Oliver Mobile Veterinary Service

10/25/2025

Fall is rolling in, and with it comes cooler temps, more time in the barn, and new challenges for your horse’s respiratory system. October 26–November 1 is Equine Respiratory Health Awareness Week, making it the perfect time to give your horse’s lungs a little extra attention.

Dust, mold, and poor ventilation can all irritate your horse’s airways and affect performance. A few simple steps this season can make a big difference in keeping them breathing comfortably:
Keep barns clean and ventilated. Fresh bedding, open windows, and airflow help reduce dust buildup and stale air.

-Check hay quality. As hay supplies turn over, watch for mold or excessive dust. Soaking hay before feeding can help minimize irritation.
-Watch for early signs. A subtle cough, nasal discharge, or just a little less energy than usual can all be early signs of a respiratory issue.
-Reduce allergens. Clean up leaf piles, sweep barn aisles, and keep feed storage areas dry and well-sealed.
-Schedule a respiratory wellness check if you see any issues. Dr. Oliver can assess lung sounds, evaluate airway health, and help you catch small problems before they become bigger ones.

Call 419.345.1093 to schedule your fall wellness visit.
https://www.olivermobilevet.com/

10/10/2025

Cooler temps and crunchy leaves mean fall is here... but some seasonal changes can pose hidden risks for our pets.

As you enjoy this time of year, keep these common fall hazards in mind:
-Mushrooms: Many wild mushrooms are toxic to dogs and cats, and they tend to pop up after damp weather. It’s best to assume any mushroom in your yard or along the trail could be dangerous and remove it right away.
-Antifreeze: Even a small amount of antifreeze can be deadly if ingested. Keep bottles tightly sealed and clean up any spills immediately — it has a sweet taste that can attract curious pets.
-Candy & Halloween Treats: Chocolate, sugar-free candy (especially those containing xylitol), and candy wrappers can all cause serious health issues. Keep all candy bowls and trick-or-treat stashes well out of reach.
-Cold Weather Arthritis Flare-Ups: Cooler temperatures can make joints stiff and sore, especially in older pets. If your dog or cat seems reluctant to move or play, schedule a wellness check — Dr. Oliver can recommend supplements or adjustments to help them feel their best.
-Bonfires & Decorations: Open flames, string lights, and seasonal décor can all tempt curious pets. Supervise outdoor gatherings and make sure your pet has a safe, quiet spot to retreat from the excitement.

Taking a few precautions can make all the difference for a safe and happy fall season.

Serving NW Ohio and SE Michigan — call or text 419.345.1093 to schedule your next wellness visit or fall check-up.
https://www.olivermobilevet.com/

09/30/2025

As cooler weather arrives, many horse owners wonder if it is time to start blanketing. While a warm blanket may feel comforting to us, not every horse needs one.

When blanketing may be helpful:
-Horses that are clipped and no longer have a full winter coat
-Older horses or those with difficulty keeping weight on
-Horses with certain health conditions that prevent them from regulating body temperature
-Horses that are exposed to cold rain, wet snow, or strong winds without shelter

When blanketing is not necessary:
-Healthy horses with a full winter coat and access to shelter usually do not need a blanket, even in chilly weather
-Over-blanketing can actually cause a horse to overheat and sweat, which can make them colder once the sweat dries

Tips for safe blanketing:
-Always use a blanket designed for horses, fitted properly to avoid rubs or sores
-Check daily to make sure it is secure and not trapping moisture underneath
-Adjust the weight of the blanket to match the weather, not just the calendar
-Remove the blanket regularly to check your horse’s body condition and coat

Every horse is different, and the decision to blanket depends on age, health, body condition, and environment. The most important thing is to keep your horse comfortable without interfering with their natural ability to grow and use a winter coat.

🌐 www.olivermobilevet.com

09/23/2025

As pastures thin out and horses transition to hay for the colder months, it is important to make sure what you are feeding is safe and nutritious. Hay is the foundation of your horse’s diet through fall and winter, so quality matters.

