Did you know that multiple staff members at our Springhill location are Fear-Free certified professionals? This means that these staff members have gone through the Fear Free Pets training to know the best practices for alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. How do we do this? Let’s find out! Fear-free starts before your pet arrives at our hospital Preparing your pet for their visit to our hospital prior to their actual appointment time makes all the difference in their anxiety level while services are performed. While every cat and dog is different, there are some common anti-anxiety practices we may suggest, such as packing your car with your pet’s favorite treats and toys, spraying their carrier or collar with calming pheromones, and budgeting extra time for your travel so you don’t feel stressed about getting to your appointment on time (Stress that your pet can sense on you). Another suggestion your veterinarian may make based on your pet’s individual anxiety level is pre-medicating with anti-anxiety medications such as gabapentin or trazodone. These medications are extremely safe and are effective for calming the stress that your furry friend may associate with the animal hospital. Fear-free is a major part of your pet’s appointment When you arrive for your pet’s appointment, you may take note of some practices that have been implemented specifically for the purpose of relaxation. These practices include maintaining a quiet lobby area while minimizing wait times for exam rooms, using aromatherapy and calming pheromones to help pets relax, and using blankets and/or towels to provide pets with a non-slip surface on tables and floors during their exam. We also offer your pet high quality treats while receiving certain services that may induce fear, such as vaccines, blood draws, or nail trims. These practices allow our pet patients to feel more secure and safe in their environment and with our team, thus helping them feel more relaxed and comfortable for exams and services. Fear-free helps our staff teach clients how to identify when their pet is stressed A large part of the fear-free training our staff receives is centered on identifying the signs of fear and anxiety in pets. Every pet has a different anxiety level in new or uncomfortable situations, which means that every pet may also exhibit their stress in a variety of ways. There are, however, a few key behaviors our staff has been trained to look out for that tell us when a pet is beginning to get stressed. These may be: ​Cats Dogs Dilated pupils Brow furrowing Whiskers & ears pulled back Tail pulled tight to body or flicking Increased respiratory rate Hissing Raised or tucked tail Fidgeting, unable to settle Ears slightly back or to the side Hair raised on back and tail Excessive panting Trembling Showing whites of eyes (whale eyes) If our staff identifies any of these behaviors in a pet while we are trying to perform services, we may opt to take a break in order to let the pet decompress. Allowing pets a minute or two to pause and relax not only helps them become more comfortable within our exam rooms, but also helps the pet, their owner, and our staff stay safe by avoiding the pet going over threshold. Going over threshold, also known as Fight or Flight, happens when a pet has reached a level of anxiety where they feel they need to intervene to keep themselves safe. Once a pet reaches this level, it becomes nearly impossible to perform services on them. As part of the Fear-Free experience, this is a point where services on the pet would be halted and either rescheduled or sedation would be offered. As an animal hospital group, our goal is for our pet patients to be excited for their visits and relaxed while receiving their services. We understand that not every pet has had this experience with their veterinarian, and are committed to helping those pets learn that Newberry Animal Hospital is a safe space for them through the Fear Free program. For more information on Fear-Free, visit FearFreePets.com .

