Meredith Animal Hospital

08/03/2026

🦟 Heartworm Disease: It Only Takes One Mosquito Bite

Did you know that heartworm disease affects both dogs and cats? While it's more common in dogs, cats are also at risk even if they live indoors.

In New Hampshire, an average of approximately 388 heartworm-positive cases are reported each year, reminding us that heartworm is present here and prevention matters.

❤️ What causes heartworm?
Heartworm disease is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis and is spread only through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not contagious between pets. Once inside the body, the worms can grow and live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing serious and sometimes life-threatening damage.

🐶 Signs in Dogs
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue or reluctance to exercise
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• In severe cases, heart failure or collapse

🐱 Signs in Cats
Heartworm disease is harder to diagnose in cats and may cause:
• Coughing or asthma-like symptoms
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Sudden collapse or, in rare cases, sudden death

Even a single heartworm can make a cat seriously ill, and unfortunately there is no approved treatment to eliminate heartworms in cats.

🛡️ The Best Protection Is Prevention
The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable. Monthly or long-acting heartworm preventives are safe, effective, and much easier than treating the disease after infection. Year-round prevention is recommended for both dogs and cats.

📞 Have questions about the best heartworm prevention for your pet? Our team at Meredith Animal Hospital is here to help keep your furry family members healthy all year long.

08/01/2026

🐾 Happy First of August from Meredith Animal Hospital! 🐾

Dr. Kappes and the handsome Fred are kicking off the month with plenty of smiles and snuggles! 💙🐶

August is here, which means summer is flying by. While many are soaking up every last bit of sunshine, if you’re anything like our Brittney… you’re already counting down the days until crisp air, colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and all things fall! 🍂🎃☕

No matter what season is your favorite, we’re here to help keep your furry family members happy and healthy all year long. Wishing everyone a wonderful August filled with wagging tails, wet noses, and lots of happy memories! 🐾❤️

07/31/2026

There are stories that remind us just how deeply our pets touch our hearts... and how love has a way of finding us again when we need it most. ❤️🐾

Many of you remember sweet Lady. Back in May, she began facing some health challenges, and despite everyone's love and efforts, she peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the hardest parts of loving them, and Lady left a paw print that can never be replaced.

Then, just one month later, something remarkable happened.

Lady's family learned about another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy who had been born the very same month Lady crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It felt like the universe had gently opened a new chapter. After meeting her, they knew it was meant to be.

Please help us welcome the newest member of their family, Angel. 🩷

Is it simply a coincidence? Or is it the beautiful way our beloved pets remind us that while no one can ever replace the ones we've lost, our hearts always have room to love again?

We like to think Lady had a little something to do with it. 🌈✨

Welcome to the Meredith Animal Hospital family, sweet Angel. We can't wait to watch you grow and create a lifetime of memories with your wonderful family.

Sometimes, after the deepest heartbreak comes the gentlest reminder that love never truly leaves us it simply finds another way to shine. 💕🐶

07/30/2026

⚠️🐾 Foods & Household Items That Can Be Dangerous for Your Pets 🐾⚠️

Our furry family members are curious, but many everyday foods and household items can be toxic to both dogs and cats.

🚫 Keep these away from your pets:
🍫 Chocolate
🍇 Grapes & raisins
🧅 Onions, garlic, chives & leeks
🥑 Avocados
🍬 Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters)
☕ Coffee, tea & energy drinks
🍺 Alcohol
🥜 Macadamia nuts
🍞 Raw bread dough
🌽 Corn cobs
🦴 Cooked bones
🌿 Lilies (especially dangerous to cats!)
💊 Human medications
🧼 Household cleaners, pesticides & antifreeze

⚠️ Signs of poisoning may include:
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Tremors or seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness or collapse
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual behavior or lethargy

⏰ Time matters! If you think your pet has eaten or come into contact with something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

📞 Call your veterinarian immediately or head to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Quick treatment can make all the difference.

❤️ The best way to protect your pets is prevention keep harmful foods, medications, and household products safely out of reach.

Please share this post to help keep more pets safe! 🐶🐱

07/23/2026

Stopping in to say hi! 🐾❤️

Look at these cuties Gronk, Devin, and Myra! They're 3 of an amazing pack of 8, and we couldn't resist sharing their adorable faces. 🐶🐶🐶

These sweet pups always brighten our day

Give Gronk, Devin, and Myra some love in the comments! 💕🐾

07/20/2026

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🐾 Meredith Animal Hospital Check-In! 🐾

Hey, pet parents! 👋 When was the last time your furry (or feathered!) family member came to see us?

