Could be, if he has any of the following allergy symptoms:

 Scratches his ears; Licks or chews his feet or body; Has a reddish discoloration of the hair on the paws or between the toes; Rubs his face against the furniture or floor; Has a rash, bumps, pimples or open sores on the skin; Has red or watery eyes; Has ear infections; Has sneezing or a runny nose;Vomits or has diarrhea; Coughs or wheezes.   

Dogs tend to have different allergy symptoms than people do.  While grass pollen may cause a person to sneeze and have watery eyes, a dog may develop itchy feet that causes him to lick and bite.  Although dogs can develop watery eyes and sneezing, the most common allergy symptom is scratching.  Constant scratching may lead to open sores, raised welts and loss of hair.

 There are four types of dog allergies which include: airborne, flea, food and contact allergies.

 Airborne allergies are very common where your dog inhales the allergens.  These usually include tree pollen (cedar, ash, oak etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens, molds, mildew and house dust mites.

 One of the most important treatments is to minimize your pet’s exposure to things he is allergic to (really).  So if your dog is allergic to pollen, he should be kept inside when pollen counts are high or the grass is being mowed.

Treatment options, of course, would be to keep your pet away from the particular allergen, but this is usually difficult, if not impossible.  Combining prescription drugs, supplements, shampoos and diets help control most symptoms, especially for seasonal problems.

 Flea allergy is very common in dogs.  Most dogs will have minimal irritation and itching from a flea bite but a dog with a flea allergy, however, will have a severe reaction to a single flea.  They will often bit and break the skin and even remove large patches of their own hair.  The most common area of the body affected by flea allergy is the base of the tail or the hind legs.

 Food allergies are more common than originally thought and it is now known that food allergy and airborne allergies often occur together.  Food allergy can strike at any age and allergies can develop to any protein or carbohydrate in the food.  Common symptoms of food allergy include itching of the face, feet, sides of the body, legs and anal area.  These dogs will often have ear yeast infection and skin infections that respond to antibiotics but recur as soon as the antibiotic is finished.  Some dogs will also have increased bowel movements and soft stool.  Food allergies should not be confused with food intolerances which generally can cause more severe vomiting and diarrhea.

 Treatment of food allergy involves feeding your dog a diet that does not contain the allergen.  To achieve this, your veterinarian will perform a “diet trial.”  A commercial hypoallergenic diet or homemade dog food is prescribed and fed for 8 to 12 weeks.  During this time, you dog must ONLY eat the prescribed food – no table scraps, treats, vitamins or chewable medications (even heartworm pills) can be given during a diet trial.  If a positive response is seen after this trial, your veterinarian will advise you on how to proceed.

Hyposensitization to the offending allergen(s) after extensive testing to determine what your pet is allergic to is another form of treatment. Injections are prepared containing specific amounts of offending allergen(s) to be administered on a regular basis. This allows the animal to build up a tolerance to the allergen(s). 

A newer form of therapy involves using a drug called Atopica, an immune modulator that helps your pet’s body not over-react when it encounters an offending allergen. Success and safety of this drug is proving to be very good. Pets with non-seasonal allergies may be allergic to basic food ingredients. Most every commercial food contains some of the same ingredients that can cause allergies. New and specialized foods are now readily available to help both diagnose and treat these kinds of problems. These include IVD Limited Ingredient Diets, z/d by Hills, and several others. 

REMEMBER: Your pet is unique, and the type of medication, proper doses, and frequency of giving the medication may change or vary over time. Regular exams, testing and careful monitoring at home is essential for long-term success. Most allergies are not cured but rather, controlled!

For more information, please visit www.avma.org

 (written in part by James W Day. DVM, PC, Aztec Animal Clinic)

This 8-10 month old, neutered male needs a home as good as him.  Buddy is a mixed breed hound dog with a wonderful, gentle personality.  He loves cats, and gets along well with other dogs.  He  would make a great addition to your home.

It has come to our attention that a case of Leptospirosis may have claimed the life of a pet in the Fishhawk Ranch area.  In an effort to save another pet’s life, we are sending this blog for educational and precautionary measures.

