Westridge Animal Hospital

08/29/2024

PSA
We will be closed from 11:30-1 tomorrow 8/30/2024 for in hospital training. Our doors will be closed and our phones will be rolled over. We appreciate your patience with us as we try to give our staff more knowledge to care for all of our patients!

08/26/2024

Rescue dog Hoss is available for adoption through Texarkana Animal League. If you're interested in adopting this adorable guy please complete an application by clicking the following link: https://texarkanaanimalleague.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption

08/26/2024

Skin conditions account for approximately 20 percent of the patients presenting to veterinary hospitals. “Why is my dog so itchy?” is one of the most common questions they get!

Skin conditions account for approximately 20 percent of the patients presenting to veterinary hospitals. “Why is my dog so itchy?” is one of the most common questions we get! What Are the Signs of Itchiness and What Causes it? Dogs presenting to the hospital with itching (pruritis or pruritic) o...

08/22/2024

Share your whiskered friends photo in the comments 🐈

Give us a call @ 903-838-9572 to schedule an appointment or schedule online at our website westridgeanimalhospital.com

08/21/2024

TOMORROW IS NATIONAL BRING YOUR CAT TO THE VET DAY! 🐱
In preparation, Kobe the adorable kitten, has put together a list below with a few tips to help reduce the anxiety prior to any vet visit experience.

CARRIERS: the carrier should provide enough room for the cat to comfortably lay down in a natural position, sit, stand and turn around.
It’s preferred for exam and handling purposes that a carrier opens from the front and top, allow the veterinary staff to remove it if needed, leaving the cat safely in the bottom half where they feel most comfortable and safe in their bedding during the exam.

COMFORT ITEMS:
having a familiar blanket or toy in their carrier will help them feel calm.
New and unfamiliar sounds or smells are already overwhelming when leaving the comfort of their home. Many times draping a towel over the top of the carrier can help reduce being stressed from the constant or sudden movements of waiting room activity.

Comment below to share methods that have best worked for you on keeping your pets calm during their trips to Westridge Animal Hospital.

08/19/2024

August 22nd is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, and the perfect opportunity to schedule your cat's routine check-up. Whether your feline friend is visiting the veterinarian for a minor issue or something more serious, there are always a few questions you need to have at the ready for your pet’s doctor.

Whether your pet is visiting the veterinarian for a minor issue or something serious, there are always a few questions you need for your pet’s doctor.

08/13/2024

COLD LASER THERAPY

Pictured below is Samson enjoying his cold laser therapy session! Unlike the name, it’s not cold at all, in fact, you can’t feel a thing!

What is cold laser therapy? It’s a safe, stress-free, and non-invasive treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of low level light energy that brings healthy blood flow and new cells to a targeted area.

✨As a result, this treatment is a gentle and painless way to effectively aid and manage many conditions by:

✅Accelerating cellular regeneration and repair, which in turn speeds up the healing process of the soft tissue and reduces scaring on wounds and surgical incisions.

✅Warms a focused area increasing circulation

✅Anti-inflammatory action, improving mobility in patients suffering from pain as a result of arthritis or injury, and preventing soreness/swelling while encouraging muscle relaxation.

Westridge Animal Hospital offers different laser therapy options.
You can add this service onto any surgical procedure as the comfort care package,
Or for patients with chronic pain you can help manage it by getting the laser therapy bundle deal!
To schedule an appt call us at 903-838-9572

08/12/2024

Itchy Pet Awareness Month
August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! We all get itchy sometimes, so why is there an awareness month for it? After all, itching is nothing new or scary, right? Skin conditions account for approximately 20 percent of the patients presenting to veterinary hospitals. “Why is my dog so itchy?” is one of the most common questions they get!

Skin conditions account for approximately 20 percent of the patients presenting to veterinary hospitals. “Why is my dog so itchy?” is one of the most common questions we get! What Are the Signs of Itchiness and What Causes it? Dogs presenting to the hospital with itching (pruritis or pruritic) o...

08/08/2024

With everyone sharing their awesome first day of back to school pictures, Gidget wanted to share her first day at Westridge Animal Hospital. 🐶 🐾

08/05/2024

Each week we will feature a pet from one of the local rescue organizations.
Below is Zima and her story with rescue group Passion for Pooches!

