Garland Road Small Animal Hospital

06/19/2024

⚠☀️

We are expected to have extreme heat and humidity in Maine this week. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, even if they appear to be improving, go to the nearest animal emergency room immediately. 🏥

To prevent heatstroke, be aware of the signs (check out our graphic!) and take action quickly. If your pet starts to overheat, move them to a cooler area or out of direct sunlight. Use cool water or a hose to wet their body, and place cool, damp towels in the armpit and groin areas. Avoid using ice packs, as they can cause blood vessels in the skin to constrict.

06/07/2024

Happy Friday everyone!

Remember our friend Tangle from our previous post? Take a look at his DNA results! 🐾 Did anyone guess any of the breeds correctly? I think we can all agree he is 100% adorable! 💕

06/05/2024

🔬The DNA results are in for this handsome southern boy, Tangle!
🧬Put your breed guesses in the comments below!
Results will be posted in a few days - keep an eye out!

06/05/2024

Everyone benefits a safe space - including our pets! 🤍

⭐️ Thunderstorm season is upon us, and firework season is fast approaching. Keep an eye on this page to learn how to help your pets stay safe and comfortable during this noisy time of year. ⭐️

🐾 All animals need a place where they feel safe and can decompress. A safe zone is a special new area we'll create together for your dog. 🏠

🔇 The important aspects of the safe zone are that it provides a place that:

Avoids sensory overload 🚫🔊
Relatively quiet 🤫
Minimizes smells/odors – if you can smell it (e.g., household cleaners), then it is likely overwhelming for the dog. 🌬️
Not too bright, no flashing lights, no shiny or reflective surfaces 🚫💡
Creates predictability 🔄
This is your dog's space to get away from stressful stimuli 🐶
A place your dog can choose to go to if he or she wants a break from activity 🐾
Gives them quiet time to recover from stress (a key for developing resilience) 💤
Minimizes talking, petting, or training 🙅‍♂️🐕

For more information, email us at
[email protected]

05/24/2024

Just a reminder that we will be closed this upcoming Monday (5/27/24) in observation of Memorial Day. We wish you all a safe and fun holiday weekend! 🐾🇺🇸

05/24/2024

‼️🔥

We usually don't have to talk about this until July in Maine but with the temperatures hitting the 80's in MAY(!!) please be aware that your pets can be at risk for heatstroke. Don't let them in the car. Even at 70F after 30 minutes it could be as high as 110 in the car with direct sunlight and humidity.

Make sure that dogs with breathing issues like laryngeal paralysis or smooshed face dogs, like French Bull dogs, are in cool places. Don't walk them during the heat of the day.

Furthermore check that the asphalt or pavement is not too hot to the touch. We can see paw pad sloughing ( yes I said that) from burns. If it's too hot to keep your hand on the pavement for 5 to 10 seconds without feeling uncomfortable, it's too hot for your pet.

We are gearing up for the holiday weekend but an ounce of prevention goes a long way. Heat stroke can be fatal, burnt paw pads really sucks.

Oh and don't forgot, CORN ON THE COB can get stuck. With BBQs happening, get that corn in a pet safe trash can when finished. One of our doctors had to pry a corn cob out of their OWN dog's mouth last night! It can happen and they can be lightening fast when it comes to counter surfacing or stealing from small children!

05/14/2024

"If you see a round, target like lesion on your pet, it is more than likely a black fly bite and NOT a tick bite. Tick bites in dogs and cats tend to be more swollen and pimple like in reaction.
Be careful of using essential oils as "natural" insect repellents on your pets. Some essential oils such as tea tree oil can cause severe reactions and even their skin to be burned. We have even see anaphylaxis and severe skin issues with essential oils that can be fatal.."

The insects are buzzing and this means we might start seeing strange bites, swelling, ulcerations etc which could be concerning on your pet. These bites are often more obvious in the less haired areas of your pet. Think groin, belly, ears, nose of cats and dogs.

