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By Kayla Reiff Accidents happen to everyone, including your pets. For example, would you know what to do if your dog ate some leftover Easter chocolate? What if your cat started seizing right in front of you? By remembering and following some basic first aid steps, you may avoid feelings of panic during events like these – and potentially save your pet’s life until you can get to a veterinary hospital. It is extremely important Read More

By Bethany Mihalik, CVPM, MHRM, CVT, CCFP Did you know that May 3rd is the National Specially-abled Pets Day? This day of observation is designed to educate the public about caring for disabled pets. Disabled pets make wonderful family members. Handicapped pets don’t know that they’re different from abled pets, and generally have little trouble adapting to the circumstances. Some pets are born with disabilities, while others acquire them through injury, disease or just old Read More

By Dr. Klint Hockenberry Heartworm Disease An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Heartworm disease is a deadly parasitic disease present throughout the U.S. affecting cats and dogs. It is spread from pet to pet by mosquito bites, then grows inside the pet’s heart. Once in the heart, it can cause irreversible lung and cardiac damage, clot formation with clot spread throughout the body, and death. Due to the import/rescue of animals Read More

By Jessie Rayburn What has four stubby legs, makes a plethora of sounds, and loves to munch on leafy greens? Cavia porcellus of course, the scientific name for the guinea pig. March is adopt a guinea pig month. In honor of these piggy pocket pets, here are some interesting facts about the g. pig. Guinea pigs are also known as cavies. Part of their species name porcellus means “little pig”. The America Cavy Breeders Association Read More

When is the best time to book reservations? How early is to too early? By Ahmae Messersmith It may not seem like it, but summer is right around the corner! Here in our Pet Resort, our ‘peak’ months are June-September when everyone is packing up and headed to sandy shores, lakeside retreats or even a family road trip. If you can’t take your furry friend with you to your destination, you’ll likely book a stay Read More

By Dr. Colleen Carney February is Spay and Neuter Awareness month, and we want to share our thoughts with you! Having your dog or cat sterilized provides a number of benefits, not only to your personal pet, but also to the general pet population. First and foremost, spay and neuter prevents the occurrence of unplanned puppy and kitten litters. Every spring, animal rescues see a high influx of animals and often find themselves overwhelmed with Read More

When we think of February, most of us think about Valentine ’s Day and showering love on our significant others. This month is also……Adopt a Rescue Rabbit month! Rabbits can make wonderful companions with their fluffy tails, soulful eyes, and expressive ears. They come in a variety of sizes and have a wide range of personalities. Bunnies can be bashful, gentle and content to sit on your lap for some snuggles. Others are quirky, playful Read More

By Dr. Amanda Rouen While our indoor cat companions are undoubtedly living longer and healthier lives, they are restricted to houses/apartments where they must interact with other pets and people. These new living arrangements can make it difficult for our “feline friends” to flee from stressors if feeling uncomfortable, which is a far cry from their previous lifestyle of roaming and hunting outdoors. This change in lifestyle can lead to medical and behavioral signs of Read More

By Dr. James P. Doman Neffsville Veterinary Clinic has an experienced team of veterinarians all committed to excellence in general dentistry of dogs, cats, and rabbits. We care for our dental patients in our fully-equipped dental suite located in the Inpatient Department. Our dental nurses work with each doctor and assist with anesthesia, patient monitoring, charting, teeth cleaning, and dental x-rays. Our dental suite has two stations equipped with anesthesia machines, full patient monitoring, digital Read More

Bri Fair When discussing animal behavior with clients, some common statement we hear are: “my dog is always scared at the vet” “my dog hates car rides” “my dog is nervous around new people” Sadly, many clients believe this is just how their pets are. Luckily, these behaviors can be shaped by using positive reinforcement techniques! Just like us, all of our furry friends have some sort of favor, or reward that they will work Read More

By Jessie Rayburn, CVT National Pet Travel Safety Day was on January 2nd! Here are some helpful hints: Don’t forget to pack for your pet too! Have extra pet food and water as well as bowls. If traveling with a feline friend, provide a litter box in their carrier. Compile a small first aid kit in case of emergencies. Bring toys to provide entertainment (a bored pet can be just as bad as a bored Read More

Bethany Mihalik, CVT, CVPM, MHRM Did one of your New Year’s resolutions include getting into better physical shape? If so, a four-legged friend may be able to help you achieve your fitness goals! To kick off your new routine, join us in celebrating “Walk Your Dog” month this January. Walking a dog just 20-25 minutes a day can bring about many health benefits for both you and your canine companion. Many experts believe that walking Read More

by Dr. Lora Mengle Did you know that parrots are the third most popular pet in the United States with populations estimated to hit 100 million birds by 2020? Did you also know that approximately 85% of birds purchased are rehomed or abandoned within the first one to two years of ownership? Bird ownership comes with its own unique set of challenges. Most birds have the intelligence of a 3-year-old toddler. As such, they need Read More

