Hopkinton Animal Hospital

06/15/2026

☀️🐾 While you're enjoying summer BBQs, don't let your pets end up on the menu for hungry fleas and ticks! 🍔🦟 Make sure your best friends are protected with their monthly preventatives. Need a refill? Reach out to us today to get stocked up!

06/12/2026

Pet of the Week: Leia! 🐾

Say hello to Leia — a 4-year-old Husky Mix who visited us for her annual check-up and reminded us why we love what we do.
Leia’s visit was the perfect example of how regular wellness exams keep pets happy, healthy, and full of life. From her shiny coat to her wagging tail, she’s proof that preventive care makes a big difference.
Early detection of health concerns
Professional dental and coat care
Tailored nutrition and wellness advice
Leia left with a clean bill of health, a bag of treats, and a big smile — and your pet could be next!
Book your pet’s wellness exam today and they might just be featured as our next Pet of the Week!

06/10/2026

An Important Part of Your Bird’s Health, Nail trims!

Overgrown nails in birds can cause discomfort, affect balance, and increase the risk of injury. Regular trims help keep your feathered friend safe, comfortable, and active.
Prevent painful breaks or splits
Reduce snagging on toys, cages, or clothing
Maintain proper posture and grip strength
Minimize accidental scratches to handlers
We use gentle handling techniques and specialized avian tools to ensure a stress-free experience. Our team carefully avoids the quick — the blood vessel inside the nail — to prevent pain or bleeding.
If your bird’s nails are curling, catching on fabric, or feeling sharp, it’s time for a check-up. Most birds benefit from trims every 4–8 weeks, though this can vary by species and activity level.

06/08/2026

Sugar Gliders: Tiny Friends with Big Needs!

Did you know sugar gliders are social, nocturnal marsupials that can live up to 12–15 years with proper care? These adorable companions need more than just love, they thrive on specialized diets, safe enclosures, and regular veterinary check-ups.
A balanced mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, and a calcium source. Avoid sugary treats and processed foods.
Spacious, tall cages with climbing branches, pouches, and toys for enrichment.
They’re happiest in pairs or small groups — loneliness can cause stress.
Annual exotic pet exams help catch issues early, like dental disease or nutritional deficiencies.
Book your exotic pet wellness exam today and give your sugar glider the healthy, happy life they deserve!

06/07/2026

A little Sunday evening entertainment.

06/05/2026

🍩🐾 Happy National Donut Day! 🐾🍩

Just like donuts, our vet techs come in all varieties — caring, skilled, and always ready to brighten your day. Whether they’re comforting a nervous pet, assisting in surgery, or making sure tails keep wagging, they’re the real treat around here.

Donut Collars: These collars are designed to be comfortable and lightweight, allowing for better mobility and peripheral vision. They are often used for dogs recovering from surgery or injuries to prevent licking at wounds.

The donut collar is a soft, inflatable alternative to the traditional e-collar (Elizabethan collar).

E-Collars: The classic Elizabethan collar is a hard plastic cone that prevents dogs from accessing wounds or bandages. While effective, it can be bulky and uncomfortable for some dogs.

Comfort and Safety: Donut collars are generally more comfortable than traditional e-collars and are suitable for various breeds, especially those with longer snouts.

An e-collar might not be your pet’s favorite accessory, but it’s an essential safeguard during recovery!

They stop licking, chewing, or scratching that can slow healing or cause infection.
Protects veterinary work – Keeps sutures, dressings, and treated areas secure.
Encourages uninterrupted healing – Prevents irritation so the body can focus on repair.
We recommend keeping the e-collar on around the clock. Even short breaks can risk reopening wounds or introducing bacteria.

Think of it as a short-term shield that ensures your pet’s long-term health and comfort.

06/04/2026

The Power of UVA and UVB Lights
UVA : Stimulates natural behaviors like feeding, activity levels, and healthy reproductive cycles.
UVB : Penetrates the skin to initiate the synthesis of Vitamin D3, which is required to absorb calcium from their diet.
Without adequate UVB, reptiles cannot process dietary calcium, often leading to Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism—commonly known as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
This painful, life-threatening condition causes rubbery jaws, skeletal deformities, muscle tremors, and irreversible organ damage.
UV output degrades long before the visible light burns out. You must replace your UV bulbs every 6 to 12 months.
UV rays cannot pass through glass or plastic. The light must reach your reptile unfiltered.
Always give your pet shaded areas or burrows so they can escape the light when they choose! ⛱️

06/03/2026

🚲🐾 Happy World Bicycle Day!

World Bicycle Day is a wonderful time to celebrate cycling, fresh air, and adventures with the pets who love to join us! Whether your pup rides in a bike basket, trots safely alongside you, or pulls you on a “bikejoring” adventure, it’s all about sharing the joy of two-wheel travel.

Dogs are not the only pets who can enjoy the ride. Cats, rabbits, and other small companions may also be able to join in safely with the right carrier, setup, and supervision.

Before heading out, remember that safety comes first:
🐶 Use a secure harness, carrier, basket, or trailer
🐱 Avoid hot pavement and extreme temperatures
🐰 Bring water and take breaks
🐾 Start slow and build up distance gradually
🐕‍🦺 Make sure your pet is comfortable, visible, and protected

For more biking-with-dogs safety tips, check out:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/biking-with-dogs/

https://www.wilderdog.com/blogs/weeklywoof/of-trails-and-tails-a-first-timers-guide-to-biking-with-your-dog

https://ruffwear.com/pages/biking-with-dogs

If you cycle with your pet, we would love to see your pictures! Share them in the comments. 📸🐶🐱🐰

Bike riding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. Here are top tips on how to safely enjoy biking with dogs.

06/03/2026

"Happy Birthday, Daisy! 🎉 Your witty sense of humor keeps us laughing even on our busiest days, and your love and compassion for every animal that comes through our doors never goes unnoticed. Thank you for your hard work, late hours, and everything you do for our clinic family. We hope your day is filled with all the happiness you bring to others ! 🐾💛"

06/02/2026

We’re excited to introduce a new face at the front desk—please welcome Chai to the Weare Animal Hospital and Hopkinton Animal Hospital teams! 🐾💙

Chai joins us with previous experience in veterinary medicine as a CSR, bringing valuable knowledge, a calm presence, and a strong understanding of client care and communication. She’s already fitting right in helping triage calls, coordinate appointments, and support our clients and patients with compassion and efficiency.

Recently relocated to the area, Chai is also the proud pet parent of two cowboy corgis 🤠 who definitely keep life interesting outside of work!

We’re so happy to have her as part of both hospitals—please join us in giving Chai a warm welcome!