Previous Veterinary News Topics
Fall 2007
- October 14-20 is National Veterinary Technician Week.
We would like to take this time to especially thank our entire technical staff and to encourage you to find out more about what they do each day for your pets.
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and other holidays are special times for humans, but these holidays can pose unique problems for your pets.
Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance similar to caffeine. Even in small quantities, theobromine may be toxic to cats and dogs. Signs of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, abnormal heart rhythm, and even coma and death. If you notice that your pet has ingested any chocolate, please call us immediately.
Candy wrappers, holiday decorations, and even parts of costumes make attractive playthings for your cats and dogs. Accidental ingestion of these items may cause gastrointestinal upset or even intestinal obstruction requiring emergency surgery. If you think that your pet ate anything that it shouldn't have, please call us immediately.
Other holiday health hazards for your pets may include human food (especially if high in fat or sugar), alcoholic beverages, and certain holiday plants. Additionally, your pet may become quite anxious during large gatherings or while Trick-or-Treaters are coming to your door. Make sure that your pets are confined in a safe place during these types of events so that they can not escape or otherwise hurt themselves or anyone else.
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Summer 2007
As the temperatures rise this summer, be sure to keep your pets healthy and safe:
- Do not leave your pets alone in the car, even for a short time.
- Avoid exercising your dog outside in the middle of the day.
Signs of heat stroke include loud and heavy breathing, staggering, and bright red gums or tongue. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency! If you notice any of these signs, move your animal to a cool place and bring your pet to us or to the nearest animal hospital ASAP.
- Make sure that your dog is always on a leash and wears a collar that fits. We see far too many animals hit by cars during the summer season.
- Make sure that your dog's vaccines are up to date. Diseases such as parvovirus flourish in the warm weather and there is a greater chance of exposure to wildlife and rabies when animals spend more time outside.
- Heartworm is a deadly disease transmitted by mosquito bites. If you haven't already this year, bring your pets in for heartworm tests and start them on a monthly preventative.
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Spring 2007
We have received many inquiries regarding the recent pet food recall. For more
information regarding the recall, please refer to:
