Harmony Hill Animal Hospital

11/09/2026

🐾 MYTH vs. FACT: Is slowing down just part of getting older?

MYTH: If your senior pet is slowing down, it's probably just old age.

FACT: Age-related changes are common, but slowing down is not always something we should dismiss!

Symptoms like hesitating before jumping onto the couch, struggling with stairs, taking longer to get comfortable, or losing interest in walks can all be signs of discomfort or an underlying medical condition.

What's the good news? Many age-related conditions can be treated & managed, helping our pets stay comfortable and active longer. 💜

At Harmony Hill Animal Hospital, we believe getting older shouldn't mean a lower quality of life.

🐶🐱 Have you noticed your senior pet slowing down? Give us a call so we can discuss what might be causing it.

📞 816-476-4760

11/06/2026

🐶 BEFORE YOU ADOPT: THE FRENCH BULLDOG!

With their big personalities, adorable ears, and affectionate nature, French Bulldogs have captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

But before bringing one home, there are some important things you should know!

❤️ PERSONALITY
Frenchies are often affectionate, playful companions that enjoy spending time with their families. They can be wonderful pets for many households.

🌡️ HEAT SENSITIVITY
Because of their shortened facial structure, French Bulldogs can have difficulty cooling themselves efficiently. Hot and humid Missouri summers can be especially challenging.

🫁 BREATHING CONCERNS
French Bulldogs are predisposed to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), a condition that can cause significant breathing difficulties. Loud breathing and snoring shouldn't automatically be dismissed as normal for the breed.

🩺 POTENTIAL HEALTH EXPENSES
Frenchies may also be predisposed to skin-fold problems, allergies, spinal conditions, and other medical concerns. Some require specialized treatment or surgery.

🏃 EXERCISE
French Bulldogs still need regular activity and enrichment, but exercise should be appropriate for their breathing ability and the weather.

💜 THE BOTTOM LINE
French Bulldogs can be loving companions, but their unique health needs deserve serious consideration before adoption or purchase.

Choosing a pet isn't just about finding one you love. It's about making sure you can provide the care they may need throughout their life.

Have a Frenchie at home? We'd love to hear about their personality!

11/04/2026

🐾 WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

You notice your dog's water bowl is empty more often than usual.

At first, you don't think much of it. Maybe they're just thirsty?

But then you realize they're asking to go outside more frequently, too.

Should you be concerned?

💧 The answer: It's worth paying attention to!

Increased thirst and urination can sometimes be early signs of medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or certain hormonal disorders.

Of course, there are also less concerning reasons a dog might drink more water, including warmer weather, increased activity, or changes in diet.

So what should you do?

✅ Pay attention to how much your dog is drinking and how often they're urinating.

✅ Think about any recent changes in diet, medications, exercise, or environment.

✅ Schedule a veterinary examination if the change is persistent or unexplained.

❌ Don't restrict access to water in an attempt to reduce urination.

❌ Don't assume it's normal simply because your dog is getting older.

If your dog is also vomiting, refusing food, extremely lethargic, or acting seriously ill, seek prompt veterinary attention.

Sometimes the smallest changes in our pets' daily routines can provide important clues about their health.

💜 At Harmony Hill Animal Hospital, we're here to help you understand what those changes might mean.

11/02/2026

🐾 ASK A VET MONDAY!

Is your older pet slowing down? You might be surprised to learn that it isn't always "just old age."

November is Senior Pet Health Month, and it's a great time to talk about something we hear from pet owners all the time:

"They're getting older, so I figured it was normal."

While our pets certainly change as they age, some of the things we associate with getting older can actually be signs of discomfort or underlying health problems.

Here are a few changes worth paying attention to:

🐕 Hesitating before jumping onto furniture or climbing stairs

🐈 Grooming less frequently or having trouble reaching certain areas

🐾 Taking longer to get up after resting

💤 Sleeping more or showing less interest in favorite activities

❤️ Becoming unusually irritable or avoiding activities they previously enjoyed

These changes can sometimes be associated with arthritis, chronic pain, or other medical conditions.

The good news? There are often ways to help!

From pain management and weight control to environmental adjustments and other treatments, veterinary care can make a meaningful difference in your pet's comfort and quality of life.

At Harmony Hill Animal Hospital, we believe getting older shouldn't mean giving up the things your pet loves.

💜 Have a senior pet at home? Tell us their name and age in the comments! We'd love to celebrate them.

10/31/2026

🐶 BEFORE YOU ADOPT: THE AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD!

Those beautiful eyes, gorgeous coats, and incredible intelligence make Australian Shepherds easy to fall in love with.

But is an Aussie the right dog for your family?

Before bringing one home, here are a few things worth considering!

🏃 ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY!
Australian Shepherds were developed to work. Most need substantial daily exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities to stay busy. A quick walk around the block usually isn't enough.

🧠 SMART DOESN'T ALWAYS MEAN EASY!
Aussies are incredibly intelligent and often learn quickly. But without consistent training and enrichment, that intelligence can lead to some creative mischief!

🐑 HERDING IS IN THEIR DNA!
Don't be surprised if your Aussie tries to herd other pets, children, or anything else that moves. Appropriate training and supervision are important, especially around young children.

🛁 THAT BEAUTIFUL COAT NEEDS WORK!
Their double coats shed and require regular brushing. Seasonal shedding can be especially noticeable.