Leptospirosis or Lepto is a disease that affects many kinds of animals.  It occurs throughout the world.  The organism that causes Lepto belongs in a group of spiral organisms called spirochetes.  They are similar to ordinary bacteria in many ways and many spirochetes live free in nature and do no harm but two have adapted to cause disease in your pet.  These are the ones responsible for Lepto and the Borreia that cause Lyme disease.

The disease is always present in the environment for your dog to pick up.  It is perpetuated in rats and wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, fox, opossum.  When infected animals urinated, they contaminate their environment with living leptospira.  These carrier wildlife shed leptospira intermittently.  Pets can become infected by sniffing this urine.  More often, the leptospira are washed by rains into standing water (ponds). Then pets wading, swimming or drinking the contaminated water develop the disease.

Lepto causes sudden disease in dogs to be most severe in unvaccinated pets under 6 months of age.  They are likely to suffer life-threatening liver and kidney damage.  It takes about 4-12 days AFTER exposure for the pet to feel ill.

Not only is Lepto dangerous to your pets, but is it equally dangerous to humans.  Moisture is an important factor and other modes of transmission are ingestion of contaminated food and water are also possible.  Lepto can gain entry into humans through cuts and abrasions in the skin, through intact mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes) and perhaps through waterlogged kin.

As a preventative measure for your dog, please have them vaccinated yearly and as far as humans go, it is important to be aware of the risk factors for human infection and, if possible, the infection source.  Avoid contact with animal urine, infected animals or an infected environment.  Do not wade in ponds or walk in grassy areas surrounding the ponds barefoot.  Where appropriate, protective clothing should be worn and wounds covered with waterproof dressings to reduce the chance of infection if exposure is likely.

General Travel Tips

       No matter what your mode of travel, the single best safe practice you can employ to keep your dog safe during your journey is to keep him restrained.

       Affix a highly visible and durable pet ID tag to your pet and have him microchipped (don’t forget to register your microchip with the company).  A tag is the first thing anyone looks at when they stop to help a pet and a microchip is a permanent form of ID to help ensure the return of your pet.

       Carry a recent photograph of your pet to make it easier for others to help you look for him if he gets lost during the trip.

       If your pet is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, consult your veterinarian prior to the trip about using pet tranquilizers that is appropriate for the particular time of travel you plan on taking.

       Feed your pet their usual meal one to two hours prior to travel. (If your dog is prone to motion sickness, feed two to four hours prior to travel)  Do not give food or water during travel as it may spill, forcing your pet to lie in a mess during the trip.

Cars and Trucks

       Once again, no matter how long or short the journey, your pet should be restrained.  An unrestrained pet is dangerous to himself and others.  He can become a flying projectile that can injure you, your passengers or himself.

       Secure your dog in the back seat (dogs riding in the front seat can be seriously hurt if the airbags deploy) with a pet travel safety harness or car seat or in a pet carrier fastened to a seatbelt.  If you drive an SUV, install a pet carrier to keep the dog in the back area of the vehicle as well as securing him in his harness and attaching it to the hooks in the floor.

       Do not allow your dog to ride with his head out of the window.  Road debris and other flying objects can injure his eyes.

       If you must transport your dog in the bed of a pickup, use a crate or a carrier secured to the truck bed to prevent him from being thrown into traffic at a sudden stop.

       Before you set out on your journey and after arrive at your destination, give your dog plenty of exercise.  This will help him be more relaxed and be able to acclimate to his new surroundings.

       When stopping for a break and before you open the car door, attach a leash to your dog’s collar so he can’t escape.  Even the most obedient pet can become disoriented when traveling.  Always use a leash to walk your dog.

       On a long car ride, stop every four hours or so to allow your dog to relieve himself (be sure to clean up after him), stretch his legs, refresh himself with a small drink of water and help him understand that he’s going to another environment.

       Watch for temperature extremes.  Your car is like an oven under the blazing sun and a freezer in the bitter cold.

Airline Travel

       Whether your pet will go with you in the cabin or in the cargo hold, your pet will need to travel in an airline-approved carrier.  Check with the airline website for requirements.