As she celebrates 5 years at NAH - and a new title as part-owner - Dr. Gruntmeir is ready to take on a new hospital. In between welcoming new clients to our Springhill location, Dr. Gruntmeir was able to sit down with me to answer a few questions about her career as a veterinarian and what it took to get here. Olivia: Your love for all animals is undeniable in the care you provide for your patients. What is your earliest memory of a pet in your life? Dr. Gruntmeir: My earliest memory of a pet was my first love and "sister". I was the only girl surrounded by brothers and when I was in 3rd grade I begged my parents for a sister... Needless to say, I got a dog that was an alternative to an actual human sister! Ha! I absolutely loved her and she was perfect! Felicity was a black and tan dachshund that did everything and went everywhere with me. She helped me dig holes when gardening every spring and living on 20 acres of land gave us the freedom to chase rabbits together into the woods. We never could catch them, as her legs were too short and I was too slow. She was such a good girl! O: Is there something about you that most people do not know, but would be surprised to hear? KG: I used to sing and travel in an acapella recruiting group when attending college prior to vet school. O: If you could go back and have five minutes with your ‘younger self’, how would you use that time, or what would you say? KG: Oh wow, this question is thoughtful! I would love to be able to go back and tell my younger self to invest in myself and my future, be courageous, confident, strong, know that you are loved, and to take a deep breath and know that everything will be OK. I feel like it took me a lot longer to figure these things out and wish it could have been sooner, which is why I hope to instill this wisdom into my children as much as possible. O: How do you want the world to be different because YOU lived in it? KG: I want to make a difference by investing in my children and in relationships around me. I want the world to be a different place living and leading by example in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. My hope is that I raise my children to follow a Christ-like example and change the world by practicing these things to all people and extending grace and forgiveness. I find more and more that it's a life long mission to be and become these things myself. But I will do my best to keep practicing, showing, and teaching my children what this looks like so the world might be just a little changed by me. O: When you find yourself with a sudden amount of free time unexpectedly, how do you spend it? KG: This one makes me laugh...what's "free time"?! I spend a great amount of time prioritizing what I feel is important in my life such as my spirituality, my family and relationships, and my career and as a veterinarian, wife, and mother of 2. I don't find much unexpected free time, but if I could I might actually take a nice long NAP! O: Thank you for your interview! We always end it with a favorite quote. What is yours? KG: Yes absolutely! I have so many I love but this one is my all time favorite by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." Ooooh, one more if it's allowed! Another personal favorite I have on repeat with my children on a daily basis..."Be kind to all kinds, no matter what kind." - Author unknown

Fecal testing is a routine wellness service that involves your veterinarian testing a pet’s feces for intestinal parasites that may be slowly affecting their overall health. Most pet owners understand why fecal testing is important in cases of diarrhea and other abnormal bowel movements, but what they may not know is how beneficial routine fecal testing is even when their pet’s poops are regular. What do fecal tests detect? Fecal tests are used to screen for several different species of intestinal parasites, also sometimes referred to as intestinal worms. These species include: Hookworms : Hookworms suck blood by attaching themselves to the intestinal wall of their host. If left untreated, hookworms can cause anemia, lethargy, weakness, pale gums, bloody diarrhea, and weight loss. Whipworms : Whipworms cause bloody diarrhea in dogs, resulting in weakness and further debilitation over time. Roundworms : Pets with Roundworms are often asymptomatic. However, in extreme cases these worms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a dull coat, weight loss, and a distended abdomen (pot-bellied appearance). As the worms grow, they can migrate to the lungs and cause respiratory distress such as coughing. Coccidia : This intestinal parasite can also go undetected for a long time due to infected pets being asymptomatic. In young pets or debilitated adults however, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal distress may occur. Giardia - Giardia is a protozoan parasite common in puppies and dogs that drink contaminated water that can cause watery diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. We test for this through an add-on test. This parasite (as well as hookworms and roundworms) is transmissible to humans, making it that much more important to screen your pet’s feces for them regularly. "I don’t see any worms in my pet’s feces, can he still have worms?" Yes! In fact, most intestinal worms are microscopic and will remain in the pet’s GI tract until the pet is dewormed through medication. They will shed their eggs however, which are microscopic and are what we look for in fecal tests. Some parasite eggs go through shedding cycles, which means they only shed eggs during part of the year. This is why routine fecal testing is so important, as your pet can have intestinal parasites but still get a negative fecal test if the parasites are not currently shedding their eggs. How are fecal tests performed? At Newberry Animal Hospital, feces are either sent to our reference laboratory, IDEXX or ran within our hospitals. Fecal samples for this test must be as fresh as possible, and not more than 24 hours old. If a fecal sample cannot be delivered to us within an hour of collection, we recommend refrigerating it until it can be delivered. The fecal sample with then be mixed with a solution that allows lighter fecal matter such as parasite eggs to float to the top. This lighter fecal material is then examined under a microscope to identify the parasites themselves and/or their eggs. How are intestinal parasites treated? Is there any way to prevent them? If your pet tests positive for an intestinal parasite or worm, your veterinarian will usually prescribe a specific type of dewormer. This dewormer will often need to be administered twice. The first dose will kill off all adult parasites, and then a second dose given 2-3 weeks later will kill off any parasites that may have hatched from leftover eggs. Each parasite has a specific treatment plan though, so medication and dosing can vary greatly depending on which one your pet has. When it comes to prevention, heartworm preventatives also have intestinal parasite protection included in them. Preventions such as Sentinel Spectrum and Simparica Trio cover a multitude of intestinal parasites. If you have any questions about intestinal parasite treatment and prevention, or if your pet is due for a fecal test, send us a contact form through www.newberryanimalhospital.com or give one of our locations a call today!

