The Pet Doctor

10/31/2026

🎃 👻 HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2026! 👻 🎃

Halloween can be lots of fun for people, but some of our favorite spooky-season traditions can be scary or even dangerous for our pets. 🐶🐱

Before the trick-or-treaters arrive, keep these pet-safety tips in mind:
🍫 KEEP THE CANDY AWAY!
Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats, and sugar-free treats may contain xylitol, which can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Keep the candy bowl somewhere your pets can't reach.

🍬 DON'T SHARE YOUR TREATS.
Even if those puppy-dog eyes are impossible to resist, Halloween candy isn't an appropriate treat for pets. Keep pet-safe treats handy instead!

🎃 WATCH THE DECORATIONS.
Electrical cords, candles, glow sticks, small decorations, and certain plants can pose risks if chewed or swallowed. Curious pets may turn your spooky decorations into their own personal obstacle course. 😹

🚪 BEWARE OF THE DOOR DASH!
Constant doorbell ringing and visitors can stress pets and increase the risk of an escape. Consider keeping your pet in a quiet, secure room away from the front door.

👻 COSTUMES SHOULD BE PET-FRIENDLY.
If your pet enjoys wearing a costume, make sure it fits properly and doesn't restrict breathing, vision, movement, or the ability to eat and drink. Never force a pet to wear a costume if they're uncomfortable.

🪪 MAKE SURE ID TAGS ARE CURRENT.
With doors opening and closing all evening, pets can slip out unexpectedly. Check collars, identification tags, and microchip information before the festivities begin.

🐈 REMEMBER OUR BLACK CATS!
Halloween decorations and costumes can make some cats especially difficult to see outdoors. Keeping cats safely indoors is the best way to protect them.

🚨 IF YOUR PET EATS SOMETHING THEY SHOULDN'T:
Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service promptly and have the product/package available if possible.

🧡 Have a safe, happy, and SPOOKTACULAR Halloween from all of us! 🎃 🐾

And remember… the scariest thing your pet should encounter this Halloween is a ghost costume not an emergency visit! 👻 😂

10/30/2026

🎃 🐾 HOW TO PREVENT HALLOWEEN HOWLS! 🐾 🎃

Halloween can be full of spooky fun for us, but it can be stressful and even dangerous for our furry family members! 👻 Help your pets have a safe and happy Halloween with these simple tips.

🦇 KEEP CANDY OUT OF PAWS' REACH - Chocolate, sugar-free candy containing xylitol, and other Halloween treats can be toxic to pets. Keep candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags safely out of reach!

🚪 WATCH OUT FOR THE DOOR - Frequent doorbell rings and open doors can make pets anxious or give them an opportunity to escape. Keep pets in a secure, quiet room during trick-or-treating.

🐕 CREATE A CALM, COZY SPACE - Loud noises, costumes, and unfamiliar visitors can cause stress. Provide a comfortable, quiet space where your pet can relax away from the Halloween hustle and bustle.

🎭 CHOOSE PET-FRIENDLY COSTUMES - If your pet wears a costume, make sure it fits comfortably, allows normal movement and breathing, and has no small pieces that could be chewed or swallowed. Never force a reluctant pet to dress up!

🕯️ DECORATE WITH CARE - Keep lit candles, glow sticks, electrical cords, and decorations out of reach. Wagging tails and curious noses can easily cause accidents!

🆔 MAKE SURE ID TAGS ARE CURRENT - Even indoor pets can slip outside in the excitement. Ensure your pet wears identification and has an up-to-date microchip registration.

🚨 KNOW WHEN TO GET HELP - If your pet eats chocolate, sugar-free candy, or another potentially toxic item, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline promptly. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.

🧡 A little preparation can help prevent Halloween frights and keep tails wagging all night!

🐾 From all of us at The Pet Doctor, we wish you and your pets a safe and happy Halloween!

10/30/2026

🐱 🎉 5 FUN FACTS ABOUT CATS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW! 🎉 🐱

Think you know everything about your feline friend? Your cat would probably like you to think so. 😼 But these five facts might surprise you!

🐾 1. Cats can't taste sweetness!
Unlike humans (and many dogs), cats don't have functioning taste receptors for sweet flavors. So that slice of cake? Your cat isn't missing out… even if they act personally offended that you didn't share. 😂

👃 2. Cats have a special way of “smelling.”
Have you ever seen your cat make a funny face with their mouth slightly open? They may be using their Jacobson's organ, a specialized scent-detecting structure that helps them analyze interesting smells. That weird face has a purpose!

