Greenacres Animal Clinic

09/30/2025

🐶⚠️ Pet Safety Alert: Chip Bags Can Be Deadly! ⚠️🐾

Did you know that something as harmless as a chip bag can become a deadly hazard for your dog?

When curious pups go digging in the trash, they can easily get their head stuck in snack bags (like chips, popcorn, or other plastic packaging). These bags can create an airtight seal around their snout, causing suffocation in just minutes — even if you’re nearby and unaware.

Protect your pets:
🗑️ Always cut open snack bags before throwing them away
🔐 Keep trash cans securely closed or out of reach
👀 Be alert for signs your dog has been in the trash
📦 Store snacks in pet-proof containers

Every year, countless pets are lost to this silent danger. Let’s spread the word and help keep our furry friends safe!

09/30/2025

🐱💔 Feline Blood Clots & Heart Disease: What Every Cat Owner Should Know

Have you ever heard of a cat suddenly dragging their back legs and crying out in pain? It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s terrifying. This condition is often caused by something called feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE) — a blood clot that lodges near the spine and cuts off blood flow to the back legs.

The Hidden Culprit: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Most of the time, this life-threatening clot isn’t random — it’s caused by an underlying heart condition called HCM, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

🫀 What is HCM?
HCM is the most common heart disease in cats. It causes the walls of the heart (especially the left ventricle) to thicken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. This can lead to poor circulation, fluid buildup, and yes — blood clots.

🔍 The scary part?
Many cats with HCM show no outward symptoms until something serious happens, like a blood clot or sudden heart failure.

🧬 Certain Breeds Are at Higher Risk

Some cats have a genetic predisposition to developing HCM, especially:

Maine C***s

Ragdolls

British Shorthairs

Persians

Sphynx cats

Scottish Folds

💡 Did you know?
There are genetic tests available for some breeds (like Maine C***s and Ragdolls) to screen for the HCM gene mutation.

🚨 Signs of a Blood Clot (FATE):

Sudden loss of use of back legs

Loud yowling or signs of pain

Cold, pale, or blue paw pads

Rapid or open-mouth breathing

🩺 Signs of Possible Heart Disease (HCM):

Increased breathing rate at rest

Lethargy or hiding more than usual

Decreased appetite

Heart murmur (detected during vet visit)

🐾 What Can You Do?

✅ Regular wellness exams
✅ Heart checks for high-risk breeds
✅ Echocardiograms if HCM is suspected
✅ Monitor your cat’s resting breathing rate at home — 20–30 breaths per minute is normal

09/19/2025

🦷🐾 Dental Care for Cats & Dogs: More Than Just a Fresh Smile! 🐶🐱

Did you know that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age 3?

Dental disease (periodontal disease) isn’t just bad breath — it can lead to:
❌ Painful, inflamed gums
❌ Loose or broken teeth
❌ Tooth root abscesses
❌ Jawbone loss
❌ Serious organ damage from bacteria entering the bloodstream

✨ That’s why routine dental cleanings are essential

🦷 Dental X-rays – These allow us to see beneath the gumlines, where most dental issues hide. X-rays help us detect bone loss, infections, and problems not visible during a regular exam.

📊 Dental charts – We create detailed dental charts for both cats and dogs, documenting any extractions, missing or damaged teeth, and changes over time. This gives you a clear picture of your pet’s dental health year after year.

✅ What can you do at home?

Brush your pet’s teeth regularly

Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings

💙 A clean mouth = a healthier pet. Let us help keep your furry friend smiling for years to come.

09/15/2025

🐾 What Do All Those Pet Vaccines Mean? 🐶🐱

Ever wondered what all those letters in your pet’s vaccine schedule actually mean? 🤔 Let’s break it down so you know exactly how you're protecting your furry friend! 💉❤️

🐶 For Dogs:

✅ DHPP – This combo vaccine protects against:

D – Distemper: A serious viral illness affecting the respiratory, gastrointestinal & nervous systems.

H – Hepatitis (Adenovirus): Affects the liver and can be life-threatening.

P – Parvovirus: A highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea.

P – Parainfluenza: A respiratory virus often involved in kennel cough.

✅ Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that can affect the liver and kidneys — and can also be spread to humans.

✅ Rabies (RV) – A fatal virus that affects the nervous system and can spread to humans. Legally required in most areas.

✅ Bordetella – Helps prevent kennel cough, a contagious respiratory infection common in social or boarding dogs.

🐱 For Cats:

✅ FVRCP – The “core” vaccine for cats, protecting against:

FVR – Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus): Causes upper respiratory infections.

C – Calicivirus: Another respiratory virus that can cause oral ulcers.

P – Panleukopenia: Also known as feline distemper, a severe and often fatal disease.

✅ FeLV – Feline Leukemia Virus: A contagious virus that weakens the immune system and can lead to cancer. This vaccine is for the cats that are able to explorer outdoors and may be exposed to other cats in the neighborhood.

✅ Rabies (RV) – Just as important for cats as for dogs. Protects your pet and your family.

💡 Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the best ways to keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe!

📞 Call us today to check your pet’s vaccine schedule or book an appointment!

08/29/2025

Found in Liberty Lake

08/29/2025

🐾 Labor Day Closure Notice 🐾

Dear pet parents,

In honor of Labor Day, our clinic will be closed on Monday, September 1st. We will reopen with normal hours on Tuesday, September 2nd.