Happy New Year from us to you! With the start of 2023 also comes National Pet Travel Safety Day on January 2nd. To celebrate, we are shedding some light on international travel and how to prepare for traveling abroad with your pet! Over 4 million pets and live animals are transported by air worldwide every year, according to the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. With this many animals traveling together, it has become imperative for the United States and other foreign countries to make sure that each pet boarding a plane has a good bill of health so as not to spread infectious disease to other parts of the world. How do they do this? Through international health certificates of course! International health certificates are required for all pets traveling internationally. Before you start the process of acquiring an international health certificate for your pet, you will need to know the following: Type of animal traveling Destination country Date of departure from U.S. Is your pet traveling alone, in cargo, or in the cabin with you? Once you know these, it will be time to start planning to complete your pet’s health certificate! The requirements for your certificate will differ based on your destination and can change at any time - so be sure to do your research early when planning your trip. In fact, time restraints are often an important thing to keep in mind when planning to complete your pet’s international health certificate. Based on which foreign country you are traveling to, extensive testing such as Rabies Titers may be required before completing the international health certificate, which can take up to twelve weeks to perform. Most international health certificates must be completed within 10 days of travel which is why it is so important to research your destination well in advance of your trip. To look up your destination country’s requirements, visit the USDA’s Pet Travel Guidance page. Once you know your travel destination’s requirements, it will be time to schedule your pet’s IHC exam with us. International health certificates can be completed by any USDA-accredited veterinarian - which at NAH is either Dr. Spinosa, Dr. White, or Dr. Lebo. These appointments are often more extensive than a usual exam, but will be where all of your pet’s services will be completed to make them eligible for international travel. Another aspect of the international health certificate process is getting your pet’s certificate endorsed by the USDA. Not all foreign countries require this, but many popular travel destinations do. After your veterinarian signs off on your pet’s international health certificate at their IHC exam, they can either submit it to the USDA for endorsement or you can mail it to the USDA yourself. The USDA endorsement process can take upwards of 3 days to complete alone, so be sure to plan accordingly. We know the international health certificate process can be very nuanced, which is why we are here to help you navigate it. If you are planning a trip overseas in 2023 with your four-legged friend, visit our website to fill out the Health Certificate-International Form and let us help you get them there by scheduling your International Health Certificate appointment with us! NAH Locations with USDA-accredited DVMs: Holistic: (352) 332-9991 39th Avenue: (352) 332-2292 Main Street: (352) 372-5391

Did you know dogs did not have an official role in the U.S. military until 1942? According to the U.S. Department of Defense, while canines became official members of the military as part of the Army K9 Corps that year, they had been serving alongside human troops for much longer. This K9 Veterans Day, we are celebrating the storied history of Military Working Dogs (MWDs) and how they became the highly skilled four-legged fighters we know today. The first dog to serve in the military on record is said to be ‘Stubby’, a former stray smuggled to Europe by a soldier during World War I. Stubby “served” in 17 battles by alerting U.S. soldiers of gas attacks and even sniffed out a German spy who was disguised as a U.S. soldier. As a result of his miraculous contribution, Stubby was given the title of Sergeant with the 102nd Infantry Regiment and paved the way for future canines to make their mark on the U.S. military. In today’s military, MWDs play a much larger role in daily operations. MWDs are recruited from birth from a number of elite breeders around the world as well as the Department of Defense’s own Military Working Dog Breeding Program. About 50-90 puppies are born into this program every year, with all of them being Belgian Malinois. Why Belgian Malinois? Well, this breed is known for having strong noses, trainability, agility, and loyalty - among other traits deemed ideal for military work. Within the first few weeks after birth, the puppies are tested for personality traits such as