Miller Animal Hospital

01/14/2025

If you've ever owned a dog, you're probably familiar with fleas. These tiny, biting insects feed on animal and human blood and can make your pet — and you — itchy and uncomfortable. Some types of fleas can transmit disease, so it's important to know how to recognize them, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
How fleas can get into the home:
Fleas typically enter the home by hitching a ride on dogs, outdoor cats, and pests such as mice and rats. They can also enter through open windows. Once indoors, fleas can lay eggs in carpets, bedding, and furniture, causing an infestation
How to get rid of fleas in your home:
Flea infestations in the home can be difficult to manage, and may require repeating the following steps until all fleas are eliminated:
• Sweep and vacuum daily, especially around cracks and crevices on floors and baseboards.
• Steam-clean carpets.
• Vacuum upholstered furniture daily.
• Wash human and pet bedding thoroughly in hot water and dry on high heat.
Flea prevention in and around the home:
The following measures can help you prevent fleas from getting into your home and causing an infestation:
• Mow your lawn regularly.
• Hire a pest control company to treat your yard.
• Seal any cracks in walls and around doors and windows.
• Vacuum frequently.
• Wash pet bedding regularly.
• Follow your veterinarian's advice regarding flea prevention measures for your pet.
Preventing and treating fleas on pets:
Veterinarians have year-round protocols for preventing fleas, especially in dogs. These include oral medications, topicals, and skin treatments. Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate flea control product for your pet.

01/09/2025

What is Leptospirosis? (or Lepto, for short)
Leptospirosis is a deadly bacterial disease commonly spread by wildlife.
Lepto has been diagnosed in all types of dogs, and all breeds and sizes are at risk.
Common Lepto carriers include raccoons, deer, opossums, squirrels and rats. Livestock can also carry the disease.
Lepto bacteria can survive for long periods in water and on wet grass.
The numbers of canine Leptospirosis cases have risen in recent years. Today, Lepto is the number one infectious cause of acute kidney failure in dogs.
Lepto should be considered if your dog has a fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or lethargy. Early recognition is important for a full recovery.

How is my dog exposed?
Lepto bacteria are shed in urine. Dogs become infected when they come into contact with fresh urine from infected carrier animals.
Infection occurs when dogs wade, walk or play in contaminated soil or water or drink from contaminated water sources.
The bacteria can enter through a cut in the skin or mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth.
Take steps to protect-
Remove food, garbage and nesting materials from your yard to minimize wildlife activity.
Discourage your dog from drinking standing water and change outdoor water sources every morning.
Vaccinate your dog against Leptospirosis annually.🐾🐾

01/07/2025

01/01/2025

Happy New Year 2025

12/27/2024

Recovery Tips for Your Pets to help them Recover from the Holidays:

Everybody needs time to recover from the holidays—even your pets. There’s a lot going on during the holiday season, from parties to presents. Not only will some pets want to join in on the fun, but they’ll also need a little time to recover from all the excitement. Even if you have a shy guy in your home who prefers alone time over socializing, holiday recovery is still a good idea. So, what can you do to create a soothing environment for post-holiday pet care? Here are a few things to consider.

Give Them a Cozy Private Space

You like your alone time, and it might be hard to believe, but so do your pets. Cats, dogs, and other pets enjoy a little personal space from time to time. With indoor pets, you might have to offer them a cozy little quiet space where they can snuggle down for a snooze. Some pets are okay with a corner of the couch or even a cardboard box, while others prefer premium bedding for cats and dog couches.

Make sure this private space isn’t totally private if you have a snuggly pet. They might want to be able to see you when they open their eyes after a nap. You can set up their bedding in the living room or kitchen as long as they aren’t under your feet or getting attention from every child in the room. When your pet has had enough recovery time, they’ll go to you for more love.

Feed Them Their Own Food

Even if your pet loves a bite of lean meat or a carrot from the table, their pet food is made to deliver nutrients your furry family member needs to stay healthy. After a holiday, keep the leftovers from the human table out of the pet bowl and stick to the recipes they’re used to eating.

If you’re away from home, you can use a dog food storage container to keep their food as fresh as possible. That way, you don’t feel bad about giving your pet food that doesn’t taste like home. You can also support their digestion by giving them familiar pet food that is good for their sensitive tummies.

The holidays are an exciting time for everyone, including your pets. When all the hype has passed and it’s time to relax help your pet feel cozy and comfortable in your home.

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Sending you and yours endless well wishes for a joyful and relaxing holiday and exciting New Year. We will be back in the office Thursday morning 12/26 at 8:00 a.m.

12/24/2024

Turns out that the team that pulls Santa's sleigh is a pretty magical bunch! Not only do they change their appearances for the holiday season, but they actually have glowing noses, in the right light!
• Reindeer and caribou are the same species!
• Male reindeer lose their antlers in the fall whereas female reindeer lose them after delivering their calves in the spring. What this means is that Santa’s reindeer are girls!
• They also have extra blood vessels in their noses, which makes their noses glow on thermal cameras!
• They are the only deer species with hair on their noses.
• Their eyes turn blue during the winter months. This helps them capture light more effectively during this dark period of the year.
• Reindeer are the only mammals that can see UV light.
• The name "reindeer" comes “from the old Norse word "hreinn," which means deer.
• Reindeer are smaller than most people believe, only measuring 28 to 53 inches from their feet to their shoulders.

12/12/2024

Nail care for pets in winter is important for their comfort and mobility. Here are some tips:
1. Regular Nail Trims- Cold weather can cause nails to become brittle or crack, so regular trimming is essential to keep them in check.
2. Paw Protection- Check their paws for cracks or dryness.
3. Traction-Properly trimmed nails provide traction on slippery surfaces like ice or snow.
4. Wipe Their Feet- After every walk, wipe off excess dirt and moisture around their feet, especially between their toes and under their nails.

12/11/2024

Why Is Periodontal Disease in Dogs a Problem?
Periodontal disease can lead to loss of teeth and therefore issues with chewing and eating which can impact nutrition. It’s also quite painful for dogs. On top of that, there is the possibility of damage to other parts of the body, particularly the Liver, Heart, and kidneys. Research has shown that periodontal disease can have a significant adverse effect on a dog’s health due to these systemic or whole-body consequences.