The most common type of flea in the U.S. is the Ctenocephalides felis…or the cat flea. Despite its name, this species will feed from cats, dogs and even humans. These wingless insects attack both people and pets and feed by drawing blood from their host.  While most people relate to the irritation of fleabites, fleas can transmit more serious diseases.  Flea allergy dermatitis is certainly the most common problem associated with fleas, but they can also transmit Bubonic Plague, tapeworms and Feline Infectious Anemia. The challenge of winning the flea battle lies in understanding the flea’s …

Heartworm disease has been known to veterinarians for more than 120 years. The heartworms are transmitted from any of more than 70 known species of mosquito, and the disease attacks the pulmonary arteries and right side of the heart in dogs. Heartworms are spread directly to the dog from the mosquito, with no dog-to-dog transmission.  For more than four decades, heartworm disease has been effectively prevented in dogs by using available products.  But recent research indicates this might be changing. At a veterinary conference in 2010, information was released detailing a genetic mutation in …

No one likes to think about a beloved pet growing older. We cringe, as the once-exuberant puppy needs help up stairs or tires after a short walk. Anti-aging medicine is the newest clinical medical specialty offered to physicians. Why don’t we hear more about this for our pets? Pet owners are demanding a higher quality of medicine for their pets while human medicine is moving from a disease-based model to a preventive, proactive approach. Shouldn’t our veterinarians move in this direction as well? The fact is that movement is already occurring. Many veterinarians have shifted towards wellness …

Perhaps the best way to explore this question is through a real-life case. After playing rough one day, Tucker, a neutered 3-year old rescued Great Dane with no known history of medical problems, suddenly experienced front leg weakness and neck pain only eight months after his adoption. His concerned family took him to their veterinarian. The initial X-rays and subsequent more accurate MRI confirmed their veterinarian’s fears - Tucker had Wobbler’s Syndrome.  Wobbler’s is a debilitating spinal cord disease that can be considered hereditary in many large breed dogs especially in Dobermans and …

Both people and pets are helped tremendously by the medical procedure known as immunization. Immunizing a pet is both smart and very inexpensive protection against a variety of deadly diseases that are known to infect both dogs and cats. For many pet owners vaccinating their pets is a simple procedure. While the process is simple, deciding which vaccines to give and when has become more complicated. New vaccines for emerging diseases need to be given at different intervals and not all pets need every vaccination available to veterinary practitioners.  During the last decade, many new vaccines…

Everyone is well aware of the irritation that fleas can cause our pets, as well as pesky mosquitoes spreading heartworm disease. But another problem parasite that shows up early in the spring and stays until October is the tick – and they can cause serious problems, some of them deadly.  There are over 850 known species of ticks in the world. These relatives of spiders can be found as parasites on mammals, birds, and even reptiles. Here in the United States, dog and cat owners have less than a dozen species to deal with, but all of these ticks can harbor a variety of serious diseases, such as…

Whether used to blow up the Death Star or vaporize aliens in sci-fi movies, most people view lasers as something destructive.  Even in surgery, lasers can be used like scalpels to remove unwanted tissue or seal blood vessels with their intense heat. It may come as a surprise to learn that lasers are now being used to help heal wounds or provide pain relief for arthritic pets. Photobiomodulation is the fancy word that describes how a laser is used to stimulate cells in an animal’s body.  Unlike a surgical laser that uses a high-energy output, lasers used to heal and relieve pain use a lower …

Every year, a leading veterinary trade magazine has a contest reviewing the weird things pets across the country have eaten.  And, every year, thousands of veterinarians submit their x-rays wondering if their patient will win the grand prize honor of having swallowed the most unusual object! Entries to this contest range from mundane objects like rocks to dangerous items including knives, needles or fishhooks.  And, it’s not unusual to see more bizarre things.  In recent contests, submissions have included a dog who ate a $25,000 diamond ring, a snake who swallowed two light bulbs and a …

There is no doubt that we find the little round heads and big eyes of young puppies and kittens irresistible.  Millions of new pets find their ways into our hearts and homes each year.  Studies show pets are a very positive addition to families, singles, and even empty nesters!  Pets relieve stress, add joy, and love us unconditionally. So a new puppy or kitten may be just what you need.  Whether you picked out your new friend at a breeder or you've rescued a pet in need of a great home, all puppies and kittens have requirements that you must know before bringing them home.  Prepare for day-…

