Ask the Vet

Posted by on Jun 14, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off 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...
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Ticked Off Over Ticks?

Posted by on Jun 13, 2013 in Ask the Vet | 0 comments 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...
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Avoiding Dog Bites

Posted by on Jun 12, 2013 in Ask the Vet | 0 comments 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...
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Natural Means Safe, Right?

Posted by on May 16, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off 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...
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Can I Let My Cat Outdoors?

Posted by on May 8, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off 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...
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What is a Hot Spot?

Posted by on Apr 2, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off 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...
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Is it Alright to Feed My Cat Canned Food

Posted by on Mar 12, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off 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...
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Vaccines for Indoor Cats?

Posted by on Mar 1, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off 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...
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Food Allergies

Posted by on Feb 14, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off Q  Can dogs be allergic to food? A Dogs are often allergic to certain foods offered in even high quality diets. Symptoms of adverse food reactions include ear problems and skin trouble involving the feet, groin, and/or sides.  The GI tract may also be affected with vomiting, soft stool, colitis and anal gland problems.  Even asthma and sinusitis have been connected to food sensitivities. Most...
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How Cold is Too Cold for my Pet?

Posted by on Jan 17, 2013 in Ask the Vet | Comments Off Q How cold is too cold for my pet? A   In general, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. This advice must be taken with a grain of salt, however. Smaller dogs and dogs with short coats will be much more susceptible to cold than a larger dog with a plush coat. Also, it is good advice to allow your pet to adjust to the cold. A pet that is gradually exposed will be much better...
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