Event. Discover more about the program here: https://bit.ly/3XmwsRE. Below we have a few pictures of "Faith" and her owner who participated in the program this year.

Providing compassionate specialty care to pets in our Seacoast community.

06/14/2024

🔥 Hot Asphalt Alert: Protect Your Pet’s Paws! 🔥

Did you know that asphalt can get extremely hot in the summer and burn your pet's paws?

Here's how to protect them:

🔥 Test the pavement with the back of your hand. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet.
🚶 Walk your pets on grass or shaded areas whenever possible.
👢 Consider protective booties for their paws during walks.
⛅ Walk your pets early in the morning or late in the evening when the ground is cooler.
🐾 Let's keep those paws safe and comfortable this summer! 🐾

06/11/2024

🚤 Summer Safety Series - Boating 🚤

Boating with our furry friends is a blast, but let's ensure it's a safe voyage!

Here are 5 water safety tips for boating with dogs in the summer:

🌊 Life Jackets: Just like us, pups need life jackets too! Ensure they have one that fits snugly and keep it on throughout the trip.

🌊 Hydration Station: Bring plenty of fresh water for your pup to drink. An insulated, portable water bottle that comes with a bowl, for example, is easy to carry and keeps your dog’s water cold.

🌊 Paw Protection: Hot surfaces like boat decks can burn sensitive paw pads. Consider paw wax or booties to protect their precious paws.

🌊 Sun Protection: Dogs can get sunburned too! Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas, especially on lighter fur.

🌊 Supervision: Always keep an eye on your furry friend. Even strong swimmers can get tired or disoriented in open water.

Let's make this summer on the water a paw-some one, keeping our furry first mates safe and happy! 🐶

"

06/10/2024

🌸 Managing Seasonal Allergies in Pets 🌸

Spring and summer bring beautiful blooms, but also seasonal allergies for many pets.
Here’s how to help:

🤧 Symptoms: Itching, redness, sneezing, ear infections.
❤️ Prevention: Wipe your pet’s paws and fur after outdoor play, use air purifiers, and consult your vet for allergy management options.
❤️Treatment: Your vet may recommend antihistamines, medicated shampoos, or allergy shots.
❤️Help your pets enjoy the season without the itch!

06/09/2024

🌲 Summer Safety Series - Hiking 🌲

Hiking can be a great activity for you and your furry friend, especially with all of the amazing trails around us just waiting to be explored. Before you embark on a fun-filled day, be sure to keep the following tips in mind.

1. Visit Your Veterinarian - Be sure your pet is up-to-date on all shots as well as flea and tick preventatives. Always confirm with your family veterinarian that your pet is healthy enough for hiking.
2. Research - Always make sure that the area you are hiking in allows pets. It is also important to take note of what type of animals and flowers are present near the trails you plan to explore. Many wild plants can be poisonous to pets and certain wildlife can pose a threat to our pets.
3. Microchipping and ID Tags - Has your pet’s microchip and ID tag
been updated? Summer is a big season for lost pets for a variety of reasons, so it is important to have preventatives in place before you go hiking. Pets can get very excited with all the new sights and smells, and their curiosity may cause them to wander more than usual!

Things to bring:
💧 WATER - Pets get dehydrated just like people do and in the hot summer weather, this can happen very quickly. Always keep plenty of water handy for both you and your pet when doing any sort of strenuous activity, especially in the heat.
🐕 P**P BAGS - Nothing’s worse than enjoying the great outdoors with a mess on your shoe! Always adhere to the “Leave no trace” rule so that everyone can appreciate the beautiful trails.
🍖 TREATS - Going for an all-day hike? Be sure to bring along some snacks for your furry companion. Exercise is sure to make him or her hungry!
⛰️ PET BOOTIES - Rough terrain can be tough on sensitive paws, so pet booties are perfect for preventing cuts and scrapes during your journey.
💚 LEASH - Even if your pet tends to stick by your side without a leash, it’s important to have one handy just in case. You may encounter other dogs or animals along the trail that could cause your pet to act in unexpected ways.

