May 02, 2020

Did you know: Every year, many pets are relinquished and sometimes euthanized for a variety of behavioral concerns. Among them are separation related issues. Dogs with separation-related diagnoses make up 10 to 20 percent of the cases referred to veterinary behaviorists. Click on the button below to learn more.

March 23, 2020

Attention! UPDATE: Please Read, WE ARE STILL OPEN:

We are considered "Essential Veterinary Care" according to Executive Order 202.6, animal care operations.

Due to the recent COVID-19, we're instituting preventative measures to safeguard our clients, employees and our entire MVH facility.

Please rest assured! Our doors currently remain open during normal business hours, I REPEAT, WE ARE STILL OPEN & SEEING PATIENTS. Our goal is to reduce the risk of exposure and potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus while enabling the highest level of veterinary care. We're taking every precaution to maintain the health and safety of our clients and staff. We will be prioritizing appointments based on needs, so please be patient with us and we appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms; fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and/ or shortness of breath, please do not come into the office. Please call to reschedule or have someone else bring in your pet if it is an emergency. I hope you understand and we will be here if you need us.

March 18, 2020

Dear all members of the Montgomery Veterinary Hospital Family,

We are actively monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19. We want to assure you that we will remain open during our normal business hours, but will be enforcing a few safety preventative protocols to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff.  Our goal is to reduce the risk of exposure and potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus while enabling the highest level of veterinary care.  Please keep in mind you can reach us via phone at 845-457-4082, email: montgomeryvethospital@gmail.com, our website contact form: www.montgomeryveterinaryhospital.com or via Facebook during this difficult time.

 

We will be implementing the following protocols starting MARCH 19th:

We will be offering CURBSIDE VALET SERVICE for all clients:

• Please call if you need any refill of medications or food prior to picking up

• Please call from the parking lot when you  arrive to pick up medications or food and an employee at MVH will come out with your items; payment will be taken over the phone unless you are paying with check or cash

• Please call from the parking lot when you have arrived for your appointment and someone will come out to bring your pet in to see the doctor. We are trying to minimize hospital traffic and abide by the Social Distancing recommended by the CDC

• Please minimize the amount of people you bring with you during the visit. We understand during this time it may be difficult due to recent changes with school and work.
  
  
  In regards to health and safety:

• We're asking our clients to please notify us in advance if they feel they're at risk for COVID-19 and to take preventative measures.

• We're asking them to call us to discuss rescheduling their appointment if they have flu or cold-like symptoms, such as a cough or fever, newly developed shortness of breath, or if they've recently traveled to an area outside the U.S. with known Coronavirus, or have been in contact with someone who has traveled or contracted the virus. If it is a pet emergency, we are asking if someone else (family or friend) can bring the pet in for you.

• As a safety measure, we're unable to see clients who present with any of these symptoms. We require a two-week waiting period for an appointment for those who've traveled to these locations or have been in contact with someone who is ill. We will, however, arrange to see patients and have a phone consultation for urgent matters or emergencies.

• We're committed to keeping our facility as clean and sanitary as possible. We have significantly increased the frequency of cleaning all of our facility, with particular attention to patient check-in, counter tops, exam rooms, bathroom facilities, door handles, seat arms, and all high-touch areas.

• In addition, we're asking our staff to please stay home if they exhibit any symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19.

We understand these measures are inconvenient, but they must be followed to ensure everyone's safety. Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns you have during this difficult time, but please keep in mind we will all get through this and will be stronger than ever when we get to other side and things go back to normal!


INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19 & YOUR PETS:

What you need to know about coronavirus to protect your family and your pet

Obviously, many pet parents are concerned about the spread of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and how to protect their families and their pets. The good news is that at this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) say there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19. Nor is there currently any evidence that we can transmit the virus to them. However, as information about this virus is still developing, there are precautions you should take to protect your family and pets, including:

• WASH YOUR HANDS – use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and especially after coughing, sneezing, contact with others or with animals. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

• If you have any symptoms of respiratory illness, stay home and restrict your contact with your companion animals

• Those infected with COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food.

• Know the symptoms – they are similar to influenza fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

• If at all possible, avoid people who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. These include coughing, sneezing, and trouble breathing.

• If you’re sick, stay home, and try to avoid close contact with your pet while you’re symptomatic.

• Stock up on your pet’s medication. As the disease progresses around the globe, pharmaceuticals might be hard to come by. And in the event of a home quarantine situation, you don’t want to run out.

