Skyland Animal Hospital

09/04/2025

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. This month, we will be providing education and resources on pain management for your pets. Chronic pain is most common in senior age (7 years or older) pets or pets who have experienced trauma or had growth development issues; however, it is not only older pets who can experience chronic pain. If you feel like your pet is showing symptoms of discomfort, contact our office and one of our veterinarians will be happy to examine your pet and discuss your concerns.
Common signs of pain in pets are hesitation when lying down or rising from lying down, hesitation to jump onto surfaces when they used to not be weary of doing so, slowing down when running or playing, struggling to recover after exercise, lower appetite, slightly or noticeably more lethargic, whimpering, behavioral changes, and more.
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/recognizing-pain-dogs

09/01/2025

08/29/2025

In preparation for Monday’s holiday and the celebrations throughout the weekend, please make sure your furry family members have what they need to have a safe holiday weekend.
We will be closing at 5:30pm today and will be CLOSED Monday, September 1st.
Many pets fear loud noises such as fireworks. Please contact our office to inquire if calming medications may be prescribed for your pet. Contact our office as soon as possible so that our staff has ample time to process your request before we close this afternoon. Your pet must be up-to-date on their annual exam with one of our veterinarians to be eligible to receive calming medications.
To ensure a safe holiday weekend for your pets, please make sure to keep these safety precautions in mind:
☀ Keep your pet’s identification on throughout the weekend’s festivities and ensure they have a safe, quiet space if they get overwhelmed by noises such as fireworks
🐾 Keep human food and drink out of your pet’s reach
☀ Always make sure your pet is monitored when in and around water
🐾 Be aware of where you discard food, grease, and other harmful party materials
☀ Be mindful of the temperature and keep an eye out for heatstroke
🐾 Provide clean, cool drinking water and plenty of shade to your pet

https://www.medvet.com/fireworks-safety-tips-for-pets/
https://www.aspca.org/news/our-top-five-tips-labor-day-bbq-safety
https://www.veterinaryemergencygroup.com/post/7-labor-day-bbq-pet-safety-tips

08/28/2025

Trying to beat the heat this summer? Our pets are also trying to beat the heat! Here are some hot weather safety tips for your pets:
☀ Keep them cool by providing plenty of shade, water, breaks from play, air circulation, and even some frozen treats
☀ Keep them hydrated by frequently providing clean, cooling drinking water and watch for the signs of dehydration
☀ Protect their paws by being mindful of how hot the ground or pavement they are walking on is and adjusting accordingly
☀ Keep pests away by keeping them updated on their flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as well as doing routine tick checks, especially after time outside

https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/hot-weather-safety-pets?kxconfid=thy90xnne&utm_source=marketingcloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pos_00018_008276&utm_content=Module2-Image&utm_content=793039&utm_id=91b3a9c5-e75f-4830-b236-8bcf6fcdae7e&sfmc_id=213319897&sfmc_activityid=78997b0c-b942-4953-a337-1e9859463686&utm_medium=email

08/26/2025

Happy International Dog Day!
What a great day to celebrate our canine family members! They bring so much joy, light, energy, and cuddles to our lives. We take today to celebrate them!
Today is a perfect day to do something special for your pup! Want to make them some special treats? Check out these links to some healthy pet safe recipes!
https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/nutrition-feeding/healthy-homemade-dog-treats?lightboxfired=true #
https://www.aspca.org/news/celebrate-national-dog-biscuit-day-whipping-these-homemade-pet-treats
Part of caring for your dog is by providing routine care for them including exercising or playing with them, brushing their teeth, grooming, and annual veterinary visits. For us to help provide the best quality of life for your dog, no matter their age, annual examinations are essential. At these appointments, our veterinarians are able to get an insight into what a day to day life is like for your pet along with doing a physical examination to check that all is well. During these appointments, we also recommend annual vaccinations and lab work. Rabies is required by law for all pets over 4 months old; there are other vaccinations that are highly recommended given your pet’s lifestyle. Our team can go over what is recommended for your dog at their appointment. Lab Work gives us insight into what we cannot see from the outside and allows us to find any abnormalities or concerns and; hopefully, intervene quickly to give your dog the best relief and care possible.
If your dog is in need of veterinary care, contact our office today at 828-252-8644.

