Herndon Animal Medical Center

Happy New Year!

We accomplished so much in 2022 and we can't wait for what 2023 will bring. We can't thank our team and community enough for their hard work and unwavering support!

Cheers to 2023!

We are experiencing an unprecedented number of respiratory infections in dogs. Here is what you need to know!

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house...

Merry Christmas, from us to you! 🎄

Canine Influenza FAQ

Our area is currently seeing a rise in canine influenza cases. Below is a link with more information regarding canine influenza. Give us a call if you have questions!

Canine Influenza FAQ Canine Influenza questions, answers and guidelines including: What is dog flu? How is it transmitted? Is it deadly? Is it widespread? Is there a vaccine?

Hanukkah begins tomorrow! For those who celebrate, we wish our pet patients, pet parents, and community a Happy Hanukkah. We hope you enjoy this time with your family and furriends! 🕎

Dental health is as important for our pets as it is for humans. This is your friendly reminder to brush your pet's teeth on a routine basis to maintain a healthy smile and prevent tooth decay or loss!

This is so important! Thanks for the graphic Safe Dogs By The River .

Is it enough to NOT see any stress signals from your dog during training or a socialisation experience? No!

You need to be seeing HAPPY SIGNALS in both of these activities! Yes! Particularly in training!

Don't turn training into a chore. Whatever it is you're teaching - loose lead walking, reactivity activities, recall. If you can't see that happy body language before you then somewhere the training is going wrong.

Check:

- you're not using aversives (remembering a lead itself can be aversive if you're using the lead as a tool for corrections - change your method!)

- you aren't getting frustrated yourself (your dog is reading you like a book, if youre frustrated, they're worried to engage with you. That can come out as either fear or fizziness).

- your dog understands what you are asking. Are you being clear enough in your rewards? Have you set him up to succeed enough?

- your dog isn't tired. How long have you been working? What else has your dog done today? Are you giving them days off training altogether?

If your training isn't happy and fun, you're working against yourselves. That dopamine pumping experience of fun is what you need your dog to feel around you. Not the cortisol pumping experience of stress.

Fun fun fun fun! Keep it fun! You're not programming a robot. Your dog has emotions too and they can either help or hinder your training success dramatically 🐾💜

Cold weather calls for morning cuddles with cats! 🥰 Do you agree? Comment below with a photo of your !

Santa Paws is coming to town! Have you decorated yet? We know that holiday decorations are often enticing to cats. To ensure the safety of our feline friends during the most wonderful time of the year, check out our safety tips.

December is National Cat Lovers Month! Can this month get any better?! Check out some ways to show extra love to your feline friend and post your favorite cat photos in the comments below!😻

Love it! ❤️

Sleep first, mischief later. 💤

Comment your best guess!

Many people are decorating their homes for the holidays, but pet owners should be aware that some plants used for holiday decorating can be dangerous to cats and dogs. Understanding which plants are toxic, and which are not, can help bring home the festive spirit and avoid danger for pets!

Read more here: https://moderncat.com/articles/which-holiday-plants-are-toxic-cats/

We know that your is being spent preparing for the holiday. What are some of your tail waggin' dishes that you are looking forward to this Thanksgiving?

Take a hike!

Hiking with your best friend has benefits that go both ways. Do you have a favorite trail that you like to explore with your dog? Comment where below.

SOCIALISATION!

Your puppy does not need to actively experience something for it to count as perfect socialisation. Here is young Harry watching his sister Ruby at her grooming session.

Harry is experiencing all the sounds, smells, visuals and no doubt soaking up how Ruby is managing it all and learning from her behaviour there too. This is perfect for introducing his brain to the world of grooming.

We often feel we need to throw puppies in the deep end for it to count as socialisation. We forget that watching and passively experiencing is just as important, especially if your pup is of a shy-er nature 🐾💜

In preparation for Thanksgiving, be sure to paws, reflect, and share thanks. We are all ears. Comment below what you are thankful for!

VETgirl on TikTok

Check out this cool video of a brachycephalic airway before and after soft palate surgery!
The term brachycephalic refers to dogs and dog breeds with shortened snouts (think English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese).

VETgirl on TikTok Check out this video from one of our favorite lecturers .trappler.vetsurgery .es

- did you know cats get comfort and security from enclosed spaces? This is why you may find your cat cozying up in cardboard boxes, shoe boxes, shopping bags, and an endless list of other squared objects.

Comment below with an odd place you discovered your cat exploring!

November marks Adopt a Senior Pet Month. There are so many furtastic pets waiting for a loving home and a family with open arms. We encourage you to visit your local animal shelter to learn more about ways you can donate, volunteer, or to find your purrfect match! 🐾

This Caturday we are celebrating National Cat Day, the purrfect day to celebrate cats right before Halloween. Be sure to tag us in your feline friend's spooky Halloween costume! 🐾🎃

Timeline photos

With Halloween a week away, here are some tips to keep your cat safe and happy. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3VgweYF.

Happy Halloween week! Break the internet and tag us in your pet Halloween costumes!

Pop quiz! Do you know the answer? Comment below!

Vet Techs are on the front lines of animal care and happiness. Pet owners rely on their Vet Tech's expertise, care, and compassion for their beloved friends. Name your Vet Tech in the comments below to show appreciation on this !

Happy Veterinary Technician's Week! Thanks to all of our hard-working staff at HAMC! You all help make our HAMC team a success! 🐾

Tomorrow is Global Cat Day, time to pawty! Fun, fussy, or friendly, our feline friends make us smile ear to ear. Comment below a photo of your cat and share what makes them so special! 😻

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. According to the ASPCA, over 3 million dogs enter shelters each year and are awaiting the perfect home. Share this post to help spread awareness for the furry friends that are waiting to be adopted by a loving family.

Your pet's healthy weight

Your pet's healthy weight Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight reduces your pet’s risk of disease and injury.

We hope you are enjoying this relaxing with your furry friends. How are you spending this purrfect day?

This week is National Walk Your Dog Week - the perfect opportunity to take your best friend for a stroll.

Regularly walking your dog improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and decreases stress for both you and your pet.

Where is your favorite place to walk your pet? Let us know in the comments below!

October is , bringing awareness to black cats that need a loving home. 50% of black cats are less likely to be adopted than other cats.​
Do you have a black cat? Share your pics below or tag us in a pic!

When is the last time you came in for an appointment? Regular wellness visits help keep your pet happier and healthier. Book an appointment with our veterinarians today!

September is , our pets can't communicate pain in the same way that we can, watching them for changes in their behavior is the best way to tell if your pet is in pain.

If you notice changes in any of the behaviors above, call our veterinarians to determine if you should bring your cat in for an appointment.

is a day to bring awareness to the more than 6 million animals that are brought into shelters each year. Consider supporting your local shelter by volunteering or adopting a pet.

This week is Oktoberfest! Get on your best pair of lederhosen, grab some pretzels, and get ready for the start of fall in a few days!

This month is National Service Dog Month. Thank you to our service dog patients for all that you do!

Great advise!!!! Practice these at home…