With more than 85% of pets over age three suffering from some sort of dental disease, veterinarians are constantly reminding clients to provide at home dental care for their pets. Most veterinarians encourage annual dental exams and cleanings for their patients followed by care at home.  Still, pet owners are reluctant to follow these recommendations. Some people are actually leery of anesthetics used for dental procedures.  In response to client concerns, some people have developed Anesthesia-Free Pet Dentistry (AFPD) protocols.  Marketing brochures show calm dogs sitting on the laps of "pet…

Even when times are tough, pet owners still find ways to make sure their furry companions have the right food.  For many cat owners, that food has always been a dry kibble.  Some experts are now saying that these commercial diets are at the center of an epidemic of obesity and diabetes among our feline friends.  So, how do you know what's best to feed your cat? To try and find an answer, veterinarians and nutritionists are looking at the evolutionary history of our cats.  All of our felines, purebred and mixed, are descended from a Middle Eastern wild cat that goes by the simple name of …

Studies have repeatedly shown that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets as a family member.  We spoil them with birthday parties, presents, and all manner of toys and treats to keep them happy.  But, when money is tight, extra expenses need to go.  Sadly, some pet owners choose to avoid veterinary visits as one means to save money. And in some instances others might give up their pets completely.   Knowing what you can safely do at home to lower your pet's healthcare costs is a good way to insure a healthy pet and a healthy wallet. You should also know what to avoid! First, don'…

This treasured memory has become an icon of Christmas tradition. The tree is lit; the children reach out for the gift box with a huge red bow when the box suddenly shakes. Giggling uncertainly, they open the box and out pops a puppy, complete with a ribbon around her neck and a wagging tail. In Lady and the Tramp, Walt Disney helped to capture a moment that many people fantasize about creating. The unfortunate reality is that many of these puppies and kittens will fail to see their second Christmas.  Groups as diverse as national veterinary organizations, the Humane Society, breeders, and the…

With the holidays approaching, many pet owners are making plans to visit family and friends.  According to a survey of pet owners by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), more than 53% of dog and cats will travel with their owners. With the upcoming busy travel season, what are the best ways of traveling with your best friend? Of the 4 major travel choices that Americans have, pets are not allowed to travel on half of them. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org), pets are prohibited from traveling by bus or train in most states. That means that our …

Pets share our homes, our kitchens, and in many cases, even our beds.  Unfortunately, they might also be bringing along some unwanted guests - WORMS!  Unlike fleas and mosquitoes from which we get a break during colder weather, these parasites can cause problems all year long. Most people don't realize it, but most puppies and kittens are born with roundworms, hookworms or both.  These worms are passed from mom to the babies either during pregnancy or during nursing after birth.  Left unchecked, these tiny monsters can cause poor growth, diarrhea, vomiting, or even death in young animals. …

Whether or not snow actually falls in your area, many people will gather for traditional holiday parties. With all of the delicious smells and exciting new people, our pets may take advantage of a stranger's generosity or an unattended plate in order to help themselves to the appetizers. However natural it is to share with our pets, there are a few foods that should be avoided. These foods include: Excessively salty foods Sweets and chocolate Foods with onion or onion powder Excessively fatty foods Grapes and raisins Poultry bones Alcohol or eggnog Chocolate and sweets deserve extra attention…

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease - a disease that can be passed between animals and people.  It is spread by spirochete (spiral-shaped) bacteria in the urine of infected rodents, wildlife, pets and livestock.  There are more than 200 different strains of lepto and certain strains appear to prefer certain hosts, like dogs, pigs, raccoons or even rats. The leptospira organisms enter the body through mucous membranes or through abrasions on the skin. People and animals can become infected from direct exposure to infected urine, but also through contaminated environment, such as water or damp …

With Halloween approaching, all pet owners should be aware of certain dangers to pets during the holiday.  Candy, decorations, and people in costume can all cause problems for our pets.  My goal is to keep as many pets as possible out of the emergency room! Constant visitors to the door as well as the spooky sights and sounds may cause some pets to become fearful.  It is not unusual for pets to act protective or be fearful of people in costumes, even if they are familiar with the person.  Consider allowing your dog to spend Halloween in his own special place inside with special treats, safe …

It's a scenario that happens all too often as urban sprawl encounters rural farmland and wooded areas.  Looking out your window, you see your beloved dog in an all-out battle with a raccoon!  After breaking up the fight, your mind races as you check your dog for wounds and worry about the chance of rabies. Every year in North America, the Centers for Disease Control monitor the prevalence of rabies.  Thousands of wild animals test positive every year and, despite mandatory vaccines for pets, hundreds of cats, dogs, horses and other domestic animals contract this killer as well.  The good news…