Allergic reaction can show up as just a focal area of swelling to a swollen face, hives, to severe ulceration. In severe cases of anaphylaxis, you can even see collapse and vomiting. We have seen a big increase in anaphylaxis in our veterinary patients. We aren't sure if this is because we KNOW it can happen and we are looking for it as possible differential diagnosis or if something has changed. We see a lot of variety in insects as well as the pesky and detested brown tail moth caterpillar now.

Often times we are unsure of what the trigger for the reaction. This makes it hard to avoid. Keeping benadryl out at camp or in your first aid kit can be helpful. Pets who experience anaphylaxis should have epi-pens.

If you see a round, target like lesion on your pet, it is more than likely a black fly bite and NOT a tick bite. Tick bites in dogs and cats tend to be more swollen and pimple like in reaction.

Be careful of using essential oils as "natural" insect repellents on your pets. Some essential oils such as tea tree oil can cause severe reactions and even their skin to be burned. We have even see anaphylaxis and severe skin issues with essential oils that can be fatal in dogs.

If your pet has mild discomfort or itching from an insect bite, call your regular veterinarian for advice. If your pet has swelling, hives, or ulcerations, it might be an emergency so give us a call. Cats have have a horrific reaction to mosquito bites and that can happen even to indoor cats!

05/13/2024

🤩Everything you do (or don't do) is influencing your pet. Training isn't limited to only your 'training sessions'. Games are an excellent, engaging opportuntity to work on appropriate behaviors!

🗣️ Playing tug-of-war with puppies can be beneficial when done correctly! Here are some reasons why it’s okay and even advantageous:

1️⃣ Impulse Control: Tug games can help puppies learn impulse control. When they wait to go for the toy or drop it when asked, it reinforces desired behavior.

2️⃣ Confidence Building: Tug can boost a puppy’s confidence. It allows them to focus on you in distracting environments, which is essential for training and socialization.

3️⃣ Bond Strengthening: By playing tug, you nurture a strong rapport with your puppy. Letting them “win” during the game doesn’t mean they dominate you; it shows that engaging with you is fun and rewarding.

4️⃣ Physical Exercise: Tug games provide an excellent outlet for physical activity. Puppies burn energy, strengthen their muscles, and improve coordination while tugging on a toy.

5️⃣ Mental Stimulation: Tug-of-war engages a puppy’s mind. They need to strategize, focus, and react to your movements during the game. This mental stimulation is essential for their overall well-being.

6️⃣ Teething Relief: Puppies go through a teething phase, and tugging on a toy can help soothe their sore gums. Make sure the toy is appropriate for teething and not too hard.

7️⃣ Training Opportunities: Tug can reinforce behaviors like “drop it” or “leave it.” Use the game as a training tool to teach obedience and impulse control.

📣 Remember a few simple rules:

✔️ Use an appropriate toy (not your hands or clothing).

✔️ Maintain light resistance, especially with young puppies or senior dogs—be gentle with tugging. Match your tugging intensity to their size and body

✔️ Always supervise playtime.

Happy Tugging! 🐶🐾

05/09/2024

We also have had multiple heartworm cases in the past year or two! Please be aware, any mosquito you see could be carrying heartworm. Prevention is key!

Is your dog on heart worm prevention? We recently had a dog test positive for heart worms in our clinic. Historically, Maine is not known for heart worm disease in dogs. However with the increase in southern rescue dogs as well as the high volume of tourism... we are seeing more and more cases. One hospital in Cumberland county reported SEVEN born and raised in Maine/never left Maine dogs in their clinic tested positive in 2023.

Heart worm disease is transmitted to dogs by mosquitoes. I know I just found a mosquito in my car and in my house this week! When a mosquito feeds on a positive dog, they now can infect YOUR dog. Heart worms can cause life long complications and even kill your dog. Cats can also get heart worm disease but are less susceptible but there are cats in Maine who have tested positive for heart worm disease too!

Treatment for heart worm disease is scary, painful, and expensive. We literally have to kill a worm in your pet's heart and hope ,when it dies, we don't cause a fatal complication to your pet.