inquisitiveness, sociability, and a lack of fear for loud noises. The ones that exemplify these traits are then sent to foster parents and later Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas to be trained and socialized to a combat zone-esque environment. Once these dogs complete their obedience and bite-work training at Lackland, they are specially assigned to one of the 6 military branches and will remain there for the rest of their career. When they arrive at their assignment, the dogs receive highly specialized training to perform one of many specific tasks of which only canines are capable. These tasks can range from explosive detection, to drug detection, security, and many more. Want to see what a day in the life of a military working dog-in-training is like? Follow MWD Ben’s day of training below, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense: After their 120-day program, the MWDs will be ready to enter regular military service! According to the USO, the average career for a military working dog is 8 years. After their honorable service, these pups have the ability to be adopted by their handler. In fact, more than 90% of MWDs meet this fate! On the off chance they do not join their handler in retirement, they typically go on to work in law enforcement or find forever homes through ‘Robby’s Law’, the adoption program for MWDs enacted in 2000 by Lackland Air Force Base. In retirement, canine veterans can experience post-traumatic stress just like humans, which is why it is important to find them permanent homes that can help them adjust to civilian life. Luckily they do not have to wait very long for a home, as the wait list for Robby’s Law is 18 months to 2 years long - full of both former military and civilian adopters waiting to give these dogs the retirement they deserve. Want to learn more about the raising, training, and handling of military working dogs? Visit https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Four-Legged-Fighters/ for more information on these four-legged heroes.

Want your pet to be able to play like this their whole life? Annual bloodwork is one of the most important services we recommend for our furry friends here at Newberry Animal Hospital, and unfortunately is often one of the most declined services as well. Here are the main reasons why we recommend your pet get a full bloodwork panel done at least once a year: General Health In a nutshell, bloodwork is here to help your veterinarian gauge the health of your pet’s internal organs and immune system. When your pet gets their blood drawn in one of our hospitals, the blood is then tested in a lab to determine its blood cell counts and values of various chemicals and substances associated with different organs. Values like Creatinine, BUN, and SDMA are used to indicate kidney health, while others like ALT and ALP are used to indicate liver health. All of these numbers will help us indicate your pet’s general health and will act as a baseline for us to use if your pet ever gets sick. Identifying Disease Once we do your pet’s initial blood panel, we will be able to use it as a baseline to help determine a diagnosis for potential future disease. For example if your pet starts to lose weight suddenly or starts urinating inappropriately, we can run their bloodwork again and see if there are any changes in specific enzyme or white blood cell levels that may indicate a certain type of illness or condition. In many ways this is one of the fastest ways we can diagnose a sick pet, and also serves as a guide for what treatment options may work best. In addition to identifying disease based on their chemical values, bloodwork can also be used to determine if a pet is infected with various parasites or tick-borne diseases. Parasites such as heartworms - worms that can live in a pet’s heart and its surrounding arteries for 6 months before producing symptoms - can only be detected through a blood test. So even if your pet does not seem sick, their blood may indicate otherwise. This is why it is so important to keep your pet’s annual bloodwork up to date even if they seem perfectly healthy! Pre-Surgical Care Another reason we want to keep a pet’s bloodwork up to date is if they ever need to go under anesthesia for a surgical procedure. Remember how we said the whole point of bloodwork is to make sure a pet’s organs are healthy? Well, these same organs also need to be functioning properly in order for a pet to be safely put under anesthesia. For some pets with underlying conditions, we may need to limit how long they are under or in some scenarios may not be able to put them under at all and will have to explore other options. This is why we often recommend having a pet’s bloodwork updated before they get surgery - so we know what they can and can’t handle when it comes to anesthesia. In conclusion, your pet’s bloodwork is one of the most effective ways for us to gauge their overall health and can help us speed up the treatment process when they get sick. If your pet needs their annual bloodwork updated, we will be happy to welcome them to any of our locations! You may even receive a pretty awesome portable pet water bowl when you do so! 39th Avenue: (352) 332-2292 Newberry: (352) 472-7035 Main Street: (352) 372-5391 Springhill: (352) 373-7208 Holistic: (352) 332-9991

