Village Animal Hospital

11/12/2024

Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose in pets, as their signs are often vague and nonspecific. Unlike humans, pets do not develop the classic bullseye rash associated with the disease.

We advise Lyme disease testing (i.e., a blood test) for pets with clinical signs that include fever, lethargy, appetite loss, swollen lymph nodes, intermittent lameness, and painful or swollen joints.

Don't wait until it's too late! Protect your furry friend from this debilitating condition by contacting us at 316-689-0202 and asking about annual tick-borne disease testing. ❤️

11/07/2024

If you're a pet owner, it's important to understand the risks of periodontal disease. This common condition can lead to health complications such as tooth root abscesses, eye abnormalities, and even organ damage.

Call us, today, to learn more and schedule a check up for your pet! 316-689-0202

11/05/2024

🦟 Did you know that Lyme disease-affected pets do not develop the classic bullseye rash seen in humans? In fact, many pets show no signs at all, or their signs are often vague and nonspecific, which sometimes results in an incorrect or delayed diagnosis.

At Village Animal Hospital, Lyme disease testing (i.e., a blood test) is advised for pets with clinical signs that include fever, lethargy, appetite loss, swollen lymph nodes, intermittent lameness, and painful or swollen joints.

Because Lyme disease signs can come and go or be entirely absent, we recommend dogs be tested annually for tick-borne diseases, which involves a simple blood test similar to their yearly heartworm test. Protect your furry friend from this debilitating condition by contacting us at 316-689-0202. 🐾

10/31/2024

🦷 Dental disease in pets is more common than you think. By three years old, most cats and dogs already show signs of dental disease.

🤔 What are the signs? Bad breath, tartar buildup, and red and swollen gums. To prevent chronic pain and inflammation, early detection is key!

💯 Make sure to have your pet's dental evaluation as part of their regular preventive care exam. At least once a year is recommended.

Haven't brought your pet in for their yearly dental exam? Call us to schedule 316-689-0202

10/29/2024

Don't overlook your pet's dental health! The majority of pets suffer from dental disease by age 3, which can lead to significant health problems. Our team at Village Animal Hospital is here to help prevent oral infections and keep your furry friend healthy.

Call us, today, to book a dental check-up for your pet!

10/24/2024

🌡️🐾 If your pet is struggling to lose weight despite your best efforts, it's time for a veterinary visit. Our team at Village Animal Hospital can help determine why your furry friend is having trouble shedding those extra pounds.

🩺🏥 Call us at 316-689-0202 to schedule your pet's workup and create a plan that works for their unique needs. We're here to help you and your pet achieve a healthy weight.

10/22/2024

😿🦠 Feline distemper (panleukopenia) caused by the feline parvovirus can be a serious threat to your cat's health. Kittens are most at risk, and transmission occurs through contact with an infected cat's urine, f***s, or nasal secretions. Learn how to protect your feline friend by calling us at 316-689-0202 today.

10/17/2024

Don't let your furry friend fall victim to rabies, a deadly viral disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord, leading to restlessness, aggression, and seizures. It's transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Sadly, once signs of rabies appear, it's almost always fatal. Protect your pet by calling us at 316-689-0202 to consult with a Veterinarian today.

10/15/2024

Separation anxiety in pets is a serious condition that can cause distress and harm to your furry friend. The good news is that with the right approach, we can help your pet overcome this condition. We offer a range of treatment options, including medication, behavior modification, and environmental management, that can help your pet feel more relaxed and at ease when you're away.

10/15/2024

🚨🚨Wondering whether your pet needs urgent veterinary care or you need to rush them to the emergency vet? Our latest blog post breaks down the differences between urgent and emergency veterinary care, so you can make the right call when it matters most. 🚨🚨

When your pet is sick or injured, do you know how to decide whether they need urgent or emergent care? Both types of veterinary attention address unexpected and after-hours needs, but they are designed to handle different types of care. Knowing the difference can help you make the best decision when...

