Tail Talk with Dr. O’Hara

Dr. O’Hara

Tail Talk with Dr. O’Hara is your go-to source for pet wellness straight from the heart of Abingdon Animal Medical Center. Whether your furry friend needs a check-up, a fresh groom, or a comfortable place to board, Dr. O’Hara combines small-town hospitality with modern veterinary care to keep tails wagging across Eastern Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.  Each episode offers insights inspired by real-life pets and the people who love them—covering everyday health tips, seasonal advice, and the latest in companion animal care. From curious kittens to wise old pups, we’re here to make every life stage feel loved, supported, and healthy. If it’s got four legs and a heartbeat, it has a home at Abingdon Animal Medical Center. Call or text 276-628-9655 or visit MyAbingdonVet.com to schedule your pet’s visit. 🐾🏥🐕‍🦺 #PetCare #VeterinaryLove #AbingdonPets To learn more about Abingdon Animal Medical Center visit: https://www.MyAbingdonVet.com Abingdon Animal Medical Center 19586 Dennison Drive Abingdon, VA 24211 276-628-9655 

Episodes

  1. 12/30/2025

    Sudden Scares To Daily Care: Understanding Pet Pancreatitis, Arthritis, And Recovery

    What Is The Difference Between Acute And Chronic Medical Care For Pets? Sudden crisis or slow burn—knowing the difference changes everything. We dive into how acute problems like pancreatitis demand fast action with IV fluids and anti-nausea meds, and how repeat flare-ups signal a shift to chronic management where diet rules the day. You’ll hear the simple, surprising places fat hides in a “clean” routine, including supplements that can quietly trigger episodes, and how a strict low-fat approach can stabilize sensitive pets. We also unpack the arc from a torn cruciate ligament to long-term arthritis, outlining the surgical window, the eight to twelve week rehab stretch, and the practical realities that follow. Chronic care lives in the daily choices: measured anti-inflammatories, weight control, and exercise that builds muscle without punishing joints. We show why organized leash walks beat chaotic fetch, how to avoid zigzag stress, and how to keep the hind end strong so the front doesn’t take on all the work. Maybe the most important lesson is how often pets hide pain. Adrenaline can mask a limp at the clinic, which is why your home observations and quick phone videos matter. We talk about the subtle tells—brief paw lifts, hesitation to jump, odd posture—that point to real discomfort. Acute or chronic, the goal is the same: identify the problem, relieve pain, and protect quality of life with a plan you can actually follow. If you learned something useful today, share this episode with a fellow pet parent, subscribe for more practical veterinary insight, and leave a review to help others find the show. To learn more about Abingdon Animal Medical Center visit: https://www.MyAbingdonVet.com Abingdon Animal Medical Center 19586 Dennison Drive Abingdon, VA 24211 276-628-9655

    10 min
  2. 12/23/2025

    From Trees, Treats, And Guests: Keeping Dogs And Cats Safe Around The Holidays

    How Can We Keep Our Pets Safe And Healthy During The Holidays? Holiday magic can hide real risks for dogs and cats, and we’re here to make the season safer without losing any joy. We dig into the big hazards that spike in December—stringy décor, rich food, unsafe chews, chaotic gatherings, and freezing temps—and share practical, vet-tested ways to prevent emergencies. You’ll hear clear guidance on the Christmas tree zone, from anchoring and barrier ideas to why tinsel and ribbon cause dangerous intestinal blockages, plus simple cleanup habits that stop trouble before it starts. Food temptations get a reality check. We break down why chocolate and xylitol land pets in the ER, how fatty meats and gravy trigger pancreatitis, and the real risks behind cooked bones and counter-surfing. Want to treat your pet anyway? We offer safer swaps, portion ideas, and training tips like a reliable leave it and planned enrichment to keep curious noses out of harm’s way. Chew season also needs a rethink. We compare rawhide, bully sticks, and modern synthetic options, and explain how size, supervision, and chew style affect choking and blockage risks. For anxious pets, we map out stress relief tactics: quiet rooms, covered crates, visitor etiquette, sound buffers, and predictable routines that help animals feel secure when the house is full. Finally, we cover winter-specific safety—pet-safe ice melt, paw rinses, sensible coats, and a quick refresher on antifreeze toxicity that every pet owner should know. If you want a calm, cozy holiday with fewer vet visits and more wagging tails, this conversation gives you the checklist. Subscribe, share with a fellow pet parent, and leave a review with your best holiday safety tip—we’ll feature our favorites next time. To learn more about Abingdon Animal Medical Center visit: https://www.MyAbingdonVet.com Abingdon Animal Medical Center 19586 Dennison Drive Abingdon, VA 24211 276-628-9655

    10 min

About

Tail Talk with Dr. O’Hara is your go-to source for pet wellness straight from the heart of Abingdon Animal Medical Center. Whether your furry friend needs a check-up, a fresh groom, or a comfortable place to board, Dr. O’Hara combines small-town hospitality with modern veterinary care to keep tails wagging across Eastern Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.  Each episode offers insights inspired by real-life pets and the people who love them—covering everyday health tips, seasonal advice, and the latest in companion animal care. From curious kittens to wise old pups, we’re here to make every life stage feel loved, supported, and healthy. If it’s got four legs and a heartbeat, it has a home at Abingdon Animal Medical Center. Call or text 276-628-9655 or visit MyAbingdonVet.com to schedule your pet’s visit. 🐾🏥🐕‍🦺 #PetCare #VeterinaryLove #AbingdonPets To learn more about Abingdon Animal Medical Center visit: https://www.MyAbingdonVet.com Abingdon Animal Medical Center 19586 Dennison Drive Abingdon, VA 24211 276-628-9655