If you are adopting a dog from the south, even if they are heartworm NEGATIVE at the time of adoption, they COULD be incubating heart worms. Continuing their monthly prevention ( even if it's winter and frozen outside in Mainei will prevent the microfilaria in their blood stream from maturing.

Prevention is much cheaper and safer! Make sure your dog is on monthly prevention ALL YEAR AROUND. It also kills intestinal parasites so it's a really good thing to do! There are now products that can help with flea/tick AND heart worm prevention so call your regular vet and get your routine care done.

05/07/2024

🩷

"What would it be like to be seen, or to have our dogs seen, as struggling, instead of misbehaving?" Kristi Benson posed this question in a blog post that is so beautiful, poignant, and reflective, you will absolutely love it. Make sure you read to the very end! From the archives.
https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2023/05/can-you-imagine-those-barking-and.html

05/03/2024

"When you're dealing with a fear-based problem, you have to address the fear. You have to help your dog feel safe and relaxed.."

When you're dealing with a fear-based problem, you have to address the fear. You have to help your dog feel safe and relaxed, before you can really regain control over their behavior.

To help your dog feel safe, Classical Conditioning is essential, but what many dog trainers don't understand is how easy it is to Classically Condition a dog to feel better at the same time as you use Operant Conditioning to train the dog to behave appropriately.

It's all about how you talk to your dog and sadly, too many dog trainers and owners have forgotten how powerful their voice can be as a training tool.

If you're struggling with a dog-dog reactivity problem, we want to help you.

We're thinking of launching a new training program. Fill in this short interest form to learn more: https://www.dunbaracademy.com/pages/dog-dog-reactivity-interest-form

04/25/2024

04/23/2024

It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month!
What's in your pet first aid kit?

You can never be too puppared. For National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, follow our guide to build your own! 🩹✍️

Remember that even the best first aid kits aren’t a substitute for veterinary care. It’s important to follow up any treatment with a veterinary call or visit.

04/22/2024

⚠ With the warmer weather we are now receiving multiple phone calls daily about ticks.
As ticks can be deceptively difficult to find, we strongly encourage everyone to keep their pet on flea/tick & heartworm preventatives.
If you do find a tick on your pet and would like it identified and/or tested for disease, you can send it to UMaine! (we are unable to test ticks here at GRSAH) https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/

If your pet is experiencing symptoms of a tick borne illness, please call us or your local veterinary hospital to schedule an appointment.

04/09/2024

It is Bite Prevention Week!
"Although kids and dogs can, and often do, have great relationships, it may not be as easy as it seems. Children are unpredictable because they make loud noises and move suddenly, causing even the most mild-mannered dog to become frightened and overwhelmed. Any dog, even one who loves kids, can bite if they feel threatened, especially if they can’t escape the situation. Research shows that kids are most often bitten by a dog they know."
Check out this article to learn more!
https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/kids-and-dogs/?utm_campaign=CDP%20Increase%20Newsletter%20Signups%20from%20Website&utm_content=288727054&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-57794349244

We have many educational resources, including articles and downloadable posters, for Bite Prevention week. Find out tips for keeping kids and dogs safe in this printable article: https://hubs.ly/Q02s4hBg0

04/08/2024

With the snow from last week, we have seen less cases of quills but spring means the porcupines are out. We have been seeing a steady climb of cases every week. Quills are barbed and are very painful to remove. Contrary to some myths out there, porcupines do not shoot their quills at animals or people. Further more, cutting the quills DOES NOT make it easier to remove, in fact, it makes it harder.

Quills in the chest is an EMERGENCY. Since quills are barbed, every movement can allow them to move DEEPER INTO your pet. When the quills break through the chest muscles, it can cause a deadly condition called a pneumothorax. This means there is air AROUND the lung, making it hard to get air INTO the lung. You know those movies where the hero screams for a pen or those medical dramas where, usually, the intern is stuck somewhere and only has a pen... and they stab the patient and they can suddenly breathe again? That's when the air around the lungs are squishing the lungs and the patient can't get air in. No air means no oxygen. And you need oxygen to be alive.

