Main Street Animal Hospital

09/22/2023

09/20/2023

Allergies in people often cause sneezing and congestion, but did you know our pets can experience allergies differently?

Licking, scratching, hair loss and other symptoms can be signs of allergic reactions or skin disease. Sometimes mild changes can signal a growing problem; we can help find the cause and curb the symptoms before they worsen. Our team can develop a personalized treatment plan for your pet to help them ditch the itch!

If your pet’s been itching, don’t delay - book a visit with us today. To learn more about why pets get itchy, check out our article here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/vet-tips-for-itchy-pets

09/12/2023

It can be hard seeing your furry friend go in for surgery, even if it’s just a routine procedure, but once they’re discharged, it can also be nerve-wracking to realize that their recovery depends on your aftercare. There’s medications to administer and wounds to care for, not the mention “the cone of shame”!

Not to worry – we’re here for you! In addition to the detailed discharge instructions you’ll receive following a procedure, here’s a handy guide that answers commonly asked questions from pet owners like you: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/what-to-expect-after-your-pet-has-surgery

09/04/2023

While we are closed today, our referral emergency hospitals are open. Please contact them if you are having a pet emergency.
🇺🇸
Rockingham Emergency Veterinary Hospital at (603) 870-9770
Bulger Veterinary Hospital at 978-725-5544.

09/02/2023

With Labor Day cookouts and picnics right around the corner, here's a refresher of common foods you should keep your pet away from. While most pet owners know that certain foods like chocolate, onions and garlic and grapes pose serious health risks for dogs and cats, visiting friends, family and children may not. It’s also a smart idea to remind guests NOT to feed your pet from the table - especially if they’re expert beggars! If you suspect your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t have, go directly to the closest emergency vet. Bring the item ingested, if possible, to help them diagnose and treat your pet.

09/01/2023

With many celebrations including , here are some quick reminders on how to help prepare and calm your pet ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend.

💥 Create a safe space: Find a dark, secluded spot in your house where your pet enjoys spending time. Ensure your pet can easily access this spot throughout the evening and fill the area with their favorite toys and bedding. Depending on their personality and their risk level, they may benefit from being kept in this space—especially if no one is home when the fireworks start.

💥 Minimize outdoor sounds and lighting: Within their safe space, try to cover the windows to reduce flashing lights. Put on soothing music, play white noise, or turn on an engaging program, like . Even a loud fan can help distract from the loud noise outside.

💥 Stick to your routine: Dogs and cats are creatures of habit. A sudden change in their daily routine can make them feel anxious or uneasy. By following your typical care schedule leading up to fireworks, you can help reduce their anxiety levels going into the night. If you know your pet is sensitive to fireworks, reach out to us for help AHEAD of holidays! We can provide guidance and may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help your pet ride out the festivities as comfortably as possible.

For more tips on how to prepare and comfort pets who are fearful of fireworks, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/how-to-calm-pets-during-fireworks

08/30/2023

Please help us wish Hailey a very Happy Birthday today! 😀Thank you for all you do! Enjoy your cupcakes 🥰

08/22/2023

Before giving your dog an antihistamine like Benadryl®*, consider this:Allergies work differently in dogs than they do in people. When humans experience allergies, histamines are released in the body. In dogs, however, allergies release a protein called cytokines (a type of inflammation-regulator). These cause different symptoms in dogs with allergies, including itchy skin. Note that if your dog has underlying allergy issues, antihistamines like Benadryl® cannot control the cytokines that cause inflammation and itch. In fact, the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals lists antihistamines under "Interventions likely to be of little or no benefit to treat acute flares of canine atopic dermatitis.” These meds can also cause concerning side effects like trembling, sedation, or panting if inaccurate dosages are given.

For a deep dive on antihistamines and how they impact dogs, visit our website here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/can-antihistamines-control-dog-itching

*Benadryl® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson.

08/18/2023

Did you know that itching and skin problems are the #1 reason for a vet visit around the world? 🗺 It makes sense when you think about how easy it is to spot – your dog continuously scratching in discomfort is bound to make you want to find a solution, fast! When you book a visit, your veterinary team will help get to the root of your pet’s itchiness. Be ready to have the answers for common questions that will help your team identify potential solutions, such as:

📋 Does their itching get worse at certain times of the year or in specific environments?
📋 Are they scratching all over, or just certain areas?
📋 When was their last dose of flea/tick preventative, and what kind was it?
📋 Are any other pets or people in your home itchy?
📋 What pet food, treats, and supplements do you give your dog?

