We believe that educated pet owners are the best pet owners! To better understand your veterinarian’s parasite prevention recommendations, it is important to know the risks affecting your pet.

Veterinary care recommendations can vary greatly from pet to pet, family to family and location to location. While our doctors’ recommendations are customized to each individual pet and family, certain factors can help us determine a baseline for the preventative tests and treatments we feel best serve our clients and patients.

Every year as the weather heats up, so does a widely-spread warning about the dangers of giving dogs ice water.  

This well-intentioned rumor, which claims ice water causes bloat, has been circulating the internet for years. Fortunately, it’s just that—a rumor!

We want to take the opportunity to set the record straight for concerned pet parents and help stop this belief in its tracks.

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU THINK YOUR PET IS HAVING A HEAT STROKE, CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY

Heat stroke is a deadly condition veterinarians see every summer. It can be caused when an owner leaves his/her pet unattended in a parked vehicle, during strenuous exercise at the hottest time of the day or when a pet is kept outside without access to shade.

The short answer is “yes” and there is a widespread outbreak in the Southeast. However, dog owners around the country should be on alert as reports of this virus were confirmed in LA a few months earlier.

Canine influenza is highly contagious between dogs, they can pass it among themselves from contaminated objects like toys, water bowls, and leashes, as well as direct contact. Additionally, people can transmit it between dogs, though there’s no evidence that people can contract it.

You recognize the signs. The slow hobble to greet you at the door where once your dog practically leaped at the chance to put his paws on you. The laborious clamber from a resting position to standing.

These are clear signs of arthritis pain and it affects between 60 – 70% of dogs.

Other signs include limping, reluctance to go up and down stairs and generally, a lethargy where you once had an active pooch.

Would your dog benefit from laser therapy? Quite possibly. In fact, many pet lovers aren’t aware of this safe, non-invasive procedure even though it’s been used on humans for over 40 years.

You probably know Lyme Disease is carried by ticks. Those nasty little parasites look for a warm body to attach to and feed on. Some of those ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease – Borrelia Burgdorferi.

Protect your pets this season with our second installment of safety tips for the beach and pool!

Watch for signs of heat stroke.

Pets can easily overheat in the summer months, even while swimming. Remember to have fresh water available for your dog at all times and offer it frequently. Because swimming usually takes place during the hottest part of the day (between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.), it is important to give your dog regular breaks.