Mother's Day is almost here! This year, we are celebrating by shedding some light on motherhood from the animal perspective. Spring and Summer are prime seasons for both intentional and accidental breeding in dogs and cats - meaning now is the perfect time to make sure you know how to care for a newly pregnant pet and help her start motherhood off right! So how do I know my pet is pregnant? One of the first (and most obvious) ways you will be able to tell your pet is pregnant is by noticing that her heat cycle has stopped. In the days and weeks after, you may also begin to notice a slight increase in appetite, some morning sickness, and your pet’s nipples turning darker and slightly more red. These are all completely normal, and the telltale signs your pet may be preparing for puppies or kittens! So your pet has all the signs of pregnancy. What next? At day 25, we will be able to do an ultrasound to confirm your pet is pregnant. This ultrasound will be able to confirm the size of the litter and identify any potential abnormalities that may be forming. This will also be the time to start gradually making some changes to your pet’s daily routine in an effort to make her more comfortable and help her pregnancy along in a healthy way. First, you will want to start limiting your pet’s exercise. This new momma’s body is going to be expending the majority of its energy on creating the babies, so any further exertion could be harmful to their development. Next, you will want to wean her on to a food that is specially formulated for reproduction or a puppy food (under the direction of your veterinarian of course!). These foods have increased nutrients that will aid your pet’s body in both fetus development and overall health. It will also be a good idea to start feeding her more frequently and in smaller amounts, so as not to over-stuff her once the babies grow big enough to press on her stomach. As the pregnancy progresses over the following weeks, you will start to notice your pet’s stomach swell and potentially lose hair. This hair loss is completely normal, as well as milk production & leakage, and some clear discharge coming from her vulva. These are all signs that labor, or ‘whelping’, is coming closer! At this time, you will want to prepare a quiet area with lots of comfortable blankets and bedding for your pet to give birth in. Okay, but what do I do to make sure she has a safe labor? Right before labor starts, you will notice a decrease in your pet’s temperature as well as an increase in restlessness. Most pets can give birth on their own, but there are a few things to look out for that may be cause for you as her owner to intervene and help her along. First, monitor her contractions. If your pet has been contracting for over an hour or 2 without success, it may be time to give us a call. If she is able to push her puppies/kittens out herself but is not breaking the amniotic sac and/or is failing to clean and dry them off, this may be a time for you to help do both! Always use a clean towel in these situations, and rub the babies gently to help stimulate their breathing. Holding them stomach-side down will also help any remaining amniotic fluid drain from their airways. Once all the babies are clean, dry, and suckling mom’s milk, you are set to go! Continue to monitor both mom and babies, and give us a call to schedule an appointment to make sure no post-labor complications arise. Do you think your pet is pregnant? Have questions about how to care for puppies or kittens post-whelping? Give us a call at any of our locations! 39th Avenue: (352) 332-2292 Newberry: (352) 472-7035 Main Street: (352) 372-5391 Springhill: (352) 373-7208 Holistic: (352) 332-9991

Meet Olive! She is a 10 ½ year old Beagle Mix that was brought in to see Dr. White for a possible hip or back injury when the owner noticed her limping after losing her balance on a pile of pillows. Olive was also not eating much . Dr. White did an evaluation and with the help of ultrasound and x-rays, identified a large mass on Olive’s spleen. Surgery was scheduled for the following day. Dr. Price and Dr. Stanley performed a surgical procedure to remove the mass and spleen. Surprisingly, the mass was about the size of a large grapefruit and was ultimately identified as a ‘benign hematoma’. Olive had her sutures removed, and according to her owner, Kara, has fully recovered and is even better than her former self!