• Skip the face masks. They don’t really protect you from the virus, and it’s crucial that protective gear is reserved for people who really need it, like healthcare workers who regularly come in direct contact with the sick.

• Bottom line? Plan ahead, be responsible and don’t panic.

We are actively monitoring developments related to animals and the virus, and you can find the latest updated information about COVID-19 as it relates to pets on the AVMA’s coronavirus page. You are also welcome to give us a call with your questions at 845-457-4082.

 

ONLINE PHARMACY & HOME DELIVERY

Our online pharmacy partner can deliver your pet’s medications, prescription foods & other supplies right to your door!

We Offer Home Delivery of Pet Medications and Prescription Foods

To ensure that our patients get the medications, prescription foods and other products they need during this difficult time, we want to remind you that we have a trusted online pharmacy partner who can deliver your pet’s supplies directly to your home.

Our online pharmacy partner works hand in paw with us to make sure the medications and products your pet gets are safe and handled properly so they are effective and all guarantees stay intact.

Shipping is free on many orders, and there’s also an AutoShip option that will send your pet’s regular medications and foods to you on schedule. There’s a link right on our website homepage or you can just click here to go directly to the site right now: https://montgomeryveterinaryhospital.vetsfirstchoice.com/


We hope you find this information helpful and we will do our best to keep you updated as we receive more information as it is released.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns at 845-457-4082.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Grech
&
The Staff at Montgomery Veterinary Hospital

February 20, 2020

Pets play a familial role for many people in Montgomery, and those working as veterinarians uphold both their health and the health of our communities. The students and professionals hard at work in this field rely on their teachers, peers, and industry leaders to achieve the best they can. One of the most effective ways to support these students in Montgomery is by providing them with access to quality educational resources.
 
Toward this end, TheBestSchools.org has created open-use guides to veterinary careers and programs, intended to give students the best head start in the field that we can. The guides contain job outlook, certification, and program option information that students need to succeed in their studies. It’s our hope to reach as many students as possible with this information. You can take a look at our guide below:
 
Veterinary Careers Essentials – https://thebestschools.org/careers/veterinary-careers/

Veterinary Education Expert Interview - https://thebestschools.org/resources/veterinary-medicine-education-expert/

Financial Aid Basics - https://thebestschools.org/resources/paying-for-college/
 
These resources are open to students everywhere, and they’re looking to their educators, city professionals, and field leaders for assistance and guidance. 

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TheBestSchools.org is an independent organization comprised of a dedicated group of educators, professionals, and authors providing the best resources and advice to assist learners through every step of their education, into their careers, and toward sustainable lifelong learning.

January 10, 2020

Winter Weather Danger: Frostbite Isn’t Just for Humans
Winter weather can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite, even with their thick fur coats. Please read more in this article.

October 21, 2019

A good snuggle with a cat can improve anyone’s day — well, assuming you don’t have allergies. But like any other animal, our domestic felines can carry diseases, and sometimes those illnesses pass to us.

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Please read the article for my information

October 21, 2019

The AVMA discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans. 

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Please read the article for more information.

March 07, 2019

Learn the 13 ways to keep your home flea-free this season with this Break the Cycle infographic.

January 10, 2019

Beware of what household scents are repellent, unpleasant or even potentially dangerous to dogs and cats.

October 11, 2018

Whether an animal is going to see the veterinarian or is just a companion along for the drive, it’s important to keep a pet safe when in a moving vehicle. 

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WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO SECURE OR CONTAIN A PET IN A VEHICLE

It’s dangerous when an animal rides unsecured in a moving vehicle. Just as it is important for the owner to use a seatbelt and shoulder harness, the pet should also be protected through the use of either a travel harness or a secured pet carrier.

The risk of an accident increases when, for example, an unsecured pet:

• Crawls down into the footwell of the driver’s side of the vehicle, obstructing the use of the brake and/or accelerator pedal

• Climbs onto and leans across the driver’s lap to hang out of the window, blocking the driver’s view of the road

• Causes a distraction that pulls the driver’s attention away from their responsibility of driving.

Unsecured animals can be hurt or killed during a collision when they are allowed to:

• Sit in the lap of the driver or front seat passenger, which puts them in the path of an exploding airbag

• Sit in the back seat or lap of a back seat passenger and are thrown out of or through a window or through the windshield.

Passengers are also at an increased risk of being injured when they ride with an unsecured animal. During an accident, those riding within the vehicle could be struck by the animal’s body as it is tossed about or hurled through the vehicle.

