Newtown Veterinary Specialists

22/07/2025

21/07/2025

Health Spotlight: Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds
Dachshunds are beloved for their long backs and short legs—but that unique shape also makes them highly susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This spinal condition occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord. IVDD can cause pain, nerve damage, or even paralysis if not treated promptly.
Signs to watch for: Sudden reluctance to jump or climb stairs, yelping when touched, a hunched back, or weakness in the hind legs. Immediate veterinary attention is critical to prevent worsening damage.
💡 Tip: Use ramps instead of stairs and avoid letting your Dachshund jump off furniture to help protect their spine.

18/07/2025

Meet Rosie! 🐾 This sweet 3.5-year-old Lab came to our ER after eating 16 scones—currants and all! Currants are a type of dried grape, which can be toxic to dogs and cause kidney failure.
Following ASPCA Poison Control’s advice, Rosie was brought to our ER and was treated with IV fluids and monitored with bloodwork and x-rays. She also had food bloat from the large amount she ate.
After a couple of days of care (and lots of love from our team), Rosie made a full recovery and went home wagging! 💙
Reminder: Grapes, raisins, and currants can be dangerous—call your vet right away if your dog eats any.

18/07/2025

Health Spotlight: Patellar Luxation in Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas may be small, but their tiny joints can make them prone to patellar luxation—a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. Depending on the severity, it can cause anything from mild limping to significant mobility issues.
Signs to watch for: Skipping or hopping while walking, sudden limping, intermittent lameness, or reluctance to bear weight on one leg. Some dogs may “shake out” the leg to reposition the kneecap.
💡 Tip: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint strain, avoid high jumps, and consult your veterinarian if lameness occurs—mild cases may be managed conservatively, while severe cases may require surgery.

14/07/2025

As the temps rise, your pets need a little extra care to stay safe and healthy this summer!
1️⃣ Hydration is key: Always have fresh, cool water available.
2️⃣ Avoid hot pavement: If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws.
3️⃣ Never leave pets in parked cars: Even a few minutes can be dangerous.
4️⃣ Watch for heatstroke: Excessive panting, drooling, or weakness? Call us right away.
5️⃣ Safe fun: Supervise pool time and avoid overexertion in the heat.
Let’s make it a safe, happy summer for your pets! 🐾🌞

10/07/2025

Here’s to the little ones who make life a lot more cuddly. Happy National Kitten Day!

04/07/2025

Let's celebrate the red, white, and woof alongside our furry friends. Wishing you a day filled with joy, safety, and lots of tail wags! 🇺🇸

04/07/2025

Happy 4th of July from all of us at NVS! 🇺🇸🐶🐱

Whether you're spending the day at a cookout, watching fireworks, or just enjoying some quiet time at home, we hope you and your pets have a safe and relaxing holiday.

Our Emergency Service is open 24/7—including today—if your pet needs us.

02/07/2025

Fireworks can be fun for humans—but scary and even dangerous for pets. 🐾

As we head into the holiday weekend, here are a few tips to help keep your pets safe and calm during fireworks:

✅ Keep pets indoors with windows closed and curtains drawn
✅ Play white noise or calming music to mask the sounds
✅ Make sure collars are secure and microchip info is up to date
✅ Never bring your pet to a fireworks display
✅ Talk to your vet about anxiety medication if needed

If your pet needs emergency care, we’re here for you. Stay safe and enjoy the holiday! 🇺🇸

29/06/2025

We’re hiring! Join our growing veterinary team!
We’re on the lookout for passionate, experienced veterinary technicians ready to make a difference. We’re currently hiring for the following critical roles:

🔹 Emergency & ICU Technicians
🔹 Internal Medicine Technicians

If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are dedicated to delivering exceptional care, we’d love to hear from you. At NVS, you’ll work alongside a skilled, compassionate team and have access to cutting-edge facilities and continuing education support.

More information about the open positions here 👉 www.newtownvets.com/site/veterinary-careers-fairfield-county

Please share with any veterinary professionals in your network—or reach out directly if you’d like to learn more!

26/06/2025

We are thrilled to introduce Nala as this month’s Pet of the Month! 🐾💙

Her family recently shared this heartwarming story about Nala’s journey through major surgery at our hospital:

“Amazing team here! Our dog had to have major surgery and they were able to get it done in less than 24 hours after her being admitted. When we first left her she did not want to go into the back but before the surgery they let us visit with her and she was happy to go with them this time which truly speaks to how great they are with making your pet feel loved and comfortable even when you’re not there. They are very transparent about what goes on and keep you informed. It has been a really scary couple of days but knowing she was in amazing care those days we weren’t with her truly did help. From the front desk staff to the surgeon and other doctors watching her overnight were so friendly and always welcome us calling to check on her. We are not completely done with our dog’s road to recovery yet but I am so happy we found a place that really will go above and beyond to help our baby girl Nala, you would not regret going to them!”
We are so grateful to Nala’s family for trusting us with her care. 💙

23/06/2025

It’s beach season! As you and your dog enjoy the sun and sand, keep an eye out for sand ingestion! Small amounts usually pass through without issue, but larger quantities can lead to sand impaction. Symptoms include:

🚨Vomiting
🚨Constipation
🚨Abdominal pain
🚨Loss of appetite
🚨Lethargy after beach trips

Signs can show up hours to days later. If you have been to the beach and see these signs, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately!