Launched in 2007, World Rabies Day (September 28) aims to raise awareness the health impact of human and animal rabies. According to Dr. Charles Rupprecht, former chief of the rabies program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Your local veterinarian plays a key role in controlling rabies.” So what can you do to […]

Late summer is the time for storms and flooding. When disaster strikes, having an emergency plan is essential. But as you plan for the worst (and hope for the best), don’t forget about your pet’s place in those plans. Thousands of animals were displaced by the storms and flooding that ravaged the Gulf Coast following […]

The loss of a cherished animal companion can cause extreme sadness, intense guilt, and a whirlwind of other emotions. Often, you will seek answers to questions that may not be black and white. Below, you will find some of the most common questions pet owners ask of themselves while grieving the death of a pet. […]

Concerned pet owners may have come across a Facebook post warning against giving dogs ice water. The post claims that giving dogs ice water can cause bloat, which can lead to a life-threatening condition called gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV), or more commonly called “bloat.” It’s often accompanied by a seemingly true story of a […]

Heatstroke is a serious condition that can lead to rapid death. Symptoms of heatstroke must be recognized and treatment must be initiated rapidly. Early symptoms of heatstroke include: — labored breathing — warm dry skin — an anxious attitude — profuse salivation. As the condition progresses, the animal: — develops a glazed look — becomes […]

Summer is a fun and exciting time of year. During the warm months, pets are less confined to the interior of the house and spend much more time outdoors. Special precautions must be taken to ensure that Rover and Kitty remain healthy and cool during the hot summer days. Sweating It Out Sweating is an […]

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It’s major function is to protect the rest of the body from the external environment. With it’s sweat glands and rich blood supply, it is also responsible for regulating the body’s temperature. The exterior portion of the skin is called keratin. In animals, this protective waterproof […]

Diabetes is a condition caused by a relative resistance to or deficiency of insulin which results in elevated blood glucose levels and glucose in the urine. Diabetes mellitus is most common in older cats; however, obese cats are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Evidence has shown that genetics may play a role […]

Scratch the Grass on the Lawn After Pooping? Is your lawn a mess because your dog scratches it after every time he or she poops? This may be annoying to those of us who spend our weekends taking care of the lawn, but it’s normal behavior for Rover. In the wild, canines such as wolves, […]

Recognizing arthritis in cats is challenging. Many cats hide their pain very effectively. While we may sometimes see older cat limping or favoring one leg, more often than not arthritic cats simply become less active, sleeping and resting more of the time. They are also reluctant to jump onto surfaces that were easily accessible previously. […]