Welcome to the Village Animal Hospital
We thrive on knowing that every day we have the privilege of helping improve the life of our patients. We are committed to providing the highest quality medical care and giving personalized attention to all our patients and their owners.
We would like to meet you! We invite you to stop by our practice for a hospital tour anytime, and experience all we have to offer and give us an opportunity to care for that important member of your family, your pet. We are open 6 days a week Monday thru Saturday. Our hours are 7:30 - 6:00 pm with the exceptions of Wednesday 7:30 - 12:30 and Saturdays 8:30 - 2:30 pm.
We have a number of resources for you to learn about how to take better care of your pets. Browse around and look at our articles and pet videos. The best veterinary care for animals is ongoing nutrition and problem prevention. If you want to ask a question call 770.754.1234 or email us and we'll promptly get back to you. Our Johns Creek veterinarian office is very easy to get to, and you can find directions on our Contact Us page. You can also subscribe to our newsletter which is created especially for Johns Creek pet owners. In between your veterinary visits, your pet will benefit from you reading these free informative articles.
Summer Safety Tips
As temperatures rise, our furry friends face unique challenges. Summer can be a wonderful time for outdoor play and bonding, but it also brings real health risks for pets. Here are some vet-approved tips from The Village Animal Hospital to help keep your animals safe, healthy, and happy all summer long.
1. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car
Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket within minutes. On an 85°F (29°C) day, the inside of your car can reach over 100°F (38°C) in 10 minutes. This can quickly lead to heatstroke, brain damage, or even death.
➡️ Dr. Segarra's advice: If you can't take your pet inside with you, it's safest to leave them at home.
2. Hydration is Critical
Pets can become dehydrated quickly. Always provide fresh, cool water—whether you're at home or on an adventure.
➡️ Dr. Segarra's tip: Watch for signs of dehydration like dry gums, excessive panting, or lethargy. Bring a portable water bowl when on walks.
3. Beware of Heatstroke
Pets can’t cool down like we do. Dogs sweat primarily through their paw pads and pant to release heat, which isn’t always enough in hot weather.
Signs of heatstroke include:
- Heavy panting or drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or collapse
➡️ Dr. Segarra's recommendation: Avoid midday walks and opt for early morning or evening outings. If you suspect heatstroke, cool your pet with water (not ice) and call The Village Animal Hospital immediately.
4. Paw Protection Matters
Hot pavement, sand, or asphalt can burn your pet’s paws. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet.
➡️ Try this: Walk on grass when possible, or test surfaces with the 7-second rule (place your hand down—if it’s too hot after 7 seconds, avoid it). Pet booties can also help.
5. Safe Swimming
Not all dogs are natural swimmers! And some pool chemicals can irritate their skin or stomach.
➡️ Dr. Segarra's tip: Supervise all swimming, rinse your dog after pool time, and teach them how to exit the water safely. For lakes or boating, a dog life jacket is a must.
6. Prevent Parasites
Summer means fleas, ticks, mosquitoes—and with them come diseases like Lyme, heartworm, and more.
➡️ Dr. Segarra's professional advice: Keep your pets on year-round parasite prevention. Talk to our team about what’s best for your pet’s lifestyle and location.
7. Careful with Cookout Foods
Barbecues are fun, but many picnic staples (like onions, grapes, corn cobs, and bones) are toxic or dangerous to pets.
➡️ Watch out: Keep human food out of reach and ask guests not to share table scraps. A treat here and there? Only if it’s pet-safe!
8. Pet-Safe Sunscreen
Some animals, especially those with light skin or thin fur, are vulnerable to sunburn.
➡️ Use only pet-safe sunscreen on sensitive areas like noses and ears. Never use human sunscreen—it can contain toxic ingredients like zinc oxide.
Final Thought from Dr. Segarra:
If something feels off—don’t wait. Pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s always better to be cautious and give The Village Animal Hospital a call at (770) 754-1234. Summer should be joyful, not stressful.
Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy the sunshine—together.
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