       If your pet is travelling as cargo, check for restrictions on any health/immunization and other requirements.

       Upon arrival at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and clip a leash on your dog so you can safely examine him.  If anything seems wrong, get to a veterinarian immediately.

Just remember, a happy, well-socialized dog that knows you will always be there to keep him safe and secure will enjoy traveling to new places with you.  Happy Trails!

(*re-written with permission in part from Bark Busters Home Dog Training)

Written by Dr. Anna Harp

When my brother asked me “what is the most common thing you treat as a veterinarian?” I immediately replied “ears and skin!”  So many of our furry friends are cursed with allergies, and most of those allergies come from the environment (thanks Florida!).  It is a common thing to hear that a client recently moved to Florida and now her little dog has really itchy skin.  If fleas don’t seem to be the problem, the most likely culprit is an allergy.

So what does itchy skin and ear problems have to do with allergies? When people have an allergy to something in the environment, they usually get a stuffy nose and sneeze a lot. When dogs get an allergy, they get hot itchy skin and start licking and chewing their skin. Often they break out in little bumps and itch and chew so much that they quickly give themselves a skin infection, which gets more irritated and then they chew some more! It is hard to explain to them they just can’t keep doing that, and often they have to wear an e-collar (or even some boxer shorts!) to keep them away from the skin so the medications can work.  About 20% of allergies can be food allergies, and they often present exactly like environmental allergies.  Sometimes the history of the animal can be a clue if their allergies are related to food, so make sure to discuss with your veterinarian the onset and duration of your pet’s allergies, a food trial to rule out food allergies might be indicated.

Ear canals are an extension of the skin and coat so when the skin gets inflamed, so do the ear canals. Now your little fluffy dog has a dark, warm, moist environment with inflamed tissue and yeast and bacteria have a joyous time deep down in that ear canal causing all sorts of havoc!  The result:  A painful, and often smelly, ear infection!

Not every dog with an ear infection has underlying allergies, but it is a very common problem in dogs and I always talk about allergies when I am treating an ear infection, especially if it isn’t their first infection.  Other common causes of ear infections include contamination and anatomy. Contamination means that when Fido went swimming in your pool, or took off into that pond, or decided to roll (head first, of course) into the mud puddle at the dog park, water got down in those ears and stayed there. Baths can also cause ear infections because water can easily slip its way down that ear canal. Then, because the environment in the ear canal changed, the normal skin flora (yeast and bacteria) begin to multiply.  Anytime your pooch goes swimming or gets a bath, I recommend cleaning and flushing out those ears to prevent infection.

Anatomy is also an important player when it comes to ear infections. Most Cocker Spaniel patients I see don’t seem to have underlying skin allergies, but almost all of them have ear infections! Those huge ear flaps that cover a deep canal seem to be the perfect place for yeast to replicate. Other breeds are more susceptible to infections as well, like Pugs.  While Pugs don’t have huge floppy ear flaps, many of them have very narrow (stenotic) canals that are difficult to keep clean. Those narrow canals have many hidden bends where waxy material builds up, and the yeast and bacteria use that as a breeding ground.  For these patients, I recommend regular cleanings of the ears to prevent infection.  How often depends on the dog. Sometimes once a month cleanings prevent infection just fine, other animals need weekly cleanings to keep the ears under control.  

The way you clean an ear is very important, and what you put in the ear is just as important.  There are many acceptable over the counter ear cleaners that you can use. The Veterinary Center at Fishhawk sells a medicated ear cleaner for chronically infected ears, but we also sell a nice cucumber melon cleaner that we use on all our dogs (and cats) when we clean the ears. All pet stores also carry products that are safe to use.

How to clean the ear is important. First, it is recommended that you do it outside since it will get a little messy.  Second, pour the cleaning solution into the ear and fill up the canal with the solution. You will not use too much cleaner. Next, and very important, massage the base of the ear (the ear canal under the skin feels like a tube) for a good 30 seconds to break up any waxy debris that is down deep. If the dog’s ears are irritated be very gentle as this can hurt. Let the dog shake his or her head to shake out some of the solution and debris, then simply wipe away any excess liquid and waxy material with your finger and a cotton ball, tissue or gauze (you won’t go too deep in the ear if you use your finger. Do not use a q-tip). You can repeat this over and over until there is no more debris coming out of your dog’s ear (or until your dog won’t let you do it anymore).

