Did you know that your canine companion can get the flu? In fact, there’s an outbreak going on now. Fido’s version, canine influenza virus (CIV)–also often called the dog flu—is an influenza A virus. There are several strains, but the two that are most common in the US are H3N8 and H3N2. These strains are both extremely contagious, and are the culprits behind the current outbreak. A local vet offers some information on this below. … Read More
November 7th is Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. Canine lymphoma is one of the most common cancers often found in dogs. In fact, it could make up as many as 20 percent of canine cancer cases. A local vet discusses canine lymphoma below. Basics While any dog can be affected, and at any stage of their life, it’s most often seen in dogs that are middle aged or older. It does seem to be more prevalent … Read More
October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month! Pit bulls and pit bull mixes make up a whopping 20 percent of American dogs. They are also one of the breeds most often found in shelters. A vet discusses the pit bull below. Basics The term pit bull is actually an umbrella term for several dog breeds: the American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog. However, there is … Read More
National Deaf Pet Awareness Week starts September 19th, which is this Sunday. This is definitely a topic that could use more attention. About one percent of the kitty population is deaf. Fluffy can still lead a full and happy life if she can’t hear, and she’ll be just as cute and lovable as other cats. Of course, she will need some extra care. A vet discusses caring for deaf cats below. Other Senses You may … Read More
Have you ever considered feeding your dog or cat a grape or its dried counterpart, the raisin? It’s not a good idea. It turns out that grapes and raisins can actually prove toxic to our animal friends. These humble fruits can cause poisoning and even death in the most extreme cases. Read on as your local veterinarian tells you more about grape and raisin poisoning in pets. Why are grapes and raisins poisonous? You might … Read More
Do you let your feline buddy go outdoors? Have you perhaps adopted—or half-adopted—a local kitty? While we always recommend keeping Fluffy inside, we do understand that some of our feline friends enjoy exploring the Great Outdoors. Others may have never become accustomed to indoor life. In this article, a vet offers some advice on keeping an outdoor cat happy, healthy, and purring. Food Like any animal, Fluffy needs good food in order to thrive. Kibble … Read More
Have you heard of cyanobacteria? You may know it by its common name: blue-green algae. This is an extremely dangerous algae that typically lives in warm, nutrient-rich water. Cyanobacteria can make both people and pets very sick. It can grow rapidly, or bloom, under the right conditions. Unfortunately, these blooms are becoming much more common. A veterinarian discusses cyanobacteria below. Warning Signs Blue-green algae blooms most often occur in summer and early fall, but they … Read More
Just the word “rabies” tends to conjure up some frightening images in the mind’s eye. And because rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transmitted from animals to humans, it’s particularly dangerous. Luckily, rabies has been all but eliminated in the United States and many other parts of the world thanks to modern vaccination and wild animal control measures. Still, you’ll want to take the proper precautions to make sure your pet … Read More
As you know, your dog is susceptible to various diseases and infections. Have you ever wondered whether or not you could potentially catch any of those illnesses from your pooch? It’s a scary thought. And it’s true—it is possible for dogs to transmit certain illnesses to humans. The diseases in question are known as zoonotic diseases. Read on as your local veterinarian tells you more about zoonotic diseases and how to make sure both your … Read More
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month! Lyme disease is a serious disease that can afflict both people and pets. As you may know, the disease is spread through ticks, which are unfortunately spreading throughout North America. Left untreated, Lyme disease can cause some very serious—and potentially life-threatening—issues, such as kidney failure and heart trouble. A veterinarian offers some prevention tips below. Landscaping Ticks love to lurk in long grasses, leaf litter, and piles of debris, … Read More