Medford Animal Hospital

Veterinary Services

At Medford Animal Hospital in Medford, OR, we provide a wide range of veterinary services to ensure your pet has a healthy, happy life.

Medford Animal Hospital

Medford Animal Hospital Veterinary Services

For All Stages of Your Pet’s Life

Your veterinarian is an important partner in keeping your pet healthy throughout life. From early puppy and kittenhood to the senior years, your veterinarian can provide the latest information on care and pet health. Medford Animal Hospital offers a full array of standard pet services for your animal companions. Since 1997, Dr. Steve Bernard and Dr. Tiffany Graeber have provided Medford, OR, with loving, quality health care. We offer the following veterinary services:

Pet Coughing & Sneezing

Pet Coughing & Sneezing

Pet owners pay close attention to their furry friends and want them to have the love and care they need to remain healthy. To this end, it is important for pet owners to make sure they have a reliable place to which they can take their pets when they are sick or hurt. At Medford Animal Hospital, some of the most common complaints that we see include pets who are coughing and sneezing. If you are looking for a veterinarian in the Medford area, who can take care of your pet, look no further than our team at the Medford Animal Hospital.

 

Signs of an Infection

Pets who are constantly coughing or sneezing could be suffering from an infection. At Medford Animal Hospital, we vaccinate our pet patients against a large number of illnesses that might cause coughing and sneezing, such as kennel cough. However, there are many other infections out there. We closely examine pets brought to us for respiratory illnesses that can cause these symptoms. These illnesses generally include pneumonia, bronchitis, and other illnesses. We might even use our x-ray machine to take a closer look. If your pet has a fever, this is another symptom that points toward an infection.

 

Dealing With Allergies in Pets

Another possible reason why pets cough and sneeze is allergies. People who suffer from allergies know just how devastating they can be. Allergies have the potential to really harm someone’s overall quality of life. Pets can suffer from seasonal allergies as well. These allergies are caused by the release of something called histamine. We take a close look at your pet and see if allergies are the cause of their coughing and sneezing. Then, we will provide your pet with the care he needs to control these allergies. We have a number of medications at our disposal, as well as some environmental tips that might help pets in need.

 

Come and Visit Our Pet Doctors Today!

At Medford Animal Hospital, our goal is to provide the best possible healthcare to pets who live in the Medford area. We are going to do everything in our power to ensure that your pet is cared for by a loving veterinarian who is always willing to go the extra mile. If your pet is sick or injured, count on us to help you. Give us a call today to learn more about how our professionals can lend a helping hand!

Pet Flea & Tick Prevention

Pet Flea & Tick Prevention

Not only are fleas and ticks a nuisance that can infest your home, but they’re also very dangerous because they carry a number of serious diseases that can be transmitted to both you and your pet. The number one way to protect yourself and your dog or cat from fleas and ticks is through prevention.

 

Conditions Caused by Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are parasites that can infect your pet. Fleas will feed off your dog’s blood, reproduce, and infest your home. They can also live for 100 days without a host, which means that you’ll have a tough time getting rid of them once they’re in your home. Ticks carry Lyme disease, and they can hold onto your pet’s fur or dig into their skin and transfer the disease to your animal and you. Fleas and ticks feed off blood – whether it’s yours or your dog, it doesn’t matter. In doing so, they can transfer diseases to humans – this is called zoonotic diseases. These include the plague, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and bartonellosis, among others.

 

Tick Prevention and Flea Treatment

It’s critically important for you to protect your pet from fleas and ticks for not only their health but for yours. In our area, it doesn’t typically get cold enough for fleas and ticks to die, so it is imperative that you treat and prevent them year-round.

