Severe Weather Prep and Planning for Pets

Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires. There’s no part of the country that hasn’t been affected by weather emergencies in recent years.

This is why it’s a good idea to have an emergency plan for your entire family, including your pets. Hopefully, you’ll never need it. But since summer is prime time for severe storms and flooding, why not take a few minutes to review your plan and if needed, create a “go” bag in case of emergency?

Dog Bites: Stay Safe by Expecting the Unexpected

Many of us know of someone who has been bitten by a neighborhood dog. Often, those involved will say that nobody saw it coming. The dog had seemed friendly in prior circumstances, and the bite victim might have even had great interactions with the dog before. Yet this dog still turned and bit...hard.

What are Hookworms?

In short, hookworms are a nasty little parasite can cause a boatload of problems for you and your pet. The good news is a yearly fecal exam will help make sure your dog or cat is healthy and parasite-free!

Let's look at the info you need to know to protect your pet and your family from hookworms:

What Cat Lovers Want to Know About Cat Cardiology

You might know that heart disease is a serious issue in humans, but you might not realize it’s also a serious concern for cats.

Does Your Dog Have Heart Disease?

If your dog coughs a lot, seems to gag, and/or no longer has the stamina to go on miles-long hikes, it could be due to heart problems.

After all, the heart is responsible for pumping blood (which contains oxygen and nutrients) throughout the body. This provides energy.

When your dog’s body doesn’t get enough oxygen, he feels fatigued and isn’t as playful. You might chalk it up to “old age” if your dog is getting older, but it could be something more. It could be heart problems.

Exploring Brucella canis, a Contagious Dog Disease that People Can Get

CNN recently reported on cases of Brucella canis (a bacterial disease) picked up in Marion County, Iowa by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Signs of Fireworks Between You and Your Dog

As fireworks light up the sky this summer, you can show off your own public display – of affection – by creating a better bond with your dog. While there is no scientific proof that dogs actually know or feel love, you can definitely tell when they are bonding with us and/or showing their love. Here are some of the signals your dog is giving off that can indicate they care.

Summertime Fun: Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy at Outdoor Events

Summer has arrived, and that means time for fun outdoor events! From July 4th parades and fireworks to street fairs, farmer’s markets, and art and music festivals, there is a plethora of activities for the whole family to attend. For pet owners, that can include bringing their dog along. While these events can be a great way to spend time with your pet, there are some issues to keep in mind to make sure your dog has a good time and a safe experience.

Here at Rau Animal Hospital, it is our passion and privilege to be the guardian of your pet’s healthcare. As your trusted advisor, it is also our responsibility to keep you appraised of any potential threats to your animal’s welfare.

Please visit Prevent the Spread of Dog Flu to learn about how to protect your pets and to get the latest information about dog flu outbreaks. Our latest COVID-19 update can be found HERE.

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