The health, safety and comfort of your pet is our utmost concern here at the Neffsville Veterinary Pet Resort. In order to provide the safest environment for all of our lodgers, we require that pets be properly vaccinated at least 7 days prior to their check-in date. Vaccines are one of the first things we check when making your pet’s reservation but probably one of the last things on your mind while planning a vacation. Read More

Canine companionship is a treasure and a gift beyond measure. For many of us this holiday season, our four-legged friends are at the top of our “Things We are Thankful for” list. On December 2nd, we paused to honor our mixed breed dogs on National Mutt Day! While some people might think the word “mutt” is an undesirable description, those of us who own one know how charming and special they are, and wouldn’t trade Read More

Alexzis Beard, CVT Today, it isn’t uncommon to know someone who has diabetes; but similar to humans, cats and dogs can also be diagnosed with this disease. Did you know that Diabetes Mellitus occurs in female dogs twice as often as males and most dogs are diagnosed between the ages of 7-10 years, whereas most cats are typically diagnosed around the age of 6 years and older? So, what is Diabetes Mellitus exactly? Diabetes is Read More

Jessie L. Rayburn, CVT Anyone who has owned a rabbit knows they are unique and special creatures. These cotton tailed companions house a variety of traits and endearing characteristics. Rabbit nutrition is a vital part of a bunny’s health and happiness, especially when it comes to feeding time. You and your bunny can have a lot of fun expanding their culinary experiences! Here is a quick summary of what should comprise a rabbit’s routine menu. Read More

What is the latest information about myocardial failure and grain-free diets? In July 2018, the FDA issued a warning that some diets might be associated with a heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, the association is far from established or clear. As of July 2018, several cardiologists have examined this issue and have not come to a single conclusion — some have implicated diets and taurine (an amino acid) deficiency in specific breeds (e.g. Read More

LANCASTER, PA – Local veterinary officials are urging owners to vaccinate their dogs against the potentially deadly canine influenza virus that is sweeping through central Pennsylvania. Up until recently, the majority of cases have been limited to major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Just this week, several cases have been reported in Red Lion, PA and doctors expect that number to rise exponentially in surrounding areas. Just like the human flu, new strains of canine Read More

Heartworm disease is a very serious diagnosis and disease in cats and dogs. Heartworms are parasites (worms) that live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels in dogs and cats. Heartworms, a year-round concern, are transmitted by mosquitos. A mosquito will bite a dog and take a blood meal. If the dog is infected with heartworms, the mosquito will pick up microfilaria (immature worm). The microfilaria will begin maturation in the mosquito over 10 to Read More

Join us for our complimentary Puppy Parent Seminar on Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 from 6-7pm! This seminar is perfect for… New puppy parents Clients thinking about getting a new puppy Pet owners who would like a refresher course in some basic canine information Topics Include: Training and Socialization Vaccines Heartworm/Flea/Tick Prevention Spay/Neuter Pet Insurance Grooming Doggie Daycare and other Lodging Services Speakers Include: Dr. Colleen Carney Laurin Dickson, Professional Dog Trainer Jessie Rayburn, CVT Alex Read More

December is a month of holiday cheer, snowflakes and sleigh rides, and winter time fun.  It also happens to be…..Laser Treatment Awareness month!  Laser therapy is a useful tool to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and help increase healing.  It can also help relax muscles and improve circulation.  “Laser” therapy stands for Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation.  Through a process called “photobiomodulation”, this rehabilitative tool uses light to modify the physiology of cells and Read More

By: Jessie L. Rayburn, CVT The doctors and staff at Neffsville are always striving to provide the best in high quality, veterinary medicine for your animal companion.  As we endeavor to achieve this objective, we often find new methods, or products, to help us reach our goal.  We are happy to announce a new flea and tick preventative we will offer to our canine patients, 6 months of age or older.  Simparica (sarolaner) is a Read More

We are pleased to announce that our clinic has a new product that we are very excited about — Simparica Chewables.  Simparica is a once-monthly, liver-flavored, chewable that helps protect your dog from fleas and ticks.  Our doctors review preventative products regularly to ensure we are offering the most effective products to our clients.  They have found that the best and safest product for flea and tick protection is Simparica. This is what our doctors Read More