  • Check your dog and yourself for ticks after being in the woods or grassy areas: Pay special attention to your dog’s feet and between his toes, on his lips, around the eyes, inside the ears, and under his tail. The quicker you can remove a tick, the less likely it will transmit diseases.
  • For fleas, check for them on your pet’s skin where fur is sparse (think underbelly or under the armpits).
  • Give your animals a flea and tick preventative. There are many different options on the market for your pet today, including topicals, collars, and oral medication that prevent flea and tick infestation. Talk to one of our veterinary staff about what’s right for your pet.
  • If you have multiple dogs, they should all be treated at the same time. This is important so that one dog doesn’t infest the other.
  • If you do find fleas on your dog, it’s important to treat the environment at the same time that you treat your dog to prevent infestation all over again. Get rid of all bedding, vacuum all carpets and sofas, and don’t forget to empty the canister when you’re done. For extensive infestations, you can use a fogger, or you may need to contact a professional exterminator.

Call (541) 772-2222 to speak with one of our veterinary specialists at Medford Animal Hospital to discuss flea treatment and tick prevention for your pet today.

Pet laser treatment

Pet Laser Therapy

Have you ever considered how the healing power of light might hold life-changing benefits for your dog or cat? If not, you’ll want to learn about an advanced healing and pain management modality called low-level or “cold” laser therapy. This technology can help pets enjoy better physical function, faster healing, and less acute or chronic pain in a wide range of circumstances. That’s why we make a point of offering pet laser therapy here at Medford Animal Hospital.

 

Pet Laser Therapy Explained

The pet laser therapy we use has its origins in similar techniques administered to human patients. Cold lasers operate at a lower energy frequency than surgical lasers. The lower level permits the beam to pass through the skin without cutting tissue. Instead, the beam penetrates harmlessly and painlessly to a depth of several centimeters — where diseased or damaged tissue is awaiting treatment.

Laser therapy is a pleasant experience for animals. Your pet will relax comfortably as we pass a handheld laser emitter over the treatment site (with no shaving required). The beam triggers a process known as photobiomodulation which increases the cells’ access to an energy source called ATP. Armed with these new supplies of ATP, the cells get to work on repairing and regenerating themselves. At the same time, the laser increases the flow of blood and drainage of fluids at the treatment site.

 

Benefits For Dogs and Cats

The twin mechanisms of photobiomodulation and boosted circulation offer a number of benefits for dogs and cats. The more efficiently cells can repair themselves, the more rapidly injuries or other forms of tissue damage can resolve themselves. The enhancement of circulation helps reduce swelling, expel inflammatory substances, and relieve pain without the use of drugs. Joints and muscles can also gain a greater range of pain-free motion.

 

Conditions Treated by Pet Laser Therapy

Pet laser therapy can serve as a standalone or supportive treatment for many different kinds of conditions. Our Medford veterinarian may use it for:

  • Pet dental treatment – A pet dental injury or extraction can heal more rapidly and comfortably with the aid of laser therapy.
  • Arthritis – Laser therapy is a safe, drug-free form of arthritis pain management
  • Soft tissue injury rehabilitation – Laser therapy can help your pet overcome acute or chronic muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries.
  • Neuropathy care – Laser therapy can ease neuropathy and promote nerve healing.

Can laser therapy help your pet? Find out by calling (541) 772-2222 for an appointment!

Pet Dental Care

Pet Dental Care

Your pet’s mouth looks just as healthy as ever, but is it? Dental problems can and do occur in pets, but some escape an owner’s notice, while others can easily be prevented through proper wellness care. Here at Medford Animal Hospital, any Medford veterinarian on our experienced team can provide the ongoing care and treatment your dog or cat needs to enjoy a healthy, comfortable life.

 

Why You Need a Cat and Dog Dentist: Common Conditions

What kinds of oral problems might call for the aid of a cat and dog dentist? Perhaps the most common example is periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition afflicting the gum tissues around the teeth. Periodontal disease starts when bacteria cluster around plaque and tartar. The pet’s immune system responds by creating inflammation, which in turn weakens and destroys the tissues. Your pet may suffer from bleeding gums, infections, and tooth loss if this condition is allowed to progress. Infections can also attack decayed, cracked, or broken teeth, with bacteria possibly moving to the vital organs. Oral cancer is yet another threat to your pet’s mouth. Last but not least, an injury can damage your pet’s mouth or jaw.

