Learn how to protect your pets from heartworm

Once again the warm weather has brought with it the emergence of mosquitoes, and where there are mosquitoes, there are heartworms. So once again, it is important to know the facts regarding this serious and sometimes fatal disease. Heartworms are spread only through the bite of a mosquito and there are some 20 species that can carry and spread the disease. Irrigation and population growth in the West has expanded the habitat for both the western knot hole mosquito and the Asian tiger ...

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Worms crawl in, worms crawl out

Parasites are organisms that cause varying degrees of illness in our pets, ranging from mild symptoms such as diarrhea, to debilitating disease and potentially death. Some also are capable of causing infections in humans, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Parasites are generally divided into two broad categories: internal and external. The internal parasites include worms and protozoal organisms and are more likely than their external counterparts to cause problems. Fortunately, ...

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Know your pet’s behaviors to make call on emergency

Medical emergencies in our pets can be terrifying and costly. Identifying true emergencies is important to help you make the best decision for your pet. Knowing what is normal and paying attention to your pets when they are healthy can help you make an informed decision when and if an emergency arises. Veterinarians rely on an owner’s perceptions of what is normal for their pet in helping to identify subtle changes that may be an abnormal situation affecting their pet’s ...

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Medicinal doesn’t make marijuana OK for Fido

Marijuana ingestion by pets, whether accidental or intentional, is nothing new to most veterinarians. But with the loosening of medicinal marijuana laws and recent legalization of marijuana in Colorado, the frequency and severity of intoxications are definitely rising. The Animal Poison Control Center operated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports a tripling in calls related to marijuana ingestion over the last 10 years. Calls received reported ...

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Advances provide myriad options to help pet in pain

Treatment of pain in animals has made great advances over the years and pet owners have more options available now than ever before. Treatments may include pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, alternative and physical therapies or combinations of various strategies. The old adage of “the more they hurt, the less they move” used to be applied post operatively with the belief that an animal in pain was less likely to re-injure a surgery site. We now understand that treating pain ...

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Boo! Holiday sweets aren’t so sweet for pets

Halloween excitement is nearing and the kids are making their costume plans. Thinking about this, I realized that veterinarians see holidays in a different light than most people. While there is the usual excitement of the upcoming holiday, there is also the constant thought of what crazy emergency will come through the door as a result. Halloween is no exception, all of the increased activity around the house can make our pets nervous, and, if given a chance, they may bolt, causing an ...

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Take confusion out of pet food labels

As a follow up to an earlier article on pet obesity, I want to discuss pet food labels to help you make an informed decision when you shop. How do you know if the food you buy is any good or is appropriate for your pet? To address this issue, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) was developed in 1909. American Feed does not regulate, test, approve or certify pet foods in any way. Instead, it establishes nutritional standards for complete and balanced pet foods and ...

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Do homework when looking for that perfect pet

If you’re looking to add a new puppy or kitten to your family, but are unsure how to go about it, the best place to start is by doing some research and learning what you can about different breed options. Check the Internet and talk to your veterinarian and friends to make sure you are looking at a breed that fits your family structure, living situation and lifestyle. Do you want a lap dog to keep you company on the couch or a running partner to accompany you on the trails. Do you ...

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Pets and foxtails of western Colorado are a bad mix

Last week, while walking with my Lab mix Lucy, she began violently sneezing after running through a field. Sure enough, I was able to look in her nose and just see the end of a grass seed and remove it before it disappeared any deeper into the poor girl’s nostril. The wild grasses known as foxtails are all too common in the valley and although they are typically more of an annoyance than anything, they can cause serious problems for dogs and cats if they aren’t removed. ...

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It’s vital to be on ultra alert during high-heat season

From the looks of things, we are in for a dry, hot summer here in the Grand Valley. With that it mind, it is never too early to discuss the dangers of heat-induced illness and heat stroke in animals. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-induced illness and can lead to multiple organ failure and central nervous system damage. Because the reported survival rates for true heat stroke victims are as low as 50 percent, it is a condition that requires early recognition of signs and ...

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Keep your pets safe from mosquitoes, heartworm disease

The first days of spring are upon us, and along with warmer weather and longer days, we’ve already noticed one of spring’s more undesirable consequences. Mosquitoes have already shown up in and around our house, which got us thinking about the threats these winged annoyances can pose to our four-legged family members. We’re talking, of course, about heartworm disease, which remains a risk for dogs and cats throughout the United States. Here are some facts about ...

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