What’s Up with Airline Pet Travel?

Posted by on May 30, 2018 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off on What’s Up with Airline Pet Travel? There have been some unfortunate news stories lately of challenges, including death, of some pets traveling on airlines.  Though the circumstances are different, it does point to issues that some airlines are addressing to make pet travel safer. Travel of any sort may stress your pet.  Obviously, airline travel puts strong restrictions on pet mobility and owner contact, making that stress even...
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Does My Pet Have Ringworm?

Posted by on May 16, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Does My Pet Have Ringworm? Dermatological abnormalities are common in our pets, and ringworm is often blamed when a rash appears, especially if the rash is circular in shape. Fortunately, ringworm, which is caused by fungal organisms, is rarely the cause for new skin lesions.  It is an uncommon condition in dogs or cats. Most often, this fungal disease appears in young dogs or cats in overcrowded conditions, such as in...
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Does My Pet REALLY Need a Rabies Vaccination

Posted by on May 5, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Does My Pet REALLY Need a Rabies Vaccination Rabies cases are rare, but extremely deadly.  Once signs develop in a person or animal, the disease is essentially fatal. Given the severity of the disease, rabies vaccination is required by Summit County for cats and dogs.  Any mammal can become infected with the disease, so our pets may become infected by wildlife or other domestic animals while outside. Bats that take up residence in our...
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Can flower extracts be dangerous for my cat?

Posted by on Apr 18, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Can flower extracts be dangerous for my cat? A commonly used ingredient in organic flea products may be very dangerous to your cat.  Pyrethrins are derived from the flower of the lovely chrysanthemum.  These natural chemicals are effective in repelling and killing insects.  A chemically synthesized cousin of pyrethrin is permethrin.  Permethrin has a prolonged effect making it more potent in controlling fleas and lice. Pyrethrins and...
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Is it safe for my dog to drink from lakes and streams?

Posted by on Apr 4, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Is it safe for my dog to drink from lakes and streams? Outdoor walks and hikes are a welcomed activity after a long winter. And dogs enjoy this activity as much if not more than their owners.  It is natural for dogs to lap water from outdoor sources after vigorous exercise but is it safe?  Not always. One disease that may commonly confront your dog is leptospirosis. This illness is caused by a class of  bacteria which can be found in outdoor soil...
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Is Lawn Fertilizer Dangerous For My Pet?

Posted by on Mar 21, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Is Lawn Fertilizer Dangerous For My Pet? It’s Spring. Early lawn treatments and mulching are around the corner. So what does that mean for my pet? Most fertilizers, including those with grub control, are relatively safe for  pets when applied properly. It is wise to avoid contact until dry pellets are washed into the soil after the next rain, or liquid treatments have dried. Ingestion of grass is generally of minor concern since the...
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Are there over-the-counter pain medications I can use in my pet?

Posted by on Mar 10, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Are there over-the-counter pain medications I can use in my pet? One of the most difficult things to observe as a pet owner is our pets suffering from pain.  Should your dog or cat sustain an injury, especially if this occurs outside of business hours, you may wonder what medications you can purchase over-the-counter to ease their discomfort. Unfortunately, most over-the-counter pain medications are dangerous or even deadly to our pets. Pain can come in many...
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Is Heartworm Disease Increasing?

Posted by on Feb 21, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Is Heartworm Disease Increasing? Sadly, national reports indicate that heartworm disease is increasing in the United States. Heartworms are found in dogs in every state. It is estimated that more than a million dogs are affected in the US alone.   The immature worms are injected into the dog by mosquitoes where they mature to occupy the dog’s heart and lungs. Untreated, heartworm disease will lead to congestive heart failure...
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What is required to fly with my pet?

Posted by on Feb 10, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on What is required to fly with my pet? Air travel with pets comes with various considerations. Options include as a carry-on (smaller pets) or checked in as cargo.  Stipulations vary as to crate size and construction, flight route and duration, and temperatures at both the point of origin and destination. Animal restrictions are common based upon animal age, breed, species, and size. Individual airlines should be consulted for...
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Why does my pet throw up so much?

Posted by on Jan 24, 2018 in Ask the Vet, News | Comments Off on Why does my pet throw up so much? Vomiting is a common complaint among pet owners.  It is especially common in cats. There are numerous causes for vomiting such as eating meals too quickly or having intestinal parasites. Pets often cannot handle a diverse menu, and dietary changes can result in vomiting.  Pets may also have allergies to certain ingredients in pet foods. These can develop over time even if the pet has been on the...
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