Watertown Animal Hospital, LLP

01/22/2025

Today is "National Answer Your Cat's Question Day".

Although our pet cat can not talk with us in a language we know, cats have their own physical language! Besides "meowing", they can tell us exactly how they feel with the position of their eyes, ears, and tail. If you have a difficult time understanding how your cat feels, pay attention to these body parts to "answer your cat's question" in what they need from you. Learning your cat's routine, their likes and dislikes, is also important in helping your cat to be as happy as possible! This article describes the specific ways to read a cat's body language.

Cats have their own ways of communication, and learning to read cat body language is important for knowing what your kitty is telling you. Here’s how to read the body language of a cat.

01/21/2025

We are also closing early due to the snow! We will return tomorrow 1/22/2025 at 8am!!

01/21/2025

Extreme cold weather is in the forecast for many parts of the US this week. Here are a few tips to ensure you keep your pets safe.
You can find more information - including tips for livestock owners - at avma.org/ColdWeather.

01/20/2025

Birdie was in last week for her first ever exam and vaccines! She was great when the assistant brought her back to meet everyone. Isn't she gorgeous?

01/17/2025

New Employee spot light!
Meet Phil, our practice manager!

"Hello! My name is Phil Favero, the new Practice Manager, and I am passionate and excited about Veterinary Healthcare. I have a strong background in Operation Management. I thrive on solving challenges and creating meaningful connections with those I work with as well as the clients and the patients we serve. I take pride in delivering exceptional service, fostering innovation, all the while building strong teamwork and a positive atmosphere to thrive in.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family camping and going to my children's sporting events. I am also a Volunteer Fire Fighter/EMT with my local fire company. These activities keep me grounded and inspire creativity in everything I do.
I believe in lifelong learning, making a positive impact, and leading by example. I strive to bring this perspective into both my professional and personal life.
I am excited to be apart of the Watertown Animal Hospital family and look forward to a rewarding and bright future!"

We are all every excited for Phil to join us!!

01/16/2025

🪮The 'scruffy' look is in!

Q: Why is it okay for beef cattle to go outside in the winter?❄️
A: Cattle grow thick winter coats that act as natural insulation, trapping body heat and keeping the cold out. When snow sits on a cow's back without melting, it shows the coat is working effectively—retaining warmth and preventing heat from escaping.♨️🧥This is similar to how a well-insulated house keeps heat inside, preventing snow on the roof from melting quickly.🔥

01/16/2025

Our Clinic will be closed today from 12pm-1pm, January 16th, due to a staff meeting.
If you believe your pet has an emergency, please contact Veterinary Medical Center (at 315-446-7933) during that time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

01/15/2025

How often should you feed your cat?
The amount and frequency of meals depends on your cat's age, health and preference.
If you feed your cat too little or the wrong kind of food, he will lose weight and runs the risk of developing serious health issues (i.e. hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation the liver).
Feed him too much, and he will likely become overweight.
You can help get your cat off on the right paw by establishing regular feeding routines.
Although the food you feed your cat should be complete and balanced, the simple answer to how often you should feed him is that there isn't a simple answer.
Click the link below to learn what to consider, to help you determine how often you should feed your cat.

Suggested Articles Feeding Your Cat Choosing and Caring for Your New Cat Obesity Care of Obese Cats Anorexia Feline Diabetes Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

01/14/2025

Wildfires like those raging across Los Angeles put animals and people at risk. AVMA has many free resources to help animal owners protect pets and livestock, and to prepare veterinary teams to respond quickly.

01/14/2025

Scooter, the 9 month old Bassett Hound was a very good boy for his vaccines!! And he takes treats so gently!

01/13/2025

The most commonly diagnosed respiratory disorder in cats — is incurable, veterinary researchers are making progress in understanding its causes and devising methods for its effective treatment. Read below for more information about feline Asthma.

Suggested Articles Feline Asthma: What You Need To Know Lung Ailments: A Widespread Source of Feline Woe Dyspnea Pneumonia Nasopharyngeal Polyps For some cats, this common respiratory affliction can have perilous consequences.