What to look for when checking hay:
-Smell: Good hay should have a clean, fresh smell. A musty or moldy odor is a warning sign.
-Color: Green hay usually means higher nutrient content. Brown, sun-bleached hay may be less nutritious.
-Texture: Leaves should be soft and flexible. Overly coarse stems can be harder to chew and digest.
-Mold and Dust: Break open a bale to check for hidden mold or excess dust, both of which can irritate your horse’s respiratory system.

Why it matters:
Feeding poor-quality hay can lead to weight loss, colic, or nutrient deficiencies. Investing the time to check and test your hay now ensures your horse stays healthy and strong throughout the winter.

Contact Oliver Mobile Veterinary Services at 419-345-1093 for guidance on winter nutrition planning.

09/18/2025

Fall Reminder: Don’t Stop Flea, Tick, and Parasite Prevention!

As the temperatures begin to drop, many assume it is safe to put away flea, tick, and parasite medications until spring. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Parasites remain active well into the fall, and some can survive during mild Ohio winters.

Why prevention still matters in the fall:
-Ticks can stay active until temperatures consistently drop below freezing. They often hide in leaf piles, brush, and wooded areas where dogs and outdoor cats love to explore.
-Fleas can survive indoors year-round, especially in warm homes. Even one missed dose can lead to an infestation that is difficult and costly to treat.
-Mosquitoes, which transmit heartworm, may still be around on warmer fall days. Heartworm is a serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated.

The risk of stopping too early:
-Stopping preventatives too soon creates a window where parasites can infect your pet, leading to itchy skin, illness, or more serious health problems. Treating these issues is much more challenging (and expensive) than preventing them.

What you can do:
-Continue flea, tick, and heartworm medications every month, all year long.
-Ask Dr. Oliver about the best products for your pet’s lifestyle and environment.
-Keep your yard clear of leaf litter and standing water, which are common breeding grounds for pests.

We believe prevention is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your pets safe and healthy. Don’t let the cooler weather fool you into stopping early. Call us at 419-345-1093 or visit www.olivermobilevet.com to make sure your pets stay protected this fall and beyond.

09/14/2025

3 years ago I joined a business group for equine veterinarians. When asked why we were there, 99.9% of the group (myself included) said they wanted to run their business better so they could find time to ride their own horse.😂 We finished our last meeting in Montana and we even got a chance to ride together! (even Brian)! I have met some of the best colleagues and now friends. Thank you Decade One!

09/13/2025

Meet Dr. Alison Oliver – The Face of Oliver Mobile Vet!

Dr. Oliver’s passion for veterinary medicine started early, tagging along with her dad on farm calls and helping in his clinic. From those childhood days in Adrian, Michigan, she went on to earn her degree from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and build a career spanning Connecticut, Virginia, and now Northwest Ohio.

In 2015, she founded Oliver Mobile Veterinary Services to provide personalized, convenient care for pets and horses right where they’re most comfortable… at home.

Today, Dr. Oliver lives on a small farm outside Toledo with her husband, three daughters, and a fun mix of animals: three dogs, one cat, four horses, bunnies, and chickens.

📞 419-345-1093
🌐 www.olivermobilevet.com

09/07/2025

September is Happy Cat Month! A “happy cat” is also a healthy cat, and part of keeping them that way is understanding how skilled they are at hiding discomfort or illness.

Why it matters:
In the wild, showing weakness makes an animal vulnerable. Domestic cats carry this instinct, which means they can be very good at hiding medical issues until they become advanced. Regular veterinary care and careful observation at home are key to catching problems early.