One or two quills in the lip or nose might not warrant a visit but any quills IN the mouth, in the chest or abdominal area, or a large number likely warrants sedation and an ER visit.

Porcupines are most active at dawn and dusk. Please check the backyard before letting your dog out OR venture out with them on a leash. Sedation and quills removal is an unexpected cost and can be a life threatening issue.

04/05/2024

"Since indoor cats rarely leave the house, they often become stressed or anxious when they are taken to the veterinary hospital once a year. Cats learn by association, so the sudden appearance of the carrier tends to signal that something scary is happening. If the carrier is kept in a part of the home that the cat doesn’t have access to, such as the garage or attic, it can also bring strange smells, potentially adding more stress."
Learn here about helping your cat love their carrier! https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/training-your-cat-to-use-the-carrier/

04/03/2024

Due to upcoming inclement weather, our office will be closed tomorrow, Thursday 4/4/24. We will be back in the office Friday, 4/5. Stay safe and warm! ❄️⛄️

03/28/2024

Closing at 3pm today for our quarterly inventory count. We will resume normal hours tomorrow.

03/26/2024

As the weather warms up and and the temperature allows molds to grow in compost, leave piles etc we start to see more mold toxin exposure. Ingestion of moldy items OUTSIDE as well as getting into the trash ( think moldy bread, cheese etc) can lead to the same clinical symptoms.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, drooling, muscle tremors and seizure like activity. In severe cases, without immediate decontamination, pets can have heat stroke like signs from the continued muscle tremors. Even at normal temperature, prolonged muscle tremors can lead to breakdown of the muscle and increase myoglobin in the blood stream. This can change the color of the urine and also lead to kidney damage.

Many times, the exposure is accidental. Please make sure any moldy debris is moved out of your pet's reach and that composting areas are pet secure as well. If you suspect your pet has ingested compost, trash, moldy debris, please seek medical attention to avoid prolonged hospitalization.

03/21/2024

"Just a few weeks after starting medications, Bean now is at her station at med time, reminding me its time for meds!"

Check out the pawsome video and cat medication tips!
You and your cat will thank you for making medication into a less stressful (or dare we say it.. even fun) training event!

03/19/2024

🌼Happy Official First Day of Spring!🦟
We have seen a huge increase in parasite activity these past few weeks! Please reach out to us if you would like to discuss preventatives that protect your pets from potentially disease carrying parasites such as fleas, mosquitos, and ticks!

*mosquito on dog nose and tick on thumb pictures taken last week here in Winslow, ME*

02/26/2024

💚SNIFFARI💚
"Did you know that about 15 minutes of mental work for a dog is the equivalent of taking your dog on a 1-mile walk? Have you ever worked on a project intensely... [it] felt like you ran a marathon? That is because your brain did all the heavy lifting. Mental exercise and brain games are often referred to as enrichment." - Melissa Spooner-Raymond, LVT, VTS (Behavior), BS, KPA-CTP

🐕 Article: https://cattledogpublishing.com/blog/walking-your-dog/
🐩Study: https://www.dogfieldstudy.com/en/study/pulse-study-at-the-heart-of-the-walk?fbclid=IwAR2G9C_f-ddjVy_Qh8xb8sUN3AD9UCmuzoGibb2qrP8SUh8t9q_dJai1Lk0

Shake it…shake it off…

A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.

This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Read more about it below!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HX77kp2HBDiTxmq/?mibextid=Le6z7H

https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/

What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!

02/23/2024

Getting a cat into a carrier does not need to be a stressful event for you or your cat (although we know it often is)!😾🙀
🐈‍⬛If you have a kitten, now is the time to set them up for a lifetime of less stressful travel!
🐈You can even help your adult cat have a happier relationship with their carrier!
Check out these articles to learn more:
👉 https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/teach-your-cat-to-go-into-a-carrier-without-a-struggle/
👉 https://www.catster.com/felines-weekly/a-cat-owners-manual-cat-carriers/?fbclid=IwAR1iuK8SW3V6T-ouzMG3J63mV4sw5E5SB65YxieNPLxEEjVzVmp-Wf8HitU

Cat carriers are the bane of many cat owners’ existence…and one of the most common reasons people miss their vet appointments. Dr. Lauren explains...

