Blue Heron Acupuncture-Animals

05/01/2026

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This interesting case report describes how acupuncture and Chinese herbal supplementation were used to successfully treat, support and stabilize a twelve-year-old Labrador Retriever with chronic kidney disease and hind end weakness. A Chinese herbal formulation, Rehmannia Eight (Ba Wei Di Huang Wan), was started when mild azotemia with isosthenuria was noted in laboratory work. Acupuncture was used to provide further support to the kidneys as well as for mobility support. The patient showed mild improvement in the creatinine and the hind end weakness significantly improved, enhancing the patient's overall quality of life.

You can read this in-depth case report here:https://civtedu.org/documents/TWuzq4J6ujLwcLfdT3Wa.pdf

Learn about our Veterinary Acupuncture courses here: https://civtedu.org/courses/acupuncture

03/10/2026

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Literally on the heels of our latest post addressing concerns about child dog walkers, we learned about a weekend incident from one of our colleagues, where an eleven year old, walking his family's dog, lost control of the leash, when the dog pulled away and went after another dog, resulting in a fatal attack.

This particular incident, also highlights another concern, in that the child failed to report the incident to his parents, out of fear of getting into trouble. The child was also understandably traumatized.

Aside from everything we addressed on our prior post, non-disclosure of an incident, especially of this magnitude, fuels more concern than that of a child, who, in hindsight, may not have been prepared or mature enough, for the potentials during a dog walk.

A dog with the propensity to pull away from a handler while aggressively pursuing another dog, illustrates an extremely dangerous level of either dog, territory or fear aggression, or predatory drive.

Dogs with this behavior should never be out of their homes without behavior modifications in place, regardless of whether they are being walked by a child or an adult.

Parents, PLEASE understand the significant safety risks when you combine lack of physical strength to control a dog, with inexperience and lack of mental readiness to handle unpredictable situations.

If during our patrols, we should see a child walking a dog, and it doesn't appear safe or controlled, we will stop and offer our assistance or recommendations. Incidents, like the devastating one about which we learned today, are not only preventable, but they can leave life long emotional scars on everyone involved. Let's work together to keep our community pets, children and families safe.

03/09/2026

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🐾 Our Annual Low-Cost Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, April 18th 🐾

🐈 Cats: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (must be in carriers)
🐕 Dogs: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (must be on leashes)

💵 Cost: $15 per pet (Cash only). Seniors 65+ receive free vaccines for their pets!

No appointment is needed, and pets from all towns are welcome. If you can show proof of a previous rabies vaccine, your pet can receive a 3-year vaccine. We will also have Medfield dog licenses available on-site.

01/29/2026

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These pet medicines could save your dog or cat… but only if you know when to use them 👇😮

Most emergencies happen at home.
Most owners panic.
And most problems get worse simply because people don’t know the right first response.

These aren’t human medicines.
These are the pet safe ones vets use for everyday situations.

Here’s a corrected, safer, more useful guide with real life examples 👇

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▪️Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
For mild allergies, bug bites, swelling, or sudden itching

Example, your dog gets stung by a bee and the face starts puffing.
Benadryl can help… but only with correct vet dosage.
Never guess the amount.

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▪️ Pepcid AC (Famotidine)
Helps with empty stomach nausea, acid reflux, burping, and mild vomiting

Example, your dog throws up yellow bile in the morning.
Pepcid often helps stabilize the stomach.
Avoid if the pet has kidney disease unless a vet approved it.

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▪️Hydrocortisone 1 percent cream
Soothes hotspots, redness, itchy patches, and skin inflammation

Example, your dog licks one spot nonstop or your cat scratches a red patch.
Use on intact skin, never on open wounds.

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▪️Durvet or Pro Pectalin
For sudden diarrhea, especially after new food, stress, or mild infections

It coats the gut lining and firms stools safely.
If diarrhea is bloody, severe, or lasts more than 24 hours, go to the vet.

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▪️Vet approved electrolyte solution
Supports hydration during heat stress, vomiting, mild illness, or long travel

Example, your dog is sluggish after playing in hot weather.
Electrolytes help, but not human sports drinks or ORS mixes.

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▪️ Pet safe antiseptic spray (Chlorhexidine)
For cleaning small cuts, paw scrapes, and bite scratches

Example, your cat jumps from a window and gets a minor paw scrape.
Chlorhexidine prevents infection without stinging.

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Important reminders every pet parent must know

👉 these medicines help mild cases, not emergencies

👉never give human painkillers, they are deadly for pets

👉 always check weight based dosage

👉 if symptoms worsen, don’t retry meds, call a vet

👉 vomiting + diarrhea + no appetite together = urgent care

👉 breathing issues or swelling around mouth = emergency

Your pet can’t tell you what hurts
But knowing these basics helps you act fast until a vet takes over

Save this
This is the kind of information that every pet owner wishes they had before something went wrong

01/18/2026

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Overgrown claws can change the way your cat stands and walks, altering their natural gait. This places extra pressure on the toes, joints, tendons and spine, which over time can contribute to joint pain, arthritis and reduced mobility.

Long claws may also cause slipping on smooth surfaces, painful nail splits, or claws growing into the paw pads — all of which can be uncomfortable and easily avoided with regular trims.

Routine nail care helps support proper posture, balanced movement and long-term joint health, keeping your cat comfortable and confident on their feet at every stage of life 🐾🩷

01/18/2026

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/my-dog-ate-a-what/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPaAIBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEezqot-mCKIebZGEiKYIZLukVJN1z8LIBzEbOCVqcQwzRZunjyHY4zH3HfFMs_aem_e5hx4S-1217VN73Coehq5g

Dogs like to eat, and if your dog ate a sock or some other foreign object you will need to figure out what it is and what to do about it.

01/17/2026

https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/general/dog-breeds-that-cant-handle-the-cold?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social+ads&utm_campaign=120228720583420583&utm_content=120244020072590583&utm_term=Facebook_Desktop_Feed&utm_id=120228720583420583&fbclid=IwY2xjawPY2KRleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqzFrDCteR3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR51YDOGEQWc3Vyf4kbGAiZ5jqWfvkeUK0KgfY8SEXnTJkebNbF6gJdBAsmusw_aem__QI1bIHTsMnluBLr1QOWZg

Some dog breeds can’t handle the cold because of their anatomy. Learn about dogs that don’t do well and how you can help your dog in winter.

01/17/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1394069875529607

12/18/2025

Our Sweet Treats, Single Dreamy ($2) and Double Heaven ($4) have dressed up for the holidays. Grab them to go in the reception area @ Happy Tails Doggy Daycare, Inc.

12/18/2025

Long stay shelter dogs will have stressful experiences, and long-term shelter dog behavior can include reactive or anxious behavior