You can always schedule a nurse visit with our clinic and we can show you how to clean your dog’s ear.

Ear infections can be really painful for your dog, and can lead to more serious infections. Some bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics and require special medications and weeks of twice daily treatment to cure.  Even when we treat infections and they clear up 100%, it is important to try to figure out the underlying cause. If it is something like allergies, no one can cure that, so it is important to clean out the ears on a routine basis and discuss with your veterinarian ways to try to control the allergies, or more advanced diagnostics (like a visit to a doggie dermatologist).

We wish each of you a Blessed, Prosperous, and Healthy New Year!

Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve – 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas – CLOSED

Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve – 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sunday, January 1 – New Year’s Day – CLOSED

Also, in an effort to accommodate both clients and staff, a decision has been made to revise our hours.

Effective immediately, VCF’s weekly hours are:

Monday – Wednesday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Thursday & Friday: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

For emergency services while we are closed, please contact BluePearl Specialists at 813-571-3303.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Losing a pet is a devastating experience for all involved.  It’s hard enough when the reason is old age, health issues or an unfortunate event; but to lose a pet and not be able to recover it because it wasn’t microchipped is another story.

Almost once a week a good Samaritan brings us a dog or cat they found wandering with no identification and no microchip.  How easy it would be to scan an animal, get the number, call the owner and reunite the family.  Needless to say, this is an avoidable situation.

If you’re concerned about the effects of a microchip, please read below for clarification.

What is a microchip?

A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice.  The chip itself does not have a battery, it is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area and the radio waves put out by the scanner activate the chip.  The chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen.

How is the microchip implanted into an animal?  Is it painful? Does it require surgery or anesthesia?

It is injected under the skin using a hypodermic needle.  It is no more painful than a typical injection, although the needle is slightly larger and no surgery or anesthesia is required.  If your pet is already under anesthesia for a procedure, such as neutering or spaying, the microchip can often be implanted while they’re still under.

What kind of information is contained in the chip?  Is there a tracking device in it?  Will it store my pet’s medical information?

The chips presently used only contain id numbers.  No, the chip cannot track your animal if it gets lost.  The present technology does not contain your pet’s medical information, but some microchip registration databases will allow you to store that information in the database for quick reference. 

How does a microchip help reunite a lost animal with its owner? 

When an animal is found and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, one of the first things that is done is to scan the animal for a chip.  If one is found and the registry has the accurate information, the animal’s owner can be quickly found. 

Will a microchip really make it more likely for me to get my pet back if it is lost?

Definitely!  A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at shelters showed that dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time.  Cats without microchips were reunited only 1.8% of the time but microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009).  For microchipped animals that weren’t returned to their owners, most of the time it was due to incorrect owner information (or none at all) in the database, so it is imperative that you register your pet and keep the information updated.

Does a microchip replace id tags and/or rabies tags?

Absolutely not!  Microchips are great for permanent identification that is tamper proof, but nothing replaces a collar with up-to-date tags.  Rabies tags should always be on its collar so people can quickly see that your pet has been vaccinated and rabies tag numbers also allow tracing of animals and identification of a lost animal’s owner.

Why should I have my animals microchipped?

The best reason to have your animals microchipped is the improved chance that you’ll get your pet back if it becomes lost or stolen.

I want to get my pet(s) microchipped.  Where do I go?

To the Veterinary Center at Fishhawk, of course.  We keep a supply of microchips on hand so they can be implanted any time by either one of our technicians or by the veterinarian.  The cost for the microchip is $35.00 excluding the registration fee (which is sent directly to the microchip registry).

As we’ve indicated before, it is far better to be safe than sorry.  Microchip your pet today and if he or she gets out, your chances of recovery and reuniting are far greater than had you not microchipped.

(re-written in part from the American Veterinary Medical Association.)