While you might notice an acute injury or the obvious signs of inflamed gums, you can’t always know when your pet’s dental health is in danger. Oral cancer, in particular, may be very hard for a layman to detect until it is too late. For all of these reasons, you need to make sure your pet receives regular preventative care.

 

Cat and Dog Teeth Cleaning, Exams, and Treatment

Trust your Medford veterinarian at Medford Animal Hospital to provide your pet with detailed cat and dog teeth cleanings, exams, and any necessary dental treatment. X-rays and visual examinations allow us to diagnose infections, decay, tooth damage, periodontal teeth, or oral cancer. Most pets need one dental exam per year, but some pets may need two or more to help us catch problems as early as possible. Cat and dog teeth cleaning under anesthesia does away with the tartar that leads to periodontal disease. If your pet does require treatment, we can administer medications or surgery to restore your pet’s mouth to health. We can also counsel you on ways to keep your pet’s teeth and gums in good shape from one dental visit to the next.

 

Let Medford Animal Hospital Take Care of Your Pet’s Teeth

Give your pet something to smile about in the form of optimal dental health. Call Medford Animal Hospital at (541) 772-2222 to set up a dental appointment at our Medford clinic!

Pet Senior Wellness

Pet Senior Wellness

Keep Your Pet Healthy, Comfortable, and Happy!

Our Senior Wellness Plan Includes:

– Comprehensive Physical Exam
– Complete Urinalysis
– Chemistry Profile, CBC, & T-4
– Nail Trim/Anal Glands
– Radiographs—chest and abdominal
– Senior Consult—review of your pet’s test results and recommendations tailored to your pet’s needs

Early Detection of disease can increase the lifespan of your pet!

Pet Preventative Care

Pet Preventative Care

Maintaining your pet’s good health is our mission. By bringing your pet in regularly for check-ups, watching their diet and exercise, and providing the necessary treatments to keep them at their best, you’ll enjoy the companionship of your pet for years to come.

 

Flea and Tick Treatment

Pets should be protected from fleas and ticks throughout the year. Much of this area doesn’t get cold enough or long enough to freeze and kill all the fleas and ticks in the environment. We carry a range of flea and tick preventative products and will help you determine the best preventative plan for your pets.

 

Heartworm Prevention For Dogs

Heartworm is a parasite that is spread by mosquitoes and is very prevalent in this area of Southern Oregon and Northern California. If acquired and left untreated, heartworm can lead to heart failure in your pet. The best way to protect your pet is with regular testing and year-round monthly heartworm preventative. In addition to preventing heartworm the medication will also protect your pet against intestinal hookworms and roundworms.

 

Intestinal Parasite Prevention

There are many different types of intestinal parasites but some of the more commonly seen are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia and giardia. These parasites can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration in your pets. The parasites can usually be detected by routine fecal exams and treated accordingly. Monthly heartworm prevention is recommended to help control the hookworms and roundworms that can be transmitted to humans. We recommend regular flea preventative to help control tapeworms because the fleas carry the tapeworm eggs.

 

Dental Care

Clean teeth and healthy gums are essential to your pet’s health. You can help maintain your pet’s dental health by brushing the teeth and providing treats that help clean the teeth. Infections in the mouth can go undetected for long periods of time and if left untreated can often lead to larger problems such as kidney, heart and liver disease. During your pet’s yearly wellness exam we will look at the mouth and gums and assess the need for a dental cleaning under anesthesia. Some symptoms of dental problems are bad breath, yellowish or brown tartar on the teeth, red or swollen gums, loss of appetite or difficulty eating.

