Miller Animal Hospital

01/15/2026

Cats are not completely color blind.

Cats have a remarkable visual system that allows them to see effectively in low-light conditions. Their eyes contain a tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina that enhances their ability to see in dim light by reflecting light back onto the retina, improving sensitivity.

Cats have vertical pupils that can dilate to control light intake, allowing them to hunt effectively in various light conditions. They are dichromats, meaning they have two types of cone cells in their retina that are sensitive to different parts of the visual spectrum, primarily blue and yellow light, which contributes to their ability to see colors differently than humans.

Overall, these adaptations enable cats to thrive as stealthy hunters, making them excellent nocturnal predators.

01/14/2026

Are Dogs Colorblind?
*No, dogs are not colorblind, although they don’t see as many colors as we do.
*A dog’s retina contains a small number of cones (cones are photoreceptor cells in the eye’s retina that allow us to see color). Humans have three types of cones in their eyes while dogs only have two. This means their vision is limited to certain colors.
* What Colors Do Dogs See?
* Because dogs’ eyes only have two types of cones (just 20 percent of the cones in human eyes), their color spectrum is limited to shades of gray, brown, yellow and blue.
* This is called dichromatic vision, which is similar to humans who experience red-green color blindness.
* Some colors – like hues of red and orange – may show up as another color to dogs, like yellow. Greens may appear white.
* Dogs may also struggle to notice the difference between hues of the same color, like light blue and dark blue.
* Keep this in mind if your pet struggles to find toys or treats. It may not be due to lack of interest; it’s possible they can’t see what you’re trying to give them.
* The next time you’re shopping for dog toys, you might consider something blue or yellow that will stand out better for your pet.
* What Does a Dog’s Vision Look Like?
* In daylight, a dog’s visual sharpness is 50 percent less than a human’s, possibly making things look blurrier. Fortunately, canines can rely on their heightened senses of smell and hearing for perception.
* Dogs are also near-sighted, meaning they can see objects up close better than those located far away.
* It’s believed most dogs have 20/75 vision. In other words, they have to be 20 feet away from an object to see it, compared to humans who can see it from 75 feet away.
* Can Dogs See in the Dark?
* Dogs can see well in dark or low-light situations. This is because their eyes are anatomically different from humans’ eyes.
* While they have fewer cones, their eyes have more rods in the retina than ours. This means they’re more sensitive to motion, shapes and light. As a result, your dog can pick up on small movements and detect the presence of strangers or prey.

01/13/2026

National Sticker Day.
On January 13th, we gather to celebrate National Sticker Day, a special occasion that shines a spotlight on color, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia. This day is a tribute to the joy and personal expression that stickers bring into our lives, evoking memories of childhood and the simple pleasures that accompany them.

01/09/2026

01/08/2026

Steps to Teach Your Dog to Sit

The following steps will help you to lure a sit:
1. With your dog standing, hold a treat to their nose.
2. Slowly lift the treat over their head and towards their rear. As your dog lifts their head to follow the treat with their nose, their back end should drop to the ground.
3. As soon as your dog is in a sitting position, click your clicker and/or praise them and offer the treat as a reward.
4. To get your dog standing again, either walk away and call them over or toss another treat a few feet away. Then, repeat the first three steps.
5. Once your dog reliably follows the treat into a sitting position, it’s time to fade the lure. Use an empty hand to lure the dog and reward the sit with a treat from your other hand. The movement of your empty hand will become your hand signal.
6. When your dog reliably sits for your empty hand, you can add your verbal cue (“sit”) right before you give the hand signal. In time, your dog should respond to the verbal cue alone.

01/06/2026

What To Do If Your Pet Eats Toxic Plants
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While some plants can just give your pets diarrhea, there are others that are extremely poisonous and can cause serious problems, like liver damage. On top of that, many of the more dangerous poisonous plants for dogs & cats are also very common plants to have in your home.
If you think your pet has eaten a poisonous plant, head to the animal ER instead of trying to treat your pet at home.
If you aren’t sure what your pet ate, call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). They’re available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They can tell you how toxic the plant is and if you need to seek veterinary care.

01/01/2026

Here's to a year of healthy pets, Joyful hearts, and Paw-sitive adventures!

12/29/2025

Winter Paw Protection: Preventing Ice Salt Burns in Dogs:
Winter can be a treacherous time for dogs, especially those with sensitive paws. Ice and salt can cause painful burns and irritation, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. To protect your dog's paws, consider the following tips:
• Use pet-safe ice melts: Products like Safe Paw Salt-Free Ice Melt and Pestell Paw Thaw are designed to be safe for dogs and pets, while also being environmentally friendly.
• Avoid traditional ice salt: While it may seem like a quick fix, traditional ice salt can cause chemical burns and irritation.
* Monitor your dog's paws: Keep an eye out for signs of irritation or burns and consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has been exposed to harmful substances.
• Regularly clean your dog's paws: After walks, check your dog's paws for any signs of damage or irritation and clean them thoroughly.
By following these precautions, you can help ensure your dog's safety and comfort during the winter months. Remember, prevention is key to keeping your furry friend healthy and happy.

12/25/2025

This Christmas, we’re grateful for the wonderful pet parents and amazing animals who make our work so rewarding. Thank you for letting us be part of your pets’ lives. Wishing you peace, joy, and good health for you and your four-legged family members!"

12/24/2025

Holiday Hours:
12/24- Closing at 12:00
12/25-Closed
12/26- 8:00-4:30

12/22/2025

Holiday Hours:
12/24-8:00-12:00
12/25-CLOSED
12/31-8:00-2:00
1/1-CLOSED