Happy Game Day, Gators! It’s officially time to pack the Swamp with Orange and Blue! Coming together with all your college pals for football season is always a fun time, and there’s no doubt bringing your four-legged friend along can make it even better. When planning to tailgate with your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure both their enjoyment and safety: 1. Make sure your dog is comfortable in crowds. It’s no surprise that not all dogs are great around people. If your dog enjoys meeting people and has a strong foundation of behavioral obedience, tailgating can be a very fun experience for them! But if your pup could use some work in the area of training, it may be a good idea to schedule a session with one of our dog training partners before bringing your dog to a tailgate. 2. Wait until your dog is old enough/vaccinated Deadly diseases like Parvo, Distemper, and Leptospirosis thrive in dirty areas such as outdoor tailgates. Introducing your puppy to this environment before they are completely vaccinated can be very dangerous. For their safety, leave your pup at home until they have all their boosters. 3. Bring supplies that will keep your pup fed and comfortable While you pack all your food, drinks, and folding chairs, make sure to include items that will help your pet feel comfortable too! Bringing along dog food, bowls, and lots of water will help ensure your dog will remain full and happy while away from home. A travel bed and toys will also make the environment more comfortable, as your dog will have a safe place to rest if they need some space from the party. 4. Make sure the weather forecast is ideal for dogs Pro tip: check the forecast before you decide to bring your pup to the tailgate. Dogs are significantly more sensitive to weather than humans, so any slight change in temperature or precipitation can affect them greatly. If the weather seems like it’s going to be hot, it may be a good idea to leave your dog at home to protect them from heatstroke. 5. Keep your dog on a leash Alachua County law states that owners must maintain physical control of their dog at all times when their dog is off their owner’s property. Not only is keeping your dog on leash part of the law, but it is also the safest situation for your dog when in a loud area with several distractions (and cars!). Even if your dog is well-behaved, it can be hard to predict the behavior of other dogs, children, and intoxicated people. 6. Plan ahead for someone to pick up your pup when it’s time to head inside the stadium It is never acceptable to lock your dog in the car, especially in the heat of Florida. When the time comes to head to the stadium for the game, you should already have a plan in place for someone to come pick up your dog and take them home to relax in the quiet and air conditioning. 7. Know your dog’s limits As noted before, not all dogs are social. Tailgates are a hypothetical petri dish for fear triggers in dogs. Loud, thumping music, screams, shouts, hundreds of smells, and sudden movements are just a few things that can drive a dog to either get reactive or run away in fear. Understanding your dog’s potential triggers as well as their personal signs of stress is crucial to keeping them under threshold while at a tailgate. If you notice your dog exhibiting stress signals while at a tailgate, it may be time to take them home. 8. Do not give your dog human food We say this every year during the holidays, and will offer another reminder now during football season - human food should not be given to dogs. When dogs are given human food that their stomachs are not used to, it can trigger gastrointestinal issues such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, and even an intestinal obstruction if they happen to swallow a hard object like a chicken bone. Several human foods are toxic to dogs as well, so a good rule of thumb is to steer clear of giving any human food to your dog in general. 9. Help your dog catch the team spirit with Gators gear! There’s no better place than a tailgate to get decked out in orange and blue! Before game day, visit one of our locally-owned pet partners to pick up a Gators bandana, collar, or even a jersey for your pup! For a list of pet stores in our area, visit https://www.newberryanimalhospital.com/pet-partners 10. Clean up after your dog No one wants to step in doggie doo-doo on their walk to the stadium. Always keep doggie bags on hand, and clean up after your pet when they do their business. After all, it is tailgate etiquette to leave your area cleaner than you found it!

