Howard County Animal Hospital

09/19/2025

🐾 Everyone meet Willow! 🐾
At just 14 weeks old and 13.4 pounds, this sweet girl came in for her very first puppy visit with Dr. Parker today. 💕 She already has a favorite—toys, toys, toys! 🎾🧸

Help us welcome Willow to the Howard County Animal Hospital family!

09/12/2025

We’ve seen multiple elbow fractures in young pets this week. 🐾

Elbow (humeral condylar) fractures are most often seen in young, growing animals with open growth plates. They are one of the few true orthopedic emergencies, needing surgical repair within just 3–5 days to preserve normal elbow function.

The type of repair depends entirely on the specific fracture pattern.
In some cases, minimal implants are needed to stabilize the bone… while in others — like when both sides are fractured — a much larger array of implants and hardware is required to restore stability and allow healing.

Fortunately, our team at Howard County Animal Hospital has the experience and surgical skills to perform these repairs in-house. This means our patients can get the care they need quickly and without the delays or added costs of referral to a specialty center.

09/11/2025

🎉🐾 Welcome Toby! 🐾🎉

We had the pleasure of meeting Toby, a 9-week-old bundle of joy, at his very first visit with Dr. Parker! This little guy weighed in at 3.4 pounds and stole the show!

His family has been part of the Howard County Animal Hospital community for a while, and now they’re introducing us to their newest (and fluffiest) member. 🐶✨

Help us give Toby a big warm welcome! 💕 Drop a comment with a picture of your pet’s favorite toy — we’d love to see them! 📸🐾

08/29/2025

Howard County Animal Hospital will be closed August 30th and September 1st for Labor Day weekend.

🐾 We’ll be back to caring for your pets on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Wishing you and your furry friends a safe and relaxing holiday weekend! 💙

08/08/2025

Sixteen years young and still the life of the paw-ty! 🐶🎂 Happy birthday good boy!

07/16/2025

Is your dog about to undergo or ever had a splenectomy? Knowing what to expect can ease your worries and help you make decisions. Check out our latest blog post to learn all about this surgery and how to help your furry friend recover!

Finding out your dog needs surgery can be pretty scary, especially when it involves something like their spleen. A canine splenectomy, which is the removal of the spleen, is a serious procedure, but it's often necessary to help your furry friend get back to feeling good. This article will go over wh...

07/14/2025

As temperatures rise, it's crucial to keep our furry friends safe and comfortable in the heat! Here are some tips to ensure your pets stay cool and happy as we head into spring and summer☀️:

1. Provide plenty of fresh water: Make sure your pets have access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially when it's hot outside.

2. Create shady spots: Set up shaded areas in your yard or home where your pets can escape the sun's heat. This could be under trees, umbrellas, or awnings.

3. Limit outdoor activities: Try to schedule walks and outdoor playtime during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.

4. Use cooling products: Consider using products like cooling mats, vests, or bandanas designed specifically for pets to help them stay cool.

5. Never leave pets in hot cars: Even with the windows cracked open, cars can quickly become dangerously hot for pets. Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a short time.

6. Provide frozen treats: Freeze pet-safe treats like ice cubes made from broth or freeze-dried treats for your pets to enjoy on hot days.

7. Groom your pets: Regular grooming can help remove excess fur and keep your pets' coats in good condition, which can help them stay cooler.

8. Consider indoor activities: On particularly hot days, consider indoor activities like puzzle toys or training sessions to keep your pets mentally stimulated without exposing them to excessive heat.

9. Monitor for signs of overheating: Keep an eye on your pets for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, or weakness. If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cooler area and offer water immediately.

10. Consult your veterinarian: If you have any concerns about how your pet is handling the heat, don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian for advice and guidance specific to your pet's needs.