06/07/2024

🌞🐱 Beat the Heat: Keeping Your Feline Friends Safe from Heatstroke! 🐱🌞

Just in case you thought we forgot our feline friends! At Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, we care about your furry family members just as much as you do. With the summer sun blazing, it's important to watch out for signs of heatstroke in our beloved cats. 😺💓

😻 What to Look For:

Rapid breathing or panting
Lethargy and weakness
Bright red gums
Drooling
Vomiting
Staggering or wobbling

🏥 How to Cool Them Down Safely:

Move Indoors: Get your kitty into a cool, shaded area or an air-conditioned room ASAP.
Cool, Not Cold: Use lukewarm water to dampen their fur or place a wet towel on their back. Avoid using ice-cold water.
Hydration is Key: Offer small amounts of fresh, cool water. You can even add a few ice cubes to their water bowl to make it more enticing!
Fan-tastic: Place a fan near them to help circulate air and speed up cooling.
Remember, prevention is better than cure! Keep your cats indoors during peak heat hours, ensure they have plenty of fresh water, and never leave them in parked cars. 🚗🔥

Stay cool and keep those purrs coming! If you ever suspect heatstroke, please proceed directly to our Emergency Room! We're here to help! 💚🐾



Feel free to call or message us if you have any concerns. We're always here to keep your pets healthy and happy! 😊🐈

06/06/2024

🐾 FOUND DOG Calling all animal lovers in Portsmouth, NH! This furry friend was discovered wandering and has now been transfered to the New Hampshire SPCA, thanks to a kind-hearted Samaritan.

Can we help reunite this sweet soul with its family?

Share the message far and wide!

06/06/2024

🌞 **Heat Stroke and Exhaustion in Pets: What You Need to Know** 🌞

As a follow up to our post about heat stroke last week, we wanted to touch on the topic again as the temperatures rise.

It's crucial to protect our furry friends from heat stroke and exhaustion. Here are some important tips to keep your pets safe:

❗ Brachycephalic dogs are at the highest risk!
❗These breeds include French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, American Bulldogs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.
❗They struggle to cool themselves (thermoregulate) like other dog breeds.
❗ DO NOT expose your brachycephalic dog to heat, EVER.

💦 Swimming Dogs:
✔️ Dogs swimming and exercising in bodies of water can get heat stroke.
✔️Even though they are wet, they can overheat if they don't take breaks and rest in the shade.

⛰️ Hiking Dogs:
✔️Dogs hiking in the shade can still get heat stroke.
✔️Take regular water breaks and rest periods while hiking.

😎 Dogs Resting Outside:
✔️Dogs resting in the sunshine, even if not exercising, can get heat stroke.
✔️Limit their time outside and monitor how long they have been exposed to the sun.

😓 Signs of Heat Stress:
✔️Excessive panting (smiling)
✔️Seeking shade
✔️Slower to return toys (still wants to play but takes longer to bring a toy back or drop it)

🚨 If your pet shows any signs of heat stress, stop all activity and cool them down immediately.

You can do this in the following ways:

✔️Using cool towels: while still being exposed to the air and not draped in towel
✔️Hosing them off
✔️Using a spray bottle
🚨You are going for evaporative cooling.
🚨Do not put them in an ice bath or soak them in water.
🚨They should only be cooled down to about 103 degrees, not lower.

🚨They tend to get VERY cold if they are overzealously cooled or too rapidly cooled. 🚨

Stay safe this spring and summer and keep a close eye on your pets' well-being. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to contact us at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital.



Keep cool and stay safe! 🐾

06/05/2024

🕷️ Ticks and Tick-Borne Illnesses: Protect Your Pets! 🕷️

Did you know that ticks are part of the spider family? These tiny creatures can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis to our furry friends.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your pets safe:

📷 Check out the image below to identify the different types of ticks!

❓ What to do if you find a live tick on your pet:

💥 Capture it between two pieces of tape. This suffocates the tick and ensures it won’t escape.

💥How to remove an embedded tick:

💥Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers.
💥Pull slowly and steadily directly out. This can take up to a minute, so be patient!
💥Have someone distract your pet with treats during this process.
💥Wash the wound with soap and water after removal.

👀 Monitoring for Lyme Disease:

It may take up to 4 weeks for your pet to test positive for Lyme disease after a tick bite.

❗ You do NOT need to rush to the vet immediately after tick exposure. Instead, monitor your pet for lethargy, stiffness, fever, and changes in behavior.
❗Stay vigilant and keep your pets safe from these tiny but dangerous pests!

If you have any concerns or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at Port City Referral Hospital. We're here to help!