Here in Florida, the rainy season has been unleashed upon us! With daily rain showers and the occasional weekend-long storm comes a lot of standing water and flooding - which can house several deadly diseases for our pets. One of the most dangerous of these diseases is Leptospirosis . Leptospirosis , or “Lepto”, is a zoonotic bacterial infection, meaning it can be transmitted to humans from our animal companions. In humans, Leptospirosis causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, head & muscle aches, vomiting, and abdominal pain (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) . In cats, Leptospirosis is quite rare and very mild if contracted. However in dogs, this disease can range from a treatable, mild infection all the way up to organ failure and death. Some common symptoms of Leptospirosis in dogs are: Fever Muscle tenderness Increased thirst Vomiting & diarrhea Loss of appetite Changes of frequency in urination Labored breathing So how does Leptospirosis spread? The Leptospira bacteria spreads through the urine of infected mammals and thrives in wet conditions such as standing water and warm, wet soil. It can survive in these conditions for several weeks or months, making it a common disease in all areas of our native Florida. Additionally, Leptospirosis can be spread through exposure to an infected rodent, wild animal, or farm animal, as well as that animal’s food or bedding. If you are wondering if your dog may be at risk of Leptospirosis, as yourself the following questions: Does my dog have access to wetland areas or sources of slow-moving or stagnant water? Does my dog roam areas where wildlife such as deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, or other animals may be present? Does my dog live in an urban area where they have to walk through puddles or areas of pooling water after it rains? Does my dog live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall or frequent flooding? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is definitely time to think about how to protect your pup from Leptospirosis. Luckily, there are many ways to do this! First, make sure your dog is vaccinated for Lepto. Here at Newberry Animal Hospital, we consider the Leptospirosis vaccine to be just as important as your dog’s core Rabies and DHP/P vaccines! As long as your dog remains up to date on their vaccine, they have a greater chance of staying protected even if they come in contact with the Leptospira bacteria. However, even if your dog is vaccinated, you will still want to prevent your pup from frequenting areas with standing water or large populations of wild animals and/or rodents. Make sure you are draining water out of your yard when it rains and keep on top of extermination when rodents sneak into your humble abode! By utilizing these preventative measures, you & your dog can stay safe from Leptospirosis even during the rainy Florida summer. For questions about Leptospirosis in humans, please contact your physician. For questions about Leptospirosis in dogs, visit the AVMA Leptospirosis Page or give us a call at any of our locations: 39th Ave: (352) 332-2292 Newberry: (352) 472-7035 Main Street: (352) 372-5391 Springhill: (352) 373-7208 Holistic: (352) 332-9991

As temperatures climb to almost 100 degrees this week, there is no better time than now to remind ourselves of the danger of heatstroke in pets. Heatstroke can occur within minutes, so it is important to understand not only the symptoms of it, but also how to ensure your pet stays cool while summer temperatures continue to rise. Signs of Heatstroke in Pets According to Today’s Veterinary Practice, heatstroke in dogs is considered to be a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher. In addition to this, physical symptoms such as heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, extreme salivation, lethargy, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and others, may occur. Some pets may even experience seizures when they go into heatstroke. Like many other diseases, some pets are at higher risk for heatstroke than others. If your pet is extremely old or extremely young, overweight, not used to being in a hot climate/outside, or has heart/respiratory disease, they are at a higher risk for heatstroke. In addition to this, breeds with shorter muzzles - such as pugs, bulldogs, and shih tzus - will have a harder time fending off heatstroke in extremely hot conditions. What if I Think My Pet has Heatstroke? Heatstroke is considered a medical EMERGENCY. If you think your pet may be experiencing heatstroke, get them to their veterinarian immediately. If you cannot immediately leave or your vet is a bit of a drive away, move your pet to a shaded area. Place a cool towel around their neck and head while leaving their eyes, nose, and mouth uncovered. Replace the towel with a fresh one every few minutes to keep it cool. If you do not have a towel on-hand, you can run cool - NOT cold - water over your pet’s body, focusing on the abdomen and between their hind legs. Massage their back legs while you do this to wipe off water that has already absorbed heat. Whichever method you choose, make a plan to transfer your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible while you work to cool down your pet. How to Prevent Heatstroke While it is a grave condition for pets that experience it, heatstroke is 100% preventable as long as you stay aware of how the temperature affects animals. Both cats and