Lady Hammond Animal Hospital

04/23/2025

Did you know more than 40 types of ticks live in Canada?

In Canada, there are several types of ticks that can cause tick-borne diseases. We've listed some of them here to help you identify them. You can learn more about ticks in Canada here: https://ow.ly/MBKT50VtaXA

04/21/2025

Getting outdoor or indoor plants this spring? Take a look at some of the most common ones that are toxic to dogs and cats.

04/18/2025

🍫🐰🚨 Easter Treat Alert! Extra Chocolate Danger for Our Pups! 🐶🚫🥚

With the Easter Bunny hopping through many homes this weekend, there will be baskets overflowing with delicious (for us!) chocolate. But remember, that tempting sweet treat poses an even greater risk to our furry family members! 😱

All those chocolate eggs, bunnies, and treats left within curious reach can spell big trouble for our dogs. The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate, as we know, are toxic to them, leading to potential issues like a racing heart, hyperactivity, and in serious cases, tremors or seizures. 💔

A friendly reminder during this chocolate-filled holiday: Be extra vigilant about where those sweet treats are stored! Keep them well out of paw's reach – think high shelves or secure cupboards. Even those foil-wrapped goodies can be enticing! ✨

If you suspect your dog has indulged in some Easter chocolate, don't wait! Contact us here at Lady Hammond Animal Hospital (or our friends at Coastal Care emergency & Referral Hospital during our non operating hours) immediately, Quick action is key to ensuring a happy and healthy Easter for your beloved canine companion. 🐾💖

Let's all enjoy the holiday responsibly and keep our furry friends safe from chocolate dangers! Share this important Easter heads-up!

04/18/2025

Cats can be pretty fastidious about their grooming, so if you notice changes in their coat or grooming habits it is best to bring them into their veterinarian for an exam. Decreased grooming and a more dishevelled looking coat can be signs of an underlying medical issue.

04/17/2025

We will be closed tomorrow, Friday, April 18th, for Good Friday. Should your pet have a medical emergency, please contact Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital at (902) 703-2323.

04/16/2025

OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00am - 2:00pm

The team at Lady Hammond Animal Hospital is so excited to show you around our new, modern, full service hospital!

We invite our community to drop in for a tour of our fully renovated facility and meet the team and new Doctors. Talk with onsite product reps while enjoying a bbq lunch, plus special treats, door prizes, and more!

Lady Hammond Animal Hospital full services with experience in all areas of veterinary science. We are dedicated to treat pets with care, comfort and love.

04/16/2025

Notice any of the below symptoms? Your dog may be dealing with seasonal allergies. If you’re concerned your dog might have allergies, we’re here to help!

04/15/2025

🚨Let's talk about LEPTOSPIROSIS! 🦠🐶

Ever heard of it? 🤔 It's a bacterial infection caused by sneaky little Leptospira bacteria that can cause some serious trouble for our furry friends, messing with their kidneys, liver, and even more! 😱

How do dogs get this unwelcome guest? These bacteria hang out in the p*e of infected critters like rats, raccoons, and even other dogs, and can survive in water and moist soil. So, a seemingly innocent puddle or muddy patch could be a danger zone! 😬

The good news? Vaccination is a POWERFUL shield! 💪 Talk to us about protecting your pup. While it's less common in vaccinated areas, outbreaks can still happen!

Keep an eye out for these signs: Reduced appetite, super sleepy pup, fever, increased drinking/p*eing (or the opposite!), vomiting, yellow gums/eyes, and more. It can look like other things, so your vet is the detective here! 🕵️‍♀️

If your dog gets it, early treatment with antibiotics can help! 💊 Vets might also need to provide extra support like fluids.

Protect your pup (and yourself! Yes, humans can get it too! 🤯):

Vaccinate! It's the best defense.
Try to limit access to potentially contaminated water and wild animals.
If your dog might have it, be careful with their urine and disinfect any soiled areas.
Let's keep our furry family safe and healthy! Share this to spread the word! ❤️

04/14/2025

If you notice any swelling in your dog’s upper lip, it’s best to bring them into their veterinarian so we can figure out what is causing it.

04/14/2025

🐾 Keep Your Furry Friend Healthy AND Save Money? Yes, Please! 🐾

Did you know that routine bloodwork at your vet isn't just about catching problems early? (though it's AMAZING for that!) It can actually save you money in the long run! 💰

Here's why your vets recommend it and how it benefits your beloved pet:

❤️ Early Detection = Smaller Bills Later: Think of bloodwork as a sneak p*ek into your pet's health. It can spot changes before they become big, expensive problems. Treating issues early is almost always cheaper and easier than dealing with advanced illness!

