Grand Island Animal Hospital

Use your Manners! The Sniff test - Stop doing that! The sniff test - a badly engrained habit that society has been taught, without a clear understanding of ...what they're actually doing. When you reach out towards a dog, you are using body pressure AT them, giving them no time to assess whether you are safe & whether they require further investigation to pick up your information. You are forcing an interaction of a relationship that hasn't had time to develop. To some dogs, this is quite rude & the reason a lot of dogs snap at or bite people. This can cause alot of behavioral issues because of layered stress due to forced interactions. If they are on lead, they have no where to go if they are sensitive to spacial pressure, so can end up shutting down, shying away or snapping at your hand so you back off. This is an example of how a dog is now using pressure to turn off pressure & make you back off so they aren't so stressed. People think by offering your hand it can give the dog time to sniff to know you're friendly... they can sniff without being forced to sniff your hand.Their noses are far more superior than ours & they don't need close contact forced upon them to smell you. Some dogs might not want to know you. You have no relationship with them and that's perfectly fine. They aren't your dog so you don't need to touch them or steal pats for your own satisfaction. If you are meeting a dog, what should you do? Ask the owner if you can interact with their dog. Not all people want strangers touching their dogs. Especially strangers who you are unlikely to see again. Stand up straight & relaxed, with your hands at your side. Ignore the dog & talk to the owner. Don't stare at the dog & don't try to force an interaction by going in for a pat. If the dog wants to know you, it will come up to you & sniff around. Usually they will move away & then come back for a second sniffathon. Some dogs will bunt your hands & wag their tails, which are good signs that you're likely an accepted new friend. Give them a few slow pats down their back (NOT THEIR HEAD) & then stop. Is the dog happy? Has it accepted your interaction? This will determine whether you can give it more pats. This is a more stress free option for dogs & a reason why in consultations we can develop a good level of trust, especially with fearful dogs & aggressive dogs, without a bunch of negative side effects from forced interactions.

Inquire about the leptospirosis vaccine for your dog at your next appointment or call to schedule today!

Here is a guide for trimming black nails. If you are not feeling daring, give us a call and schedule an appointment with us!

Zero was in to see our Groomer Angel this week, and what a handsome boy he is! Call to book your appointment! The Benefits of grooming: ~Better hygiene and smell! ... ~Check and treat fleas. ~Early detection of any skin and health issues. ~Reduces the chances of ear infections. ~Trimming nails reduces the risk of developing bad posture or bone deformations. ~Healthy and shiny coats which shed a lot less. ~Get rid of pulling matts. ~Makes them look and feel better! See more

What to do if your dog gets skunked! Do not get them wet. Water seals the skunk oil secretions into the hair follicle and your pet will smell for weeks or even months. Instead, make a paste with 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup Baking Soda and 2 Tbsp Dawn detergent. (You man need to double or triple formula). Apply this mixture liberally onto your pet DRY and let it sit for about 30 minutes, then it is ok to rinse.... Wash the dog with this while it is still foaming, it is the oxygen which reacts with the thiols in the skunk stink to neutralize the odor. Be careful around eyes, nose and mouth. DO NOT store mixture.

This handsome little gentleman was the best boy ever!

Looking for our lost Kitten around Ransom Rd/Grand Island. His name is Chester if found please call (716)479-8904 or Message us. Thank You!

This here is Bella. For some reason she would like to speak to the Manager! Lol awe, but she is so cute!

Happy Easter!

Murray was so happy to see Angel this week! Spots are filling fast, we're booking for the end of May. Call today to secure your spot!