dogs are significantly more sensitive to temperature changes - meaning a day that may feel completely comfortable to you may be too much for your pet to handle. As always, NEVER leave your pet in a parked car for any amount of time . According to the Department of Geosciences at San Francisco State University, car temperatures can rise by almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. This means on an 80-degree day, your car’s interior can rise to almost 100 degrees in that time. No matter how fast you think you will be at whatever errand you are running, it is never worth heatstroke for your pet. Leaving them at home while you are out and about is always the safest option. Another way to ensure your pet stays cool is to avoid exercise during the warmest parts of the day . Choosing to walk your dog or play with them outside during the early morning or evening hours will help ensure they can still get their exercise while facing less of a risk for heatstroke. However, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees or higher by 9:00am here in Florida, it is also a good idea to pick a venue with ample shade and consumable water for your pet. If possible, bring along a thermos of water with some ice cubes so they can stay hydrated and cool during their play. We know it’s hard to not take your pets absolutely everywhere with you, but it truly is one of the safest options for them during these hot summer months. Leaving your pet at home in the A/C will ensure both their safety and comfort in the long run. If you have to take them with you, make your trip during cooler parts of the day and work in time for breaks and hydration. For more information on basic first aid for heatstroke and other pet-related incidents, visit https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/emergencycare/pet-first-aid-basic-procedures . Stay cool!

The answer: There are a few! But don't worry, we'll teach you how to defend against them. World Zoonosis Day is July 6th, which means now is as great a time as ever to talk about an important but often overlooked topic: zoonotic diseases! Zoonotic diseases are defined as illnesses that can be passed between animals and people, and while that might sound a little alarming, there’s good news - there’s a lot we can do to prevent them.    A zoonotic disease can be caused by a virus, parasite, or bacteria that our pets may carry, even if they seem perfectly healthy. Everyday interactions, like cleaning up after your pet, being licked, or (in rare cases) being scratched or bitten, can pose some risk. Those with weaker immune systems, like young children, pregnant women, or older adults may even be at a higher risk for infection. So what are some of the most common zoonotic diseases? Let’s take a look:   Bartonella henselae (Cat Scratch Fever) Cats with fleas can carry the Bartonella henselae  bacteria and pass it to people via scratching them or licking an open cut. This bacteria is hidden within flea dirt (flea feces), leading to infection for whatever it comes in contact with. To prevent this, regular flea prevention is key. Preventive products like Bravecto Plus are safe, easy to use, and typically given monthly or every other month, depending on what’s prescribed.    Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is another disease we take seriously here in Florida, especially during hurricane season. It’s spread through contaminated soil or water, often from wildlife urine. After heavy rains or floods, the risk can rise significantly. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine that protects dogs against Lepto, and it’s something we recommend at all of our hospitals!  Salmonella While many humans already know about Salmonella, some may not know that it can also sometimes be spread via our pets’ raw food diets. While feeding raw might seem natural or appealing, it can increase the risk of harmful bacteria spreading in your home. If you’re preparing homemade meals for your pet, we strongly recommend cooking the food thoroughly. More information on how to safely prepare your own fresh meals for your pet can be found at https://balance.it , a great resource for pet nutrition.   Intestinal Parasites Many intestinal parasites such as Ancylostoma caninum , or “hookworms”, can spread through skin contact. If you’re walking barefoot in an area where infected pet waste hasn’t been cleaned up, you can be at risk. Keeping your yard clean and making sure your pets are on routine parasite prevention that includes deworming are the easiest ways to protect both pets and people.   It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the threat of zoonotic disease, but the most important defenses you have to prevent against it are simple, everyday habits like washing your hands after handling animals, staying on top of your pet’s vaccines and preventives, and checking in with your pet’s vet when something feels off.   If you ever have questions about your pet’s health or want to make sure you’re covering all the right bases, we’re always here to help. Whether you suspect your furry friend is sick or you’d just like to get them updated on their vaccines & parasite prevention, you can always schedule an appointment at any of our locations:     Want to learn more about zoonotic disease? The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers a great overview for what to look out for in your pet and yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/diseases/index.html