By Dr. Colleen Carney Top 10 causes for soft stools in dogs and cats Dietary indiscretion: consumption of garbage, foreign material Diet change: fast transition from one food to another Food sensitivity or allergy Stress Parasites: roundworms, hookworms, Giardia Bacterial or viral infection: salmonella, clostridium, parvovirus Medications, especially antibiotics Inflammatory bowel disease, poor absorption of food Pancreatitis Ingestion of a toxin ie chocolate When should you call the veterinarian? Pet is also experiencing vomiting, lethargy, Read More

By Misty Shenberger Violence is not limited to people and often pets are threatened or injured by a partner as a way to control family members. Studies show that 71 % of battered women reported their pets had been threatened, harmed or killed by their partners. As many as one-third of domestic violence victims delay leaving their situation out of concern for their pet’s safety. Pets are true friends to us, to our children, and Read More

Dr. Colleen Carney According to surveys from the Association for the Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of our dogs and cats are overweight or obese. That equates to nearly 41 million dogs and 50 million cats that are considered to be at an unhealthy body condition. In addition to a diminished quality of life, excess weight can have detrimental effects on a pet’s overall health and put them at risk for a shortened lifespan Read More

by Dr. Colleen Carney Arthritis is defined as a painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints.  Generally, we think of degenerative arthritis caused by loss of the cartilage or cushioning of the joint.  Genetics, age, weight and activity play a role in the development of arthritis in pets. Pain is one of the most underdiagnosed problems in pets.  Here we will focus on the signs of arthritis, diagnosis and treatment.   Signs of arthritis in Read More

Join us at Neffsville Veterinary Clinic for the next session of our Canine education Classes! New sections in Puppy Socialization, Puppy Manners, and Basic Manners starting the week of August 21st. Intermediate Manners starting the week of September 4th. Enrollment availability for the following classes: Monday night Puppy Manners 5:30-6:30pm Monday night Basic Manners 7:00-8:00pm Wednesday night Puppy Socialization 5:30-6:30 Wednesday night Intermediate Manners 7:00-8:00pm Saturday afternoon Puppy Manners 12noon-1:00pm Saturday afternoon Basic Manners 1:30-2:30pm Read More

Neffsville Veterinary Clinic is proud to announce the grand opening of the Canine Education Center. The programs will consist of group classes, private lessons and fun, interactive “Training Talks” and workshops. Click here to download our training class registration & agreement form. Classes Currently Available: · Puppy Socialization Class · Puppy Manners Class · Basic Manners Class · Private Training Class MEET OUR TRAINER: Laurin Dickson, Certified Professional Dog Trainer Laurin Dickson started training at Read More

Fleas and ticks are more than just annoying pests, they can also cause other health problems for your furry family members. The Neffsville Veterinary Clinic team has created some tips to help you protect your pet(s) all year-round from these annoying parasites. 1. Prevention is the best defense. 2. Treat your pets year-round using a veterinarian-approved preventative product. 3. Bathe / groom your pet regularly. 4. Check your pets regularly for fleas and ticks using Read More

Celebrate pampered pet month by getting your fur baby pampered in our grooming salon. Our standard dog grooming packages include a bath with basic shampoo, blow dry, ear cleaning, anal gland expression, nail trimming with nail clippers, and a haircut. All of these services are beneficial to the health and comfort of your pooch. If you are looking to upgrade your grooming package in honor of pampered pet month, we have many options available. Our Read More

It’s true that vacationing is a wonderful thing, but for most of us that means leaving our pets behind. Lodging can be a stressful time for our pets. New environments, people and routines all trigger stress in our pets that can cause physical, mental/emotional or medical reactions. Each dog or cat reacts to stress in his or her own way, but just like people sometimes stressful situations can push them over the edge. Because we Read More

A COHAT is a Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment plan. The term COHAT is more accurate than dental because many times oral surgical extractions or restorative techniques are performed. It is also a better term because, without anesthesia, it is impossible to know with 100% certainty how much treatment your dog’s or cat’s mouth will need. The Doctors at Neffsville will attempt to provide an accurate estimate based on visual examination in your awake Read More

By Dr. Klint Hockenberry Did you know that the mouth is the beginning of the digestive system? Teeth and saliva begin the processing of food to make sure nutrients are able to be absorbed by the body. The teeth are responsible for grasping, cutting and crushing food. Good dental hygiene extends your pet’s longevity and quality of life. Conditions such as tartar, gingivitis, and gum recession can lead to pain, bad breath, tooth loss, liver Read More

