Flat Rock Animal Clinic

09/04/2026

🏈 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐀𝐘 🏈
🆚 Edwardsburg Eddies
📆 Friday, September 4, 2026
📺 Game Info sports-zone1.login-ken.com/hs-football.php
🕥 Kick-off 7:00 PM.
📍 The Flat Rock varsity football team has an away conference game @ St. Mary Catholic Central (Monroe, MI)

07/02/2026

LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease in dogs is a bacterial infection transmitted by black-legged (deer) ticks. Symptoms typically appear two to five months post-bite and include fever, lameness, swollen joints, and lethargy. It is treated with a four-week course of antibiotics, though prevention through tick control is the best defense. Here are the key things you need to know about Lyme disease (caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi) in dogs:
Symptoms
Interestingly, most infected dogs never show any signs of illness. For those that do, symptoms usually do not appear until months after the tick bite. The most common clinical signs include: Shifting lameness: Limping that moves from one leg to another. Joint pain: Swollen, warm, or painful joints (sometimes described as walking on eggshells).Systemic symptoms: High fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swollen lymph nodes. Kidney complications: In rare but severe cases, the bacteria can cause Lyme nephritis (kidney disease), which can be fatal.
Diagnosis
Because many dogs carry antibodies without being clinically ill, a positive blood test alone does not confirm active Lyme disease. Veterinarians diagnose the condition using a combination of a physical exam, clinical history (tick exposure), and specific antibody tests (like the C6 or Multiplex tests) to assess the severity or stage of the infection.
Treatment
Because the disease is bacterial, it is treated with a course of antibiotics—most commonly doxycycline—usually spanning four weeks. If caught early, dogs often respond very quickly to the medication. However, if left untreated, the infection can cause chronic, permanent joint damage or fatal kidney failure
Prevention
Tick removal: Check your dog thoroughly after they have been in wooded or grassy areas. If you find a tick, remove it promptly using fine-tipped tweezers by pulling straight up.Year-round preventatives: Consult your veterinarian about consistent use of oral, topical, or collar tick preventatives.Vaccination: In areas where Lyme disease is highly prevalent (such as the Northeast and upper Midwest US), your vet may recommend a Lyme vaccine for your dog.

07/02/2026

06/29/2026

Essential Summer Prevention TipsNever leave pets in parked cars: Temperatures can spike by 20°F in just 10 minutes, making cracked windows useless.Test the pavement: Place the back of your hand on the asphalt for 7 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it will burn your pet's paws.Adjust exercise times: Walk dogs only during the early morning or late evening hours.Provide endless fresh water: Keep multiple water bowls available in shaded locations.Do not shave your pet: A pet's coat naturally insulates them against heat and protects them from sunburn. Trim long hair instead.Would you like to know about heat safety for specific exotic pets (like rabbits, birds, or reptiles), or do you want to learn how to make safe frozen summer treats for your dog or cat?

06/29/2026

Extreme heat can be fatal to pets within 15 minutes, as they cannot cool their bodies down as efficiently as humans. Because dogs and cats mostly dissipate heat through panting and their paw pads rather than sweating, high temperatures and humidity put them at severe risk for life-threatening heatstroke.🚨 Critical Red Flags: Signs of Heatstroke According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), if your pet displays these symptoms, they require immediate attention: Excessive or frantic panting Heavy drooling or thick saliva Bright red, purple, or blue gums Lethargy, weakness, or stumbling Vomiting or bloody diarrhea Seizures, collapse, or loss of consciousness
What to Do in an Emergency: If you suspect your pet is overheating, take action immediately before heading to the vet: Move them indoors or to a well-ventilated, shaded area. Pour cool water over their body—never use ice water, as it constricts blood vessels and slows cooling. Target key cooling zones by wetting their paw pads and placing damp towels on their neck and chest. Position a fan directly toward them to maximize evaporation. Offer small sips of water, but do not force them to drink .Transport them to an emergency vet immediately, even if they seem to recover, to check for hidden internal organ damage.
Pets at the Highest Risk While all animals suffer in extreme weather, certain pets face a significantly elevated risk and should stay in air-conditioned environments: Flat-faced (Brachycephalic) breeds: Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats cannot pant effectively. Overweight pets: Excess body fat acts as insulation and traps heat inside the body. Senior pets and puppies/kittens: Their bodies cannot regulate temperatures efficiently. Pets with medical conditions: Animals with heart disease, kidney issues, or respiratory conditions struggle significantly.

06/29/2026

It's going to be very hot the next few days. Keep your pets safe

06/15/2026

NOW is the time to get anxiety medication for you pet if they are bothered by storms or fireworks...please don't wait

05/13/2026

Dr. B Bear DMV will be our substitute Dr the end of May