Dixieland Veterinary Services

04/25/2025

🐱 National Hairball Awareness Day – Last Friday in April

Cat lovers know the sound—that dreaded hurk-hurk warning of an oncoming hairball. National Hairball Awareness Day shines a light on this common but often overlooked issue.

Hairballs form when cats groom themselves and swallow loose hair. Most of the time, the hair passes through their digestive system or is vomited up. But when it doesn’t? It can lead to blockages and serious health problems.

Tips for Managing Hairballs:

✅ Brush daily: Regular grooming reduces the amount of hair your cat swallows, keeps shedding under control, and gives your cat some extra love.

✅ Use shedding products: Hairball-reducing shampoos and grooming wipes can help limit loose hair.

✅ Try special diets: Some cat foods are formulated to support coat health and reduce shedding.

✅ Talk to your vet: If hairballs persist, your vet can help rule out underlying issues and suggest targeted treatments.

At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

04/23/2025

Clinic Closure Notice

Dixieland Vet will close at 12:00 PM on Thursday, April 24th for staff training.
We’ll reopen Friday with normal hours.

Thank you for your understanding!

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04/21/2025

Happy Veterinary Receptionist Week!

A huge thank you to Christy Evans—our incredible receptionist who keeps Dixieland Vet running like clockwork. Every day, she tackles challenges with flexibility, patience, compassion, and nonstop energy.

This week, we celebrate her for everything she does—and we invite you to share your appreciation, too!

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04/20/2025

🐰🌸 Happy Easter from Dixieland Vet! 🌸🐰

Wishing all our wonderful clients a joyful and blessed Easter filled with love, happiness, and furry cuddles! 🐾🐣

Thank you for trusting us with your pets—we appreciate you! 💕

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04/17/2025

🐾 National Pet ID Week – April 17-23 🐾

National Pet ID Week is the perfect time to ensure your pet has the best chance of being recovered if they ever get lost. At Dixieland Vet, we encourage all pet owners to take proactive steps to keep their furry friends safe!

🔹 Why Pet Identification Matters:
✔ Even the most well-behaved pets can get lost or separated
✔ Proper ID greatly increases the chances of a safe return
✔ Microchips & ID Tags are two of the best ways to identify your pet

📍 Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe:
🐶 Microchipping – A permanent, scannable form of identification
🐾 Collar & ID Tag – Keep your contact info up-to-date

💉 Need a microchip for your pet? Call Dixieland Vet at (850) 547-4160 to schedule an appointment!

🐕🐈💙.

At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

04/16/2025

🐾 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month! 🐾

April is a time to stand up for animals and help make a difference in their lives. There are many ways you can get involved and support this important cause!
How You Can Help:

💙 Fundraise for a Cause – Create a personal fundraising page to honor a pet or celebrate a special event. Donations to a local shelter can provide food, medical care, and shelter for animals in need.

🏡 Adopt, Don’t Shop – Thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? Shelters are full of lovable cats and dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages looking for a second chance. Make adoption your first choice!

📣 Raise Awareness – Use your Facebook, Twitter, or blog to spread the word about animal cruelty prevention and encourage others to take action.

Every small effort helps protect animals and gives them the love and care they deserve. Let’s make a difference this April and beyond! 🐶🐱💖

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04/14/2025

🐶 National Dog Bite Prevention Week® – Stay Safe & Educated! 🐶

Observed during the second full week of April, National Dog Bite Prevention Week® focuses on educating the public about preventing dog bites and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Important Facts About Dog Bites:
🐾 Any dog can bite—big or small, young or old, male or female.
🐾 Breed doesn’t determine bite risk—a dog’s history & behavior matter more.
🐾 Most dog bites are preventable with proper training, socialization & responsible ownership.

Why Do Dogs Bite?
⚠️ Fear or stress – A dog may bite when feeling threatened or startled.
⚠️ Protecting territory – Defending food, puppies, toys, or their home.
⚠️ Pain or illness – A sick or injured dog may lash out.
⚠️ Rough play – Nipping and biting during play can be dangerous.

How to Prevent Dog Bites:
✔ Choose your pet carefully – Avoid impulse decisions & consult your veterinarian.
✔ Socialize your dog – Help them feel comfortable around people & animals.
✔ Supervise young children – Never leave children alone with dogs.
✔ Train your dog – Teach basic commands like sit, stay, no, and come to build trust.
✔ Keep your dog healthy – Regular vet check-ups, vaccines, and parasite prevention.
✔ Follow leash laws – Keep your dog secure in a fenced yard or on a leash in public.
✔ Be aware of warning signs – Recognize when a dog is stressed or showing aggressive behavior.

🐕 Spaying or neutering may reduce aggression—talk to your vet about options!

📞 Have questions about your dog’s behavior or health? Call Dixieland Vet at (850) 547-4160!

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At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

04/11/2025

🐾 Celebrate National Pet Day on April 11th! 🐾

National Pet Day is all about giving our furry family members the love, care, and attention they deserve! It’s also a great time to check in on their health and safety.

✅ Pet Care Checklist:
🦴 Inspect & Refresh Toys – Toss out anything unsafe
🏡 Pet-Proof Your Home – Secure cords & remove toxic hazards
💉 Check Vaccination Records – Schedule an appointment at Dixieland Vet if updates are needed!
📛 Update ID Tags & Collars – Ensure tags are secure & contact info is current
🛁 Pamper Them – Give them an extra bath, belly rub, and love!

📞 Call us at Dixieland Vet to schedule your pet’s next check-up! (850) 547-4160

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04/09/2025

🐾 Protect Your Pet from Lyme Disease! 🐾

Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted through blacklegged tick bites. It can affect dogs, cats, horses, and even people, with dogs being at the highest risk of developing illness.
How Lyme Disease Affects Dogs:

🐶 Most infected dogs show no signs (only 5-10% become ill)
⚠️ If symptoms appear, they typically show up 2-5 months after infection
⚠️ Some dogs may develop Lyme nephritis, a severe kidney disease
Common Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs:

✔ Intermittent limping or shifting lameness
✔ Fever & loss of appetite
✔ Decreased activity & swollen lymph nodes
✔ Painful, swollen joints
Prevention is Key!

✔ Avoid tick-infested areas (forests, grassy & wooded areas)
✔ Use tick preventatives recommended by your vet
✔ Remove ticks promptly after outdoor exposure
✔ Vaccinate dogs in high-risk areas

🐾 If your dog is showing symptoms or has been exposed to ticks, contact your veterinarian right away! Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.

📞 Need prevention or treatment? Call Dixieland Vet at (850) 547-4160!

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At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

04/07/2025

🐾 Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease! 🐾

Heartworm is a serious, but preventable parasite that can affect dogs, cats, and even ferrets. Transmitted through mosquito bites, heartworms can cause severe heart and lung disease, making prevention essential for your pet’s health.
What You Need to Know:

⚠️ Takes about 6 months for infective larvae to mature into adult heartworms
⚠️ Can survive 5-7 years in dogs and months to years in cats
⚠️ Indoor pets are still at risk – Mosquitoes can sneak inside your home
⚠️ Annual testing is recommended for all dogs, and cats should be tested before starting prevention

🚨 Heartworm disease is almost 100% preventable! Your veterinarian can recommend the best prevention method based on your pet’s risk factors and lifestyle.

📞 Schedule a heartworm test and prevention consultation today at Dixieland Vet! Call (850) 547-4160.

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At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

04/04/2025

🚨 Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) – What Cat Owners Need to Know 🚨

FLUTD is a broad term used to describe urinary tract issues in cats, affecting the bladder and urethra. While it can occur at any age, it is more common in:
🐱 Middle-aged, overweight cats
🐾 Cats with little exercise or outdoor access
🏡 Multi-cat households or stressful environments (moving, changes in routine, etc.)
Signs of FLUTD to Watch For:

⚠️ Straining in the litter box
⚠️ Urinating in small amounts, frequently
⚠️ Crying out while urinating
⚠️ Licking the ge***al area excessively
⚠️ Urinating outside the litter box
⚠️ Blood in the urine

Since FLUTD can be difficult to diagnose, your veterinarian will ask about your cat’s habits, perform a physical exam, and likely test a urine sample.

📞 Concerned about your cat? Call Dixieland Vet at (850) 547-4160 to schedule an exam!

04/02/2025

🐾 Choosing a New Pet? Let Us Help! 🐾

Bringing a new pet into your family is an exciting and lifelong commitment. When you choose a pet, you’re taking responsibility for their health, happiness, and impact on your home and community.

💡 Not sure if a pet is the right fit for your family?
📍 Talk to us at Dixieland Vet! Our veterinarians can help you understand:
✔ A pet’s specific needs
✔ Their compatibility with your lifestyle
✔ The responsibilities of pet ownership

🐶 Once you choose your pet, we’ll help you provide the best care! 🐱
Regular veterinary exams and preventive care are essential for all pets—not just dogs and cats. Proper vaccinations, parasite control, and check-ups ensure a healthy and happy life for your furry (or scaly!) friend.

📞 Have questions? Call Dixieland Vet at (850) 547-4160!

At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

03/31/2025

Disaster Preparedness for You and Your Pets

Disasters can strike anywhere, at any time, and vary in scale and severity, especially with our area in the height of tornado season. Having a well-thought-out disaster plan not only protects you and your pets but also helps first responders assist more effectively.

How to Be Prepared
✅ Create a Disaster Plan for your family and pets.
✅ Assemble an Evacuation Kit with essential supplies for every household member, including all pets.

Key Considerations for Your Disaster Plan
✅ Secure an Evacuation Site – Choose a safe location outside the affected area where you and your pets can go.
✅ Plan & Practice Pet Evacuations – Ensure you know how to transport your pets and rehearse the process with them.
✅ Prepare an Animal Evacuation Kit – Store pet supplies where they are easily accessible to rescue personnel, neighbors, or friends.
✅ Keep Important Records Handy – Collect vaccination records, medical history, and proof of ownership for your pet.
✅ Include a Veterinary Authorization – A signed treatment authorization can allow your vet to provide care if you're unable to be present.
✅ Designate a Caregiver – Choose a trusted friend or neighbor to look after your pets if a disaster occurs while you're away.
✅ Provide a Signed Release Letter – Give your designated caregiver a document releasing them from liability if your pet is injured during an evacuation, along with the location of your pet’s emergency kit.
✅ Ensure Proper Identification – Keep your pet’s ID tags and microchip information up to date to facilitate a reunion if you are separated.

Quick Tip: Act Early
At the first sign of a potential disaster, bring all pets indoors to ensure they are accounted for and ready to evacuate if necessary.

By taking these steps, you can ensure the safety of both your family and pets in an emergency. A little preparation now can make all the difference when every second counts.

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03/29/2025

📢 We're Hiring! Full-Time Veterinary Receptionist Needed 📢

Dixieland Vet in Bonifay, FL is looking for a full-time veterinary receptionist to join our team!

✨ What We’re Looking For:
✔ Customer service-focused individual
✔ A friendly, people-oriented personality
✔ Strong communication & organizational skills

📩 Interested? Email your resume to:
Dr. Leigh Ann Gannon at [email protected]

Join our compassionate team and help provide excellent care for pets and their owners! 🐾💙

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03/28/2025

When was the last time we saw you and your pet?

Regular wellness visits help to detect any potential medical conditions, stay up-to-date on vaccines, and provide any additional care necessary. Keep your pet healthy and happy with preventive care and book your pet’s next visit with us today at Dixieland Vet!

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03/27/2025

Join Our Team at Dixieland Veterinary Services!

Dixieland Veterinary Services is thrilled to announce an opening for a full-time Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician to join our dedicated and compassionate team. If you have a passion for animal care and building lasting relationships with clients, we’d love to connect with you!

How to Apply:
Contact Dr. Leigh Ann Gannon at (850) 547-4160 for more details.
Send Your Resume to [email protected].

You’ll receive a confirmation as soon as your application is reviewed.

Discover more about our services, team, and commitment to excellence in veterinary care by visiting www.Dixielandvet.com.

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At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.

03/26/2025

🐾 March is National Animal Poison Prevention Month! 🐾

This month, we focus on educating pet owners about potential poisons, recognizing the signs of poisoning, and preventing toxic exposures to keep pets safe.

🌸 Springtime Dangers to Watch For:
⚠️ Toxic plants 🌿
⚠️ Herbicides & Fertilizers 🧑‍🌾
⚠️ Pesticides & Rodenticides 🚫

🚨 If you think your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, call us immediately at (850) 547-4160.

Help keep your furry friends safe and healthy this season!

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At Dixieland Vet Services you can expect excellent and compassionate care for your pet.