Wignall Animal Hospital

06/20/2024

With many celebrations including , here are some quick reminders on how to help prepare and calm your pet ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend. 🎆

If you know your pet is sensitive to fireworks, do reach out to us for help! We can provide guidance and may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help your pet ride out the festivities as comfortably as possible.

For more tips on how to prepare and comfort pets who are fearful of fireworks, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/how-to-calm-pets-during-fireworks

06/17/2024

Check your pet for ticks every day, especially after they spend time outdoors. Run your fingers through your pet's fur with gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps. If you find a tick, it’s important to act quickly and safely. You can either try to remove the tick yourself or take your dog to your nearest pet urgent care or an emergency pet hospital for help.

If you choose to remove the tick from your dog, follow the steps below:

1) Use tweezers (or a tick remover instrument like a Tick Key) to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, removing the whole head and body.
2) Pull the tick straight out with slow and steady pressure. (If the head of the tick is left in the skin, it can cause an infection and still transmit disease, so make sure the whole body is removed!)
3) Once the tick is removed, you can place it in a sealed container in case your vet wants to test it for diseases.
4) Clean the area of your dog’s skin with soap and water then apply a pet-safe antiseptic.
5) Contact us for advice on next steps. We may ask you to bring the tick in for testing.

06/12/2024

Many of the diseases that parasites cause can spread from your pet to you and your family, too. Pests like and can crawl or hitch a ride into your home on shoes, clothing, or even on the fur of another pet. Itchy yet? Let’s talk pests:

🕷️ Ticks 🕷️
Not only are ticks a threat to our pets, but an estimated 476K Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year.* They aren’t just a warm weather issue, either: contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t die in the winter and do not hibernate, either. If you or your pet spend time in grassy or wooded areas, get in the habit of spot-checking yourself and them for these small, spider-like creatures after every outing. If you find one, pull it off carefully and intact, then call us.

🐜 Fleas 🐜
These teeny-tiny jumping parasites aren’t just annoying for the itchy rashes they cause in pets and people. Studies have shown that the plague is once again on the rise and that fleas are one of the culprits. Fleas can multiply and jump from host to host alarmingly fast, so if you catch your pet itching more than usual, have them checked for fleas ASAP.

To learn more about these pesky pests, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests

*source: www.CDC.gov
**source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

05/31/2024

May 31 is , and as temperatures rise, it’s important to know the signs of overheating in pets. can happen faster than you think, and action needs to be taken quickly! Learn what to watch out for and get more tips on keeping your pets safe this summer by visiting our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/protecting-you-pet-from-heat-risks

05/24/2024

Missing in our area and belonging to one of our former staff. Please keep an eye out. Thank you.

05/24/2024

Staff pet, Tegan, owned by CSR Hailley, is a 3 year old Tegu. She enjoys eating meat, eggs, and veggies and climbing as high as possible to get the lay of the land, even if that means perching on her mom’s head. Hailley has been caring for reptiles for almost 10 years! While we don’t normally see lizards, Tegan joined us for some X-rays of her tail and we all enjoyed meeting her. She is a fascinating little girl with a pretty face.

05/23/2024

that xylitol (aka birch sugar) a common sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butter brands, can be toxic to pets? Eating even a small amount of xylitol can cause a sudden release of insulin in dogs, leading to low blood sugar, seizures, and even liver failure. Keep your pets safe by double-checking ingredient labels and avoiding feeding them human snacks and desserts. If you suspect your pet has ingested a sugar substitute, take them to an emergency vet ASAP.

05/16/2024

ICYDK, it’s important to wash your pet’s food and water bowls regularly, ideally every day. 🧼 In a recent study conducted by the National Science Foundation, dirty pet bowls have been ranked as the fourth germiest place in our homes, just behind toothbrush holders and the kitchen sink! Experts recommend pet dishes be washed daily, either in a sanitizing dishwasher cycle or scrubbed by hand with hot soapy water, then rinsed thoroughly and left to air dry.