Keep them out of the kitchen.  It’s normal for people to gather in the kitchen but with all the commotion, it’s easy for your pet to nibble on some raw turkey meat or snag a few bones to chew.  Raw meat poses obvious bacterial threats and splintered bones can wreak havoc on your dog’s insides. 

Leave the leftovers.  It’s fine to let your dog or cat sample a bit of turkey or mashed potatoes, but make sure to monitor their intake. Many holiday foods, including fatty and spicy meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate and alcohol can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions.  In addition, candy wrappers, aluminum foil pieces and ribbons can choke pets.  Also, keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.  Give your pet a treat, not a feast.

Decorate carefully.  Many festive displays can be toxic to your dog or cat if ingested.  Bubbling lights contain fluid that can be inhaled or ingested, snow sprays and snow flock can cause reactions when inhaled, Styrofoam poses a choking hazard, tinsel can cause choking and intestinal obstruction and water in snow scenes may contain toxic organisms such as Salmonella.  Snow globes often contain antifreeze which is poisonous to pets.  Keep ornaments out of reach since ingestion of any ornament which may look like toys to pets, can result in life-threatening emergencies.  Even ornaments made from dried food can lead to ailments.  And, remember, shards from broken glass ornaments can injure paws, mouths and other parts of the body. 

That Holiday Glow.  Don’t leave lighted candles unattended.  Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over.  Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface.  If you leave the room, put the candle out.  Also, if you have a fireplace, yes even in Florida, make sure to use a screen to avoid burns.

O Christmas Tree.  Anchor Christmas trees to avoid having it fall on pets.  This will also prevent the tree water, which may contain fertilizers and stagnant water which can harbor bacteria, causing stomach upsets, from spilling.  Don’t let your pets drink the holiday tree water.  And do not put aspirin in the water because if a pet ingests aspirin-laced water, his health or even life can be at risk.  Be careful of falling pine needles because when ingested they can puncture holes in a pet’s intestine.  Extra cords and plugs of holiday lights and other fixtures can look like chew toys to pets.  Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries.  Unplug lights when you are not home.

Don’t Smell the Daisies.  Holiday plants can lead to health problems in dogs and cats. Holly and mistletoe when ingested can cause pets to surfer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.  Many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats  If possible, opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Reduce the stress.  Keep feeding and exercise on a regular schedule.  Always make time for your pets.  Some folks get lax about walking their dogs and a few resort to letting pets out on their own.  This puts the animal in danger, while also leading to nuisance complaints and dog bit incidents.  Remember not to take a holiday away from responsibly caring for your pets.  Ask your animal loving guests if they can give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the festivities and ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session. 

Room to Relax.  Give your pet a quiet space to retreat to – complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle.  Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub. 

Just to be safe.  If your pet cannot control himself when people come to the door or you are afraid of them wandering off, confine the pet until everyone has arrived and settled down and remind them to be careful when opening or closing doors.  And, make sure pets are wearing current I.D. just in case they escape out a door.

In any event, if you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call us, your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

MOST OF ALL, REMEMBER, the holidays are for everyone to enjoy including your pets.  The less stressed you are, the less stressed they will be.  By following some of these helpful hints, you can avoid any potential emergencies.  So sit, back, relax and take pleasure in this festive season.

Is pet grooming necessary?  It is if you want a clean and refreshed pet.  Just as humans bathe or shower and preen themselves, pets need to be cared for in this matter as well.  Some form of pet grooming is indeed necessary, especially when an animal cannot use his or her natural grooming methods.  It falls on responsible owners to help their pet maintain healthy skin, hair, teeth, nails and bones.  Professional pet grooming may seem like an unnecessary expense, but most groomers do more than cut hair and trim nails.  They should be trained to spot potential health risks before they become major complications.  Once a pet has entered your home, you should introduce it to a brush or comb so it becomes accustomed to this activity.

A significant benefit to regular pet grooming is that it encourages a stronger bond between owner and pet.  If a pet allows its owner to brush out his coat or clean out his ears, it usually indicates trust.  Pet grooming involves a significant amount of handling and petting that can benefit the pet and owner’s emotional state.