Pet Spay & Neuter

Pet Spay & Neuter

Spaying, for females, and neutering, for males, are the terms for the surgery that removes the reproductive organs of your pet. This prevents unwanted pregnancies and controls the excessive numbers of undesired kittens and puppies in the shelters. By spaying or neutering your pet, the chance of your pet getting certain cancers is greatly reduced or eliminated. Many undesired behaviors such as spraying, wandering, and aggression, are also decreased or eliminated in a spayed or neutered pet.

We recommend that all dogs and cats are either spayed or neutered between 6 and 9 months of age. While spaying and neutering are common surgeries, they do require general anesthesia. Recovery from these surgeries is usually quick and your pet is usually back to his or her normal self within a week.

Pet Wellness Examinations

Pet Wellness Examinations

Puppies and Kittens

At the first visit, the doctor will perform a comprehensive physical exam to evaluate your young pet’s overall health. This is a good time to bring up any health, food, or housing questions you may have. The doctor will also bring up any concerns that he or she may have and will go over the vaccination protocol for your pet. We do provide discounted puppy and kitten packages that include all the vaccines recommended for the first year of your puppy’s or kitten’s life. Every puppy and kitten is a unique individual and we want to ensure that you and your young pet have the best health care possible.

 

Adult Pets

Keeping your pet on a preventative care plan, including annual wellness exams, will give us the extra information needed to more quickly recognize changes in its health. Problems can be detected and treated early or sometimes avoided. Keeping your pet up to date on all vaccines will also help ensure continued health. Any needed vaccine will be given at your pet’s annual wellness exam.

 

Senior Pets

As your pet ages you may see changes in his or her health and behavior. Movement may become more difficult; diet and temperament may change. Continued regular physical exams will help us address these changes and assist you in making the later years enjoyable and comfortable for your whole family.

Pet Vaccinations

Pet Vaccinations

Keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date is one of the best ways to ensure the continued health of your pet. Each pet is an individual, and we will evaluate the individual vaccination needs of your pet during your first visit. When your pet’s vaccine boosters are due, a reminder card is mailed to you. Even though we tailor the vaccines given to the individual pets, there are essential vaccines that almost all dogs and cats receive. These vaccines are listed below.

 

DOGS

DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus): Sometimes called the distemper/parvo vaccine or the 4-way vaccine, it protects your dog from viruses that can be contracted in the environment. Most puppies receive a series of 3 to 4 vaccinations in the first year, a booster in 1 year, then a booster every 3 years. Adult dogs with unknown vaccine history should receive 2 vaccines 3 to 4 weeks apart the first year, a booster in 1 year, then a booster every 3 years.

Leptospirosis: This vaccine is often called lepto or the “L” in DHLPP or the 5 way. It is a bacteria that your dog can contract in the environment via urine. This vaccine may cause allergic reactions in certain breeds, and vaccination is not always recommended. We will advise you on whether we feel it will be beneficial for your dog to receive this vaccine or not. Dogs receive 2 vaccinations 3 to 4 weeks apart the first year, a booster in 1 year, then a booster every 3 years.

Rabies: Your dog can get rabies only by being bitten by another animal that is already infected. We do have rabies in this area. The county requires that all dogs are vaccinated against rabies by the time they are 6 months old. Your dog should receive a rabies booster 1 year after the first injection, then every 3 years.

Bordetella: This vaccine protects against a family of respiratory illnesses that are highly contagious to dogs in close proximity to each other. It is often called kennel cough. We recommend this vaccine for any dog that frequently visits boarding kennels, groomers, breeding facilities, or dog parks. The vaccine is administered as drops in the nose or as an injection. It requires an annual booster.

Canine Flu: This vaccine protects again canine influenza or dog flu, a highly contagious virus. The vaccination can protect against both identified strains of dog flu, H3N8 and H3N2. The canine influenza vaccine is recommended for all dogs, especially dogs being taken to boarding, daycare, or grooming.

 

CATS

FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia): This vaccine protects your cat from viruses that can be contracted in the environment. Most kittens receive a series of 3 vaccine injections in the first year, a booster 1 year later, and a booster every 3 years. Adult cats with unknown vaccine history should receive 2 vaccines 3 to 4 weeks apart, a booster 1 year later than a booster every 3 years.