07/10/2025

🏖️ Beach Day with Your Dog? Don’t Skip These Safety Tips! 🐶☀️

Heading to the beach with your pup? Keep it safe, fun, and vet-approved with these must-know tips:

🔹 Avoid saltwater ingestion – Drinking ocean water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Always bring fresh water and offer it often.
🔹 Leash up – Even at dog-friendly beaches, a leash helps you avoid trouble with other dogs, wildlife, or strong surf.
🔹 Pack the essentials – Shade, p**p bags, a towel, and plenty of water. Keep them cool and hydrated.
🔹 Heat-sensitive breeds beware – Flat-faced dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Frenchies are high-risk for heat stroke. If your dog overheats easily, the beach might not be the right spot.
🔹 Know before you go – Not all beaches allow dogs, and many have time restrictions. Always double-check local rules.
🔹 Emergency plan ready? – Locate the nearest 24/7 emergency vet hospital to where you're going — better safe than scrambling in a crisis.
🔹 Keep it short & sweet – Too much sun, hot sand, summer heat or exhaustive play can wear your pup out fast. Take breaks and watch for signs of overheating.

Let’s keep those tails wagging safely this summer! 🌊🐾

07/10/2025

Good news for pet parents! 🐾 The FDA has just approved the first generic version of cefovecin sodium, a commonly used 2 week long lasting injectable antibiotic for treating skin infections like abscesses and wounds in cats and small dogs. Great for difficult to pill patients.

Why does this matter? 💊
Generic medications offer the same safety and effectiveness as brand-name drugs—but at a lower cost. That means, once available, more affordable treatment options when your pet needs care for skin infections.

We use this medication often for pets who are hard to pill or need long-lasting antibiotic coverage with just one injection.

Questions about treatment options for your pet? We're here to help!

https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-generic-drug-for-skin-infections-is-approved-by-the-fda

07/08/2025

This summer, ensure a safe and fun boating trip for you and your furry friends with these tips:

- **Life Jacket:** Always have your dog wear a well-fitted life jacket.
- **Training:** Train your dog to be comfortable on the boat before heading out.
- **Hydration:** Ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water to stay hydrated.
- **Sun Protection:** Provide shade and apply pet-safe sunscreen to protect from sunburn.
- **Identification:** Ensure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag and is microchipped.
- **Supervision:** Never leave your dog unattended on the boat.
- **Safety Plan:** Have a plan in case your dog falls overboard, including teaching your dog how to re-enter the boat.
- **Comfort:** Bring your dog’s favorite bed or blanket for a sense of security.
- **First Aid Kit:** Keep a pet first aid kit on board for emergencies.
- **Limit Exposure/Temperature Control:** Monitor your dog’s time on the boat to avoid fatigue or overheating. Use a mat or cooling pad if needed to cool your dog down.

Following these tips can help ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience for you and your furry friend! Happy Sailing! 🌊😎

07/02/2025

🎆🐾 **4th of July Tips for Dogs and Cats** 🐾🎆

The 4th of July can be stressful for pets. Here’s how to keep them safe and calm:

1. **Create a Safe Space** 🏠
Set up a quiet area with their favorite toys, blankets, and calming music.

2. **Keep Them Indoors** 🚪
Keep pets inside, with windows and curtains closed to minimize noise and light.

3. **Update ID Tags and Microchips** 🏷️
Ensure their ID tags and microchip info are current in case they escape.

4. **Exercise Before Festivities** 🐕🚶‍♂️🐈
Tire them out with a walk or play session earlier in the day.

5. **Calming Aids** 🌿
Use anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or calming treats. Consult your vet for options.

6. **Stay Calm** 😌
Remain calm to help reassure your pets.

7. **Avoid Human Food** 🚫🍔🌭
Keep food and alcohol out of reach and inform guests not to feed your pets.

8. **Pet-Friendly Entertainment** 📺🐾
Distract them with toys, treats, or pet-safe TV shows.

9. **Consult Your Vet** 🩺
Talk to your vet about medications if your pet has severe anxiety.

10. **Check on Them Regularly** 👀
Monitor your pets throughout the night and provide comfort as needed.

By following these tips, you can ensure your furry friends stay safe and comfortable. Have a happy and safe 4th of July! 🎇🇺🇸

06/30/2025

🎆 Heads up for the holiday weekend!
We’ll be closed Friday (July 4th) and Saturday (July 5th) so our team can enjoy the holiday with friends and family.
If your pet needs calming medication for fireworks, please call us ahead of time so we can help keep them comfortable.🐾