01/10/2025

We would like to thank our wonderful interns, Ariana, Taylor and Alexa, for all of their help and hard work in between their college semesters. They are all studying to enter the Veterinary world. All three always brought positivity into the clinic, and were always ready to learn. We wish you the best luck in school and we will miss you! ❤

01/09/2025

What is H5N1?
H5N1, commonly known as avian influenza A or bird flu, is a highly pathogenic strain of influenza virus that primarily affects birds, but cases have recently been reported in wildlife, cattle, cats, and humans.

What do we know about the latest outbreak?
Recently H5N1 influenza cases have been reported in cats that have consumed contaminated commercial raw food diets, unpasteurized milk, or had contact with wild birds and cattle.

Precautions:
Consider discontinuing your pet’s raw diet. Even if their raw food is human grade, frozen, or freeze dried, this does not prevent the potential spread of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, or H5N1 that may be present in the food. Consider cooking your pet’s raw food and/or consulting your veterinarian about diet change.
Limit your pet’s access to wild birds that may be carrying the virus and avoid giving them raw milk.

What are the symptoms to watch out for in our pets?
Clinical signs in pets may include the following:
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Neurologic signs (ataxia, circling, tremors, seizures, sudden blindness)
• Copious oculonasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing
We recommend seeking veterinary care if your pet shows any of these signs. If they are having any life-threatening symptoms (neurologic signs, seizures, difficulty breathing, or collapse) seek veterinary care immediately.

Can this cause illness in humans?
Yes, H5N1 can cause illness in humans. Current human infections have been linked to contact with infected cattle and wild birds. There is no current evidence of human to human transmission.

What is being done?
The CDC, FDA and USDA are closely monitoring cases as they develop. One voluntary product recall has been issued for contaminated raw food diets for cats & dogs. We are continuing to monitor this emerging virus.

Follow our animal health centers' social media accounts for regular updates.
https://hubs.la/Q031WZ2g0

01/09/2025

01/09/2025

January is "National Train Your Dog Month"! 🐶

Training is defined as "the action of teaching an animal specific reactions to certain stimuli or conditions". There are many forms of training, such as behavioral, house training, puppy socialization, obedience, agility, service and protection training.

This article may help "socialization training" for those that are introducing a new dog into their household. Patience and taking things slow is key, as it may take days to months for your dogs to become comfortable with each other. If you are a client with questions on any type of training, please feel free to call us during our normal business hours as 315-788-1711!

When you add a second dog to your household, it's natural that there will be an adjustment period. Learn how to get two dogs to become acquainted.

01/08/2025

Is your New Year's Resolution to be a more educated and mindful horse owner? 🤓 Well you are in luck! Excelsior Equine will be hosting an educational seminar on March 15th 2025 and YOU are invited! 🤩🥳

The subject will be equine joint health and will cover topics such as:
🐴 Joint Function and Dysfunction
🐴 Equine Joint Supplements
🐴 Medications Available for Joint Health
🐴 Modern Advancements in Intra-Articular Therapy (aka "Joint Injections")
The event is FREE to attend and a delicious BBQ lunch buffet will be provided 🤤 (Vegetarian options available!)
Pre-registration is required. Youth groups and large groups welcome! To register, fill out the simple form below. 👇
https://form.jotform.com/243646879835072

The event will be held at The Pier, located conveniently 1.3 miles of the Brewerton exit on I-81. The street address is: 11 Dockside Dr, Central Square, NY 13036
Doors will open at 11:00 and the event will finish around 2:00pm
Can't wait to see you there!!

01/07/2025

01/07/2025

January is Train Your Dog Month! An important reminder, especially if you recently adopted a puppy: socialization should be part of your training considerations.

Socialization is what allows pets to enjoy interactions and be comfortable around people and other animals. You can find more puppy (or kitten) socialization tips ➡️ http://bit.ly/2sk6bHo