Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital

07/15/2025

🎓 Did you know Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital is a teaching hospital?
We’re proud to support the next generation of veterinary professionals by providing hands-on learning opportunities right here in our clinic. 🐾

Our team regularly works alongside 🩺 veterinary student externs completing clinical rotations and veterinary assistant volunteers exploring the field — we even have team members enrolled in veterinary technician programs as they work toward becoming Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) 🏅.

🤝 Mentorship is a core part of our culture — we take the time to walk students through procedures, answer questions, and help them gain real-world experience that builds both confidence and competence. 💬🔍

Here’s a great example: Dr. Tyndall working with a 4th-year veterinary student during a mast cell tumor removal — offering expert guidance every step of the way. 🩻✂️

At Oakhurst, we’re not just caring for pets — we’re contributing to the future of veterinary medicine. 💚🐾

07/14/2025

🐶🚨 Maximum Puppy Capacity Reached!
This may be the fluffiest group pic we've ever taken!! 😍📸

While we’ve got your attention (thanks, puppies!) —Please note that Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital will be closed for lunch tomorrow, July 15th, from 12 PM to 2 PM for staff training.

Thank you for your understanding as we take time to learn, grow, and continue being the very best for you and your furry family! 💚🐾

07/11/2025

🩺 Why is annual bloodwork so important for your pet?
Because pets can’t tell us when something feels "off" — but their bloodwork can. 🐾

At Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, we recommend annual bloodwork to help detect early changes in your pet’s health — often before any symptoms show up. Early detection means early treatment, which can make all the difference.

💡 It’s even more important for pets 7 years and older.
As our furry friends age, their risk for issues like kidney disease, liver dysfunction, diabetes, and thyroid imbalances increases. Bloodwork becomes an essential part of their preventive care.

🔬 What’s included?
A typical blood panel may consist of:
🩸 CBC (Complete Blood Count) – checks for anemia, infection, inflammation
🧪 Chemistry Panel – evaluates organ function, electrolytes, blood sugar
🧬 Thyroid Screening – especially important for senior pets
🧫 4Dx Test – screens for heartworm disease and tick-borne illnesses like Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma 🦟
💧 Urinalysis – helps assess kidney function, hydration, and urinary health

And don’t worry — we understand not every pet is thrilled about blood draws! ❤️
We use positive reinforcement like tasty treats, gentle head taps, calming praise, and lots of love to help our more nervous patients feel safe and comfortable. 🐾

Keeping up with annual bloodwork is one of the best gifts you can give your pet — the gift of a longer, healthier life. 🐶🐱💚

07/10/2025

🎙️Podcast Time!

Get an inside look at vet med life with the one and only Dr. Donovan and our amazing team member Sam!

From behind the scenes stories to the heart of what it means to care for animals every day, this episode is full of insight, laughs, and real talk. 💬💚

🎥 Check it out — you won’t want to miss this one!

In this episode, a powerhouse panel of veterinary experts get real about the challenges no one talks about, from burnout to boundaries and everything in betw...

07/10/2025

😻 Why Chin Scratches Feel So Good:

🌀 Scent Marking Central:
Cats have scent glands under their chin, cheeks, and around their face. When you scratch there, you’re helping them spread their scent — it’s a comforting, territorial behavior that says “this human is mine.” 🐱💕

⚡ Sensitive Nerve Endings:
The chin and jawline are areas with lots of nerve endings, making gentle scratches feel really satisfying and soothing. 😌✨

🙀 Hard-to-Reach Spot:
Unlike grooming their paws or back, the chin is a tricky place for cats to reach themselves — so when you scratch there, you’re helping them get to an itch they can’t scratch. 🐾🖐️

🤝 Social Bonding:
In cat social behavior, rubbing and grooming around the face is a sign of affection. When you scratch your cat’s chin, you’re engaging in a trust-building, bonding behavior. 💛🐾

Basically, if your cat leans in for more chin scratches, you’re doing it right — and you’ve officially earned a spot in their inner circle. 👑🐈‍⬛💖

07/09/2025

🏥✨ What does it mean to be AAHA Accredited?
At Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, it means we don’t just meet the standard — we exceed it. 💛🐾

We’re proud to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) — a distinction held by less than 15% of animal hospitals in the country. This accreditation is no small feat: it's the veterinary equivalent of a human hospital being certified by a healthcare commission.

To earn and maintain this honor, our hospital undergoes routine evaluations by AAHA to ensure we meet (and surpass!) over 900 rigorous standards of veterinary excellence, including:

🔬 State-of-the-art facilities & medical equipment
📋 Strict safety & cleanliness protocols
🩺 High-quality procedures and patient care
📚 Ongoing staff training & continuing education
👥 Compassionate client communication

This means when you trust Oakhurst with your pet’s care, you’re choosing a hospital that holds itself to the highest level of excellence — because your pet deserves nothing less. 🐶🐱💕

07/08/2025

🛁🦔 How to Give a Hedgehog a Bath — featuring Bellaprix!

