Barataria Animal Hospital

06/29/2026

Our clinic python , Jem. She is 26 years old.

06/29/2026

The summer heat is here, and it's important to remember that if it's hot for you, it's even hotter for your pets. 🌡️

Here is how to keep your pet cool this summer:

💧 Providing fresh, cool water whenever they are outside
🚗 Never leaving your pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked
🌅 Avoiding midday walks and choosing early morning or evening instead
🖐️ Checking the pavement before walks to help prevent burned paws
🌳 Providing shade and cool indoor spaces for your pet to rest
⚠️ Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion, including excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, or collapse.

06/22/2026

Happy Monday from Pork Chop, one of our new patients! Have great week!

06/16/2026

I had a question from a client yesterday about the New World screwworm infestations that have recently been found in Texas. What are the risks of getting an infestation in dogs and cats?
The risk is very low. The blowfly, Cochliomyia hominivorax, has to lay eggs in or near an open wound for the larvae to hatch and feed on living, healthy tissue. This happens more commonly in livestock. Many of the monthly flea ( and heartworm ) preventatives given to dogs and cats, can be used to treat infestations. Some that have been listed are Credelio, Nexguard, Bravecto, Simparica, and Nitenpyram ( Capstar ); Trifexis has been shown to be 80% effective in dogs. Here is more information about screwworms:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status?page=1

06/13/2026

A great week, at my veterinary clinic ,making sure little Cheddar is off to a good start at his new home , to entertaining two fantastic audiences last night at my Vampire Apothecary magic shows!

06/11/2026

There have been 17 cases of Flea-borne Typhus in Louisiana, in humans. Protect yourself by keeping your pets current on their flea preventatives ( and heartworm preventatives).

Infected fleas spread flea-borne typhus, causing illness. Early treatment is critical.

06/08/2026

WARM WEATHER PET SAFETY:

You might know that cold weather poses health risks to your pets, but so does warm weather—even on days that don’t seem that hot to you. Knowing the risks and being prepared can help keep your pet safe.

Be prepared
Talk to your veterinarian about warm weather risks for pets (and travel safety if you plan to travel with a pet).

Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water, and access to shade when outside.

Keep your pet free of parasites that are more common during warm weather, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm.

Ask your veterinarian how to recognize signs of heat stress. Signs of Heat Stress:
Seek emergency veterinary care if you observe any of these signs:

Anxiousness
Excessive panting
Restlessness
Excessive drooling
Unsteadiness
Abnormal gum and tongue color
Collapse

Keep pets at home
Leave your pets at home if possible when you need to go out and about.

Provide different temperature zones within your house for your pet’s comfort.

Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly temperatures, even when the weather isn’t severe.

Keep them comfortable
If it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet.

Take walks, hikes, or runs during the cooler hours of the day.

Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.

Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or other protection.

Exercising with your pet
Consult your veterinarian prior to starting an exercise program for your pet. Overweight pets and short-nosed dog breeds have higher risk of problems with warm-weather exercise.

Don’t walk, run, or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.

Take frequent breaks.

Bring enough water for both you and your pet.

Garden and yard safety
Make sure the plants in your garden and yard are safe for pets.

Store lawn fertilizer and insecticides out of reach of your pets.

Always follow safety instructions on lawn and garden products, particularly the instructions on how long you should keep pets out of the treated areas.

If you use a lawn service, make sure they are aware that you have pets.

Avoid using cocoa bean mulch, which contains the same pet toxin found in chocolate.

02/10/2026

Barkus Parade— Wicked & Wagging!
Clinic Mardi Gras schedule :
Wednesday & Thursday: 2-11-36 & 2-12-26 open 8 am - 12 pm
Monday 2-16-26 open 8 am - 12 pm
Fat Tuesday 2-17-26 — closed
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 2- 18, 19, 20th— open 8 am - 6 pm.

12/29/2025

New Year schedule :
Wednesday 12-31-25 — Open 8 am to 12 pm
Thursday & Friday, 1-1-26 & 1-2-26– Closed
If you have an emergency, please call :
Avenue Wellness & Emergency Hospital at 1-504-265-8659
Or Med Vet at : 1-504-835-8508
Have a Happy New Year!

12/16/2025

Christmas Holiday hours:
Monday & Tuesday 12-22 & 12-23– open 8 am to 6 pm. Wednesday 12-24– 8 am to 12 pm. Thursday 12-25— closed. Friday 12-26– open 8 am to 6 pm.
We will close at 5 pm if no appointments are scheduled after 5 pm.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, & Happy New Year!