Claxton Veterinary Clinic

10/31/2026

10/30/2026

**RABIES ALERT: FAILURE TO VACCINATE CAN HAVE FATAL CONSEQUENCES**

Several animals in surrounding counties have tested positive for rabies within the past week. **The threat is local, active, and serious.**

Rabies attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once clinical signs develop. It can be transmitted from infected animals to humans.

**Leaving your dog unvaccinated is a preventable risk with potentially irreversible consequences.** It endangers your dog, other animals, your family, and anyone who handles your pet. Keeping a dog indoors does not eliminate the possibility of exposure.

Do not assume an animal is safe because it appears healthy. Do not wait for symptoms. **After an exposure, an overdue vaccination cannot be assumed to provide immediate protection.**

**Check your dog’s vaccination records today. If vaccination is overdue or cannot be documented, contact our clinic promptly.** If your dog has had contact with a potentially rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately—even if your dog is vaccinated.

**Rabies prevention is a basic responsibility of pet ownership. The consequences of neglecting it can be fatal.**

10/29/2026

🐱💕 **HAPPY NATIONAL CAT DAY!** 💕🐱

Today is all about celebrating our tiny house lions, professional nappers, biscuit makers, and masters of knocking things off the counter! 😹🐾

Whether your kitty is a cuddly lap cat or the CEO of the household, they deserve a little extra love today. ❤️

🐾 Give them some extra snuggles
🐟 Surprise them with a favorite treat
🧶 Make time for a little extra play
📸 And, most importantly… **SHOW US YOUR CATS!**

👇 **Drop a picture of your kitty in the comments!** We want to see those sweet faces, silly poses, and BIG personalities! 😻

Happy National Cat Day from all of us at **Claxton Veterinary Clinic & Metter Veterinary Clinic!** 🐾❤️

10/27/2026

🐶💉 KENNEL COUGH: WHY WE RECOMMEND VACCINATING EVERY 6 MONTHS

Kennel cough isn’t just a concern for dogs that stay at boarding facilities! Dogs can be exposed anywhere they come into close contact with other dogs—including groomers, daycare, dog parks, training classes, veterinary clinics, and even neighborhood get-togethers.

🦠 Why vaccinate every 6 months?

The Bordetella vaccine helps protect against one of the most common causes of kennel cough. For dogs with frequent exposure to other dogs, keeping this vaccine updated every 6 months can help maintain protection throughout the year.

🐾 We especially recommend discussing twice-yearly vaccination if your dog:
• Goes to the groomer
• Is boarded or attends daycare
• Visits dog parks or training classes
• Frequently interacts with other dogs
• Travels or attends dog-friendly events

Kennel cough can cause a persistent, harsh cough, gagging, and discomfort—and some dogs can develop more serious respiratory illness.

❤️ Prevention is easier than dealing with a sick, coughing pup!

📞 Give us a call at 912-739-1076 to check when your pet is due!

10/26/2026

Contact us at 912-739-1076 if you suspect your pet has ingested candy.

10/23/2026

FUN FACT FRIDAY! 🦉🎃
Owls have some seriously spooky adaptations!
👀 Their large eyes help them see in low light.
👂 Their facial feathers help direct sound toward their ears.
🦶 Their strong talons help them capture prey.
And that mysterious head-turning trick? Owls cannot actually turn their heads all the way around! They can rotate their heads about 270 degrees—which is still pretty impressive. 😳

10/22/2026

🐾💉 One Vaccine. Protection Against Multiple Serious Diseases.

Keeping your dog up to date on their DAPPLv4 vaccine is an important part of preventive care. This combination vaccine helps protect against several contagious—and potentially life-threatening—diseases:

🐶 D – Distemper
A highly contagious viral disease that can affect the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.

🐶 A – Adenovirus
Helps protect against canine infectious hepatitis, which can cause serious liver disease.

🐶 P – Parvovirus
A highly contagious virus that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and life-threatening illness—especially in puppies.

🐶 P – Parainfluenza
A respiratory virus associated with contagious respiratory disease in dogs.

🐶 L4 – Leptospirosis (4 strains)
A bacterial disease dogs can encounter through contaminated water, soil, or urine from infected animals. It can cause serious kidney and liver damage and can also infect people.

🌧️ Why is Leptospirosis protection especially important?
Dogs don’t have to live on a farm or spend their days in the woods to be exposed. Wildlife, rodents, standing water, puddles, and contaminated environments can all create opportunities for exposure.

❤️ Prevention starts before exposure. Keeping your pet appropriately vaccinated helps protect them from preventable disease and supports a healthier community of pets.

Not sure when your dog is due for their DAPPLv4 vaccine? Give us a call and we’ll be happy to check their vaccination history! 🐾

Vaccination recommendations may vary based on your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, and previous vaccine history. Talk with your veterinarian about the appropriate schedule for your dog.

10/21/2026

We will be closing tomorrow at noon and will not reopen until Monday the 26th at 8am. Please ensure you collect any necessary medication or pet supplies beforehand.