TodayAnimal hospital opens in South Middleton
Holly Pike Animal Clinic practices preventative medicine
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Veterinarian Jane Marie-Catto checks a puppy for an ear infection at the Holly Pike Animal Clinic. Michael Bupp/The Sentinel
A new veterinary clinic has opened in South Middleton Township and it’s as much about educating pet owners as it is about treating pets.
The Holly Pike Animal Hospital is located at 1243 Holly Pike and offers standard care including routine exams, vaccinations, general surgery and dental cleanings. The practice, operated by Farrell Veterinary Associates, Inc., is limited to cats, dogs and “pocket” pets, such as gerbils, hamsters and rabbits. “We don’t do exotics, reptiles or birds,” explained Todd Hasco, one of the three veterinarians in the practice.
The Holly Pike office is the sister practice of the Newville Animal Hospital and is staffed by veterinarians Hasco, Janemarie Catto and Billie Jo Zeigler.
The Newville practice and its five doctors have been serving the area since 1978. The South Middleton location was chosen about a decade ago. “There’s a definite demand on this side of town,” Hasco said.
Education and treatment
The main focus of the practice is preventative medicine, according to Hasco. He said that can be accomplished both through routine check-ups for pets and through education. “Our goal is to offer quality preventative care to our clients and education to our clients,” he said.
For example, some things that typically affect pets can also affect children and adults who become exposed. “The things (pets) bring into the house–such as fleas and ticks–can potentially cause serious disease to owners,” Hasco explained.
That’s why education on preventing certain conditions and diseases in pets is critical.
And knowing how to care for your pet may save time, money and life.
Summer hazards
This time of year, Hasco said, can be hard on pets. “The biggest thing people need to realize is when it’s hot and humid, animals can overheat themselves as quickly as we can,” he said.
During these hot days, pets are vulnerable to heat stroke. “Be cautious,” Hasco said. “If it’s too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for pets.”
One mistake people often make is leaving dogs alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes with the windows down. “Your pet should not be left over 80 degrees for any period of time,” he cautioned.
Hasco said it’s important to keep your pet cool by limiting exercise, providing shade and fresh water. “Make sure they have fresh, cold water,” he advised. He said the typical 25 pound dog will drink about 1 liter or so of water a day.
He said it’s also not necessary to shave your dog’s coat down in the summer. “I don’t think it’s necessary,” Hasco said. “A coat can preserve the dog’s internal temperature and repel heat.”
And don’t take your pet along to picnics or errands if it’s hot outside. “If it’s going to be excessively hot, it might not be good to take your pet along,” Hasco said.
When to seek help
Pets who suffer from heat stroke often exhibit symptoms such as excessive, heavy panting; bright red gums; nausea/vomiting; seizure and collapse.
If your pet suffers from any of those symptoms, “The best thing to do is get it into a cooler environment,” Hasco said. “Offer a cool drink and stop activity.”
He said you can gently pour water over the dog’s tongue if it won’t drink and gently pour cool water over the dog’s head and ears. “If after 15 to 20 minutes the dog does not respond or the condition is deteriorating, seek veterinary care immediately,” Hasco warned.
Holly Pike Animal Hospital is accepting new patients and offers education, medication–including flea and tick and heartworm prevention–and Hill’s Science Diet food. “There’s more than just shots available,” Hasco said.