😴 3. Cats really do sleep A LOT.
Cats commonly sleep around 12–16 hours a day, although some may sleep even more. Your cat isn't lazy, they're simply committed to their busy schedule of napping, eating, and supervising your every move. 💤

🐾 4. Their whiskers are incredibly sensitive.
Whiskers help cats sense nearby objects and changes in their environment. They're not just facial decoration! Avoid trimming them, and provide food and water dishes that don't unnecessarily press against their whiskers.

❤️ 5. Cats have their own unique “language.”
Cats communicate through body posture, facial expressions, tail position, vocalizations, scent, and behavior. A slow blink can be a friendly signal, while flattened ears or a rapidly swishing tail may mean your cat needs some space.

😹 BONUS FUN FACT:
Your cat may spend several hours a day grooming themselves… only to immediately find the one dusty spot in the house and roll around in it.

How many of these facts did you already know? 👇
Tell us something your cat does that makes you wonder, “Why are you like this?” 😂 🐱

10/30/2026

🚀Let's go, Rockets! 🏈⚽🏐 Post-season is on 🔥

Rochester Sports Fans have a big night ahead. Double Feature is HERE.

Sectional Final : Rochester vs St.Joe-Ogden 5pm

Round 1 Playoffs : Rochester vs Waterloo Saoud Sultan Alsulaiti

10/29/2026

🐱 💜 HAPPY NATIONAL CAT DAY 2026! 💜 🐱

Today we’re celebrating the mysterious, hilarious, independent, cuddly, and occasionally dramatic creatures who have decided to share their homes with us. But National Cat Day isn't just about celebrating our feline friends, it’s also a great reminder to give them the care they deserve!

🩺 5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR CAT WITH BETTER HEALTH:
🐾 1. Schedule regular veterinary visits. Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness. Routine exams can help your veterinary team detect subtle changes before they become bigger problems.
🦷 2. Take care of those teeth! Dental disease is common in cats and can cause significant discomfort. Ask your veterinary team about an appropriate dental-care routine for your cat.
⚖️ 3. Keep an eye on their weight A little extra weight can have a big impact on a cat's health. Your veterinarian can help determine your cat's ideal body condition and recommend appropriate nutrition.
💧 4. Encourage hydration Fresh water should always be available. Some cats prefer running water, multiple bowls, or a fountain because apparently drinking water must be an exciting experience.
🎣 5. Give them opportunities to be cats! Scratching posts, climbing areas, hiding spots, toys, and interactive play can provide important mental and physical enrichment.
😸 BONUS CAT FACT: Cats spend a significant portion of their day grooming themselves. So if your cat suddenly stops grooming, becomes excessively focused on one area, or develops a messy coat, it may be worth talking to your veterinarian.

❤️ Today, give your cat an extra treat, a favorite toy, a gentle brushing, or simply respect their request for personal space. And remember: sometimes the best way to celebrate your cat is to let them believe every day is National Cat Day.

👑 🐱 📸 Show us your feline royalty! Drop a photo of your cat in the comments!

10/28/2026

🐾 💔 WHY DO PETS HIDE THEIR PAIN? AND HOW CAN YOU RECOGNIZE IT?

Have you ever wondered why your pet can seem completely normal one day, even when something is wrong?

The truth is, pets are experts at hiding pain. In the wild, showing weakness could make an animal vulnerable to predators or other animals. That instinct can remain even in our beloved dogs and cats.

Because of this, pain isn't always obvious. Your pet may not cry, limp, or otherwise show you that something hurts!

🔎 So, what should you watch for?
🐶🐱 Changes in behavior
- Hiding or becoming less social
- Irritability or unusual aggression
- Restlessness or difficulty getting comfortable
- Sleeping more or seeming less interested in normal activities

🍽️ Changes in eating or drinking
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty chewing or dropping food
- Changes in drinking habits

🦴 Changes in movement
- Limping or favoring a limb
- Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
- Moving more slowly or stiffly

🧼 Changes in grooming
- Excessive licking or chewing at one area
- Decreased grooming, especially in cats
- A messy or unkempt coat

😿 Changes in body language
- Hunched posture
- Tucked tail or unusual positioning
- Flattened ears
- Squinting or holding the eyes differently
- Resting in unusual positions

🚨 Remember: A change in your pet's normal behavior can be an important clue that something isn't right, even if they aren't crying or obviously injured.

Never give your pet human pain medication unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. Some common human medications can be dangerous or even fatal to pets.