Your vet will use these answers alongside a review of your pet’s medical history and a thorough physical exam to determine the culprit and offer solutions that best suit your pet’s needs. To learn more about what to expect at a dermatology visit, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/what-happens-when-i-bring-my-itchy-dog-to-the-vet

08/16/2023

🦸‍♂️ Find your furry friend's superhero name and share it in the comments below! Whether they’re Luna, the Turquoise Cuddler or Max, the Silver Sniffer, we want to know their secret identity. Let's see who has the mightiest alter ego out there! 💪

08/15/2023

Today is check the chip day! Please remember to update your contact information for your furry friends on your pet's microchip registry.

08/13/2023

What Is Cat OA Pain?
OA is a type of arthritis that occurs when the tissue in your cat's joints starts to get worn down, causing bones to rub against one another. You’d think this just makes moving harder, but OA can also cause severe pain. Without treatment, your cat's pain can continue to worsen.

08/12/2023

NBCUniversal Local is teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear The Shelters in August 2023, a nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 860K pets have found their forever homes since 2015.

08/11/2023

to all of our furry four-legged friends! Do your pets join in your weekend plans? Let us know in the comments. 👇

📸 via on Instagram

08/04/2023

Assistance Dog Day is celebrated on August 4 every year. Dogs are a man's best friend because of their loyalty and dedication, but assistant dogs take this to a whole new level. These dogs help people with disabilities or illnesses to navigate through life.

08/04/2023

Did you know that pets experience allergies differently than humans? Licking, scratching, hair loss and other symptoms can be signs of allergic reactions or skin disease. Sometimes mild changes can signal a growing problem. Your veterinarian can help find the cause and curb the symptoms before they worsen. Did any of these facts surprise you?

For the full 411 on key signs of allergies and how they’re diagnosed, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/vet-tips-for-itchy-pets

08/04/2023

What is Senior Screen Bloodwork and does my pet need it ?

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
We all want our pets to live long healthy lives and it's our goal to help you achieve that for your pets! Part of our high standard of care is preventive medicine, which means we try to prevent disease and illness as well as screen for early onset of common diseases in our senior pets. If you have a pet who is older than seven, your veterinarian has probably recommended a set of lab tests called a "Senior Screen". This is a package of 3 blood tests and a urine test which tell us how your pets internal organs are functioning and if your pet might be starting to show signs of common problems such as thyroid and kidney disease.
Please feel free to ask us any questions you have about this important screening.

08/02/2023

Think your pet may have allergies? While seasonal scratching suggests environmental allergies, there are other causes of skin irritation that may impact your pet year-round. Constant scratching, itching, or paw-chewing could be signs of an allergy. Types of allergies include:

🌻 Environmental Inhalant: During spring and summer, allergens like pollen and mold are prevalent. More time outside means greater exposure for your allergic pet. Additionally, there are allergens your pet can breathe in year-round like dust and human dander; symptoms will not be seasonal in those cases.

🧼 Environmental Contact: With these allergies, skin irritation usually happens at “contact points” (which are the places where the animal directly touches the allergen). The culprit could be a new shampoo, fragrance, carpet or floor cleaner.

🍲 Food: If your pet is experiencing recurrent ear or skin infections, it’s worth investigating a potential food allergy with your veterinarian. A food allergy is not always the result of eating something new. In fact, your pet can develop an allergy to foods they’ve eaten for years! The way to determine a food allergy is by performing a food trial. These take time and commitment but the long-term benefits to your pet’s health and well-being are worth exploring with your vet.

For more information on allergies, including short-term solutions for itchy pets, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/allergies-have-come-to-town-is-your-pet-scratching-yet

07/27/2023

We're back with more of our top summer safety tips for pet owners to keep in mind during the hottest month of the year!💦

Avoid Overheating: Stay indoors during extreme heat and limit time in direct sun when outdoors
Stay Hydrated: Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water
Prepare for Fireworks: Identify escape routes and create a safe space for anxious pets
Be BBQ Safe: Keep pets away from open flames AND remind your guests NOT to feed your pet table foods

Get our full list of warm weather safety tips here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/protect-your-pet-this-summer