05/08/2024

As natural disasters become more common and frequent around the country, it’s important to have a plan in place to keep you, your family and pets safe if an emergency strikes. Spend some time today creating an evacuation plan and assembling supply kits that take both your family and pets’ essential needs into account. 🧳 ⛑

05/07/2024

Staff got a kick out of seeing Duke’s face printed on Dad’s shirt today. How adorable is this!? When we asked him about the shirt, he said his Mom had it made for him.

05/01/2024

While pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are tiny—they can cause BIG problems for our pets, and even our families. That’s why we’re sharing easy ways to save on preventive medications, which are essential to keeping your pet healthy:

🏥 Dog owners can visit us for 15% off ProHeart 12, which offers 1 year of continuous heartworm protection with just 1 dose.*

💛 Thrive Plus members can buy a 10-month supply of Simparica Trio and get 2 months FREE.**

💳 CareCredit cardholders can pay for preventative medications over time. Limited time offer for new cardholders. From May 1 – July 31, 2024, open a new CareCredit credit card account, spend $300 or more to earn a $50 statement credit or $1,000 or more to earn a $100 statement credit, and register for the offer with promo code OFFER2024 at: //carecredit.com/promotions. Visit: //carecredit.com/offer2024 for complete details.***

To learn more about why to protect against pests, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests
*Valid 5/1/2024-6/30/2024. In-clinic purchase only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts except for Thrive Plus member discounts and other parasite treatment related offers and promotions. Discount applies to ProHeart 12 only. Availability of products may vary. The offer does not include the cost of additional services, such as exams or diagnostic tests, that may be needed to fulfill a parasiticide prescription.

**Valid 5/1/2024-6/30/2024 for Thrive Plus Members ONLY. See full prescribing Information SimparicaTrioPI.com and ProHeart12PI.com. In-clinic purchase only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts except for other parasite treatment related offers and promotions. Discount applies to Simparica Trio only. Availability of products may vary. The offer does not include the cost of additional services, such as exams or diagnostic tests, that may be needed to fulfill a parasiticide prescription.

***Subject to credit approval. Between May 1 – July 31, 2024: (1) open a new CareCredit account, (2) use it to make qualifying purchase(s), and (3) register online at //carecredit.com/promotions to earn a statement credit. If earned, statement credit will post to account within 3 billing cycles of offer end date. Account must remain open, in good standing and not become delinquent. Limit one statement credit per account. Applications submitted during offer period but approved after July 31, 2024, are not eligible. Statement credit cannot be used to satisfy the required minimum monthly payment on your account and may not be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent.

04/27/2024

When you have a pet in your life, accidents and emergencies are bound to happen. For , we’re sharing a simple DIY first aid kit you can easily assemble for your pet. 🚑 🐶 While a kit like this one can help you address minor cuts and injuries in the moment, be sure to consult us or the closest emergency vet should your pet become ill or injured. To familiarize yourself with first aid techniques, seek out a pet first aid course near you or download the free official Red Cross pet first aid app.

To learn more about when to seek urgent or emergent care, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/pet-urgent-care-vs-pet-emergency-care

04/23/2024

Did any of these feline heartworm facts surprise you? 🐈 While most pet owners have heard of heartworm disease, many cat owners don’t know all the facts and the true risk these parasites pose for their cat’s health. In addition to these essential facts, we’ve rounded up more detailed explanations, treatment options, and tips for helping you keep your cat safe here:
https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/heartworm-in-cats

If you’re concerned your cat may have heartworm, or have questions about preventative options, book a visit today.

04/17/2024

Help us buy new microchip scanners for our friends at the Lowell Humane Society and be part of reuniting lost pets with their families! Click on the link to donate, or stop by Wignall to donate cash or check. Thanks so much for helping us to help pets!

Did you know that national statistics show only 20% of lost pets find their way home? We're raising funds for Lowell Humane Society to purchase NEW microchip scanners, so they can quickly and easily scan lost pets for a chip. Any additional funds will be used to help pay for supplies to provide "fin...