08/02/2024

A snakebite is something we all hope our pets will never suffer, but unfortunately they are a very real problem for pets and owners in Texas. To prevent snake bites, keep your pet away from areas where snakes are likely to be present and consider snake aversion training. To learn about rattlesnakes, watch this TexVetPets video that gives a brief overview of rattlesnake bites and the envenomation process.

Jacquelyn Chow, DVM, DABVP, practice owner of Beevet Animal Hospital in Austin, gives us a brief overview of rattlesnake bites and the envenomation process. ...

07/30/2024

07/24/2024

Is your furry companion experiencing discomfort with any of the symptoms listed below? Give us a call @ 903-838-9572, or schedule an appointment online through our website, and let us get those ears feeling good again!

07/16/2024

☀️🐾 HOT PAVEMENT ALERT!
As temps rise, so does the risk of paw burns! Protect your pet by first testing the pavement with the back side of your hand-if its to hot for you to keep it there, its to hot for them. Options to still get their walk in is to go during cooler hours, and to stick to grassy or shaded areas as much as possible. Lets keep those paws cool and happy this summer! 😎

07/12/2024

Our goal has always been to treat our patients as family; as family we want to be very considerate of your time when you bring your pet to see us for scheduled appointments. We also want to be available to those pets in need of immediate attention in the community, so we accept walk-in appointments for health issues that require critical care. However with summer here our hospital has become very busy…

We saw 31 walk-in appointments as well as a fully booked schedule the day after Memorial day! We have averaged roughly 20 walk-in appointments per day since with a complete schedule.
As a result of an overwhelming number of walk-ins, on top of a fully booked schedule our average wait times have been increasing. At our busiest, these wait times have gotten close to 2 hours!

We strive to accommodate all of our amazing clients, and appreciate the patience during this period of great growth. We would not be who we are without all of you! We value your time, and any concerns you may have during your appointment. We NEVER want to turn anyone away, but our hospital, docs, and staff do have their limits. To better serve the community as a whole, we are asking that any non-emergent or routine exams be scheduled through our online booking service at our website or over the phone. We can almost always fit you in the very next day! This would not only help your wallet with extra expenses, but would also help out our staff and docs with keeping everything on schedule.

We will always continue to accept walk-in appointments, however we will strive to keep scheduled appointments a priority which will lead to walk-in appointments having a longer than average wait time.

07/12/2024

🦟Heartworm disease 🦟 is found in all 50 states, with Texas in the top 3 of most frequently diagnosed cases.
Call us at 903-838-9572, or book an appt on our website, to schedule your visit today to discuss your furry friends preventative options that would best benefit them through our year round mosquito season 🦟

Where did the latest AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey find heartworms? in ALL 50 states.

07/03/2024

Fourth of July 🎆
One of the most treasured traditions of the 4th is fireworks!
However the sounds can frighten our pets. Here are a few ways to ensure your holiday goes smoothly for both you and your furry friend!

Pets who experience anxiety during fireworks not only suffer from the mental effects of anxiety but also are at risk of destructive behavior.

07/02/2024

There are several misconceptions about what keeps our furry friends cool in hot weather. The article below debunks those myths and helps pet owners make well-informed decisions to ensure their pet’s health and safety in the heat.

Pets risk developing heatstroke in high temperatures. To ensure people protect their pets from the elements, we debunked six myths surrounding proper care.

07/02/2024

PET HEAT ADVISORY SAFETY

Starting today and through the next several days, the ArkLaTex area will have dangerously high heat! Potentially record breaking, around 110-125, according to local news stations.

☀️ Monitor how long your dog spends in the sun, and ensure they have regular breaks from the heat.

Offer them access to cooling stations
🔥 Ex: A kids mini pool filled with just enough cool water to wet the paws or belly if they decide to lay down in it.
🔥 Check and change water regularly
🔥 Ensure they have access to a shaded area to escape direct sunlight
🔥 provide a fan to circulate air and offer a cool breeze
🔥 If possible bring pets indoors or into a climate controlled area.

☀️ Check the temperature of the concrete or pavement with the back side of your hand before taking your pet out.
Please be mindful of exercising your dog in hot weather, as this can cause your dog to overheat and quickly lead to heatstroke.

