Marathon Veterinary Hospital

08/02/2025

We are having a pet food drive for KAIR!

In the Florida Keys, KAIR (Keys Area Interdenominational Resources) is a community organization based in Marathon, Florida. KAIR provides numerous services to support the
local community, including a certified food pantry that distributes over 300,000 pounds of food annually. KAIR also helps those pet owners in tough times with pet food
needs.

That is where we come in! We are taking pet food donations here at the hospital through September 30th for dogs, cats, and exotic pets (avians, pocket pets, small mammals).

Even a small pet food donation means the world to those in need.

Please no grain free products or perishables. Please do not hesitate to call us at the office if you have any questions about what types of pet food you can donate.

Thanks in advance! Our community is everything here in our beautiful Florida Keys paradise. YOU can make a difference for a family in need 🐾🥰🐾

07/31/2025

☀🐾🥵Do dogs need sunscreen? 🥵🐾☀

Yes, some dogs do need sunscreen, especially those with thin or light-colored fur, pink skin, or light-pigmented noses, eyelids, and ears. Breeds particularly at risk include Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Chinese Cresteds. Dogs can get sunburned, which is painful and can lead to skin cancer.

Here's a breakdown:

🐾Susceptible Dogs: Hairless breeds, dogs with light or thin coats, light-pigmented noses and eyelids, and those with skin conditions or recovering from surgery are more prone to sunburn.

🐾Benefits of Sunscreen: Dog-specific sunscreen helps protect against sunburn, skin irritation, and potentially serious conditions like skin cancer and hemangiomas.

🐾Important Note: Never use human sunscreen on dogs, as it can contain ingredients like zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) that are toxic to dogs if ingested. Look for a pet-safe sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs.

🐾Application: Apply dog sunscreen to areas most exposed to the sun, like the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around the lips, groin, and inner thighs, according to the American Kennel Club. Apply it about 20 minutes before your dog goes outside and reapply every 4 to 6 hours, or after swimming.

🐾Alternatives to Sunscreen: Consider dog sun shirts, cooling vests, hats, goggles, or simply keeping your dog in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (typically 10 am to 4 pm). Provide plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.

🐾Veterinary Consultation: If you are unsure whether your dog needs sunscreen or have questions about specific products, consult your veterinarian for guidance

Protect your pup with the best dog sunscreens, including vet-approved options for sensitive skin and noses. We've rounded up expert-backed picks for safe sun protection.

07/30/2025

📣🐾 Introducing our Boost of Wellness Day!! 🐾📣🐾

🐾🐈🐕‍🦺 Keeping your beloved pet family member in tip-top shape just got even easier! Every Thursday, we're doubling down on wellness care! With your pet's exam, get 50% off select vaccinations for dogs and cats. To book an appointment and check which vaccinations are due for your pet, please call us at 305-743-7099.

You can also book online through our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/locations/florida/marathon/marathon-veterinary-hospital Just be sure to mention coupon code VX50. 🐕‍🦺🐈🐾

🐾🐈🐕‍🦺 In addition, you can sign up for our new membership program that we launched this year! It's $19.99 a month per pet. You get free unlimited exams (including wellness, illness, tech times, rechecks, ER walk ins, etc.), 10% off all services and $5 nail trims. There are also exclusive to members only benefits such as product and service discounts. Here is the link to our website for more information. https://www.thrivepetcare.com/membership/practice...

🐾🐕‍🦺🐈We are so fortunate to be able to help clients better afford veterinary care for their pets! 🐾🐕‍🦺🐈

07/26/2025

💦 July National Pet Hydration Awareness Month 💦

The importance of keeping pets hydrated is paramount in the summer months when temperatures can rise. Dehydration can be dangerous for pets, so it's crucial for pet owners to be aware of the signs of dehydration and take steps to ensure their furry friends stay properly hydrated.

💦Why Hydration Matters💦

🥵️Pets, especially dogs, primarily cool down through panting, which relies on adequate hydration.

