River Road Animal Hospital

04/16/2026

With the extensive growth in our county, it’s important to remember... living in the city doesn’t mean your pet is safe from heartworm disease. In fact, it can increase the risk.

Urban environments often create “heat islands,” where temperatures stay warmer longer, allowing mosquitoes to thrive and extend heartworm season.

Add in standing water from gutters, construction, and drainage areas, and that we are surrounded by swamp land and you’ve got the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, right where you and your pets live.

That means year-round heartworm prevention is more important than ever, even for indoor pets.

Protect your furry family members no matter where you call home.

04/14/2026

We are still fighting these scammers. I have gone back the past 6months of posts and deleted and blocked all the scammers who have commented on the past week. I’m not sure why we have gotten popular with the scammer but please do not click any links not directly posed by us!

04/14/2026

Did you know...

Heartworm disease isn’t just a dog problem, cats are at risk too, and the reality may surprise you.

Just one heartworm can be fatal in a cat, and there are no approved treatments once they’re infected. Both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk since mosquitoes can easily find their way inside.

Even more concerning, many cats show subtle or no symptoms until the disease becomes severe, and heartworms can live for years inside the body.

The good news? Prevention is safe, simple, and effective.

Protect your cat year-round and stay ahead of heartworm disease.

Give us a text or call to learn more about the best prevention options for your feline friend!

04/13/2026

This week is National Bite Prevention Week !
At River Road Animal Hospital, we care about keeping pets and people safe!

Did you know most bites are preventable with a few simple steps? Here’s how you can protect yourself and your furry friends:

* Respect your pet’s space – don’t disturb eating, sleeping, or hiding pets.
* Teach children safe pet interactions – no hugging, pulling tails, or sudden movements.
* Recognize warning signs – growling, hissing, or stiff body language are pets saying “give me space.”
* Use leashes and proper handling – especially with new or unfamiliar animals.
* Seek professional guidance – if your pet shows aggression, consult your veterinarian or a certified trainer.

Bite prevention isn’t just about safety - it’s about building trust and a happy, stress-free bond with your pets.

Let’s make our homes and communities safer for everyone this week and beyond!
Please reach out If you would like contact information for a trainer or to schedule an appointment to discuss behavior. Let us help keep everyone safe!

04/12/2026

Who are our Pitt fans?!?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU04-WLDO6U/?igsh=czRpaWlzOHBib2lh

04/10/2026

“Famous last words” your pet should NEVER hear…

Heartworm disease is serious and unfortunately, many cases start with common misconceptions like the ones in this post.

Just one missed dose, one mosquito bite, or skipping a yearly test can put your pet at risk. And while treatment exists for dogs, it can be expensive and hard on them; and for cats, there is no approved treatment at all.

The good news? Heartworm disease is completely preventable with consistent, year-round prevention and routine testing.

Let’s keep your pets safe, healthy, and protected.!

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

Heartworm Awareness made simple - just follow the ABCs

Heartworm disease is serious, but prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. From awareness and mosquito bites to testing and year-round prevention, every step matters when it comes to protecting your pet.

Have questions about your pet’s heartworm prevention plan? We are here to help!

04/06/2026

Heartworm “Tails” vs. Truth

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about heartworm disease; let’s bust some common myths:

❌ “My dog is on prevention, so they don’t need testing.”
✔️ Even pets on prevention need annual testing to ensure the medication is working properly.

❌ “Dogs catch heartworms from other dogs.”
✔️ Heartworms are only spread through mosquito bites, not from pet-to-pet contact.

❌ “Cats don’t get heartworm disease.”
✔️ Cats can get heartworms and there is no approved treatment, making prevention critical.

❌ “My indoor cat doesn’t need prevention.”
✔️ Mosquitoes can get inside, putting indoor cats at risk too.

❌ “Mosquitoes don’t come in my house.”
✔️ Even one mosquito indoors can transmit heartworms.

❌ “My pet is getting garlic, so they’re protected.”
✔️ Garlic is not an effective prevention and can actually be harmful to pets in certain amounts.

The truth? Heartworm disease is serious... but it’s also preventable.

Let us help you keep your pets protected year-round.

04/05/2026

Easter is a time for fun, family, and furry friends - but remember: chocolate, candy, and certain holiday foods are dangerous for pets! Keep your pups and kitties safe by sticking to pet-friendly treats.

In case of an emergency this holiday, please contact:
🏥 Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center
50 Greenville Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403
📞 (910) 790-1070

🏥 Truss Veterinary Urgent Care
1303 Independence Blvd , Wilmington, NC 28403
📞 (910) 900-3763

Enjoy the holiday safely, and give your pets extra love (and safe treats!) from all of us at River Road Animal Hospital.

04/04/2026

It’s not just dogs and cats! Heartworms can affect other animals, too.

While we most commonly see heartworm disease in dogs and cats, it has also been reported in ferrets, foxes, coyotes, and other wildlife. Because it’s spread by mosquitoes, many species can be at risk.

This is why prevention is so important, not just for your pets, but for the overall health of animals in our community.

Protect your pets with year-round heartworm prevention and routine testing. If you have questions about your pet’s risk, we’re always here to help!

04/03/2026

Because we all love a bit of good news, especially when the dog - and everyone involved - is ok ❤️