York Vet

04/25/2025

The day is dedicated to celebrating the special bond between children and their pets and raising awareness about responsible pet ownership, including teaching children how to properly care for and handle animals. It also highlights the importance of choosing the right pet for a child at the right time.

04/24/2025

Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week is observed annually during the third full week of April, specifically from April 19-25, 2025. This week aims to raise awareness about the strong link between animal abuse and violence against humans, particularly within the context of domestic abuse.

If you see something, say something.

Please report any abuse to your local Animal Control or Sheriff's office.

04/24/2025

Did you know we offer cold laser therapy?

What is cold laser therapy?

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to stimulate healing and reduce pain in dogs. It's commonly used for conditions like arthritis, soft tissue injuries, and wound healing, and is generally considered safe and effective.

Laser therapy stimulates cell repair, reduces inflammation, enhances blood circulation, and assists with pain management.

Scooter has been feeling so much better after his laser therapy treatments!

04/23/2025

04/22/2025

📢 "Happy Earth Day! 🌍 Did you know veterinarians play a key role in protecting the environment? From wildlife conservation to sustainable pet care, every little effort counts! "

04/21/2025

This week, we’re celebrating the amazing faces behind the front desk—the ones who greet you with a smile, keep our schedule running smoothly, and go above and beyond to make every visit a positive experience! 💙

Our veterinary receptionists are the heart of our practice. They’re not just the first point of contact—they’re compassionate listeners, expert multitaskers, and pet lovers through and through. Whether they’re answering calls, comforting worried pet parents, or keeping our clinic organized, they do it all with dedication and grace.

Join us in giving a huge THANK YOU to our incredible reception team! Drop a comment below to show them some love and appreciation!

04/18/2025

Easter can be a fun time for the whole family, including pets, but it’s important to make sure your pets stay safe during the festivities. Here are some Easter safety tips for pets:

1. Avoid Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. Easter eggs and baskets often contain chocolate candies, so be sure to keep them out of reach. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous, but all chocolate should be avoided.

2. Keep Plastic Eggs and Small Decorations Away
Easter eggs, plastic grass, and small decorations can be choking hazards for pets, especially if they’re swallowed. Ensure that small items like these are kept out of pets' reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

3. Be Cautious with Easter Plants
Certain plants often associated with Easter, like lilies, are toxic to cats and dogs. Lilies, in particular, can cause kidney failure in cats. If you're decorating with flowers, make sure they’re safe for your pets.

4. Watch Out for Easter Grass
While the plastic grass in baskets can be a colorful decoration, it can also be ingested by pets, leading to intestinal blockages. Consider using pet-safe alternatives or simply avoid using plastic grass altogether.

5. Supervise During Egg Hunts
If you're doing an Easter egg hunt, make sure your pets are either in a separate room or under supervision. They might be tempted to steal eggs or treats, which can lead to them eating something they shouldn’t.

6. No Easter Basket for Pets
While it might be tempting to create an Easter basket for your pet, be mindful of what you put in it. Avoid any treats that could be harmful (like chocolate) and stick to pet-safe goodies such as toys, pet-safe treats, or even a new bed or blanket.

7. Keep Toxic Foods and Drinks Out of Reach
If you’re having a big family meal, be sure to keep any food or drinks that could harm your pet away from them. Alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and certain nuts (like macadamia nuts) can all be dangerous for pets.

8. Watch Out for New Visitors or Parties
If you're hosting a gathering, keep your pets in a quiet, safe space where they can relax away from the noise and potential stress. New people or children might be unfamiliar with how to treat your pet, so supervision is key.

By taking a few precautions, you can help ensure that your pet has a safe and happy Easter!

04/17/2025

🐾🧪 Dr. Ashley and Phoebe had a fantastic day at Crowder's Creek Elementary school, sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds! 🐶✨
Through the lens of veterinary medicine, they shared the wonders of science and showed students just how fun and fascinating learning can be. 💉🔬💙

04/17/2025

Spring cleaning (safely cleaning pet cages)-

It's crucial to keep your pets' habitats clean and sanitary to prevent illness and promote their well-being. Most pets will need their cages cleaned weekly while some pets will need their cages cleaned multiple times a week.

It’s important to ensure you are using cleaning products that are safe for your pets. Just because something says “natural” does not make it safe. Some natural products can be just as toxic. One product that we recommend is Rescue disinfectant. Ensure you are reading the instructions carefully and place pets in a safe space (preferably another room) while cleaning their cage.

04/16/2025

Duckling Care-
Before you bring home an Easter duckling as a pet…
Did you know…

● Ducklings mature quickly. Within two months of bringing home that fluffy yellow duckling, they’ll mature into a fully feathered, squawky adult duck!
● Ducks are not tidy creatures. Ducks cannot control their defecation and therefore are not ‘potty trainable’. They’ll shed feathers, and kick their bedding to nestle down, leaving you with a daily mess
● Ducks can carry and pass disease to their caretakers, like salmonella
● As ducklings mature, they’ll peck, nibble and bite on little hands, causing potential injury to children
● Ducklings need both indoor and outdoor housing. Exposure to the sun is important for growth and development for a young duck
● Female ducks in captivity are at risk of egg binding, a life threatening condition in which the egg gets stuck inside of them, requiring immediate life saving surgery

https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/this-easter-leave-the-chicks-and-ducklings-on-the-farm