Felv: Feline Leukemia can be passed from mother to kitten or from cat to cat via saliva. We recommend having your cat tested with a simple blood test. All cats should receive 2 initial vaccines a month apart. Annual boosters are recommended for cats that go outside.

Rabies: Your cat can get rabies only by being bitten by another animal that is already infected. While the county does not require all cats to be vaccinated, we do have rabies in this area. Annual rabies vaccines are recommended to protect you and your cat from being infected. It will also help protect you legally if your cat bites someone.

Dog standing near a x-ray machine

Pet Surgery & X-Ray

Surgery

Surgical needs can be addressed here at Medford Animal Hospital. Your veterinarian will provide you with the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding the need for surgery for your pet. Whether it is a standard surgery performed as part of your pet’s regular health care or emergency surgery to address a more urgent need, we take great care in handling these treatments. For more complicated surgeries, we may refer you and your pet to a specialized veterinary hospital.

 

X-Ray

At Medford Animal Hospital, we have x-ray capabilities available. There may be times when your pet may need to have an x-ray to help diagnose a health problem. Often in an emergency, an x-ray may be required to help quickly diagnose the problem and determine the best treatment for your pet.

In-Home Pet Euthanasia

In-Home Pet Euthanasia

When it’s time for their passing, it can be difficult to talk about euthanasia. We will always be compassionate and understanding when discussing your pet and euthanasia. Ending a pet’s life is the hardest decision a pet lover can make.

Consultation

Please call Medford Animal Hospital to assist with your pet’s passing; we will start with a consultation regarding the process. If you aren’t sure the time is right, we can discuss your pet’s quality of life, or we can schedule an exam to speak with a doctor about your pet’s quality of life at your home before a decision is made.

Arrival

We will arrive with all the supplies needed. We will meet with you and your pet and discuss anything you might have concerns about. We will explain the procedure to you and help you with any arrangements you might need.

Sedation and Pain Management

Your pet may be painful or anxious about having people at home. Since every pet is different, we have several different types of sedation so that we can choose the right protocol for your pet. We will do all we can to keep your pet pain-free and comfortable in your arms for the process.

Euthanasia

After we have addressed all the needs of you and your pet, we will administer the euthanasia solution. The procedure is peaceful, rapid, and painless. We will listen to your pet’s heart and will let you know when they have passed.

Cremation & Memorials

Please call the clinic for more information on Forever Friends cremations and memorial services.

Owner After Care

You may keep your pet’s body and arrange for your own cremation services, or for home burial on your property.

Pet Loss Support

Grieving for a beloved pet can be as intense as losing any family member. There are support services available that can help you through such a difficult time. Please call for more information.

vet examining dog

Pet Illness

If you have a cat or dog that seems to be feeling sick, you are likely to want to find a way to reverse this situation so that your pet can get back to their regular self again. When there is a need for urgent care or emergency pet care, contact Medford Animal Hospital to make an appointment with one of our veterinarians to assess your pet. Please read the following information about pet illness so that you can recognize some signs of a health problem and when to seek urgent care from our veterinarians.

 

Pay Attention to Your Pet’s Behavior

Many pet owners become so busy with their own lives that they fail to notice subtle signs that their pet is struggling with discomfort due to a medical condition. Since pets cannot voice their concerns, paying special attention to their behavior is a must. Take notice of the way your pet interacts with you on a daily basis so that you are aware of any changes in this behavior. Make sure to assess the amount of food and water your dog or cat intakes as well as how often it needs to go to the bathroom. Any changes in your pet’s behavior could indicate that your pet is ill.

