Amherst Veterinary Hospital

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

September 1st already?! Honestly, I’m not sure where the summer went. I was busy. Napping. Supervising. Napping while supervising. You know… important work. 😼

Apparently, the humans are all getting back into their routines, kids are going back to school, and everyone is suddenly very busy again.

Good.

That means everyone will need a little Drew time! 💁‍♀️

My September schedule is already packed:
🐾 Inspect the front desk
🐾 Monitor everyone’s work
🐾 Accept compliments
🐾 Demand snacks
🐾 Take several extremely necessary naps
🐾 Interrupt anything that looks too productive
🐾 Repeat

So while everyone else is getting back into the swing of things, I’ll be here keeping the hospital running like the highly qualified professional I am.

You’re welcome!😌🐱

Happy September, everyone! Now back to work… someone needs to supervise these humans. 💙

08/29/2026

This is your reminder that human food is not made for canines! We know it’s tempting to share some tasty summer treats with your dog, but many contain toxins and way too much fat and salt for your pet 🐕

An excess of fat and salt can cause pancreatitis, a painful and life-threatening condition for your pup. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Abdominal Pain
- Repeated vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy

Keep your pet healthy this season and avoid sharing human food!

08/25/2026

🐾 Drew’s Day 🐾

Well, friends… I have some very sad news. 😿

My summer students are getting ready to head back to school, and I am NOT ready to say goodbye!

They’ve kept me company all summer, given me lots of attention, and most importantly, been available whenever I needed someone to supervise. I’m not sure who is going to give me all my extra cuddles now. 🥺

I guess I should be proud of them though… even if I’d rather keep them here! ❤️

🎓 Lauren — heading into her 2nd year at Atlantic Veterinary College
🎓 Giselle — heading into her 2nd year at UPEI
🎓 Rowan — starting his 1st year at Acadia University
🎓 Piper — starting her 1st year at UNB
🎓 Tesfa — starting her 1st year at Mount Allison University

I’m so proud of all of you and wish you the BEST year! ❤️ You’ll definitely be missed around here (and I’m sure I’ll notice the decrease in attention immediately 😹).

Now… who is going to pet me while you’re gone?! 🥺🐾

Love, Drew

08/22/2026

Did you know that cats naturally have a low thirst drive? This is because their ancestors evolved to get much of their moisture from the prey they hunted. However, many modern cats eat a dry kibble diet, which means they may not consume as much water as they need and could be at a greater risk of dehydration.

Some signs your cat may be dehydrated include:

- Dry or tacky gums
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Sunken eyes

Some simple ways to help keep your cat hydrated include feeding wet food, providing plenty of clean, fresh water, and monitoring your pet’s litter box habits. Many cats prefer moving water, so a pet fountain may be worth trying!

Cats can be at increased risk of dehydration during the hot summer months. If you’re concerned about your pet’s health, we’re here to help.

Amherst Veterinary Hospital offers 24-hour care and emergency services. Contact us at (902) 667-8405 or make an appointment through our website: amherstvethospital.ca.

08/17/2026

If you'd like to share your kind words with our team, this is a great opportunity!

Messages shared through this link will be put onto a digital Gratitude Gallery for our team members to see ❤️🐾
We also have a display with a QR code in our coffee corner ☕

Send a heartfelt thank-you note to the veterinary team who cares for your pet. Presented by Trupanion.

08/15/2026

Salt water intoxication occurs when a dog ingests too much salt water. It most often occurs when dogs drink excessive amounts of ocean water while swimming, playing, or repeatedly retrieving toys from the water.

Signs of salt water intoxication include:

- Excessive thirst
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling or panting
- Lethargy
- Seizures

To help prevent salt water intoxication, bring fresh water and a bowl to the beach, and encourage your dog to take frequent water breaks. Supervise your dog closely to ensure they are not drinking ocean water or repeatedly biting at the water. Use floating toys rather than sinking ones to reduce the amount of salt water they may ingest.

While drinking a small amount of ocean water may only cause mild stomach upset, consuming larger amounts can lead to salt water intoxication, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary care.

Amherst Veterinary Hospital offers 24-hour emergency and critical care services. Contact us at (902) 667-8405.

08/11/2026

Happy Drew's-Day, everyone! 🐱

Well, it looks like Drew's-Day didn't end up qualifying for a national holiday... I really don't understand why!

As a result, I still have to fulfill my role as clinic greeter today. I decided to spend some extra time with this patient to make sure they were satisfied with their care. I may have also taken the o-purr-tunity to rest my legs on top of their crate... Can you blame me? There was a blanket laid out right there!

I hope everyone has had a great start to their week (despite the ridiculous lack of a holiday today).

Drew 🐾

08/08/2026

Sand impaction occurs when a dog ingests too much sand. This often happens accidentally through activities such as digging in the sand or repeatedly picking up sandy toys.

Some common signs of sand impaction include:

- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Sand in the stool
- Restlessness
- Lethargy

The good news is that sand impaction is often preventable. Supervise your dog at the beach and ensure they are not eating sand or repeatedly licking sand off their fur or toys. Avoid playing fetch directly on the sand when possible, and discourage digging in sandy areas. These preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of sand impaction.

If sand impaction has caused a true intestinal blockage, it cannot be treated at home and requires immediate veterinary care.

Amherst Veterinary Hospital offers 24-hour emergency and critical care services. Contact us at (902) 667-8405.

08/05/2026

This month we're celebrating three wonderful members of our team: Shawna, Terri-Lynn, & Dr. Frye! 🎂

We're so thankful for everything you do for our patients, clients, and each other every day. We hope your birthdays are filled with smiles & treats! 💙🐾

Happy birthday! 🥳