💪 Healthier & Happier Pets: Routine bloodwork helps establish your pet's normal baseline and monitors their overall health. This means:
-Faster Diagnosis: If something is wrong, your vet can pinpoint it sooner.
-Better Treatment Outcomes: Early intervention leads to more effective treatment.
-Improved Quality of Life: Catching issues early means less discomfort and a longer, healthier life for your furry pal.
-Peace of Mind: Knowing your pet's health is being monitored is priceless!

💸 Smart for Your Wallet: By catching diseases early, you can potentially avoid:
-Costly emergency visits.
-Expensive and prolonged treatments for advanced illnesses.
-Lengthy diagnostic processes.

Talk to your vet about incorporating routine bloodwork into your pet's wellness plan. It's a small investment that can lead to big health benefits and potential cost savings down the road! 🐶🐱

04/11/2025

Friday fun fact!

04/11/2025

Is Your Kitty Itchy? 🐾 Learn About Cat Allergies!

Did you know that allergies are super common in our feline friends?

Here's a quick rundown of how allergies can affect your cat:

Itchy Skin: This is the MOST common sign! It can be all over or just in one spot.

Respiratory Issues: Think coughing, sneezing, and even wheezing, sometimes with a runny nose or eyes.

Digestive Problems: Allergies can also cause vomiting, gas, and diarrhea.
Yep, there are different types of cat allergies:

Flea Allergy: Even ONE bite can cause intense itching due to a reaction to flea saliva. Treatment? Strict flea control is KEY!

Food Allergy: Reactions to certain food ingredients (most commonly proteins like beef, chicken, etc.). The fix often involves a special elimination diet.

Atopic Dermatitis (Environmental Allergies): Think pollen, dust mites, and mold. Cats usually show this as severe itching. Treatments range from medications to allergy shots.

Contact Allergy: Less common, caused by direct contact with things like certain shampoos or bedding, leading to local skin irritation. Removing the irritant usually helps.

Key takeaway: If you suspect your cat has allergies, chat with your vet! They can help figure out the cause and the best way to make your furry friend more comfortable. ❤️

04/10/2025

🐾 Protect Your Pup with Routine F***l Testing! 🐾

Did you know that even if you don't see worms, your furry friend could still have intestinal parasites? 🤔 These sneaky invaders, like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Giardia, and Coccidia, can cause a range of health issues, from tummy troubles to more serious problems, and some can even affect you! 😱

Why is routine f***l parasite testing so important?

🔬 Early Detection: It helps us find microscopic eggs shed by these parasites before they cause significant illness.
🛡️ Protect Your Dog: Timely treatment can prevent discomfort, anemia, weight loss, and other health complications.
❤️ Protect Your Family: Some dog parasites can be transmitted to humans, making regular testing a part of responsible pet ownership.
💊 Targeted Treatment: Not all dewormers work on all parasites. Testing allows us to prescribe the right medication for the specific invader.
🗓️ Regular Monitoring: For puppies, we recommend several tests in their first year. For adult dogs, we advise testing routinely, even if they're on preventative medications!

Bring in a fresh stool sample. Let's work together to keep your beloved companion happy and healthy! ❤️

04/09/2025

Notice any of these signs? Reach out to us so we can keep your pet’s oral health in check!

04/09/2025

Puppy of the week!

Meet Nala, a stunning Australian Sheppard whose joyful wiggle motivates us all! We feel uplifted whenever Nala comes in!

04/08/2025

Heads up, pet parents! ⚠️ Ticks in Halifax are more than just a nuisance – they can transmit SERIOUS and potentially debilitating diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis to our beloved dogs (and even to us!).

While there's no Lyme vaccine for humans, it's absolutely critical to discuss the Lyme vaccine with your veterinarian for your dog, especially given our location in Nova Scotia, where Lyme is a growing concern. 💉 This vaccine can be a vital layer of defense against this specific and potentially long-lasting illness.

But Lyme is just one piece of the puzzle. That's why consistent, year-round use of a reliable flea and tick preventative is of the utmost importance! 🛡️ These powerful products work to actively kill ticks on your pet, significantly reducing the chance of disease transmission. Think of it as your dog's frontline armor against these dangerous parasites.

Ticks are stealthy. Once attached, they can feed for days, increasing the risk of passing on harmful pathogens. Don't underestimate these tiny threats!

Here's the serious reality:

Tick-borne illnesses can cause long-term health issues in dogs, including joint pain, fever, lethargy, and even kidney problems or neurological damage.

Some tick-borne diseases can also be transmitted to humans, posing a risk to your entire family.

Prevention is far easier and much less costly than treating these complex and sometimes chronic conditions.

Don't wait until you find a tick or your dog starts showing symptoms. Take proactive steps now! Talk to your vet about the Lyme vaccine for your dog and the best flea and tick prevention products, to keep your furry family members safe from these serious threats! ❤️