Platte Woods Animal Hospital

07/30/2026

Not always. For many double-coated breeds, including Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, the coat actually helps insulate against heat and protects the skin from harmful UV rays.

Shaving these breeds can increase their risk of:
☀️ Sunburn
🌡️ Overheating
🐕 Coat damage as it grows back

Instead:
✔️ Brush out loose undercoat regularly.
✔️ Keep plenty of fresh water available.
✔️ Avoid the hottest part of the day.
✔️ Provide shade and air conditioning whenever possible.

Not every breed is the same, so if you're considering a summer haircut, ask your veterinarian or groomer first. Questions? Call (816) 741-8600 or visit our website: www.plattewoodsanimalhospital.net.

07/28/2026

Cats are masters at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make them vulnerable to predators, so they instinctively mask signs of illness or injury.

Subtle changes like hiding more often, decreased appetite, sleeping more, avoiding jumps, or changes in grooming may be the only clues that something is wrong.

Routine wellness exams help us detect problems before they become more serious. If your cat's behavior has changed, call us at (816) 741-8600 or visit our website: www.plattewoodsanimalhospital.net.

07/27/2026

Yes. Biting is a normal part of kitten development. Kittens use play to learn about their environment and develop bite inhibition. While it may not feel very gentle, this is an important part of growing up.

The best approach is to redirect biting toward appropriate toys and avoid encouraging play with your hands or fingers.

With consistency and patience, most kittens outgrow this stage and learn to play more gently. If you have questions about your kitten's behavior, we're happy to help. Call us at (816) 741-8600 or visit our website: www.plattewoodsanimalhospital.net.

07/24/2026

Severe weather can happen with little warning, so having a pet emergency kit ready before you need it can make all the difference.

Keep essentials like food, medications, fresh water, veterinary records, ID tags, waste bags, a leash, and a comfortable carrier or bed in one easy-to-access location. Planning ahead helps ensure your pet stays safe if you ever need to leave home quickly.

Do you already have a pet emergency kit? Let us know what's in yours!

07/23/2026

Paws, people, and positive vibes wanted! 🐾❤️

Platte Woods Animal Hospital is hiring a Part-Time Receptionist!

Are you friendly, organized, and love helping both people and their pets? We'd love to meet you! Our reception team is the first smile our clients see, and we're looking for someone who is compassionate, dependable, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
What we're looking for:
🐶 Excellent customer service and communication skills
🐱 Strong multitasking and computer skills
🐾 A positive attitude and willingness to learn
❤️ Previous veterinary or medical reception experience is a plus, but we're happy to train the right person!
Must be able to work two Saturday’s monthly.
What you'll do:
• Greet clients and their furry family members
• Schedule appointments and boarding reservations
• Answer phones and assist with client questions
• Help keep our front desk running smoothly while providing exceptional care and service
If you're looking to join a supportive team that truly cares about pets and the people who love them, we'd love to hear from you!
📧 To apply, please send your resume to: [email protected] or stop by the hospital to fill out an application.
📍 Platte Woods Animal Hospital
5901 NW 72nd Street
Kansas City, MO 64151
📞 816-741-8600
Please like and share! We can't wait to meet our next team member! 🐾❤️

07/23/2026

If your dog suddenly refuses their regular food but happily accepts treats, don't assume they're just being picky.

Dental disease, mouth pain, an upset stomach, or other underlying medical conditions can all affect a dog's appetite. Some dogs will continue eating treats because they're softer or more appealing.

If your dog refuses regular meals for more than a day, develops vomiting or diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or stops eating altogether, they should be examined by a veterinarian. If you're concerned about your dog's appetite, call us at (816) 741-8600 or visit our website: www.plattewoodsanimalhospital.net.

07/21/2026

"Feed me."

"Move your hand."

"You are sitting in my spot."

That's probably about as close as we'd get. 😸 If your cat could text you, what do you think their very first message would be? Share your funniest answer in the comments!

07/20/2026

🔨 Client Notice: Roof Repairs in Progress 🐾
We wanted to give our clients a quick heads-up that roof repairs will be taking place at Platte Woods Animal Hospital over the next three days.
During this time, you may notice some construction noise, workers on-site, and a little extra mess around the hospital. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as these necessary repairs are completed.
We will remain open and continue seeing patients as scheduled. Our team is committed to providing the same high-quality care while the work is being done.
Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to trust Platte Woods Animal Hospital with your pets' care. We look forward to seeing you and your furry family members!

07/20/2026

It's hot out today!! Let's keep our furry friends healthy and comfortable!

It's going to be a hot week! Please take the proper precautions for your furry friends!

07/20/2026

After a summer storm, the ground may look clean, but it can actually harbor increased levels of bacteria and contaminants. Standing water, damp soil, and debris can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, which your dog can pick up on their paws or ingest while sniffing and licking.

In addition, temperatures and humidity often remain high after rain, making it harder for dogs to cool themselves. Pavement can also stay hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads long after the rain has stopped.

Choosing cooler, drier times of the day for walks is one of the best ways to help keep your dog safe. Have questions about summer pet safety? Call us at (816) 741-8600 or visit our website: www.plattewoodsanimalhospital.net.