06/04/2024

🐾🚨 Pet Disaster Preparedness Month is here! 🚨🐾

Is your furry friend ready for anything? 🌀 🔥🌊 Don't wait until it's too late to ensure your pet's safety during emergencies. Follow our checklist for the perfect pet disaster preparedness kit:

✔️ Food & Water: Stock up on a 3-7 day supply of food and 1 gallon of water per day for each pet.

✔️ Medications & Medical Records: Pack a 1-2 week supply of meds and copies of your pet's medical records.

✔️ Identification: Update ID tags and consider microchipping your pet for added security.

✔️ Comfort & Shelter: Have carriers, bedding, and familiar toys ready to reduce stress.

✔️ Sanitation: Don't forget litter, waste bags, and cleaning supplies.

✔️ Safety Equipment: Leashes, flashlights, and reflective gear ensure safe transport.

✔️ Emergency Contacts: Keep vet info and pet-friendly accommodations handy.

✔️ Special Needs: Cater to your pet's unique requirements with specific supplies.

✔️ Documentation & Planning: Create a written plan and share it with your family.

Be proactive, not reactive! 🛡️ Share this checklist with fellow pet parents to help them prepare too. Together, we can keep our beloved pets safe no matter what comes our way. 🐶🐱

06/03/2024

🐾🏠 June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month! 🏠🐾

Let's give our feline friends the loving homes they deserve. 😺 Whether they're playful kittens or wise old cats, there's a perfect companion waiting for you at your local shelter. Every adoption not only saves a life but enriches yours in ways you never imagined. ❤️

Join us in celebrating Adopt a Shelter Cat Month by opening your heart and home to a furry friend in need. Share your adoption stories and photos below to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of shelter cats! 📸✨

🐾

06/01/2024

🌈🎉 Happy Pride Month from Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital ! 🎉🌈

Hey there, fabulous pet parents and pawesome fur-babies! It's that magical time of year when we celebrate love in all its colorful, tail-wagging, purr-tastic forms. Here at Port City, we believe that every pet—and every human—deserves to feel loved, celebrated, and, let's be honest, totally pampered.

To kick off Pride Month, we're rolling out the red carpet (and the rainbow one too) for all our furry friends and their incredible owners. Whether you're a dog dad, cat mom, or the proud parent of a quirky critter, we've got some pawsome festivities lined up just for you:

🐾 Rainbow Bandana Day: When your pet comes in for a visit during the first two weeks of June, they’ll strut out in style with a complimentary rainbow bandana. Perfect for those Pride selfies!

📸 Pride Photo Contest: Snap a pic of your pet in their most fabulous Pride gear and tag us on social media. The most creative and colorful entry wins a special treat basket!

Nothing says "I love you" like a happy, healthy pet!

From all of us at Port City, we want to thank you for being a part of our diverse and wonderful community. Let's make this Pride Month one to remember—filled with love, joy, and plenty of wagging tails.

Stay pawsome and keep spreading the love! 🐶😻🌈



With love and lots of rainbow treats,
The Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital Team 💕

05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day! ♥💙

Today we honor those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten.

As a reminder, our hospital will be Open for the holiday, with our normal business hours of 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care Services.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend with your pets!

05/26/2024

As we gear up to celebrate Memorial Day, let's not forget about the safety of our pets! 🐶🐱 While we honor and remember our heroes, it's important to ensure that our pets stay safe and sound during the festivities.

Here are a few tips to keep your pets happy and healthy this Memorial Day:

🔥 Watch the Grill: Keep an eye on the grill to prevent curious pets from getting too close. Hot surfaces and stray sparks can cause burns or other injuries.

🍖 Avoid Table Scraps: While those BBQ treats might look tempting to your pet, many human foods can be harmful to them. Keep them on their regular diet and avoid giving them any table scraps.

🎇 Provide a Safe Space: Loud fireworks and large gatherings can be overwhelming for pets. Create a quiet, secure space where they can retreat if they feel stressed or anxious.

🏷️ Keep ID Tags Updated: With all the commotion, pets may be more likely to escape. Make sure their ID tags are up to date with your current contact information, just in case they wander off.

💧 Stay Hydrated: Keep plenty of fresh water available for your pets, especially if it's hot outside. Dehydration can be a serious issue for animals, so make sure they have access to water at all times.

05/22/2024

Don't forget our furry pals as summer heat increases! They can't tell us when they're feeling overheated, so stay vigilant for signs of heatstroke in dogs! Let's keep them safe and sound for the rest of this season! 🐾🌞🌡️