One might think in a time when highly effective and safe vaccines for canine distemper virus are widely available this debilitating disease would be eradicated in the developed world. Sadly, that is not the case. In fact, canine distemper is still rampant in some areas of the United States. As such, this week’s post is … [Read more…]
Animal lovers know most dogs don’t have discerning tastes. They’ll put almost anything in their mouths, even items that are potentially toxic and even lethal. Some of these would-be toxins are compounds called tremorgenic mycotoxins. Many pet parents have never heard of them, so this week I’ve dedicated time to spread information about this toxicity. … [Read more…]
Last week I reviewed some common emergency situations for which you should bring your cat to the emergency room. Of course, we can’t forget about our canine companions! So, this week I focus on specific scenarios that necessitate emergency care for your pooch. Happy reading! Pooch Plight #1 – Non-Productive Vomiting Dogs vomit for myriad … [Read more…]
Here’s a sobering fact. At some point in your cat’s life, they will experience a life-threatening emergency – what I like to call CATastrophes. You don’t know when it will happen, but it will happen. And it will probably happen in the middle of the night. When your family veterinarian isn’t available. So, you’ll need … [Read more…]
Warm weather has arrived for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere. With the searing temperatures comes the inevitability of someone leaving their dog locked in a blisteringly hot car or letting their canine companion run around in a park during peak temperatures without access to fresh cool water. The outcome? Heatstroke, a potentially lethal … [Read more…]
As a new home owner, I’m in the process of landscaping my property. Suffice it to say, I want a lot of greenery – plants and shrubs, galore! Yet one type of plant I plan to avoid like the plague is the sago palms. Why? They are intensely toxic to dogs. This week, I’ve dedicated … [Read more…]
Infectious organisms are everywhere. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi threaten our pets every day. Some prefer specific environmental conditions to thrive. Two such organisms are Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, the microbes that cause coccidioidomycosis or Valley fever. This week I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about this important infectious disease in pets. Happy reading! Coccidioidomycosis … [Read more…]
Fleas are disgusting. Honestly, every time I see one I get the heebie-jeebies. I immediately need to take a shower. This is just one of many reasons why I’m a huge proponent of flea control, and I strongly recommend pet parents speak with their primary care veterinarians about the best preventative for their fur babies. … [Read more…]
I love mice and rats. I think they make great first pets for children. I also know not everybody shares my adoration for these rodents. Indeed, many go out of the way to expunge them from their homes, employing various traps and poisons. One common type of rodenticide contains a toxic chemical called bromethalin. When … [Read more…]
One of the most common drug toxicities in companion animal medicine is accidental ingestion of over-the-counter non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications. One way or another, pills spill onto the floor or pets knock bottles to the ground. Unfortunately, these medications are quite toxic, and ingestion can be lethal without prompt intervention. So, this week I’ve dedicated … [Read more…]