Canine Vaccination Series: The facts about Enteritis

Dogs are at risk of enteritis (intestinal disease) caused by two common viruses, canine parvovirus and canine coronavirus. Canine parvovirus enteritis is generally considered to be more severe than coronavirus enteritis. However, parvovirus enteritis may be more serious if coronavirus is also present. Diarrhea and vomiting caused by these viruses can range from mild to severe and are accompanied by depression and loss of appetite. Unvaccinated puppies and young dogs are most commonly affected because they usually have not been previously exposed or vaccinated and are susceptible to infection. Viral enteritis is easily spread because of the large volume of virus in feces, which contaminates the environment and is readily spread from one animal to another. Severe cases of viral enteritis can be fatal due to dehydration and loss of appetite. Puppies are at greatest risk of death because of their limited body reserves.


Your dog receives protection against enteritis when they receive their annual canine distemper combo vaccine.  Part of the combo includes canine parvovirus and canine coronavirus. This is given once a year and occurs with their physical. 

Holiday Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy

Holiday Tips

1. Keep all  holiday treats: chocolate, nuts, candy, baked goods, out of your pet’s reach
2. Put non breakable ornaments on the lower 2 feet of your tree. Kitties and puppies will think ornaments are toys.
3. No poinsettias, they are toxic. 
4. Even a small amount of leftovers can make your pet extremely ill.
5. Make sure your pet has an escape area from company in case they get over whelmed.
6. Give your pet their usual treats. Too many or new treats can cause severe intestinal upset.
7. Cats may drink from your tree stand so avoid treating the water.
8. No tinsel, cats and dogs love to eat it.
9. When salting your driveway or sidewalk use pet safe product.
10. Consider donating to our local shelters, many more pets are being abandoned then ever before.

Canine Vaccination Series: The facts about Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), is a worldwide disease of dogs. CAV-1 infects a wide range of tissues, including the liver (hence the name hepatitis), kidneys, spleen and lungs. Infected dogs typically develop a fever and abnormal bleeding, and experience loss of white blood cells, which are a key component of the immune system. Opacity of the eye("blue eye") occurs in some cases. Death, chronic hepatitis or severe illness may occur, and recovery may be gradual in nonfatal cases. CAV-1 is shed in urine and can survive outside the host for weeks or months.  


Your dog can contract CAV-1 virus through direct contact with 
infected saliva, urine, or feces either with your dog’s mouth or nose. Even a dog dish that has been licked clean can carry the virus. The tonsils and lymph nodes are the first body parts effected. The incubation period can last 4-9 days, after which the virus enters the bloodstream.


Your dog receives protection against infectious canine hepatitis when they receive their annual canine distemper combo vaccine.  Part of the combo include infectious canine hepatitis. This is given once a year and occurs with their physical. 

Canine Vaccination Series: The facts about Distemper

Canine distemper is a widespread virus that causes high mortality in dogs. Puppies and dogs usually become infected through airborne exposure to the virus contained in respiratory secretions of an infected dog or wild animal (raccoons, foxes and skunks).

Exposure is considered inevitable during a dog's lifetime, so canine distemper vaccination is almost always recommended. Puppies and young dogs without immunity are at greatest risk. Canine distemper virus infects various tissues in the dog's body, producing diarrhea, fever, nasal and ocular discharge, respiratory disease, appetite loss and neurologic signs such as muscular spasms and paralysis. The disease is easily transmitted and often fatal.

Your dog receives protection against canine distemper when they receive their annual canine distemper combo vaccine. This is given once a year and occurs with their physical.

Toxic Foods

HUMAN FOOD FOR PETS…. BAD IDEA. HERE’S WHY.

TOXIC HUMAN FOOD TO BEWARE OF….

ARTIFICIAL SWEETNERS (ESP. XYLITOL)

ONIONS

GARLIC

GRAPES AND RAISINS

CAFFEINE

CHOCOLATE

AVOCADOS

MACADAMIA NUTS

SEVERE ILLNESS CAUSING FOODS…

HAM AND GRAVY

MOLDY/SPOILED FOOD

STAGNANT WATER

DIET PILLS

IF YOUR PET GETS INTO ANY OF THESE ITEMS, DON’T HESITATE TO CALL US OR AN EMERGENCY CLINIC. EVERY MINUTE COUNTS.

FDA Issues Consumer Alert of Online Pharmacies

The FDA has issued a consumer alert of online veterinary pharmacies. The FDA regulators have documented unscrupulous practices regarding the sale of unapproved and counterfeit pet drugs, dispensing of medication without a prescription, and sale of expired medications, which includes the top two medications: anti-inflammatory and heartworm drugs. If you chose to use internet pharmacies, the FDA and Dr. Nicol recommend you check to see if they are accredited through the Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s Vet VIPPS (Veterinary Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site) program. We hope this helps you to keep your pet healthy and safe.

Learn more, here.

Quick Checklist for Traveling with Your Pet

1. Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel.
2. Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.
3. If your pet does not have a microchip, have one implanted before traveling. Microchips secure your chances of getting your pet back if it ever becomes lost.
4. If you are taking your pet across state or international borders, a health certificate is required.
5. Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date.
6. Make sure your pet is allowed where you are staying.
7. Have a first aid kit on hand in case any injury occurs. This is especially important if you are going to be in a more remote location.
8. If  your pet does have any health issues make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip.
9. Bring a kennel with you in case you need a secure area for your pet to stay.
10. Bring items from home to ease your pet's behavior (bed, toys, etc.).

Click here to learn more about traveling with your pet.