Healthy Petz Family Vet

05/22/2026

We will be closed Monday May 25, 2026 for Memorial Day.

We will reopen normal business hours Tuesday May 26th at 7:00am till 6:00pm.

During closed business hours if your pet has a medical emergency please call Carolina Specialty and Emergency in Hickory at 828-328-2660.

05/11/2026

A perk to having a groomer at our hospital is that we offer sedate grooms. This is a good option for pets who may be extremely fearful of grooming tools or doesn't have the nicest demeanor during a groom. We offer cat and dog sedation grooms Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

This old gal is fearful of being in the hospital so this is a great option to get her grooming needs taken care of.

Call to schedule your appointment today.

05/07/2026

We do surgery almost every day of the week here at Healthy Petz. One of the top procedures we do are mass removals.

Masses can pop anywhere on an animal and can be as simple as a lipoma (fatty deposit), cyst, skin tag or cancers like mast cell tumors. If you notice a mass then you should bring it up to your vet. They may recommend a fine needle aspirate or cytology. This is where a needle is poked into the mass so that we can get a sample of the cells that the mass is composed of. Based on that information, your vet will choose the best treatment options for your pet.

This pet had 2 fairly large lipomas that Dr. Bucy expertly removed. Her incision site closed nicely and she has a drain placed. A drain is used to prevent a seroma (a pocket of fluid that can accumulate under the skin). A drain is not always necessary but beneficial in this case because both masses were on her underside and gravity would have pulled the fluid down.

05/05/2026

Don't forget tonight we have a booth at the Hickory Crawdad's game! Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with your dog. We will have treats for you and your dog!

05/04/2026

Shedding season is upon us!

04/29/2026

We love all of our patients but puppies hit differently!

04/27/2026

Peek-a-boo, I see you!

04/24/2026

This little one totally stole my heart. ❤️

👩‍⚕️✂️ Behind the scenes with Dr. Hawkins… saving lives and preventing awkward family reunions. 🐾

While this may look like a very serious moment (and it is—Dr. Hawkins is performing a spay with skill and precision 💪), it’s also one of the most important things we can do for your pet’s long-term health.

Let’s talk about spaying and neutering—a.k.a. the ultimate glow-up for your pet’s future:

# # # ✨ Health Benefits

- Prevents uterine infections (pyometra)—a life-threatening emergency
- Greatly reduces risk of mammary cancer in females when done early
- Eliminates risk of testicular cancer in males
- Can reduce prostate issues in males

# # # 🧠 Behavior Benefits

- Less roaming (no one needs a 2am escape mission)
- Reduced marking/spraying
- Often decreases hormone-driven aggression

# # # 🐶🐱 Community Impact

- Helps reduce pet overpopulation
- Fewer unwanted litters = fewer pets in shelters

And no—your pet will not miss their “dating life.” We promise they are far more interested in snacks, naps, and being adored by you.

Spay and neuter procedures are performed under general anesthesia with careful monitoring, pain control, and lots of love from our team every step of the way.

Big shoutout to Dr. Hawkins for doing what she does best—helping pets live longer, healthier lives (and keeping the dating scene drama-free). 💛

📞 Have questions about spaying or neutering your pet? We’re happy to help! Reach out to us by phone or email for answers!

04/24/2026

Taking home a massive win today. 🏆