08/21/2025

As part of National Immunization Awareness Month, we have been sharing education on common vaccines for our canine and feline friends. Today, we highlight Leptospirosis (Lepto).
Lepto is spread by infected water and urine. Your dog can become infected by simply drinking out of a puddle, a bird bath, a dog bowl that has become infected from other wildlife. If your dog regularly goes outdoors, they could be at risk of Leptospirosis. Do they play in the yard, walk around in the neighborhood, hikes, trails, go in rivers or lakes, go to the beach, or other fun outings? Then the Lepto vaccine is one to discuss with your veterinarian. Did you know that Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans as well? The best way to protect your dog, and yourself, is by vaccinating them annually. If contracted, Leptospirosis can cause liver and kidney failure in pets.
Unsure if your pet is updated on their Lepto vaccine? Contact our office today!
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/leptospirosis

08/19/2025

Continuing National Immunization Awareness Month, today, we focus on Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a type of bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) contracted through a tick bite (AVMA). Lyme disease causes joint pain, red blood cell problems, and even kidney failure.
“Most dogs infected with Borellia bacteria will appear healthy, with no signs at all. This is different from infected people, about 90% of whom will become ill. In dogs that do become ill, signs of Lyme disease typically first show up 2-5 months after the dogs were first infected. By this time, the disease can be widespread throughout the body,” (AVMA).
The best way to protect your dog against Lyme disease is to vaccinate them annually and keep them on tick prevention year round.
Is your pet up-to-date on their Lyme vaccine? Are they constantly on their flea, tick, and heartworm prevention? Contact our office today and our team will be happy to help, 828-252-8644.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/lyme-disease-dogs #:~:text=The%20best%20way%20to%20protect%20dogs%20against,product%20that%20best%20suits%20your%20dog's%20needs.

08/16/2025

Today is National Check the Chip Day! As a reminder to have pets microchipped AND to keep their information up-to-date, the AVMA and AAHA teamed up to create Check the Chip Day. Microchips can make a huge difference in reuniting lost pets with their families!
https://www.avma.org/events/national-check-chip-day
https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/happy-check-the-chip-day/
Is your pet microchipped? If not, contact our office today to discuss with our team how to have this done!
If your pet is microchipped, have you registered their microchip and kept the contact information updated? Have you moved or changed your phone number since your pet received their microchip? Then your contact information needs to be updated. It is always best to have your pet’s microchip scanned at least once a year to ensure it is working as it should.
Check your pet’s microchip information here: https://www.aaha.org/for-veterinary-professionals/microchip-search/
Not only having your pet microchipped but having your pet’s microchip registered and with the most up-to-date contact information is key in providing another way to reunite your furry family member with you if they were to ever get lost.

08/14/2025

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. We are sharing information about common vaccines for cats and dogs. Today, we are highlighting an immunization just for our feline friends, FELV or Feline Leukemia.
Feline Leukemia depresses the immune system and causes severe infection. This disease can be fatal and there is NO current cure or treatment.
“FELV is one of the most common and important infectious diseases in cats, affecting between 2-3% of all cats in the United States and Canada. Infection rates are significantly higher (up to 30%) in cats that are ill or otherwise at high risk,” (Cornell). FELV is spread via saliva, f***s, urine, and milk. The best way to protect cats from FELV is, “to prevent their exposure to FeLV-infected cats. Keeping cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats is recommended. If outdoor access is allowed, provide supervision or place cats in a secure enclosure to prevent wandering and fighting,” (Cornell). For cats that are indoor/outdoor or strictly outdoor, the FELV vaccine is highly recommended for this reason.
Is your cat up-to-date on their FELV vaccine? Contact our office today and we will be happy to help!
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-leukemia-virus

08/12/2025

This month, we are going over common vaccinations for our canine and feline friends. August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
Today, we are focusing on a common vaccine for dogs, Bordetella or Kennel Cough (KCVY).
Bordetella is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection passed from dog to dog. A common sign of Kennel Cough is a frequent, honking cough that comes on quickly.
This vaccine is not only recommended for dogs that go to the kennel; it is highly encouraged for any dog that frequents areas with other dogs. This could be the kennel, doggy daycare, dog parks, grooming facilities, puppy play groups, or even if you are in a neighborhood or go on hikes were your pet and you often come across other dogs. Given the highly contagious factor of this infection, most boarding, grooming, and daycare facilities require this vaccination, along with many dog parks.
Studies have shown that the Bordetella vaccine is most effective when given every 6 months, due to how contagious the disease is.
Is your pet updated on their Bordetella vaccine? Not sure? Call our office at 828-252-8644 and we will be happy to help!
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough