Highway 71 Veterinary Hospital

08/08/2026

We often get asked why we boost puppy and kitten vaccines the way we do, and why so many vaccines are recommended. This is a favorite question of ours! Immune systems are complex. Here is a helpful explanation. Happy Saturday! 🐶☀️🐱

Puppy vaccination timing can look straightforward on paper, but maternally derived antibodies add an important layer of complexity.

For the DA2PP series, AAHA recommends beginning vaccination at 6–8 weeks of age and administering subsequent doses 2–4 weeks apart, with the final dose given after 16 weeks of age.

Those early maternal antibodies help protect puppies, but they can also interfere with the response to distemper and parvovirus vaccines, which is why timing across the series matters.

This graphic focuses on DA2PP. For complete puppy vaccination recommendations, including rabies and leptospirosis, review the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines: https://hubs.li/Q04rF_GH0

07/15/2026

Summer rain means lots of mosquitoes. Lots of mosquitoes mean increased risk of heartworm disease if your dog isn’t on prevention! Ask us how we can help! ❤️

Heard any tall tales lately? Set the record straight!

07/04/2026

As we celebrate America’s 250 years this Fourth of July, we want to take time to also remember the lives lost in last year’s July 4th flood. Today is a reminder to cherish our freedoms, hold our loved ones close, and honor those who are no longer with us. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Independence Day. 🇺🇸❤️

07/03/2026

As we enter into this July 4th weekend, here are some important reminders to help keep your pets safe! We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday weekend! 🇺🇸

With Independence Day celebrations fast approaching, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after Fourth of July festivities. Here are 7️⃣ pet safety tips to keep in mind. You can find more important information here: https://bit.ly/4a3G61u

06/16/2026

📢 WE’RE HIRING! 📢
Looking for a rewarding after-school and weekend job for you or your student? Join our team!

✅ Flexible hours�✅ Perfect for students or college students looking for extra income�✅ Friendly work environment�✅ Training provided�✅ Weekend and after-school shifts available

If you’re dependable, energetic, and enjoy working with people, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Dr. Ohlen!

06/09/2026

It’s always good to be prepared. Here are some great tips!

June is National Pet Preparedness Month - an important time to review your family's emergency plans and ensure you've incorporated a plan for your pets as well. Here are a few ways you can prepare for a reunion - in the event your pet gets lost during an emergency. You can find more important tips here: https://bit.ly/3ZSST0y

06/08/2026

A diagnosis has now been made in a dog, so please continue to stay aware and informed!

On June 7th, USDA announced two additional NWS cases in Texas- a calf in La Salle County with an umbilical lesion, and a dog in Andrews County.

*UPDATE* The NWS case in Andrews County has been reclassified by USDA to be the first case in New Mexico, not Texas: https://bit.ly/USDA-NWSNM

An additional infested zone has been established in La Salle and Webb County, and additional epidemiological investigations are occurring to learn more about the case in Andrews County. Those located in the infested zones should stay updated with current movement requirements. View the TAHC interactive NWS map here: https://bit.ly/NWS-ZoneMap

06/06/2026

From umbilical lesions to tick bites, New World screwworm (NWS) infestations can start from many kinds of wounds. Laying eyes on your animals is the key to protecting them from this pest. If you observe these signs in your animals:
1. Do NOT move the animal (even to the vet clinic)
2. Report to the TAHC 1-800-550-8242
3. Don't panic. This is a highly preventable and treatable condition.

Stay updated on NWS here: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/emergency/nws.html

06/05/2026

We knew that this was inevitable in our state. Please stay vigilant and proactive in trying to prevent the spread of this devastating disease. This is equally important for our small animal pets. Watch for wounds that are non healing, have a foul odor, or for any signs of maggots or fly larvae in an open wound. We will continue to provide reliable updates here as we receive them.

On June 3, 2026, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) received confirmation of a detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in Zavala County, Texas. The best thing that livestock producers and animal owners can do to prevent infestation is to put eyes on their animals as often as possible, remain vigilant by implementing enhanced management practices to avoid creating wounds, and promptly report suspicious wounds.

Find real-time updates here: https://bit.ly/USDA-NWSCurrentStatus
Find Texas-specific resources here: https://bit.ly/TAHC-NWS

05/22/2026