 

Recognizing Common Symptoms

Like people, pets can contract illnesses that could make them feel tired and miserable until the illness passes. If your pet is sneezing, sniffling, coughing, or wheezing, then your pet may have a common cold. Unfortunately, these symptoms are also indicative of an allergic reaction. Because of this reason, many people bring their pets to see our veterinarians to rule out the latter. Our Medford veterinarians will conduct an evaluation of your pet to determine whether it is struggling with a routine cold or if it is suffering from a more serious condition. Medication can be prescribed to speed up the healing process if desired.

 

Know When to Contact Our Veterinarians

Call Medford Animal Hospital right away if your pet is vomiting, is not active as before, is frequently urinating or less urinating, coughing frequently, has any patches of exposed skin due to hair loss, itchy on the skin, stiffness, or is having trouble rising. All of these symptoms could indicate that your pet will need emergency pet care.

If your pet does not eat or drink at all, it is best to contact our practice for an immediate appointment. Your pet will become weaker and weaker if it becomes dehydrated. A pet that is bleeding or showing signs of definite pain should also be brought to our facility for pet emergency care. A dog or cat that has eaten something poisonous, ran into an altercation with a wild animal, or was hit by a car will also need prompt attention.

When your pet requires emergency pet care, contact Medford Animal Hospital in Medford for help. Call our practice at 541-772-2222 to find out more about the services we provide to our patients or make an appointment with our veterinarians to evaluate your pet’s health.

Pet Diabetes

Pet Diabetes

“Is my pet at risk for diabetes?” It’s a question that many pet owners don’t really think to ask, even when there are signs that their dog or cat should be seen by a veterinarian in our animal hospital.

At Medford Animal Hospital in Medford, Oregon, we believe that the earlier the diagnosis, the better chance your pet will have to lead a long and healthy life. That’s why we urge you to bring your pet in for a wellness exam if you start to notice any signs of diabetes, such as excessive thirst, decreased appetite, weight loss, cloudy eyes, and recurring infections.

If our veterinarians confirm a diagnosis, we will work with you and your pet to provide the best possible treatment for the disease.

 

What is Diabetes?

Like in humans, diabetes in dogs and cats occurs when the body can’t use glucose, a type of sugar used in a form of digestion. To help a diabetic pet process glucose, owners are required to give insulin injections.

What is insulin? Insulin is needed to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the body’s cells. If there is too little insulin or if the body can’t use it, glucose accumulates in the blood, causing a condition called hyperglycemia.

If your pet suffers from diabetes, there is a chance that your pet’s blood sugar will not be enough for its body cells. With the lack of energy in the cells, your pet’s body may not work properly.

 

How is Diabetes Treated?

Successful treatment of diabetes will require regular veterinary exams, as well as frequent blood and urine tests. You will also be asked to monitor your pet’s weight, eating, and drinking habits. Our veterinarian can discuss with you about managing the disease for your pet. We know each pet will have a different treatment than others, so we make sure that your pet has the right treatment.

Typically, we provide an initial dose and type of insulin to begin treatment. We will show you how to give the insulin injection under your pet’s skin by using a very small needle.

While it’s true that many pet owners worry about administering insulin shots to their pets, many adjust very quickly to the new routine. Many are often relieved to learn their pets don’t seem to mind the shots.

 

Managing Pet Diabetes Successfully

At Medford Animal Hospital in Medford, Oregon, we know that successful management of a diabetic pet takes a team approach and a consistent level of care. If your pet has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, or you have questions concerning your pet’s health, call us today at (541) 772-2222.

Pet Boarding

Pet Boarding

Our boarding services were designed to be your pet’s home away from home! All you need to bring are food, treats and any medications your pet is currently taking. When your dog stays with us, their time includes exploring both our indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as having access to a potty area with astroturf. Our cat boarding offers deluxe condos, including all necessary items such as litter, bedding bowls, litter boxes and plenty of cat nip to share. Our entire boarding facility is modern and recently updated to provide the best possible experience. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that if veterinary care is needed while they’re boarding with us, our team is on call. If your pet is ready for their next vacation, book confidently knowing their safety, comfort and well-being is our priority.