Ask the Vet

The following articles by our doctors Bob and Mark have been featured recently in the Hudson Hub. Please read and feel free to share this information with your friends! Featured topics: Antifreeze Dangers Arthritis  Avoiding Dog Bites Canine Breed DNA Testing Canine Heart Disease Canine Heartworm Disease Can Dogs and Cats See Color? Canned Food for Cats? Catnip Cat Outdoors? Changing Litter...
read more

Ticked Off Over Ticks?

Q Ticked off over ticks? A Our recent mild winter in Ohio has led to a bumper crop of pesky ticks in 2013.  Not only are they creepy creatures, but they also pose a serious health risk for your pet as well as you, the owner.  At least four species of ticks are prevalent in Ohio that may carry diseases such as Lyme, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and several...
read more

Avoiding Dog Bites

Q How can I avoid a dog bite? A Dogs bite millions of people every year in the United States. The majorities of dog bites are from the family dog and occur on the owner’s premises.  Unfortunately, children are the most frequently bitten.  Proper dog awareness and bite prevention training can go a long way in avoiding an injury. Don’t run.  If a strange dog comes near, stay still.  Stay...
read more

Natural Means Safe, Right?

Q Natural means safe, right? A There seems to be a misconception that anything natural is automatically safer than “chemicals”. While there are things out there that are natural and generally safer than some of the chemicals out there, natural and safe are not necessarily synonymous. Arsenic is a naturally occurring compound and cyanide can be found in apple seeds and peach pits. Two leading...
read more

Can I Let My Cat Outdoors?

Q Can I let my cat outdoors?  A Many cats enjoy a little romp outside during this fine weather as much as we do. In fact a little sun can be a very important thing for your cat’s psyche. Many cases of not using the litter box have been traced to not getting enough time outside. It’s important, though, to keep your cat safe during his excursions. One of the most important things to consider...
read more

Canine Breed DNA Testing

Q So exactly what breeds are mixed in my mixed-breed? A  Do you ever wonder what breeds may be hiding in your pound puppy?  Such conversations occur every day on dog walks or at the dog park.  Picking out certain characteristics may lead to a seemingly reasonable estimate, but, thanks to new technology, guessing is no longer necessary! New genetic dog DNA tests are now available to help solve...
read more

What is a Hot Spot?

Q What is a hot spot? A Your dog may have the misfortune of dealing with a hot spot, better described as acute moist dermatitis.  A hot spot is warm, moist and even slimy, circular patch of skin on your dog’s body that may appear quite abruptly. Hot spots can be several inches in diameter and be very uncomfortable.  They frequently occur during the warmer more humid months. Hot spots develop...
read more

Spring Newsletter 2013

...
read more

Is it Alright to Feed My Cat Canned Food

Q Is it alright to feed my cat canned food? A Canned cat food has gotten a bad rap in recent years. Its supposed role in dental disease is well known. It may come as a surprise to you, then, that many experts are recommending canned food. The main benefit is nutrition. Canned foods tend to be higher in proteins than comparable dry formulas. This is especially important in the cat, which is a true...
read more

Vaccines for Indoor Cats?

Q Does my indoor cat need vaccines? A The short answer is, “Yes”. Your cat may not go outside, but you do. Many disease causing organisms can survive just fine on your clothing or skin until you get home to your cat. And many are airborne, so you wouldn’t necessarily have to come into direct contact with another cat. Another thing to remember is that rabies vaccinations are required by...
read more