WINDOW SAFETY FOR PETS

Dogs seem to love riding with their head hanging out of the car window. While it is nice that they are enjoying the breeze, it is also dangerous.

When a pet’s face is hanging out of the window it increases their risk of being injured from objects that are airborne or driven into.

Eye, ear, face, and mouth injuries can occur when the animal is struck by, for instance:

• Debris falling off other vehicles

• Rubber remnants from blown tires

• Birds

• Large insects such as bees

• Oversized items hanging out and over the sides of other vehicles on the road

• Rear view mirrors of vehicles passing too close in driver’s lane.

DOG SAFETY IN TRUCK BEDS

A dog that rides in the bed of a pickup truck is also at risk of being injured or killed. Animals can be harmed by:

• Falling off of or jumping from the bed of the truck

  • Animal may be injured or killed from the impact or from being struck by another vehicle

• Being struck by airborne objects.

While being tethered to the truck bed will help to secure the animal, the animal is still at risk of injury. For instance, if the animal tries to exit the truck bed:

• When the tether is long enough for animal to go over the side, but too short to reach the ground, the animal could be strangled

• When the tether is long enough for the animal to go over the side and reach the ground, the animal could be choked while being dragged behind the moving vehicle.

The safest way to transport an animal in the bed of a truck is to put it in a secured and well-ventilated dog carrier that fits the size of the animal.

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People may not realize the risks they pose to the safety of other drivers, as well as to their human and animal passengers, when they allow a pet to remain unsecured in a moving vehicle. 

September 27, 2018

Learn how you can contribute to the mission of eradicating Rabies by 2030.

July 11, 2018

You might know that cold weather poses health risks to your pets, but so does warm weather – even on days that don’t seem that hot to you. Knowing the risks and being prepared can help keep your pet safe.

March 16, 2018

No Lilies for Kitties!

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As Easter approaches we also see an increase in the number of calls regarding cats ingesting lilies. Lilies are beautiful flowers but are also highly toxic to cats! Ingestion of even minuscule amounts of “true” lilies (Lilium or Hemerocallis species) may cause drooling, vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, and potentially fatal kidney failure in cats. All parts of the plant are considered toxic; the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, and even the water if they are in a vase. If a cat does ingest some lily, prompt treatment by a veterinarian is imperative for the best prognosis. Unlike cats, dogs ingesting lilies may experience minor stomach upset but do not develop kidney failure. Learn more and help educate your clients!

March 16, 2018

March 18th - 24th is National Poison Prevention Week.

This year we'd like to highlight a current hot topic: essential oils! Many pet owners are currently discussing the risks associated with these products and it's important to stay informed. Essential oils can pose a toxic risk to household pets, especially to cats. They are rapidly absorbed both orally and across the skin, and are then metabolized in the liver. Continue reading to help protect your patients from this latest trend.

March 07, 2018

Certain food and household items can be toxic to your pets. Prevention is key!

Be sure to keep the following items out of reach:

Antifreeze, aftershave, gasoline, deodorants, paint, suntan lotions, brake fluid, dye, mushrooms, walnuts, perfume, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, Xylitol, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Vitamin D, avocados, lilies, sago palms, rodenticides, insecticides.

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This is a small list of items that can harm your pet. If you think your pet has been poisoned contact your Veterinarian or call the 24/7 Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680

March 04, 2018

It is never too early to start planning for the  bug season.  Fleas never really go away in the winter, they just move indoors. Ticks are out and about and feeding. Mosquitoes are still causing problems 7 months after the season. 

January 12, 2018

Don't turn your nose to Fido's or Fluffy's bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet's teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.

To address the significance of oral health care for pets, the AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Click on the links below to learn more about  how you can improve the dental (and overall) health of your pets. 

December 04, 2017

You're probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets' health?

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Check out the Article Here for some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather.

December 04, 2017

December abounds with holiday celebrations, but nothing can spoil good cheer like an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic. These tips can help keep your winter holiday season from becoming not-so-happy – for your pet and for you.

November 19, 2017

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends, but it also can carry some hazards for pets. Holiday food needs to be kept away from pets, and pet owners who travel need to either transport their pets safely or find safe accommodations for them at home. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

November 14, 2017

Have a pet with bad breath and plaque or tartar that needs a dental cleaning? Worried about putting your pet under anesthesia? Did you know that dental disease is a serious disease leading to other systemic issues like kidney disease? 

Starting in January, we will be offering non-anesthetic dental cleanings by licensed veterinary dental technicians. 

