Miller Animal Hospital

08/07/2025

We love to hear when our patients are feeling better. ❣

Hi there,
Thank you all again for getting Wiloughby in so quickly! I really appreciate how kind everybody was.
When I needed to move Wiloughby’s first visit to something sooner, I was so grateful the team got back to me first thing Monday morning and scheduled him for the same day, after I had reached out over the weekend. Everyone was incredibly responsive, kind, and patient — not just with him, but with all of my first-time kitten parent nerves, too. I felt supported and reassured from the start. I’m thankful to have found such a compassionate veterinary team!

08/06/2025

National Fresh Breath Day.

What Can Cause Bad Breath?
Some of the reasons dogs and cats can get bad breath are:
• Undesirable behaviors, such as getting into the garbage or other unsanitary activities
• Food getting stuck between teeth
• Plaque and tartar building up due to lack of sufficient chewing or brushing
• Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease
That last point might sound scary, but don’t panic. If you have any suspicion of harmful situations related to your dog’s oral hygiene, schedule an appointment with our vets and we can help you find answers.

What To Do About Bad Breath
Like people, dogs and cats are benefitted by regular teeth-brushing. They can’t do it themselves, so you will need to step in and lend them a hand, or maybe two. Brushing reduces and removes plaque buildup and massages their gums. It can also help loosen and sweep out bits of food that may have collected in tight crevices. Specific food and water additives may also be helpful when brushing is not possible. Talk to us at Miller Animal Hospital for suggestions. 518-283-1166

08/05/2025

08/04/2025

Milo in for his first puppy visit with Dr. Singh. Going to the Veterinarian over several months for a series of puppy vaccinations—and then for boosters throughout your dog’s life—may seem inconvenient, but the diseases that vaccinations will shield our puppies and dogs from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable.

07/31/2025

Celebrating National Mutt Day.

Here are some compelling reasons to adopt a dog:

Save a Life: By adopting, you are saving a dog's life and helping to reduce the number of animals in overcrowded shelters.

Unconditional Love: Adopted dogs often provide unconditional love and companionship, enriching your life.

Support Ethical Pet Ownership: Adopting promotes responsible pet ownership and discourages puppy mills.

Cost-Effective: Adoption fees are generally lower than purchasing a dog, and many shelters include vaccinations and spaying/neutering in the fee.

Make Room for More Animals: When you adopt, you help create space for another animal in need, allowing shelters to save more lives.

07/29/2025

07/25/2025

Tick-borne bacterial disease
Anaplasmosis in dogs is a tick-borne bacterial disease that can manifest in two forms: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which infects white blood cells, and Anaplasma platys, which affects platelets involved in blood clotting. Symptoms may include fever, bruising, lameness, and uncontrolled bleeding. Treatment typically involves doxycycline antibiotics for 2-4 weeks, along with supportive care such as fluid therapy and pain management. To prevent anaplasmosis, it is crucial to use year-round tick preventatives.

07/23/2025

What Is a Hot Spot on a Dog?
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are painful red areas of skin that appear to be irritated and are sometimes raised.
Hot spots on dogs can occur anywhere on the body, but they are commonly found on the face, neck, limbs, or hips. The size and appearance of the lesions can vary slightly in each location, but most will look similar regardless of where they are.
These dog hot spots can appear quickly, usually with some degree of hair loss, and become much larger in a matter of hours.
Hot spots on dogs can be relatively minor and heal quickly. But they do have the potential to cause more serious issues, such as deeper skin ulcerations.
What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?
Certain breeds are predisposed to skin conditions, including hot spots. Commonly affected breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Bulldogs, and German Shepherds.
Most hot spots on dogs are caused by an underlying condition that either causes itchiness, excessive licking, or excessive moisture. The most common issues include:
• Allergies (flea allergy, food allergy, or seasonal allergies)
• Ear infections
• Excessive moisture from swimming
• Excessive licking
• Poor grooming
Swimming

Hot Spot Treatment for Dogs:

While some dog hot spot treatments can be done at home, the underlying cause should always be identified by a veterinarian, if possible, to prevent more hot spots from occurring.
To determine the underlying cause of your dog’s hot spot (especially for large or overly infected hot spots on dogs), a veterinary exam is necessary. It’s even more urgent if the affected area is:
• Increasing in size
• Consistently bleeding
• Displaying colored discharge
• Has any discharge, moisture, odor, or pain
You should also seek veterinary attention sooner if you cannot keep your pet from licking or scratching at the hot spot.

07/20/2025

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day!
Ice cream is a favorite summer treat for many people, but there are dangers associated with it for dogs. Xylitol, the sweetener used to sweeten it, and lactose are both toxic to dogs. To keep your pup healthy and happy, consider purchasing non-dairy ice cream instead.
Xylitol in ice cream is toxic to dogs:
Xylitol is a common sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs. Dog owners should make sure that their dogs never have access to this ingredient. This sugar substitute is available in bulk for baking. However, this ingredient can be easily accidentally ingested by dogs. If you’re unsure of whether a product contains xylitol, discuss the issue with your veterinarian.
2. Candies, Gum, & Mints
Packaged Goods & Baking Mixes
3. Jams, Syrups, Condiments, Honey, & Raw Xylitol
4. Protein Bars & Powders
5. Flavored Waters & Drink Powders
6. Chocolate
7. Peanut Butter & Nut Butters
8. Dental Products
9. Medicines, Vitamins, & Supplements
10. Cosmetics, Body, Face, & Hair Products

07/17/2025

Miller Animal Hospital & Dr. Singh welcome Gracie for her first puppy visit.

Most puppies will visit the veterinarian at six to eight weeks of age for a health exam and to begin vaccinations and parasite treatment/preventives. This is also a great time to discuss your puppy’s vaccination schedule as well as behavior and puppy training.

It is important to follow your veterinarian's recommended exam schedule to ensure that your puppy receives proper protection and that you receive timely and appropriate advice.

07/15/2025

If you haven't been in the doghouse yet, come say hello. Located to the right of our main building.