❤️ If you notice a persistent or sudden change in your pet's behavior, appetite, mobility, or daily routine, contact your veterinary team. You know your pet best and noticing small changes early can make a big difference.

🐾 Pain doesn't always look like pain. Sometimes, it simply looks like “not quite themselves.”

10/27/2026

🚨 🐾 DO YOU HAVE A PET EMERGENCY KIT? 🐾 🚨

Accidents and emergencies can happen when we least expect them. Having a few essential supplies ready can help you stay calm and provide basic first aid while you contact your veterinary team!

🎒 WHAT BELONGS IN A PET EMERGENCY KIT?
🩹 Basic first-aid supplies
- Gauze pads and rolls
- Non-stick bandages
- Medical tape
- Clean towels
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers
- Blunt-tipped scissors

🧼 Cleaning supplies
- Sterile saline or pet-safe wound-cleaning solution
- Clean water
- Hand sanitizer

📋 Important information
- Your veterinarian's phone number
- The nearest emergency veterinary hospital's contact information
- Your pet's medical records and medication list
- Current medications and known allergies
- A recent photo of your pet

🐕 Helpful pet supplies
- Slip lead or sturdy leash
- Extra collar with identification
- Pet carrier for cats and small pets
- Muzzle designed for your pet's size, if appropriate and your pet is accustomed to wearing one
- Extra food and water
- Collapsible bowls
- Blanket or towel for warmth and transport
- Waste bags

🔦 Don't forget the basics!
A flashlight, extra batteries, phone charger, and a small supply of cash can also be helpful during an emergency or power outage.

⚠️ One very important rule:
Your emergency kit is for basic first aid, not diagnosing or treating serious injuries at home. Don't give your pet human medications or induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian or veterinary poison-control professional.

📞 If your pet is seriously injured, having trouble breathing, unconscious, bleeding heavily, having seizures, or may have been poisoned, seek veterinary care immediately!

❤️ A little preparation today can make a stressful situation much easier tomorrow!

🐾 Pro tip: Keep one kit at home and consider making a smaller version for your car or travel bag!

10/26/2026

🐾 🔎 PET HEALTH MYTHS: TRUE OR FALSE? 🔎 🐾

The internet is full of pet advice, but not everything you hear is true! Let’s test your pet-health knowledge. 🐶 🐱

🦴 Myth #1: “Dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans’ mouths.”
❌ FALSE!
Dogs have lots of bacteria in their mouths, just like we do. Regular dental care and veterinary dental examinations are important for keeping those pearly whites healthy!

🥛 Myth #2: “Cats need milk to stay healthy.”
❌ FALSE!
Most adult cats don't need milk, and many are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause digestive upset, so fresh water should be their main beverage.

🐕 Myth #3: “A dog’s nose has to be wet to be healthy.”
❌ FALSE!
A healthy dog can have a wet, dry, warm, or cool nose depending on the situation. Nose moisture alone isn't a reliable way to determine whether your pet is sick.

🐱 Myth #4: “Indoor cats don't need parasite prevention.”
❌ FALSE!
Indoor living reduces exposure but doesn't eliminate it. Fleas, ticks, and certain parasites can still make their way indoors.

🍫 Myth #5: “A little chocolate is okay for every dog.”
❌ FALSE!
Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, and the risk depends on the type and amount consumed, as well as the dog's size. It's safest to keep chocolate completely out of reach.

🐾 Myth #6: “Pets hide signs of illness.”
✅ TRUE!
Cats and many other pets can be remarkably good at hiding illness or discomfort. That's one reason routine veterinary examinations are so important—even when your pet seems perfectly fine.

🥕 Myth #7: “Human foods are always safe for pets if they're healthy.”
❌ FALSE!
Some human foods can be dangerous or toxic to pets, including grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, chocolate, xylitol, alcohol, and caffeine.

🩺 Myth #8: “If my pet seems healthy, they don't need a yearly veterinary exam.”
❌ FALSE!
Preventive visits allow your veterinary team to monitor your pet's health, discuss nutrition and parasite prevention, and potentially catch problems before they become more serious.

😸 How many did you get right?

Comment your score below! 👇
And remember: when it comes to your pet's health, your veterinary team is always a better source than Dr. Google. ❤️ 🐾

10/24/2026

⚽ Let's go, boys! ⚽

After OT and penalty kicks Rochester wins it over SHG to win the Regional Title

10/23/2026

Dr Emily's recovery begins again. Better be the last time!!!