Shenandoah Veterinary Associates

08/07/2026

A seizure can be frightening to witness, but staying calm is one of the most important things you can do.

Move objects away from your pet to prevent injury, but never place your hands near their mouth or try to restrain them.

If it's your pet's first seizure, the seizure lasts more than a few minutes, or multiple seizures occur close together, seek veterinary care immediately.

Call us at (540) 443-3020 if your pet experiences a seizure.

08/06/2026

🦷✨ Happy National Fresh Breath Day! ✨🦷

That "doggy breath" or not-so-fresh kitty breath isn't just a funny quirk — it's often an early sign of dental disease, which affects most dogs and cats by age 3. 🐶🐱

🦠 Plaque and tartar buildup let bacteria get under the gumline, and left untreated, that infection doesn't just stay in the mouth:
🩹 Tooth root abscesses can rupture, causing painful facial swelling
🦴 Chronic infection can weaken the jawbone, leading to fractures in small breeds
🌡️ Bacteria entering the bloodstream can trigger systemic infection or sepsis
❤️ Long-term exposure to oral bacteria is linked to heart and kidney damage

🚩 Watch for: bad breath, red or bleeding gums, dropping food, or pawing at the face.

By the time we see these cases in the ER, pets are often in significant pain and need immediate care — care that routine dental checkups could have prevented. 🩺💛

As an emergency and after-hours hospital, we don't perform dental cleanings at SVA, but we strongly encourage you to reach out to your pet's regular veterinarian for a checkup!

From all of us at Shenandoah Veterinary Associates — here for the emergencies, and cheering on your pet's everyday care too. 🏥🦷

08/05/2026

When every second counts, having an experienced veterinary team matters. Our team is equipped to evaluate and treat a wide range of emergencies, from trauma and poisoning to seizures, heatstroke, urinary blockages, and respiratory distress.

If you're unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, give us a call. We're here to help you make the best decision for your pet. Reach us anytime at (540) 443-3020.

08/03/2026

🍉🐾 Happy National Watermelon Day! 🐾🍉

Did you know watermelon can be a refreshing, healthy treat for your pup too? 🐶💦 It's packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, plus it's a great way to help keep them hydrated on hot summer days!

⚠️ But before you share a slice, keep these tips in mind:

🌱 Remove ALL seeds — they can cause intestinal blockages
🍈 Cut away the rind — it's tough to digest and can lead to GI upset
🍬 Stick to small amounts — too much can cause tummy troubles due to the natural sugars
🥶 Freeze small chunks for an extra cool, refreshing treat!

As always, if your pet has any health conditions like diabetes, check with your vet before adding new treats to their diet. 🩺💛

Enjoy the day and treat your best friend safely! 🐾🍉

From all of us at Shenandoah Veterinary Associates — here for your pet's health, day or night. 🏥💙

08/03/2026

🐾🌡️ We are so incredibly grateful to WDBJ7 and Here @ Home for having Drs. Mike and Keena Van Horn on to talk about the dangers of extreme heat for our pets! 🙏✨

🎥 Please take a few minutes to watch and educate yourself on keeping your best friend safe, cool, and happy all summer long! 🐶🐱❄️

💛 Thank you WDBJ-7 for helping us spread this important message!

If you think your dog is in trouble, what should you do?

08/03/2026

Your pet's gums can tell you a lot about their health. Healthy gums are typically a bubblegum pink color and should feel moist to the touch. Pale, white, blue, gray, or bright red gums can be a sign of shock, anemia, poor circulation, heatstroke, or other serious medical conditions.

If your pet's gums suddenly become pale, blue, gray, or white, seek veterinary care immediately.

If you're concerned about your pet, call us at (540) 443-3020.

08/03/2026

📢 Schedule Update: We will be closed Mondays–Thursdays for the next two weeks (starting Monday, August 3rd).

Our weekend hours will remain unchanged:
Friday: 3pm-12am
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 10am-10pm

Our team we be completing some focused training and team building to continue delivering the quality care your pets deserve.

We’ll be back to full hours on Monday, August 17.

Thanks for your patience — we’re excited for what’s ahead! 🎉

07/31/2026

If your pet suddenly becomes weak, has trouble breathing, experiences a seizure, is hit by a car, or suffers a serious injury, immediate veterinary care is critical. Recognizing an emergency and acting quickly can save your pet's life.

If you're ever unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, don't hesitate to call us. We're here to help at (540) 443-3020.

07/29/2026

Collapse, difficulty breathing, or pale gums should never be ignored. These signs can indicate internal bleeding, severe heart disease, shock, poisoning, or other life-threatening emergencies.

Even if your pet seems to recover after collapsing, they should still be examined as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause.

If your dog shows any of these signs, seek veterinary care immediately. Call (540) 443-3020 so we can prepare for your arrival.

07/27/2026

We all feel a bit down sometimes - and that's okay! Remember, you always have your furry friend to cuddle up to. They never fail to make us smile.