04/16/2024

is a serious and potentially deadly disease that affects dogs. It is caused by a parasitic type of roundworm, which is spread by infected mosquitoes and lives in the heart and lungs of infected dogs. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the heart and lungs, leading to fatal heart failure. If your dog isn’t currently on year-round parasite prevention, it’s essential that they be tested for heartworm ASAP. 🔬

Learn more about this serious disease and ways to keep your pet safe here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/heartworm-in-dogs

04/09/2024

Did you know that 25% of the total pet poisoning cases each year are caused by ingestion of a toxic plant? There are several varieties of plants that can be toxic to pets, including common houseplants and flowers in springtime arrangements like lilies and daffodils. 🎍🙀🌷

We've compiled a list of some of the most toxic house plants for cats and dogs to help you keep your pet safe. Read more here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/pets-and-plants-keeping-your-furry-loved-ones-safe

03/26/2024

Oral health is essential to overall health, so make dental care part of their annual wellness routine to keep your pet in tip-top shape. 🦷✨ Don’t forget that full diagnostic testing is required 30 days prior to procedures like dental cleanings, so give us a call to discuss scheduling a dental cleaning in tandem with your pet’s annual exam today. To learn more, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/brushing-up-on-wellness

03/22/2024

Many cat poisons are common knowledge, like concentrated household cleaners and rat poisons, but did you know flea and tick treatments formulated for dogs are toxic to cats? ⚠️

This , we’re encouraging pet owners to familiarize themselves with potential hazards to create a safe environment for their dogs and cats. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact us, your nearest 24/7 ER vet or the pet poison control hotline ASAP.

For the full list of common household items you should keep out of your cat's reach, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/pet-poison-prevention

03/22/2024

Our friends at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue have helped many of the injured and abandoned wildlife that our clients have brought to us. Now they need our help! If you live in Chelmsford please read Jane’s message and consider taking action to help keep this much needed free resource operating in your community.

People who are unhappy about something tend to be far more outspoken than those who are happy about it.

I know a large percentage of the community supports the building of our wildlife clinic on the Koulas property, that the town recently purchased.

If you are a resident of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, We could really use your help. If this wildlife clinic is something you want and believe should be in Chelmsford, now is the time to speak up.

Please write to the Select Board and let them know you support the wildlife clinic on the Koulas property.

Email: [email protected]

But please only email if you are a resident of Chelmsford.

We can’t continue to provide this free service to Chelmsford and the surrounding communities, in my garage.

These animals need more. Please. 🙏

UPDATE: To be clear - we have not received any negative feedback from the select board or the task force on this project. I ask for this support because the only letter written to the task force and read aloud last night, was against our facility being built there. I imagine the town would like to know how many members of the community are actually in support of this clinic.

03/18/2024

As any dog owner knows, their curious nature and boundless appetite can sometimes lead them into harm's way. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed about common toxic foods and household items that can pose risks. Many dog poisons are commonly known, like chocolate and grapes, but did you know that Xylitol, a sugar substitute in many packaged foods, also marketed as birch sugar, is highly toxic to dogs? ⚠️

This , we’re encouraging pet owners to familiarize themselves with potential hazards to create a safe environment for their dogs and cats. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact us, your nearest 24/7 ER vet or the pet poison control hotline ASAP.

For the full list of common household items you should keep out of your dog's reach, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/pet-poison-prevention

03/17/2024

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Our reception team is sending you the luck o’ the Irish! ☘️

03/14/2024

that small dogs tend to develop dental problems more rapidly and at a younger age than bigger dogs? And that brachycephalic or flat-faced dog breeds like French bulldogs, Boston terriers and pugs have unique dental issues? 🦷

“It’s challenging to have 42 teeth in such a small mouth,” explains Dr. Coffman, Thrive Pet Healthcare's Specialty Director of Dentistry. “When something gets stuck between their teeth, they can’t floss to remove it like humans. Beginning a proactive oral hygiene regimen at home when your dog is young, and having your veterinarian perform regular dental cleanings is the best way to prevent periodontal disease and potential tooth loss later in life.”

