The Pet Doctor

06/01/2026

Our friend Teddy Mac came in to see us today and we were able to snap this hilarious photo of him getting his Therapy Laser Treatment for his very bad ear infection! We were so happy we were able to help Teddy out today while doing it in style!🦮❤🐾

06/01/2026

🐾 Why Dogs Jump Up — and How to Stop It Politely 🐾

Jumping is a normal dog behavior. Dogs jump to greet people, get attention, or release excitement. While it may seem cute in puppies, it can become a safety issue as dogs grow bigger. The good news? With consistency and patience, you can teach better greetings!

Here’s how to help stop the jumping:
✅ Ignore the jump - When your dog jumps, avoid eye contact, talking, or pushing them away. Even negative attention can reward the behavior.

✅ Reward four paws on the floor - The moment your dog stands calmly with all four paws down, praise them and offer a treat or affection.

✅ Teach an alternate behavior - Ask for a “sit” when greeting people. Dogs can’t jump and sit at the same time!

✅ Practice with visitors - Have friends help by only greeting your dog when they stay calm. Consistency from everyone is key.

✅ Burn off extra energy - Many dogs jump because they’re overly excited. Daily walks, playtime, and mental enrichment can help reduce that energy.

🚫 Avoid kneeing, yelling, or punishment - Harsh corrections can create fear or confusion and may make behavior worse.

Remember: Training takes repetition and patience. Small improvements add up quickly when the whole family follows the same rules!

🐶 Need help with training or behavior concerns? Our team is happy to guide you toward safe and positive solutions for your pet.

05/31/2026

🚀🧡💙 Congrats to the Rochester softball, soccer, baseball, and track & field teams on fabulous seasons! Summer break is officially here! ☀️🏊🏼🌴

05/29/2026

Bloom Cards are due on Sunday (so tecnically Sunday since most of us aren't open the whole weekend). Go visit some businesses this weekend and be entered to win an awesome basket full of local gifts!

🌸 Last couple days to get your Bloom Cards turned in! 🌸
This is your final chance to be entered into the raffle baskets from all participating businesses! 🎉

Didn’t make it to every stop? That’s okay! Turn in your card with however many businesses you visited — every card still counts! 💐

You can drop off your Bloom Card at ANY participating business. Don’t miss out! 🛍️✨

05/29/2026

🐈5 Fascinating Facts About Cats🐈‍⬛

1) Cats Ears Have Amazing Hearing & Incredible Range-of-Motion - Have you ever had the feeling your cat is listening in on your conversations? While that’s debatable, cats not only have exceptional hearing, but they have the ability to rotate their ears 180 degrees.

2) Meows are Not Innate Cat Language—They Developed Them to Communicate with Humans - Adult cats will not meow to each other, preferring other means of communication to get their point across. When it comes to human beings, however, cats are more than comfortable meowing to communicate their desire for any number of things. Even more interesting—some studies suggest cats can change the tone of their meows to pull on their owners' heart strings to persuade them to open the treat jar or give them attention.

3) House cats can share up to 95.6 percent of their genetic makeup with tigers.

4) Be In-The-Know About Cat Toes - Most cats have eighteen toes—five on each front paw and four on each back paw, but it can vary. For example, the record for most toes on a cat is 32.

5) Cats are able to jump five times their height. While a healthy housecat can run at a speed of about 30 mph for short bursts.

05/27/2026

🌿 Allergies in Dogs & Cats: More Than Just an Itch 🐾

Is your pet constantly scratching, licking, or shaking their head? Allergies are a common issue in both dogs and cats—and they can make life pretty uncomfortable if left untreated.

🤧 What causes allergies in pets?
Pets can react to a variety of things, including:
• Environmental allergens (pollen, dust, mold)
• Fleas (even a single bite can cause a reaction!)
• Food ingredients

🚩 Common signs to watch for:
• Excessive scratching or licking
• Red, irritated, or inflamed skin
• Hair loss or hot spots
• Ear infections or head shaking
• Scooting or chewing at paws

🐶🐱 How are allergies managed?
Allergies can’t always be cured, but they can be controlled. Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
• Flea prevention
• Special diets or food trials
• Medications to reduce itching and inflammation
• Medicated shampoos or topical treatments

💡 Why early care matters:
Chronic itching can lead to skin infections and ongoing discomfort. The sooner we identify the cause, the sooner your pet can feel better.

❤️ We’re here to help
If you notice signs of allergies, give us a call—we’ll work with you to create a plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

05/26/2026

🦟 Heartworm Prevention: Protecting Your Pets Year-Round 🐾

Heartworm disease is a serious—and potentially fatal—condition that affects both dogs and cats. The good news? It’s almost entirely preventable.

❤️What is heartworm disease?

Heartworms are parasites spread through mosquito bites. Once inside your pet, they grow and live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing severe damage over time.

🚩 Signs to watch for:
🐶 In dogs:
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue after mild activity
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing

🐱 In cats:
• Coughing or asthma-like symptoms
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden collapse (in severe cases)

🛡️ Why prevention matters:
• Prevention is simple, safe, and far less expensive than treatment
• Treatment for dogs can be costly and requires strict rest
• There is no approved treatment for heartworm in cats, making prevention critical

💊 How to protect your pet:
• Give monthly heartworm preventatives as prescribed
• Keep up with annual testing (especially for dogs)
• Reduce mosquito exposure when possible

📅 Year-round protection is key!
Mosquitoes can survive in more seasons than you think—even indoors.

🐶🐱 We’re here to help
Not sure which prevention is right for your pet? Contact us today to find the best option and keep your furry family safe.

05/25/2026

🐾 Asthma in Dogs & Cats: What Pet Owners Should Know 🐾

Did you know that pets can develop asthma just like humans? While it’s more common in cats, dogs can be affected too. Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference in your pet’s comfort and health.

💨 What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it harder for your pet to breathe.

🚩 Common signs to watch for:
• Coughing or wheezing
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)
• Lethargy or reduced activity
• In severe cases, bluish gums (an emergency!)

🌼 What triggers asthma? Environmental factors are often the cause, including:
• Dust or pollen
• Smoke (including candles or fireplaces)
• Strong fragrances or cleaning products
• Aerosols or sprays

🐶🐱 How is it managed?
While asthma can’t be cured, it can be controlled with proper care. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation and open the airways, along with minimizing exposure to triggers at home.

❤️ When to call your vet:
If your pet shows any signs of breathing difficulty, don’t wait—respiratory issues can become serious quickly.

Keeping your pet’s environment clean and stress-free goes a long way in helping them breathe easier. If you have questions or concerns, our team is here to help!

05/25/2026

🇺🇸We just wanted to remind everyone we will be closed today Monday, May 25th in honor of Memorial Day! Please call or head to the Animal Emergency Clinic @217-860-0103 located at 821 S Durkin Dr, Springfield, IL 62704 if your pet is needing medical assistant today! We can't wait to see everyone's smiling faces and wagging tails tomorrow!🇺🇸

05/24/2026

🚀🧡💙 Congrats to Peyton on placing in both triple jump and long jump at state! 💙🧡🚀