If your pet requires urgent care while we’re closed, please contact one of the following emergency veterinary clinics:

🚨 Animal Emergency Clinic
📍 6522 E 1st Ave STE 101, Spokane Valley, WA 99212
📞 (509) 535-8743
🌐 https://www.aecspokane.com/

🚨 Emergency Vet Hospital of Coeur d'Alene
📍 1336 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
📞 (208) 930-1888
🌐 https://www.ervetcda.com/

🚨 Pet Emergency Clinic
📍 21 E Mission Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
📞 (509) 326-6670
🌐 https://petemergencyspokane.com/

We hope you and your furry companions have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend! 🐶🐾🐱
Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care. ❤️

– The Greenacres Animal Clinic Team

08/14/2025

Leptospirosis : What Eastern WA Dog Owners Need to Know

Leptospirosis is a dangerous bacterial disease that affects both dogs and humans, and there is an increased risk here in Eastern Washington — especially in late summer and fall.

🦠 What is it?
Leptospirosis (or "lepto") is spread through the urine of infected animals — including wildlife like raccoons, skunks, deer, and rodents. Dogs can get it by drinking from or swimming in contaminated water (puddles, ponds, streams) or even just walking through wet soil.

🐾 Dogs at highest risk:
✔️ Hikers, swimmers, and outdoor adventurers
✔️ Dogs who live near wildlife or on farms
✔️ Urban dogs exposed to rats or standing water

🐶 Symptoms in dogs may include:
🔸 Fever, lethargy
🔸 Vomiting, diarrhea
🔸 Increased thirst or urination
🔸 Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
🔸 Muscle pain or stiffness

⚠️ Why it's serious:
Leptospirosis can lead to kidney or liver failure, and it's also zoonotic – meaning it can spread from dogs to humans.

💉 Treatment is available — but early action is critical!
If caught early, leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care such as:
🔹 IV fluids to support kidney function
🔹 Anti-nausea medications
🔹 Hospitalization in severe cases

📢 The sooner it's treated, the better the outcome — for both your pet and your family.

✅ Prevention tips:
✔️ Vaccinate your dog — the lepto vaccine is safe and effective
✔️ Avoid letting dogs drink from or swim in standing water
✔️ Control rodents around your home
✔️ Clean up pet waste promptly

📞 Call us to ask about the lepto vaccine or schedule an exam if your dog shows any concerning symptoms. Let’s keep your pets (and your family) safe this season! 🐾

08/14/2025

🔥 Wildfire Smoke & Your Pets: What You Need to Know 🔥

As wildfires continue to impact air quality in our region, it's important to remember: if the air isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets either.

🐶🐱 Dogs and cats are at risk too! Just like humans, smoke can irritate their eyes, lungs, and throat, and worsen existing conditions like asthma or heart disease.

Watch for signs of smoke irritation in pets:
🔸 Coughing or gagging
🔸 Squinting or red eyes
🔸 Difficulty breathing
🔸 Fatigue or lethargy
🔸 Reduced appetite

How to keep them safe:
✔️ Keep pets indoors with windows closed
✔️ Use air purifiers if possible
✔️ Limit outdoor exercise, especially for senior pets and brachycephalic breeds (like pugs and Persian cats)
✔️ Make sure they have fresh water at all times
✔️ Call us if your pet shows any concerning symptoms

Let’s keep our furry family members safe and healthy during wildfire season. ❤️🐾

08/14/2025

🚨 Wildfire Evacuations: Don’t Forget Your Pets! 🐾🔥

With fire season upon us, it’s important to be prepared—not just for your family, but for your pets too. 🐶🐱

If evacuation orders are issued, please don’t leave your animals behind. Pets depend on us, especially in emergencies. And remember:
➡️ If you leave home before a mandatory evacuation and it becomes mandatory while you’re gone, you may not be allowed to return for your pet.

Don’t take the risk—take them with you.

Here are a few tips to help you be ready:

✅ Prepare a Pet Go-Bag with food, water, medication, leash/harness, and copies of vet records.
✅ Make sure microchip info is up to date.
✅ Crate or carrier ready? This can help if you need to leave quickly.
✅ Plan where you’ll go – not all shelters allow animals, so know your pet-friendly options.
✅ Practice loading your pets into the car, so they’re less stressed when the time comes.

Stay safe,
Greenacres Animal Clinic

07/29/2025

Shelters are filling up fast or are already over full. Owner surrenders are at an all time high across the country!

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Help us make a deeper impact in our community
🐶Dogs and Cats - including community cats🐱
💙WA & ID Residents Welcome💚
💵 NO income limits to utilize our lower cost services
(unless you need a grant to help cover costs - you must qualify)
🙌 Get your pet scheduled QUICKLY with our clinic!
We will schedule a cat as little as 2lbs (9-10 weeks of age) and a dog as young as 4-5 months. Reach out before they go into heat and start to over populate! It can get out of control very quick 🙈

♥ SHARE THIS ON YOUR PAGE ♥
Help us make a deeper impact in our community

🐶Dogs and Cats - including community cats🐱
💙WA & ID Residents Welcome💚
💵 NO income limits to utilize our lower cost services
(unless you need a grant to help cover costs - you must qualify)
🙌 Get your pet scheduled QUICKLY with our clinic!

We will schedule a cat as little as 2lbs (9-10 weeks of age) and a dog as young as 4-5 months. Reach out before they go into heat and start to over populate! It can get out of control very quick 🙈

07/24/2025

We did not realize we were on the nomination list! Pretty neat! Voting ends August 10th, 2025!

Official 2025 Community Voting Awards Platform for Spokane Valley, WA. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

07/22/2025

We love Chardonnay! She is one very sweet dog with a very serious job title! Very neat to see her in the news spotlight along with her owner!

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County is home to the only arson dog in Washington, and her handler, Jared Harms, is dedicated to his unique partner. Chardonnay, the arson dog,