Signs your cat may not be feeling their best:
-Eating less, drinking more, or avoiding food altogether
-Weight loss or gain: Subtle changes can indicate thyroid disease, diabetes, or other chronic issues
-Litter box behavior: Straining, urinating outside the box, or increased frequency may signal urinary tract disease
-Activity level: A normally playful cat that hides or sleeps more could be in pain
-Grooming patterns: Overgrooming, bald patches, or lack of grooming may point to stress, arthritis, or skin disease
-Vocalization or behavior changes: Sudden irritability or clinginess can signal discomfort

How to keep your cat happy and healthy:
-Schedule regular wellness exams (cats need them just as much as dogs)
-Provide enrichment such as scratching posts, climbing trees, and interactive toys
-Keep litter boxes clean and stress-free
-Ensure preventive care, including parasite control and vaccinations

We believe a happy cat is one whose health is supported at every stage of life. If you’ve noticed subtle changes in your cat’s behavior, schedule an appointment so we can help ensure your feline friend stays both happy and healthy.

📞 419-345-1093
🌐 www.olivermobilevet.com

08/27/2025

A bat in Fulton County recently tested positive for rabies, potentially exposing both people and pets. This is an important reminder that rabies vaccination for pets in Ohio is required by law. Indoor-only pets are not exempt, as wildlife such as bats can still enter homes and pose a risk.

Key points to remember:
• Dogs, cats, and horses must be vaccinated.
• Horses and livestock are strongly recommended for vaccination.
• Medical exemptions are rare and must be discussed with your veterinarian.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is completely preventable with proper vaccination. Protecting your pets also protects your family and our community.

Read more in our latest post:

Recently, a bat in Fulton County, Ohio tested positive for rabies, raising concern for both humans and pets in our community. In this case, two cats were potentially exposed. This is an important reminder that rabies is not only deadly but also entirely preventable with proper vaccination.Why Rabies...

08/26/2025

August 26 is National Dog Day, and we’re using it as a reason to celebrate the companions who stick with us through everything. Whether your dog is glued to your side on the couch or always looking for the next adventure, they rely on you to keep them healthy and feeling good!

Here are a few things to check in on:
• Are vaccinations and heartworm prevention current?
• Has it been a while since a wellness exam or bloodwork?
• Is your dog microchipped, and are the contact details still accurate?
• How’s their dental health and nutrition as they get older?

Serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Call 419.345.1093 or visit www.olivermobilevet.com to book a visit. Share a picture of your pup below!

08/22/2025

As temperatures start to drop, it’s a good time to make sure your horses are prepared for the months ahead. Fall is the ideal season to catch up on routine care and prevent issues before winter sets in.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your horses healthy and comfortable:
• Deworming – F***l egg counts can help determine if deworming is needed this season. Strategic deworming helps reduce resistance and protect your herd.
• Vaccines – Depending on your horse’s exposure and travel plans, fall boosters may be needed for diseases like West Nile virus, influenza, and rhinopneumonitis.
• Dental Care – Floating teeth before winter ensures your horse can chew hay properly and maintain weight through the colder months.
• Hoof Care – Hooves grow year-round. Schedule trims or shoeing to maintain balance and avoid slips on frozen ground.
• Blanket Check – Look over turnout blankets for damage, proper fit, and cleanliness. Be ready for sudden cold snaps.

Oliver Mobile Veterinary Services brings equine care to your farm throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Let us help you build a fall wellness plan that works for your horses and your schedule.

08/14/2025

Making Labor Day travel plans? Don’t forget to check in on your pet’s needs before you hit the road.

Traveling with animals takes a little extra planning, especially during a busy holiday weekend. Now is the time to make sure your pets are travel-ready.

Here’s what to double-check:
• Are vaccines up to date?
• Do you need a health certificate for boarding, flying, or crossing state lines?
• Could your pet benefit from calming support for long car rides or new environments?
• Are their ID tags and microchip info current and correct?

If you’re heading out for Labor Day and need to make sure your dog, cat, or horse is good to go, let us know. We’re happy to walk through what they’ll need and help you get everything in place ahead of time.

Call 419.345.1093 or visit www.olivermobilevet.com to schedule a visit before the holiday rush.