Say hello to Bellaprix, Dr. Abernathy’s beloved hedgehog! 💛
While Dr. Abernathy is out of town, she left Bellaprix in the loving hands of her Oakhurst family — and of course, we’re giving her the VIP spa treatment! 💅✨

🌡️ 1. Fill the Tub Just Right:
We used a shallow bowl with lukewarm water, no deeper than belly-high. To keep Bellaprix safe and comfy, we placed a towel at the bottom to give her traction and prevent slipping. 🛁🧼

🧴 2. Gentle Soap & Skin Support:
We used a mild baby shampoo to cleanse her quills without irritating her sensitive skin.
✨ Pro tip: Add a few drops of olive oil to the bath water — it helps keep hedgehog skin soft and moisturized!

🦶 3. Focus on the Feet:
A soft toothbrush is perfect for gently scrubbing those tiny toes and her belly — hedgies often collect dirt under their nails and paws.

🌀 4. Quill Care:
We carefully brushed along her quills with the same soft toothbrush to help loosen any debris — but avoided her face and ears.

🧣 5. Time to Dry:
After her bath, Bellaprix got the full wrap-up in a soft towel and was gently patted dry. A low, warm hairdryer can work too (if your hedgehog tolerates it), but towel drying is usually the coziest.

❌ No Soaking or Suds:
Hedgehogs don’t need frequent baths, and too much soaking can dry out their skin — keep it short, sweet, and spa-like!

07/07/2025

🐾💥 Sometimes our hands are full... and so are our pockets! 😅
From nail trimmers to treats, pens to thermometers — you never know what might tumble out of a vet tech’s pocket on a busy day!

But one thing we never drop?
💚The responsibility and trust you place in us to care for your pets.

We may trip, juggle, and scramble — but every step we take is with your pet’s health, safety, and happiness in mind.
Because to us, they're not just patients — they’re family. 🐶🐱✨

📞 Call us: 727-391-9784
📱 Book through the PetDesk app
🌐 Visit us online: www.oakhurstvetcenter.com

07/03/2025

🚨 Friendly Reminder: We’ll be CLOSED tomorrow, July 4th, to allow our team to celebrate the holiday with their families. 💙
If your pet needs anything — especially anxiety medications — please call or stop by TODAY!

🎆 Fireworks are fun for us, but for many dogs, they’re a source of stress and fear. Let’s help them stay safe and comfortable this holiday. 🐶💛

Last-Minute 4th of July Safety Tips for Dog Owners:

💊 Pick Up Medications TODAY:
We’re open now, but closed tomorrow — don’t wait! If your dog struggles with fireworks, give us a call so we can get you what you need. ⏳

🏠 Create a Calm Space:
Use a quiet room with blankets, toys, and background noise like a fan or TV to help reduce anxiety. 🎶🛋️

🆔 Update ID Tags & Microchips:
Scared dogs may bolt. Make sure all your contact info is up to date — it could make all the difference. 🐾📲

🚫 Keep Them Indoors & Away from Parties:
Even the most social dogs can panic from fireworks. Let them relax in a secure, comfy space instead. 💥🏡

🍔 Watch Out for Table Scraps:
BBQ bones, corn cobs, and desserts can be dangerous. Keep treats out of reach and stick to pet-safe goodies only. 🚫🍗

Let’s make this 4th peaceful, safe, and pawsitive for your pup!
We’re here today if you need anything — don’t hesitate to reach out. 💛

07/02/2025

Jane, one of our amazing receptionists here at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, wants to make sure you’re ready for the 4th of July! 🇺🇸🐾
She’s got some important tips to help keep your pets safe, calm, and comfortable during the fireworks festivities. 🎆💛

Jane’s Top Tips for a Pet-Safe 4th of July:

🧨 Plan Ahead:
Don’t wait until the fireworks start! If your pet needs calming medications, now’s the time to request them. Supplies go quickly, and we want to make sure you’re stocked and stress-free. 💊📞

🏠 Keep Them Indoors:
Even outdoor-loving pets can panic during loud booms. Keep them safely inside with windows closed and curtains drawn. 🚪🐶

🎵 Create a Calm Zone:
Soothing music, fans, or the TV can help muffle firework sounds. There are even pet-specific playlists designed to ease anxiety. 🎶🛋️

🐾 Check ID Tags & Microchips:
Fireworks are a common cause of lost pets. Make sure their ID tags and microchip info are up to date, just in case. 🆔📲

🧸 Bring Out the Comfort Items:
Blankets, favorite toys, and calming wraps or vests can help soothe their nerves. Familiar scents and routines work wonders. 🐾🧸

🚫 Leave Them Home During Fireworks Shows:
Loud crowds and bright lights can be overwhelming. Skip the show—for them—and let them relax in a safe space at home. 🎇❌🐾

🐶 Need Help? We've Got You Covered!
Whether it’s calming meds, microchipping, or questions about anxiety relief, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us: 727-391-9784
📱 Book through the PetDesk app
🌐 Visit us online: www.oakhurstvetcenter.com

07/01/2025

🤩 Getting checked out by the amazing staff at 🤩 *
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