PET HEALTH BLOG
DHPP Vaccine – What is it and who needs it?
These 4, often fatal, viruses can be easily prevented by the administration of the DHPP vaccine. The vaccine should be given to puppies at 8 weeks of age, and then again as boosters at 12 and 16 weeks of age. The vaccine should then be administered annually or tri-annually depending on the brand of vaccine given and the recommendations of your veterinarian.
Cushing's Disease
Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, happens when a dog’s body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps a dog respond to stress, control weight, fight infections, and keep the blood sugar levels normal.
Pet Insurance
We have insurance for pretty much all of our worldly possessions, as well as our own lives and health, so why wouldn’t we have it for our pets as well?
Blocked Cats – What does that mean?
The term “blocked cat” actually refers to the obstruction of the urethra in a male cat. (But it is important to remember that it can happen to both dogs and cats, and also in females – just less commonly). The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder and when it becomes blocked, a cat cannot pass its urine. This is an emergency situation and needs to be addressed immediately.
How to Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Dog ownership is a serious commitment that takes time and energy. Part of that commitment is to ensure that your dog has some training so that you can live with him in your community. Some type of “puppy kindergarten” or a basic obedience class is recommended as most dog owners need help in learning how to train their dogs.
A Day in the Life of a Vet Tech…
Veterinary Technicians are the cornerstone of every veterinary hospital. They walk into work in the morning never quite knowing what the day will look like, and that’s part of the challenge and joy of the job.
Patellar Luxation in Dogs
In simpler terms, “patellar luxation” means the dislocation of the kneecap. This condition occurs when the kneecap, or the patella, is dislocated from its normal position in the groove of the femur.
Corneal Ulcers
If you have ever seen a corneal ulcer, then you know how alarming and ugly they can look. Don’t worry, they are not life threatening; but they are very painful and need immediate attention.
Pet Fire Safety
As we’re all well aware, the late summer months are the peak of “wildfire season”. Most families have some sort of evacuation plan, but are your pets part of your plan? Fires, whether they are grass fires or house fires, can start and travel very quickly. Having a written out and practiced plan is the best way to keep you and your entire household safe.
Leptospirosis – What is it and how can it be prevented?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by contact and infection of the Leptospira bacteria. These leptospires will spread throughout the entire body, reproducing in the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes, and reproductive system. Although dogs are most commonly affected
National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Have you ever experienced the helpless and terrifying feeling of frantically searching for your lost pet? Maybe they got lost in town when they darted out the front door; or in the woods while out for a walk. Perhaps you were on vacation and they were lost in an unfamiliar environment.
The Importance of Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies is a very serious and fatal virus that affects the central nervous system of an animal or human. Although any warm-blooded mammal can contract the rabies virus, it is most commonly found in wild animals such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. The virus is spread through…
Atopy or Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as canine atopy, is a hypersensitivity, or over-reaction, to commonplace substances in the environment. These allergens may include plant pollens, house dust mites, mold spores, etc
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Most people have heard the term “anemia”, either referred to in humans or animals. Anemia is a condition that occurs when the number of red blood cells in the body falls below the normal values, or they function improperly.
Pet Dangers Lurking in your Home
We all like to think of our homes as being safe havens for our pets. We are offering them protection from the dangers of the outside world, right? What some people are not aware of however, are the dangers that lurk INSIDE our homes. Unfortunately, there are several products that we may use on a daily basis that are very dangerous, and sometimes even fatal, to our animals.
Pet Sitters vs. Boarding Facilities
For some pet owners, going out of town (even if it’s just for a short period of time) can be rather stressful. Not only must you make your own travel plans, but you must make sure you have appropriate accommodations for your furry pal(s) also.
Responsible pet owners Spay and Neuter
If you are a pet owner, one of the first things you should have or should be considering is the spaying or neutering of your pet. The decision to spay or neuter your pet will have a huge effect on their overall long-term health and welfare.
National Train Your Dog Month
January is here…the start of a new year and new beginnings! It also happens to be “National Train Your Dog Month”! Whether you got a new puppy for the Christmas or you have an older dog that needs a little training, this is a great time to start.
How to ensure you (and your pets) have a Happy Holiday!
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! Christmas trees are being decorated, lights are being hung, and goodies are being baked! Oh, it’s just wonderful, isn’t it? There’s just one teensy little problem…
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot use glucose, the main source of energy for a body’s cells. When there is not enough glucose transported into the cells, there is not enough energy for the cells to function normally; in turn, the tissues become starved for that energy. A dog or cat will not be able to live long if this goes untreated.