That expert advice holds true no matter what your dog’s size or breed, so get started with preventive dental care today! To learn more, including signs of potential dental problems, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/little-dogs-have-smaller-teeth-but-bigger-teeth-problems

03/08/2024

that renal disease is a condition that occurs commonly in dogs and cats? Renal failure can progress quickly and be life-threatening, if left undiagnosed or untreated. This is where the importance of lab work comes in: by monitoring renal levels on blood and urine testing, veterinary professionals can identify kidney changes faster, which can lead to early intervention. Renal disease is irreversible, but treatment options exist that can help pets with this condition live longer, healthier lives.

If your senior pet is past due for a screening, book a visit today. Read up on renal disease here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/renal-disease-and-the-importance-of-prescreening

02/29/2024

Dr. Rebecca Kurtzman, Medical Director at St. Mark’s Veterinary Hospital, is back to answer more puzzling pet questions! Today, we’re talking about sneezing cats. 🤧 Many cats sneeze occasionally, and that’s not cause for concern. If your cat sneezes several times a day, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated by a vet to identify the underlying cause and initiate treatment. If there’s nasal discharge associated with the sneezing, be sure to monitor for amount and color. Red, green, yellow, white discharge is of concern, clear discharge, less so. Bottom line? If your cat sneezes many times a day, book a vet visit to identify the underlying cause.

02/22/2024

Our pets can’t tell us when they’re experiencing pain and discomfort, so ensuring they’re checked routinely from nose-to-tail can help them live longer, fuller lives. 💚 This includes diagnostic testing, which is needed ahead of dental cleanings and can be done as part of their annual wellness exam. Testing healthy pets’ blood and urine also provides baseline values to compare to as they age, while f***l testing helps detect intestinal parasites that live and thrive in your pet's gastrointestinal tract. Like with regular testing, a baseline allows us to detect changes and illness before ever seeing outward signs of disease. 🔬

Read more about the importance of these lab tests along with what they can reveal here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/is-routine-bloodwork-necessary-for-my-pet

02/08/2024

Are you hoping your dog or cat will be your valentine this year? 💖 Find out if your love for them is reciprocated by looking for some of these signs! Learn more about how our pets express their love for us by visiting our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/do-our-pets-love-us-how-cats-and-dogs-show-their-love

02/07/2024

02/01/2024

Routine dental care for pets is more than just about keeping bad breath at bay: annual cleanings help prevent buildup and diseases that can lead to bigger health issues like tooth disease, infections, and gingivitis - even kidney and heart disease. That's why we’re celebrating with preventive healthcare tips on how to keep your pet’s smile shining, which also supports overall wellness. 🦷✨

Give your pet a healthy start to the new year with an annual dental cleaning and nose-to-tail exam and brush up on your pet wellness knowledge here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/brushing-up-on-wellness

01/26/2024

Ever wonder why dogs get eye boogers? 🐶👀 These 'boogers' are actually a discharge that dogs naturally produce to keep their eyes free from debris. However, certain breeds or environmental factors can lead to more eye discharge. If it's excessive, yellow or green or accompanied by redness, irritation or squinting, it's time to see your vet. Keeping their eyes clear and healthy is essential for your furry friend's vision!

01/19/2024

When temperatures drop, keep these top tips in mind to ensure your pet's safety:

❄️ Know when it's too cold for your pet to be outside for extended periods
❄️ Preserve warmth by using layers and ensuring they stay dry
❄️ Protect against dry skin and cracked paws with booties and vet-approved moisturizer
❄️ Watch for winter hazards like toxic antifreeze and irritating chemical deicers
❄️ Increase your pet's visibility with bright colored clothing and reflective gear on walks
❄️ Keep emergency supplies on hand in case of a winter storm or power outage

For more advice on navigating weather with , visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/6-tips-to-keeping-pets-safe-in-the-cold