As the holidays approach, many children will ask Santa, or their parents, for a new fuzzy family member.  In the world of exotic animals, pocket pets are becoming very popular, particular guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.  Before choosing a pocket pet as a Christmas gift, owners should be aware that the housing, and care, for one of these little bundles of joy can be intensive.  They also have different dietary needs than a traditional pet. Read More

Lyme disease occurs when the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi is transmitted to a dog by the bite of a deer tick. Pennsylvania is categorized as a high-risk state by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Over 1 in 16 dogs test positive for Lyme disease nationwide and the prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs and humans continues to increase yearly. Many dogs affected with Lyme disease do not have easily noticeable signs, while some will have Read More

by Kaitlin Evaston This weekend I went to BINGO sponsored by a dog rescue called 2nd Chance 4 Life. The BINGO was fun, I won a few prizes, and all the proceeds went towards helping animals. Most people that know me well know that I am a huge advocate for rescuing animals. I’m a dog foster and foster failure. I have spent most of the past few years working at a shelter and with other Read More

by Kaitlin Evaston This day in age there are many different opinions on the neutering of male dogs. Now whether it’s a “masculine” thing or just simply your own personal fear of your dog undergoing surgery, people need to know that neutering your male dog is not only safer for them but it’s safer for other dogs and humans as well. An un-neutered male dog is more likely to get testicular cancer and have prostate Read More

One of the most common complaints we hear from cat parents is that he or she is urinating outside of the litter box. It is also one of the reasons so many cats end up in shelters. Although this is an extremely frustrating problem to deal with there are some things you can do to help. Spay or Neuter If not already, your cat should be spayed or neutered as soon as possible. Cats use Read More

By Meredith Stone Did you ever watch The Price Is Right? The phrase “Help control the pet population: have your pet spayed or neutered!” was said by Bob Barker at the end of every episode, for decades. Shelters around the country will very often only put animals up for adoption once they‘ve been spayed or neutered, or will require adopters to have the surgery done once the animal is of age if it’s too young Read More

Your Pet’s Vacation By Kaitlin Evaston With the vacation season only a few months away, many people are already starting to make plans for their pets too. There are many misconceptions about pets when they stay at a Pet Resort as it is called here at Neffsville. A Pet Resort is not a typical kennel environment, it is a vacation for your pet while you’re on vacation. More and more “kennels” are switching to this Read More

Dental Myths By Kaitlin Evaston Working in the veterinary field you come across a great deal of people who don’t understand pet dental hygiene. Your pet has teeth and they require just as much care as your own. Yes, it’s true that certain dental chews are good for your dog’s teeth, but they should not be the sole product you use (also if using a product, check that the product is approved by the VOHC Read More

By Leanne Welch In honor of International Biscuit Appreciation Day If your veterinarian has prescribed a special diet for your dog, you may be finding it difficult to find ways to reward him. As tempting as it may be, it is very important that you feed only the specific diet that has been recommended and avoid other foods, treats & table scraps unless approved by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian has recommended this food because he Read More

By Kaitlin Evaston Working at a veterinary hospital can be extremely trying day in and day out. As a hospital we deal with sick animals, healthy animals, angry animals, and all sorts of interesting personalities. We also have heard some of the wildest myths. This is not to say that people make these so called veterinary myths up. The biggest offender for these crazy myths is the internet. I have no doubt that internet has Read More

By Kaitlin Evaston Each year U.S. shelters euthanize an estimated 2.4 million dogs and cats; that’s one animal every 13 seconds. Shelters across the world are filled with abandoned, abused, and neglected animals with nowhere to call home. Most of these shelter animals are healthy or have treatable issues. Many of these animals are not spayed or neutered and have been bred or produced accidental litters. This only leads to more animals being without homes…the Read More

Leeloo, a 9 year-old female spayed Italian Spinone, presented for vomiting, pacing and a decreased appetite. Upon examination Leeloo was depressed and dehydrated. It was clear Leeloo needed inpatient care; she was placed on IV fluids, had digital abdominal x-rays taken and blood work was done in our in-house laboratory. An increase white blood cell count, indicating inflammation/infection, was the only abnormality. Intravenous antibiotics and anti-nausea medications were administered. After 24 hours Leeloo had not Read More

Let’s face it, winter is tough for pets. Environmental hazards and changes in routine are the norm. Follow these helpful guidelines to keep your pet safe during the winter. Cats should be kept indoors. Beware that many cats who are stuck in the cold prefer to sleep near a warm engine. Honk your horn before starting! Dogs should be kept indoors. For these temperatures, an outside dog should have a house less than three times Read More

