Come one, come all!  It’s time to get your pumpkin carving game on!  This year, we will be having a pumpkin carving contest.  Canine or feline friendly prizes will be awarded to our winners.  We ask that you design your creation to celebrate pets.  Please like us on Facebook, and then upload a picture of your original creation, or e-mail us your photo at contact@hoschtonanimalhospital.com.  Deadline is Thursday, October 20th.  A vote will be tallied through our Facebook site and in the clinic October 24th-29th.  Come join in on the fun!

Sara decides to take her dog Drake on a car ride to the pharmacy early in the afternoon. There is a long line at the drive through and Sara decides that going inside will be faster. She cracks the windows enough for ventilation and heads inside. What was supposed to take 10 minutes ends up being 25, as her insurance information had changed and the prescription was not finished. When she gets back to the car, poor Drake is panting rapidly, drooling and frothing at the mouth and appears stiff. Sara immediately opens the doors to let the heat out, and starts the air conditioner. What has happened? Continue reading →

Morris’first line of business in the morning is acting as your alarm clock.Your orange kitty jumps on your bed and walks all over your head and pillow, purring at the thought of breakfast.Once your feet hit the floor, he bounds out of the room and down to the kitchen.His motor revs and he rubs against your legs while you open the can of food.

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Hoschton Animal Hospital is sad to annouce that Patrizia, our Swiss-born, licenced veterinary technician, has worked her final day at our clinic.  She has decided to pursue futher education to become a dental hygenist.  We all wish you the very best as you study for your next career.  We will miss you, Trish.  Thank you for everything!

There are numerous parasites that can affect our pets: intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia), fleas, and heartworms.  Just thinking about many of these parasites gives their owners the creepy-crawlies.  Unfortunately, most of these parasites can become a problem for owners, especially those that have a weak immune system (young children, elderly, cancer patients, etc.).  How can pets, and owners, be safe from these nasty parasites? Continue reading →

$75 for a 6-month supply of any size Frontline while supplies last.

Veterinarians, fellow pet owners and your pets would like to extend a gracious thank you to all who wrote and called their Georgia legislators to oppose HB 385-388 (the Pet Tax bills).  These bills were defeated in our legislature thanks to the efforts of all involved.  There will not be an additional tax placed on veterainary services including surgeries, radiographs, bloodwork, etc. as a result.  Please continue to check our website for any further developments.  As for now, give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done in playing your part as a concerned pet owning Georgia resident.

News Flash: There is an increased caseload of heartworm positive dogs who are on heartworm prevention.  Most of these cases are in areas of high mosquito concentration.  What could be happening? Continue reading →

*UPDATE*: Thank you all for your assistance in defeating HB 385-388.  Together with the important assistance of Georgia pet lovers like you, we were able to defeat a service tax on veterinary medicine this year.  Please stay attentive to future bills like this one to resurface.  In the mean time, thank you for taking the time to voice your opinion as a Georgia voter!

We need your help!!  The Georgia State Legislature is currently fast-tracking a bill that will add 7% to all veterinary services.  This will make all exams, surgeries, x-rays, bloodwork, dentals, etc. increase in price if HB 385-388 is passed.  HB 385-388 specifically excludes lawyers and doctors, but not veterinary practices.  It does not make sense.  Please take the time to write your legislators to tell them you don’t want to pay more to care for your pets.  Similar legislation has been defeated in other states when pet owners took action.  We need your help today!  Please read on for a sample letter.

I urge you to write a letter to express your desire to defeat this bill right now.  Here is a sample letter you may cut and paste if you don’t have the time to write one yourself:

The Honorable (insert legislator’s name),

I am concerned about the proposed bills (HB 385-388) that would add 7% to my pet’s veterinary visits.  Why are doctors and lawyers exempt from this tax where veterinary practices are not?  It does not make sense.  Additionally, please understand that the increased cost will place strain on my ability to care for my pet.  There are all ready too many animals who do not receive the best care because of the expense.  I cannot afford another tax.

I appreciate your taking the time to consider the concerns of another Georgia voter.

Sincerely,

(Insert your name)