Barks + Bliss Veterinary Wellness

06/19/2026

4th of July Pet Safety Tips 🐾🎆

Fireworks may be fun for us, but they can be scary for our furry friends! Here are a few ways to help keep them safe and comfortable this Independence Day:

1. Plan ahead for anxiety medications. If your pet needs medication to help with fireworks, don't wait until the last minute, call us NOW to request a refill.

2. Check ID tags and microchips. Make sure collars fit properly, ID tags have current contact information, and your pet's microchip is registered with up-to-date information.

3. Create a safe space. Set up a quiet room or cozy kennel with their favorite blankets where they can feel secure.

4. Turn on the TV or music. Background noise can help mask the sounds of fireworks and create a calmer environment.

5. Exercise before the festivities. A long walk or play session earlier in the day can help burn off energy, and don't forget a potty break before the fireworks begin.

6. Keep a recent photo. Having an up to date picture can be invaluable if your pet accidentally gets loose.

7. Secure doors and gates. Many pets panic during fireworks and may try to escape. Double check all exits before the celebrations begin.

8. Offer enrichment. A stuffed Kong, lick mat, puzzle toy, or favorite chew can help keep your pet distracted.

9. Leave them at home. As fun as fireworks shows may be, they're usually not enjoyable for pets. It's safest to leave them in the comfort of home.

10. Don't forget the cats! Even indoor cats can become frightened. Keep windows and doors closed, and make sure they have a quiet place to hide if they choose.

11. Stay calm. Your pet looks to you for reassurance. Acting relaxed and sticking to their normal routine can help them feel more secure.

Have questions about helping your pet through the holiday? Give us a call before the fireworks start! Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! 🐾

06/15/2026

🐶 Mondays are a little easier when there's a treat involved.

This sweet face has mastered the art of patiently waiting at the front desk... because around here, good things come to those who sit (or stand tall).

We hope your Monday is filled with as much excitement as a pup waiting for their favorite snack! 🐾♥

06/12/2026

Barks + Bliss will be closed July 3rd–5th in observance of Independence Day. ❤️🤍💙

If your pet needs medications for fireworks and loud holiday celebrations, now is the time to request refills for anxiety medication. Please give us a call before the holiday weekend so we can make sure your pet is prepared and comfortable.

For emergencies while we are closed, please contact the Animal Emergency Center of Temple-Belton at 254-231-3774.

We hope you and your pets have a safe and happy Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙🐾

06/11/2026

New World Screwworm: What Pet Owners Need to Know 🐾🪰

You've probably seen recent news about New World Screwworm (NWS), a parasite whose larvae can infest wounds and feed on living tissue in animals, including dogs and cats (and very rarely people).

The good news? The current risk in the United States remains very low, and USDA is actively monitoring and working to keep NWS out of the country.

A few important facts:

-NWS is not contagious and cannot spread directly from animal to animal or from animals to people; it requires a specific fly to deposit eggs in the wound.
-Not all visible parasites found in wounds are New World Screwworm.
- NWS is not a food safety concern and cannot be contracted from meat or dairy products.
-NWS is treatable and preventable. While the monthly prevention Credelio-Quattro-CA1 (available through our online pharmacy) is the only conditionally approved treatment of NWS in dogs, other medications in the same class (such as Bravecto®, Simparica Trio®, and NexGard®) are also known to affect NWS in dogs and cats.
- Signs to watch for include maggots or egg masses in wounds, a foul odor, pain, loss of appetite, and unusual behavior.

If you notice a wound that isn't healing properly or see signs of maggots, contact your veterinarian right away.

New World Screwworm is a very big deal for the livestock industry in Texas and efforts are underway to eradicate the parasite again from our state. As always, we're here to answer questions and help keep your pets healthy and safe!

Additional information about New World Screwworm can be found in the attached article.

New World Screwworms in Dogs and Cats - Veterinary Partner - VIN
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=13135652&sx=317310665&n=1

06/09/2026

Today is World Pet Memorial Day 🐾🌈

Our pets may only be part of our lives for a chapter, but to them, we are their whole story. Today, we take a moment to remember the beloved companions who have left paw prints on our hearts forever.

Whether they were with us for years or only a short time, the love, loyalty, comfort, and joy they gave us never truly leave. The bond we share with our pets is special, and the grief we feel when they pass is a reflection of just how deeply they were loved.

Today, we honor the memories of the pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and celebrate the happiness they brought into our lives. ❤️ We would love to remember them with you. Please share a photo and tell us about a pet who is no longer with us but will always hold a special place in your heart.

Their stories deserve to be remembered. 🌈

06/07/2026

🎉Happy, Happy Birthday to Michelle! 🎉

She is the heart and soul of our clinic; the glue that keeps us held firmly together; a true leader; a total gem and a person who shows compassion and love to our patients and their families with each and every encounter.

We wish Michelle an amazing day and a year filled with all of the blessings and joy that she deserves. ♥️

06/02/2026

Happy Birthday to Dr. Reeve! 💙🎉

Today we’re celebrating one of the kindest, most compassionate veterinarians (and humans!) we know.

Dr. Reeve brings so much heart, dedication, and care to every patient, client, and team member she meets. Whether she’s helping a sick pet feel better, supporting a worried owner, or making us laugh during a busy day, she makes Barks + Bliss a better place every single day.

We are so grateful for everything she does and hope this next year brings her as much joy as she gives to everyone around her. 🐾

Help us wish Dr. Reeve the happiest birthday! ♥

06/01/2026

June is Adopt a Cat Month! 🩷🐾

Every year, shelters across the country fill with cats and kittens looking for loving homes, especially during “kitten season.” From playful kittens to calm senior cats, there’s a feline friend out there for every family.

Adopting a cat doesn’t just change their life… it changes yours too. 🐱

Did you know millions of cats enter shelters each year? Adopt a Cat Month helps raise awareness about the importance of adoption, fostering, volunteering, and supporting local rescues and shelters. If you’ve been thinking about adding a new furry family member, now is the perfect time to consider adoption.

A few adoption tips:

• Choose a cat that fits your lifestyle
• Give them time to adjust to their new home
• Introduce new pets slowly
• Be patient... love and trust take time

Even if you’re not ready to adopt, sharing adoptable pets, volunteering, or donating to local shelters can make a huge difference!

05/29/2026

Puppy visitors made this week a little sweeter 🐶

Between the puppy snuggles, tiny paws, wagging tails, and happy kisses, our team has had plenty of reasons to smile this week. We’re pretty sure puppies are the best kind of stress relief and thankfully, we got to enjoy a few adorable visitors throughout the week!

Happy Friday from all of us at Barks + Bliss! We hope these sweet faces make your day a little brighter. 🐾

05/25/2026