02/14/2024

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️🌹 Kira was looking super cute and festive for her appointment this morning. If you have any fun Valentine's Day pictures of your furry friends, drop them in the comments below!

02/09/2024

Happy Superbowl weekend! Here are some things to keep in mind to keep your four-legged friends happy and safe 🏈🐾

01/30/2024

🤍We may not be an emergency clinic, but we certainly understand the strain that pets' medical costs put on families. 🤍

"As you think about financial goals for this year, maybe starting a emergency care fund for your pet or looking at health insurance for them is recommended. Also doing your homework before you purchase a pet. Some breeds have more medical and surgical needs. We wish love could fix our pets because then they would live forever. We will always do our best to come up with the best plan within your financial means but it can add A LOT of stress to an already challenging time."

Emergency care in veterinary and human is emotional and tough. You are bringing a loved one to an ER because you are concerned for their health and well being. Sometimes they are in pain. Sometime they are actively suffering. One of the hardest things for our staff is knowing that WE have a way to help or even fix your pet... but there are financial barriers for that medical or surgical plan.

Like most things, the cost of veterinary medicine is higher than it was 5 years ago. A cesarean section can be over $2,000. A foreign body surgery can be $2500 to $3500. Blood work, X-rays, and medications can be more than $700. Care for kidney failure can be several days in the hospital with IV fluids can be over $3,000.

There are many things that we can't fix... and that can be hard on our team... but when we KNOW we can make a difference and cost is the only barrier... it really is tough....

Veterinary care has advanced over the years. We can run blood work and have results in 20 to 30 minutes. We have digital x-rays to give us instant feed back. We have ultrasound to look at the organs in REAL time to look for issues. We have monoclonal antibodies for parvo virus that IF a puppy gets it in time... there was 100% recovery and 0% death in the study..... but all these things do cost something.

Pet insurance or having an emergency medical fund for your pet can help alleviate some of these financial stresses. Routine care of blood work, vaccines, parasite control, and annual exams can help find or prevent diseases before they are a big deal. A spay or neuter is much less expensive than an emergency pyometra( uterine infection surgery) or perineal hernia repair and neuter.

There are stand alone veterinary insurance companies as well as pet insurance through car/home/rv insurance as well. Please read the fine print to find the best policy for you and your pet BUT having that financial safety net can really reduce stress during the emergency room visit. Unlike human health care where the state or federal government will make sure you get some level of care... veterinary medical care is a privilege for pets and not a right.

As you think about financial goals for this year, maybe starting a emergency care fund for your pet or looking at health insurance for them is recommended. Also doing your homework before you purchase a pet. Some breeds have more medical and surgical needs. We wish love could fix our pets because then they would live forever. We will always do our best to come up with the best plan within your financial means but it can add A LOT of stress to an already challenging time.

01/26/2024

Due to today's snow we will be closing at 3:30pm this afternoon.
⚠Please contact us ASAP if you need to pick up medication for your pet today! Otherwise, we will be back in the office at 8am on Monday.
Have a warm, safe weekend! 🤍

01/26/2024

🌈 Embracing Healing Together 🐾

Join our Pet Loss Support Group, a compassionate space for those who have experienced the loss of a beloved furry friend. Let's share stories, find solace, and support one another through this journey of healing. 🕊️🐾

➡️ The next session will be held on Monday, February 5th.

01/18/2024

Check out this article by local trainer Breanna Norris - Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partener!
Stationing can be an incredibly useful skill (especially if you have an excitable dog who jumps on company)! This article is a great guide for working on this behavior!

Stationing or platform training is a skill often used in dog training, zoos, or aquariums. It is an important skill to teach even puppies.