Call us today at 845-457-4082 for more information about our new service of Non-Anesthetic Dental (NAD) Cleanings and reserve your spot today! Space is limited. First availability is on Friday, January 12th, 2018.

October 30, 2017

Leptospirosis Season is upon us. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from Pet to human. Learn more about the disease, where it is found and how to prevent it to protect you and your 4-legged friends!

October 30, 2017

Learn more about Canine Influenza and how to protect your animals with the new outbreaks recently and with the holiday season coming up. 

September 28, 2017

Rabies is a devastating disease. We want to do our part in helping you and your furry friends stay healthy by offering $10 off this month until October 9th for your next Rabies vaccination.

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Just give us a call to schedule an appointment at 845-457-4082.

September 22, 2017

Everyone is trying to save money these days, including pet owners. But in an effort to cut back on costs, you may hear advice that could end up compromising your pet’s health. Regardless of what you read, providing your pet with regular preventive care is the key to a healthy and long life for your pet.

September 06, 2017

New Science. New Approach to fighting Heartworm Transmission and the prevention of Fleas, Ticks & MOSQUITOES! 

July 27, 2017

Ticks are carriers of nasty diseases that can infect your pet—and you. Use these tips from the to keep your backyard free from pests.

July 23, 2017

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1. Never, ever leave your dog in the car;

2. Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water;

3. Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside;

4. Take walks during the cooler hours of the day;

5. When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog's paws;

6. If you think it's hot outside, it's even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off;

7. Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet;

8. Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it's appropriate for your pet), and apply sunscreen to your dog's skin if she or he has a thin coat.

July 23, 2017

​See Spot run. Spot's having fun...or is he? Just as running isn't the sport for everyone, it's not the sport for every dog. Even if your dog seems to love chasing things and running around the yard, that doesn't mean your pooch will take to running.

July 23, 2017

5-10 minutes in a car can be life threatening to a pet in the summer time. There are so many factors that can increase the risk of heat stress and even death, age being a be big factor.

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Want numbers? An independent study showed that the interior temperature of vehicles parked in outside temperatures ranging from 72 to 96° F rose steadily as time increased. And cracking the windows doesn't help.

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View a more detailed table

July 23, 2017

​You might know that cold weather poses health risks to your pets, but so does warm weather – even on days that don’t seem that hot to you. Knowing the risks and being prepared can help keep your pet safe.

July 17, 2017

Some veterinary procedures need to be performed with your pet under anesthesia (for example: dentistry, surgery, and some diagnostic imaging). Simply put, anesthesia is a controlled unconsciousness, where your pet’s level of consciousness is controlled so they don’t feel pain and don’t move. We certainly don’t want our pets to feel pain whenever possible, and it’s important that they don’t move because precision is required during these procedures and movement could lead to complications. Most healthy pets - even senior pets - don’t have any problems with anesthesia and, in general, the risks are more closely related to the procedure being done and your pet’s general health than to the anesthesia itself.

July 17, 2017

At some point in their lives, many pets experience discomfort caused by external parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites on their skin or in their ears. 

These parasites can be extremely irritating to pets and can cause serious skin problems or even carry disease. Modern medicines make treatment, control, and prevention of many external parasites much easier than in the past.

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Important Points

• Look for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities any time you groom your dog or cat or when you return home from areas that are likely to have higher numbers of these parasites.

• Consult your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews, or licks his/her coat, or persistently shakes his/her head or scratches his/her ears.

• Prompt treatment of parasites lessens your pet’s discomfort, decreases the chances of disease transmission, and may reduce the degree of home infestation.

• Discuss the health of all family pets with your veterinarian when one pet becomes infested. Some parasites cycle among pets, making control of infestations difficult unless other pets are considered. Consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment.

• Tell your veterinarian if you have attempted any parasite remedies, as this may impact your veterinarian’s recommendation.

• Always follow label directions carefully when using flea and tick preventives.

• Be especially careful when applying insecticides to cats, as cats are particularly sensitive to these products. Never use a product that is not approved for cats because the results could be lethal.

• Leave treatment to the experts. Your veterinarian offers technical expertise and can assist you in identifying products that are most likely to effectively and safely control your pet’s parasite problem.

July 17, 2017

Many pet owners opt to spay or neuter their pets, and spaying and neutering are important for reducing pet overpopulation.

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What are the options?

If you decide to spay or neuter your pet, you have options. Discuss the options with your veterinarian so you can make a decision that’s right for you, your family and your pet.