☀️ Potential signs of heatstroke
Early to later symptoms
-restlessness
-excessively panting/drooling
-trouble breathing
-lethargy/weakness/collapse
-decreased responsiveness
-vomiting/diarrhea
-seizures
(Brachycephalic dogs, in other words flat faced dogs, black dogs, geriatric pets, those and heart or lung conditions, and overweight are especially susceptible to heatstroke)

If you believe your pet is experiencing any or several of these symptoms, please get them immediately evaluated by their Veterinarian.

06/25/2024

FIREWORK PET SAFETY!!
As we get closer to celebrating the 4th of July, let’s remember firework season can be a very stressful time for our pets due to the loud booming noises and bright exploding lights.

Here are a few essential tips to keep our furry companions calm and safe.
🎆 have their favorite toy and treats at hand to keep them occupied and provide a distraction or positive reinforcement.
🎆 Create a safe place of comfort they can retreat to, such as a quiet cozy corner equip with blankets and toys. If outdoors, ensure they are contained safely to prevent them from running away. (If possible bring them indoors)
🎆 Ensure all tags/identification on collars are current in the case of an escape.
🎆 If your pet is exceptionally anxious or sensitive to fireworks, make an appt with your Veterinarian as they will be able to recommend calming supplements or medications

🎇Please share any helpful tips/tricks you use to help your pet cope below in the comments.

05/27/2024

Refilling prescriptions is now even more convenient. Easily order prescription refills anytime at the touch of a button through our new mobile app, Happy Healthy Pets™
Download the new app for free TODAY in the Apple App Store or Google Play!

https://bit.ly/46ouule

05/20/2024

From scheduling routine appointments, vaccines, and lab work to preventative refills, our new mobile app, Happy Healthy Pets™ makes managing your pet's healthcare simpler and more convenient.

Download the new app for free TODAY in the Apple App Store or Google Play!

https://bit.ly/46ouule

05/13/2024

Need to ask a quick question to your veterinary team? Simply send us a text within our new mobile app, Happy Healthy Pets™! We’re here to answer your questions and partner to make managing your pet’s healthcare simple and more convenient.

Download the new app for free TODAY in the Apple App Store or Google Play!

https://bit.ly/46ouule

05/06/2024

Scheduling your pet’s next visit with us has never been easier with our new Happy Healthy Pets™ app. Book or view upcoming appointments any time.

Download the new app for free TODAY in the Apple App Store or Google Play!

https://bit.ly/46ouule

04/29/2024

Our veterinary team is thrilled to provide you with a new mobile app that makes partnering with us to manage your pet's healthcare simpler and more convenient.

Introducing the new Happy Healthy Pets™ app. Book appointments anytime, connect with our veterinary team via text message, view and take action on your pet’s health recommendations, from vaccines to exams to medication refills, all within the app.

Download the new app for free TODAY in the Apple App Store or Google Play!

https://bit.ly/46ouule

03/11/2024

🌿One way to recognize National Poison Prevention Week is to read this article about houseplants that are toxic to dogs and cats, one of which is sago palm; a popular ornamental plant in landscaping.

Harmful houseplants to dogs and cats look great, but could hurt your pet; know which precautions to take for the safety of your Texas pets.

03/08/2024

👋Say hi to Shantel and to one of our newest technicians, Brittany! We are so excited to have her join our team of talented and caring vet techs!

03/07/2024

Experts say that pug snuggles are the key to happiness….We tend to agree!😍

03/06/2024

🐀Even though National Poison Prevention Week doesn’t begin until March 17, all month we will be sharing articles about toxicities, poisonous substances and household dangers.
Today, we're bringing you information on protecting your pets from rodenticides, a chemical designed to kill mice, rats and other rodents as a pest control measure.

Rodenticides, a popular method of rodent control, are harmful to cats and dogs. Protect your pets from this toxic chemical by taking a few preventive steps.

03/01/2024

🐾Discover a veterinary hospital where compassion meets expertise….Where our skilled doctors and nurturing staff treat each pet with tender loving care, making sure they feel safe, happy, and healthy! Our staff makes the difference!💙😊