10/10/2024

🌿🚫 Fertilizers can pose a risk to your furry friends, so pet owners need to be cautious!

🐾 While most fertilizers are safe when used properly, your pet may experience skin irritation or mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they come into contact with or ingest the product. If you think your pet has been exposed to fertilizer, use warm water to remove it from their skin and monitor for any symptoms.

👀 Keep your pet away from fertilized areas to prevent any accidents!🙅

10/08/2024

🚹🐾 Neutering your male pet can help address several problem behaviors. Neutered pets are typically less aggressive, less likely to urine-mark their territory, and less likely to exhibit mounting behavior on people and other pets.

👍 Neutering also helps reduce the risk of certain health issues, and can prevent overpopulation.

10/03/2024

Tired of your dog's barking? Try using the "incompatible behavior" training method to help your furry friend learn to be quiet. The idea is to reward your dog for engaging in behaviors that are incompatible with barking, such as playing with a toy or going to their bed.

First, teach your dog the new behavior in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Make it a game and reward them generously for a correct performance. Once they have learned the behavior, start practicing it in areas where they usually bark, such as near a window or at the front door.

Gradually increase the level of difficulty by introducing distractions and cueing your dog to engage in the new behavior as soon as they get distracted. Over time, your dog will learn to associate the new behavior with being quiet, and the barking will decrease.

Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. With a little effort, you can help your dog become a well-behaved and peaceful member of your household.

10/01/2024

🧠🐾 Play, exercise, and training are all essential for building a healthy mind and body for your young pet. These activities give your puppy or kitten the opportunity to burn energy, learn commands, and understand acceptable behavior.

😻🐶 In addition, engaging your pet in physical and mental activities strengthens the bond between you and helps prevent problem behaviors that may lead to pet relinquishment.

👍🏋️‍♀️ Start your furry friend on the path to good health by incorporating plenty of play, exercise, and training into their daily routine. Call 316-689-0202 to talk to your veterinarian for more information.

09/26/2024

🍫 CHOCOLATE may be sweet for us, but it's TOXIC for our furry friends!

😿 If your pet ingests even a SMALL amount of chocolate, they can get severely ill due to the presence of caffeine and theobromine.

🤢 Keep an eye out for these signs and symptoms of chocolate toxicity and seek immediate help if you notice any!👀

09/24/2024

🚨🐶 Keep your pets safe from rabies! 🐱🚨

Rabies is a viral disease that can be deadly for both pets and humans. It's transmitted through bites from infected animals like bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. The virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe symptoms such as aggression, excessive drooling, and seizures. Sadly, there's no cure for rabies, and it's almost always fatal once signs appear.

Protect your pet from rabies by keeping them up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. Don't forget to keep your distance from wild animals, and always supervise your pet when outside. If you're concerned about rabies or need to schedule a vaccine appointment, give us a call at 316-689-0202 to speak with a veterinarian.

09/19/2024

🌿🐾 Did you know that some plants can be harmful to your furry friends?

😔 Plants like Elephant’s Ear, Begonia, Caladium, Dumb Cane, Philodendron, and Umbrella Tree contain needle-shaped crystals called raphides that can cause mouth and throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, and swelling in pets.

👀 Other common garden plants that can be harmful to pets include Nightshades, Datura, Poppy plants, Oleander, and Foxglove.

🚫 Keep your pets safe by being aware of potential hazards and preventing access to harmful plants.

09/17/2024

It's not uncommon for cats to display some strange behavior, such as trying to bury their food bowl or its contents. Sometimes, this can happen after eating, or even when you've just placed the bowl of wet food down. However, this behavior doesn't necessarily mean that your cat dislikes the food or its location.

In some cases, cats may be trying to "bury" their food, treating it like prey that they can return to later when they're ready to eat. It's just another one of the curious ways that our feline friends show us their unique personalities.