While Halloween is a fun time of year for some people, it can pose many risks to pets. The staff and doctors at Neffsville Veterinary Clinic want to make sure your furry family members stay safe during this spooky holiday. Chocolate – Chocolate is poisonous to pets! Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, agitation, increased thirst, elevated heart rate, and seizures. Candy — Large amounts of high-fat, surgery candy can lead to pancreatitis. Candy Wrappers Read More

We are excited to offer our clients Companion Laser Therapy. Laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatment protocols. Relief and/or improvement is often noticed within hours depending on the condition and your pet’s response. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion can benefit from this Read More

Research shows nearly 60 percent of owners say their cats hate going tothe veterinarian, and almost 40 percent of those owners report that the mere thought of taking their cat to the veterinarian stresses them out. Neffsville Veterinary Clinic is now a designated Cat Friendly Practice (CFP) by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, a feline specialty association comprised of veterinarian professionals passionate about care for cats who have a special interest in all aspects Read More

Dr. Andrew Sloyer and Dr. Klint Hockenberry perform orthopedic surgery with the most common procedures being repair of ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and repair of the luxating patellas (dislocated knee caps) . Dr. Sloyer performs the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Technique for dogs, especially dogs over 60 lbs in weight. This procedure involves an osteotomy and metal implants. The dogs return to normal function more quickly and the success rate is higher than the lateral Read More

Which Flea and Tick Product is Safe and Effective for My Pet? Our goal at Neffsville Veterinary Clinic is to educate pet owners so they can make the best choices for their pets. There are several choices of flea and tick preventatives available to pet owners today. With a serious flea and tick season predicted, which product is best for your pet? Many pet owners try to save money and purchase their flea and tick Read More

Some local lodginggatsby, grooming, and training facilities have temporarily closed down because of outbreaks of Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis. Clients are frequently inquiring about Canine Influenza, especially the new Asian strain. We would like to educate our clients on how to keep their pets safe from these two very prevalent diseases that are frequently discussed in the media. Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis is also known as kennel cough. This respiratory disease is highly contagious. Dogs that go Read More

Parasites – Roundworms Written By Leanne Welch, Client Relations Specialist What are Roundworms? Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite found in cats and dogs. Roundworms are parasites that live in and eat off of the intestines. They are usually white/light brown and look like spaghetti. Almost all dogs and cats become infected with roundworms at some point in their lives, usually as puppies and kittens. How will I know if my pet has Roundworms? Read More

Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus. Pyometra only occurs in intact (not spayed) female dogs. By 9 years of age two-thirds of bitches have changes to their uterine lining that allow for pyometra to develop. Pyometra can lead to sepsis (bacteria in bloodstream), kidney failure, and liver failure. Treatment of pyometra is surgical ovariohysterectomy (spay). However, the surgery is much more difficult, risky, and costly compared to spaying early in life. Read More

May is Adopt a Pet Month. When you are considering adding a new member to your family, please consider adoption. Each year, an estimated 3-4 million animals waiting in shelters for someone to give them a safe, loving home never find a hero to adopt them and tragically are euthanized. If you are thinking about getting a dog or cat, be a hero and consider adopting from your local shelter or rescue group. You will Read More

Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and is the leading cause of death in companion animals. As with people, we don’t know exactly what causes each type of cancer to occur, but there are certain genetic and environmental factors that influence the growth of abnormal cells. It seems more people have either had one of their own pets or know someone that has had a pet diagnosed with cancer. Keep in mind there Read More

Heartworm Disease Risks & Prevention By Becca Conner WHAT IS HEARTWORM? Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in the body. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but Read More

Neffsville Veterinary Clinic’s Mother’s Day Photo Contest Email a photo of Mom and her furry pet children to kelly@neffsvillevet.com by Sunday, May 3, 2015. Please include: Mom’s Name, Pet’s Name(s), and Phone Number with your email. The photos will be uploaded onto our clinic’s Facebook page on Monday, May 4, 2015. Voting will take place from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8 at 12 noon. The photo that receives the most “LIKES” will win Read More

April is Microchip Awareness Month. Microchipping is an easy and inexpensive way to provide a Permanent ID for your pet. Microchipping is a simple procedure. We inject a rice-sized microchip under the skin in the shoulder area of the pet. The process is similar to giving a routine vaccination. Your information will be entered into the microchip database. When your pet is scanned using a hand-held scanner, the pet’s microchip ID number will appear. When Read More

What would you do if …your dog ate the entire bag of chocolate covered raisins left on the kitchen counter? …your cat had a seizure right in front of you? Answers to these questions may not be easy to come by, and often times cause a great deal of panic among the owners of the pet. Please keep in mind that any first aid administer to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. Read More