❤️ THE RIGHT HOME MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
For an active household willing to invest time in training, exercise, and enrichment, an Australian Shepherd can be a wonderful companion.

But for someone looking for a low-maintenance, laid-back dog, this breed may not be the best match.

Of course, every dog is an individual, and personality, age, and background matter just as much as breed!

At Harmony Hill Animal Hospital, we believe choosing the right pet for your lifestyle is one of the first steps toward a happy, healthy relationship.

💬 Aussie owners, tell us! What's something you wish you'd known before bringing yours home?

10/28/2026

🐾✂️ EXCITING NEWS!✂️🐾

We're excited to welcome Megan, our new full-time Professional Pet Groomer, to the Harmony Hill family! 💜

Megan brings over 10 years of grooming experience in the Kansas City area, and we're thrilled about the quality, consistency, and attention to detail she brings to her work. Her commitment to great communication with pet owners makes her an especially wonderful addition to our team!

🎉 LET'S CELEBRATE WITH A GROOMING SPECIAL! 🎉

🐶 NEW GROOMING CLIENTS: 20% OFF your first groom!

🐩 RETURNING GROOMING CLIENTS: 10% OFF your next groom if your pet has not been groomed at Harmony Hill in the past 3 months!

📅 Appointments must be scheduled by November 6, 2026, but your grooming appointment can take place after that date!

Whether your pet needs a fresh haircut, a bath, or a little pampering, Megan is ready to help them look and feel their best!

📞 Call us at 816-476-4760 to schedule your appointment!

💜 Join us in giving Megan a warm welcome!

Local Family-Owned & Operated Full-Service Veterinary Clinic - Well & Sick Pet Exams, Vaccines, diagnostic testing, surgery, online pharmacy, grooming, etc.

10/28/2026

🎃 THE CANDY BOWL PROBLEM! 🍬🐾

Halloween is almost here, and while the candy is a treat for us, some of it can be dangerous for our pets!

Here are a few things every pet owner should know:

🍫 Chocolate — Contains substances that can be toxic to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially concerning.

🍬 Xylitol — This sugar substitute, also called birch sugar, can be extremely dangerous to dogs. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and potentially serious liver damage.

🍭 Candy wrappers — Even when the candy itself isn't toxic, wrappers can cause choking or gastrointestinal problems.

🐾 Curious pets — Dogs have a remarkable talent for finding things they shouldn't eat, especially when those things smell delicious!

So what should you do if your pet gets into the Halloween candy?

Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control service right away. The type of candy, amount eaten, and your pet's weight all matter when determining the risk.

And please don't try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to.

A little prevention goes a long way! Keep candy bowls and trick-or-treat bags safely out of reach.

💜 From all of us at Harmony Hill Animal Hospital, have a fun and safe Halloween!

10/26/2026

🐾 ASK A VET MONDAY!

Ever wonder why your veterinarian recommends bloodwork when your pet seems perfectly healthy?

After all, they're eating, playing, and acting like their usual self. So what's the point?

Here's something many pet owners don't realize: Some health conditions can begin developing long before there are obvious symptoms.

Routine bloodwork can help us evaluate things like kidney and liver function, blood sugar, and red and white blood cell counts.

It also helps establish a baseline for YOUR pet, giving us something to compare against as they get older.

Does every pet need the exact same testing? Of course not! Age, medical history, lifestyle, and individual risk factors all play a role in what we recommend.

At Harmony Hill Animal Hospital, we believe understanding your pet's healthcare is just as important as the care itself. 💜

That's why we're starting Ask a Vet Monday! Each week, we'll answer common questions, clear up misconceptions, and share helpful information to keep your four-legged family members happy and healthy.

💬 Have a question you'd like us to answer? Leave it in the comments!

📍 Harmony Hill Animal Hospital | Kearney, MO

10/26/2026

🐾✨ Everything your furry bestie needs to look and feel PAW-FECT! 🐶🐱💖
😻 BIG NEWS, CAT PARENTS! We’ll now be offering cat grooming FULL TIME! 🎉 We can’t wait to pamper even more of our feline friends!
🎄🐾 The holidays are coming up fast, and our appointment spots are filling quickly! Don’t wait until the last minute to get your fur babies holiday-ready. ❤️
📞 Give us a call today to get on the schedule! Let’s get those tails wagging and those whiskers looking wonderful just in time for the holidays! 🐶🐱✨
💕 Your pets deserve a little extra pampering, too!
🐾

10/22/2026

💜🐾 Happy Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week! 🐾💜

This week, we’re celebrating the incredible veterinary technicians who make such a difference in the lives of our patients, their families, and our entire team!

Veterinary technicians are there for it all — comforting nervous pets, monitoring anesthesia, assisting with surgery, running diagnostics, administering treatments, educating clients, and providing compassion when pets need it most. Their knowledge, skill, dedication, and heart are essential to the care we provide every day.

At Harmony Hill Animal Hospital, we’re incredibly grateful for the technicians who go above and beyond to keep our patients safe, advocate for their well-being, and make every visit a little less scary. ❤️

To our veterinary technicians: thank you for your hard work, your compassion, and the countless things you do that often go unseen. Our patients are better cared for because of you, and our team is stronger because you’re part of it!

Help us celebrate our amazing veterinary technicians this week! 💜🐶🐱