🥵Water is essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation.

🥵Dehydration can lead to lethargy, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, organ damage.

🥵Dehydration can exacerbate the risk of heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.

☀️Signs of Dehydration:

☀️Lethargy, feeling tired or sluggish.
☀️Reduced interest in food or water.
☀️Sticky or dry gums and a dry nose.
☀️Eyes may appear to be recessed or hollow.
☀️Decreased skin elasticity. When you gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck, it may not spring back quickly.
☀️Excessive panting, even after mild activity.

💦How to Keep Your Pet Hydrated💦

💦 Always ensure your pet has access to clean, fresh water, especially during hot weather.
💦 Refresh water bowls daily and clean them regularly.
💦 Wet food can help increase your pet's water intake.
💦 If your pet spends time both indoors and outdoors, provide water in both areas.
💦 Bring a water bottle and bowl when taking your pet for walks or on trips.
💦 Some pets prefer different types of bowls (ceramic, stainless steel) or water fountains.
💦 On very hot days, limit outdoor activities and exercise.
💦 Never Leave Pets in Cars!!!! Cars can heat up rapidly, even on mild days.

Consult Your Veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet's hydration or if you notice any signs of dehydration.

Pet Healthcare

07/25/2025

🐾😍🥰🐾 CUTENESS ALERT!!!! 🐾😍🥰🐾

Welcome to the family Cassius Maximus!!

07/18/2025

🐾Ears Up Everyone! Don't forget to license your pet to keep them safe!! 🐾

Monroe County reminds pet owners that dogs, cats, and ferrets six months of age or older must be licensed and have a valid license tag. Licensing your pets is not […]

07/16/2025

🥰🐾 CUTENESS ALERT!!! 🐾🥰

Welcome to the family Birdie!!

07/05/2025

Resting after the July 4th festivities like….🐾🐈‍⬛🥰🎉🫘🇺🇸

07/03/2025

06/28/2025

🇺🇸💥🐾🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day week everyone! 🇺🇸💥🐾🇺🇸

Remember to review holiday safety guidelines to keep your pet(s) healthy & safe for the 4th of July celebrations coming up!

Keepin mind we are closed on Friday the 4th, so please call in early for medication or prescription diet refills! We will be open on Saturday the 5th.

https://www.avma.org/res.../pet-owners/petcare/july-4-safety

Thrive Pet Healthcare

06/26/2025

🐦 Case Study: Baby African Gray Parrot & Accidental Foreign Body Ingestion 🐦

Baby Gray was brought to us after accidentally ingesting a piece of a feeding syringe. Radiographs revealed a foreign object lodged between the crop and the proventriculus.

Under general anesthesia, the object was successfully removed by Dr. Aundria del Pino using an endoscope—a small video camera used for internal visualization.

Baby Gray recovered well and was discharged to go home.

Baby Birds and Hand Feeding:
Birds that have not been weaned by their parents require hand feeding by their owners. This practice has sparked debate over the years—some believe it's best to let the parents raise their young, while others advocate for hand feeding under the right conditions.

Regardless of your stance, there are several potential complications associated with hand feeding:

🐦Crop burn can occur when the formula is too hot or has hot spots.

🐦Crop stasis may result from feeding food that is too cold.

🐦Foreign body ingestion can happen if parts of the feeding syringe break off, or if the bird picks up harmful material from its surroundings.

Resources:
Phoebe Greene Linden
https://santabarbarabirdfarm.com/aa/aa.html
Joy Mench from UC Davis
https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/handfeeding-formulas-usage-charts/
https://birdtricksstore.com/products/a-guide-to-weaning-baby-birds?_pos=1&_sid=2e7c12767&_ss=r

06/13/2025

🐾🥰**CUTENESS ALERT!!!**🥰🐾

What's that little miss Olive? You want a cookie?? For doing such a wonderful job on your first visit you get lots of cookies!! Too cute 😍

Thrive Pet Healthcare