Even if they're acting like their happy, playful selves, yearly wellness exams are one of the best ways to keep them healthy for years to come. 🩺💙

✨ Why annual checkups matter:
🐶 Pets age much faster than we do, a single year can be like several human years!
🐱 Many illnesses, including dental disease, arthritis, heart disease, and kidney disease, can develop quietly with little or no warning signs.
🦷 Preventive care helps us catch small problems before they become big (and expensive!) ones.
❤️ Annual visits also keep vaccines, parasite prevention, and health records up to date so your pet is ready for whatever adventures come next!

📅 If it's been a year (or close to it), now's the perfect time to schedule your pet's wellness visit. Give us a call, we'd love to see you both!

💬 Now it's your turn!
We're always looking for ways to make Meredith Animal Hospital the veterinary practice our community deserves.

🐾 What matters most to you in a veterinary hospital?
🐾 What services, events, or resources would you love to see us offer?
🐾 Is there something that would make your visits even better?

Drop your thoughts in the comment, we're listening! ❤️ Your feedback helps us grow and better care for the pets and people of our community.

07/14/2026

⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER ALERT FOR TONIGHT ⚠️
A Tornado Watch has been issued for our area, with the potential for strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and rapidly changing weather conditions. Your pets depend on you to keep them safe, now is the time to prepare. New England weather IS unpredictable.

🐾 Tips to Keep Your Dogs & Cats Safe During Severe Weather:

🌪️ Bring pets indoors early. Don't wait until the storm arrives. Loud thunder and strong winds can frighten pets and cause them to run away.

🏠 Create a safe space.Choose an interior room, basement, or other windowless area where your family and pets can shelter together if conditions worsen.

🦮 Keep dogs on a leash and cats in carriers. If you need to evacuate or move quickly, having pets secured helps prevent them from bolting if they become scared.

💊 Have an emergency kit ready. Include:
• At least 3 days of food and water
• Medications
• Leashes, harnesses, and carriers
• Waste bags/litter and litter pan
• Medical records and vaccination information
• Comfort items like a favorite blanket or toy

🏷️ Check ID tags and microchip information. If your pet becomes separated from you, current contact information greatly improves the chances of a safe reunion.

🚗 Protect vehicles and outdoor pets.If possible, move vehicles under cover to reduce hail damage. Never leave pets outside during severe weather.

⚡ Stay informed.Monitor local weather alerts throughout the evening and follow guidance from emergency officials.

Most importantly, if you take shelter, take your pets with you. If conditions are unsafe for you, they're unsafe for them too.

Please stay safe tonight, and don't hesitate to contact Meredith Animal Hospital if you have questions about preparing your pets for emergencies. ❤️🐶🐱

Send a message to learn more

07/09/2026

☀️🐾 Summer Check-In from Your Meredith Animal Hospital Family! 🐾☀️

Hello to our amazing MAH community! 💙 We can't believe how quickly summer is flying by, and we wanted to check in and see how everyone (both two-legged and four-legged!) is doing.

🌻 Have you been exploring new hiking trails?
🏖️ Spending lazy afternoons by the lake?
🍦 Sharing a pup cup with your best furry friend?
🚤 Enjoying boating adventures?
📸 Capturing adorable summer photos of your pets?

As always, thank you for trusting Meredith Animal Hospital with your pets' care. We truly have the best clients and patients, and we're so grateful to be part of such a caring, compassionate community.

Here's to making the most of the rest of summer,staying safe, making memories, and enjoying every wag, purr, and tail wag along the way! ❤️

07/07/2026

📢 Calling All of Our Amazing Meredith Animal Hospital Community! 🐾❤️

Let's come together to help pets and the people who love them!

On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Allen Wayside Furniture in Wolfeboro will be partnering with the Lakes Region Humane Society (LRHS) to host a "Fill A Truck" Pet Food & Supply Drive! 🚚🐶🐱

All donated pet food and supplies will be used to stock the LRHS Community Pantry, which provides assistance to local pet owners experiencing financial hardship. This wonderful program helps keep beloved pets fed, cared for, and where they belong—at home with their families.

🐾 Items Needed Include:
🐶 Dog food (dry & canned)
🐱 Cat food (dry & canned)
🦴 Treats
🥫 Unopened pet food
🐕 Leashes & collars
🐈 Cat litter
🧸 New toys
🛏️ Blankets & pet bedding
🧼 Pet care supplies and cleaning items

Every donation big or small makes a meaningful difference. Together, we can help ensure that no family has to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their beloved pet.

Thank you for always showing what an incredible, compassionate community we have. We hope to see many of you there helping us Fill A Truck for pets in need! ❤️🐾

07/04/2026

We’re lined up and ready to go! Come see us at the Meredith 4th of July parade! Happy 250th USA 🇺🇸