04/15/2025

Rabbit Care-
Before you bring home an Easter bunny as a pet…

Did you know?
● The average lifespan of a pet rabbit is 8-12 years
● Rabbits are highly social animals and require regular interaction in order to become good companions
● Rabbits are foragers and will chew everything! Electrical cords, shoelaces, baseboards, carpet, nothing is off limits to a rabbit - including fingers and toes!
● Rabbits need a variety of foods as they mature. Alfalfa, grass hay, timothy hay, pellets, greens, and supplements are all required to provide a balanced diet
● Rabbits require routine dental exams to address dental spurs and overgrown teeth
● To prevent uterine cancer in females and urine marking behavior in males, spaying or neutering your rabbit at their sexual maturity is crucial
● Rabbits are prone to gastrointestinal stasis, bacterial/viral infection, parasites, head-induced trauma, and respiratory distress

Want to learn more? https://oxbowanimalhealth.com/blog/should-i-get-my-kids-a-rabbit-for-easter/

04/14/2025

April 13-19: National Dog Bite Prevention Week
🚨 Did You Know? 🚨
An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year!

Don’t be part of the statistic—protect yourself and others by following these tips to prevent unwanted dog bites:

DO:
- Ask permission before petting a dog you don’t know
- Teach children how to gently interact with a dog
- Supervise interactions between children and dogs at all times
- Provide your dog with regular exercise and mental stimulation to help reduce anxiety and stress
Don’t:
- Allow children to sit or climb on any dog
- Disturb a dog while they are eating, sleeping or caring for puppies
- Assume that a wagging tail is a sign of a happy dog
- Intentionally startle a dog, especially on you don’t know

https://www.dogtipper.com/blog/2020/04/national-dog-bite-prevention-week.html

04/11/2025

Achoo! A rabbit’s sneeze is adorable, but when is it time to have that sneeze checked out by a veterinarian?

Springtime means sneezes for critters of all shapes and sizes. But does a sneeze mean allergies, or something more urgent? The causes of sneezing in rabbits are diverse, ranging from allergies to respiratory infections. That's why it's essential to involve your veterinarian when sneezing becomes frequent or persistent.

If your bunny is sneezing more than usual, it's time to hop on over to the clinic for a check-up. We can help determine the underlying cause and provide the appropriate treatment to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

04/10/2025

Like dogs and cats, preventive care is just as important for your exotic pet. Whether they’re scaled or feathered, routine care is required to keep them happy and healthy! Spring is the perfect time to have a complete wellness check with your veterinarian.

What does preventative care look like?
● A complete physical examination every 6 - 12 months
● Annual f***l examination for parasites
● Regular dental examinations
● Routine blood tests
● Yearly vaccines as recommended by your veterinarian
● Parasite prevention (deworming, flea/tick preventative)

Routine veterinary check-ups enable early detection of potential issues like dental problems, respiratory infections, and parasitic infestations. By scheduling regular appointments for your pocket pets, you're actively ensuring they enjoy long, healthy lives by your side.

04/09/2025

Exotic Animal:
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month (ASPCA) – Avoiding Benign Neglect
Fueled by social media and internet popularization, exotic pets are increasing in demand. Purchasing an exotic pet from a local pet store is widely available and these pets are often labeled as ‘easy care’ animals.
How to properly care for these animals, understanding their unique needs, potential health risks to their caretakers, and where these animals are being sourced from are important steps when considering purchasing an exotic animal as a pet. When these steps are not taken, our pet owners may find that their first visit to their new exotic veterinarian is a sick visit for benign neglect of their pet.
Definition: Benign Neglect in Pet Ownership
Unintentionally neglecting the unique care needs of a pet. Typically seen when comprehensive understanding of the care required for the pet is not understood by the owner.
Preparing for an exotic pet checklist:
● Ensure the animal is legal to own in your state, county, and city
● Research the exotic pet you’re interested in owning in extensive detail (enclosure needs, space requirements, diet, handling, temperament etc.) Ask yourself if you’re able to provide the unique care required for the welfare of the pet
● Research the potential health risks of owning an exotic pet, such as zoonotic disease and potential physical harm
● Consider the costs of owning an exotic pet (cost of pet, enclosure costs, diet costs, veterinary costs etc.)
● Source your exotic pet from a reputable breeding or rescue center
If you’ve done your research and will proceed with purchasing an exotic pet, the final step is to preemptively schedule your pet for a wellness exam with an exotic veterinarian. Schedule this exam within one week of bringing your new pet home. Establishing a relationship with an exotic veterinarian prior to the pet becoming sick is crucial!
https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/should-you-keep-an-exotic-animal-as-a-pet-a-new-guide-can-help-you-tell.

04/08/2025

Nutrition for small ruminants

Nutrition plays a critical role in the health and productivity of your herd. As a veterinarian passionate about the health and well-being of our small ruminant friends, I'm excited to share some valuable insights on nutrition. Check out this informative article from UAEX: Basic Nutrition of Small Ruminants - Arkansas sheep and goat nutrition resources (uada.edu)

From understanding the dietary needs of sheep and goats to optimizing their feed for peak performance and health, this article covers it all! Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a newcomer to small ruminant care, there's something for everyone to learn.

Remember, proper nutrition is the foundation of good health for our beloved sheep and goats. Let's ensure they thrive with the right balance of nutrients and care.

04/07/2025

When you realize you get to do what you love every day... 😁🐾