Pet grooming can also be a necessity for some pets’ proper daily functions.  For example, a dog with unclipped toenails may not be able to walk comfortably, which in turn discourages her from daily exercising.  An unbrushed cat may develop more hairballs throughout the day leading to overnight distress.  By performing simple pet grooming tasks, an owner can prevent serious health complications in the future.

Sometimes a health concern is discovered through grooming.  Parasite infestations such as fleas or ticks are often found during bathing or brushing sessions.  Matted fur could be hiding skin diseases or outside irritants such as plant pods or thorns.  Dirt inside the ears can also be cleaned out before it becomes compacted.  Observations during routine pet grooming can uncover bumps, weight problems and vision trouble.

Your pet’s comfort is also an important consideration.  Thick coated dogs may become overheated during hot summer months and some breeds need regular brushings to remove excess hairs and spread healthy oils to the coat.  Cats may groom themselves more often than other pets but they still need some human aid from time to time.  Giving a cat a bath may seem to call for expert help but it’s necessary to remove excess saliva from the cat’s coat.

As an important aspect of pet ownership, grooming shouldn’t be ignored for the sake of convenience.  It may be believed that professional grooming costs are superfluous or cost-prohibitive but most procedures can be performed by the owners themselves for very little money or time investment.

Your pets will thank you for the time well spent!

Didn’t you always suspect that being a pet owner made you a better person?  Human interactions often provide people with considerable social support, but can dogs do the same thing?

That’s the question psychologists at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and Saint Louis University in St Louis set out to answer by conducting three experiments examining the potential benefits of pet ownership among “everyday people.”

The psychologists found that pets serve as important sources of social support, providing many positive psychological and physical benefits.  “We observed evidence that pet owners fare better, both in terms of well-being outcomes and individual differences than non-owners on several dimensions”, reports lead researcher Allen R McConnell PhD of Miami University.  “People who own pets are more physically fit and conscientious, have greater self-esteem and tend to be less lonely and fearful”, he adds.

What’s more, the study found that owners were just as close to key people in their lives as to their animals indicating that pet relationships did not come at the expense of relationships with people.

So, stay involved, stay fit and happy and just in case, make sure you have enough four-legged friends around when you need that extra hug!*

*reprinted in part from Dog Fancy, December 2011 edition

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Also, while the night belongs to the trick or treaters on Halloween, you will want to be careful of the street/sidewalk on the following day when taking your pet for its morning stroll. Watch out for fallen, forgotten or illicit snacks that may have found their way on to your pet’s walking path.

In the near future, we will be putting together a list of foods and plants that are toxic to your pets for easy reference. Look for that on the web soon, and remember, we have a very valuable library source already on our website. As always, if you are not sure about something, don’t hesitate to call anytime.

If you have a particular question in mind, please visit our website and click on the Ask Dr. Katie tab and send us your inquiry. We will have an answer for you as soon as we can.

These pets can be adopted at no cost to you (but donations towards our “foster family members” are always welcome). Our website will have pictures and short blurbs describing our adoptable pets. It is not our intention, though, to become an adoption agency for unwanted, feral or geriatric pet and none of our pets will ever be “for sale”. Even if we aren’t housing a pet that needs to be adopted, and the owners need to surrender their pet for some unforeseen reason, we will try to help by posting pictures and that pet’s history in an effort to help the owners find a new home. At VCF, we will make every effort to find a safe haven for any animal, including those that are un-owned. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us for more details.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Not an unfair question.  Some of our clients have noticed that the folks here at VCF have an inordinate fascination with…well, the icky stuff that usually finds it’s way to the garbage can. We collect it, analyze it under a microscope, heck, most of the staff acts oddly cheerful just to get a bag of the stinky stuff. “What’s wrong with you guys?” Any reasonable person would ask.

The answer to our fascination with your dogs and cats “deposits” is actually quite serious. The staff of VCF is on a constant hunt for parasites.  Those nasty little microscopic worms that show up in your pet’s feces aren’t just a nuisance. Hookworms, roundworms, Giardia, as well as a host of other uglies can affect both your children and your furry buddy’s health.

Many intestinal parasites are “zoonotic,” meaning they can infect both pets and people. The tiny eggs can infest the soil for years, waiting to be picked up by your pet or child. Ingestion can result in anything from mild disease such as a brief, passing intestinal discomfort, to a much more serious illness. Two of the most dangerous parasites are Ocular Larval Migrans, which can cause blindness in children, and Visceral/Cutaneous Larval Migrans, which can result in severe rashes and other systemic problems in people.

How scary is that!? So does that mean we need to get rid of Fluffy? Of course not! These parasites are easily detected by a intestinal parasite exam, which we perform here at VCF every six months. The material you bring in is suspended in a chemical solution, centrifuged, and mounted under a microscope for analysis (kind of like poop CSI, huh?) The eggs are easily spotted by our highly trained crew, and the right medications dispensed on the spot, so the only thing you and “Spot” share is love.  And remember, you can check out that process via our video page.  Watch as Nurse Jen guides you through the process of conducting “poop CSI” at VCF.

Prevention of exposure to these dangerous parasites is also key. ALWAYS pick up after your dog on walks and in parks; you don’t want your dog spreading dangerous parasites to other people’s children and pets. Do not let your cat free-roam outside; and never feed stray cats, as they use flowerbeds and public parks as bathrooms where children regularly play.

And go ahead, bring us that “poop-o-gram” every six months. When our staff smiles at you for the lovely gift, remember its not because we’re strange, it’s because we’re happy to be contributing to the health of the kids and the furry friends in our community.  It’s what we do best!

Cheers and thanks!

 Dr. Katie       

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Did you know that more than 50 varieties of oak grow throughout the United States?  As Autumn sets in, these lovely trees will begin dropping their acorns into yards, fields and forests.

While acorns exemplify the variety in nature, they can be harmful to dogs.  Small amounts of acorn ingestion typically cause no more than minor illness, although the gallotannins they contain can cause kidney damage.  Typical symptoms can include stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and whole acorns can also block your pup’s digestive tract.

Many of the palm tree seedlings and seed pods are also falling to the ground such as Queen Palms, Date Palms, Sago, Foxtail to name a few.  The seeds and nuts of the Sago Palm are the most poisonous of the plant but the entire plant is toxic.  Foxtail palm seeds, which resemble a peach when they are ripe, are completely poisonous and deadly to dogs.  In researching the seedlings for Queen Palms, most of the information found indicated that these seeds are not poisonous, but could cause an upset stomach. 

The important point is to make sure you keep an eye on your pooch when you go out for walks, or when you let them roam your backyard, especially if your little buddy is the type that eats first and asks questions later : ).

We will continue to blog on this very important subject of foods & plants that are toxic to your pets.

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Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A popular catch phrase of the 60’s & 70’s but not really effective when it comes to your pet’s dental healthcare. While you may believe your pet is smiling at you, this is not the best way to determine if your pet needs dental care. By the age of 3, about 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have periodontal disease.

Prevention, while it may give you some additional work as a pet owner, may in the long run have the best results for your pets and your pocketbook. Cleaning your pet’s teeth regularly using a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste can help eliminate plaque and tartar buildup, which contributes to periodontal disease. It would be easier to begin an oral care regimen when adopting a new puppy or kitten so your pet becomes accustomed to, not only brushing at an early age, but also having their mouth and teeth touched.

By implementing preventative measures, you as a pet owner can improve your pet’s quality of life and may prevent severe complicating factors of periodontal disease, such as heart conditions, kidney problems or other dental diseases that can become more expensive in the long run.

If you are noticing signs of bad breath, bleeding from the gingiva, changes in eating behavior or pawing and rubbing faces, these may all be signs of dental problems and you are encouraged to call our office for more information.

Remember, our Dental Special for $179 will be available through September 30, 2011.

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An introduction to the Veterinary Center at Fishhawk’s Adopt-A-Pet program.

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Dr. Katie explains the recovery stage of the dental cleaning.

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Dr. Katie and her staff at Veterinary Center at Fishhawk give a little background on the Dental services they offer and how they keep your pets safe, clean, and healthy.

We hope you enjoy the new website and we look forward to providing your pet with the best care possible.