Flea and tick season is still upon us. The mosquitos have been dreadful in the wake of recent rains. This time of year, our pets are at risk of being bitten by fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and biting flies. Not only are these bites uncomfortable, these bites can transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and heartworm disease. Ingesting fleas (cats and dogs may do this during self-grooming) can also transmit tapeworms. Having fleas and ticks on our pets brings these parasites into our homes, yards, and even beds.

Did you know dogs are at risk of heatstroke? As the weather heats up, human bodies’ sweat as a way to regulate our body temperature, but our pups are at greater risk since they don't have sweat glands. If a dog gets overheated, this can lead to heatstroke and severe health issues -- and sometimes death. Even worse, it can happen in minutes.

First off, congratulations on your new pooch! Whether you just picked up a puppy from a breeder or an adult dog from a shelter or rescue group, there will be a period of adjustment for everyone in the family. Here are some do’s and don’ts and things to expect in the first 24 hours of your new adventure.

This weekend, we have had 2 contacts with clients who have had c-sections done prematurely, because the doctors and staff at their veterinary clinics would be unavailable. This leads to unfortunate outcomes for the puppies and their owners. It’s not good for the veterinarians and their staffs either.

Dogs are only pregnant for 63 days. Puppies are not like human babies. There is only a 4 day window when puppies can safely be born.

Why is my dog’s breathing suddenly so loud? Should I worry about it?

There is a very scary respiratory condition we see in older dogs. This can start suddenly and be life – threatening. It is most commonly seen in Labrador retrievers but can be seen in other breeds as well. It usually affects dogs in their teens.

The condition is called Laryngeal Paralysis, or Lar Par for short. Many Labrador breeders and owners are familiar with it.

Fecals? Why this time of year?

In the spring and summer, our clients and our staff are really good about remembering to have stool / fecal samples checked, monitoring for the presence of intestinal parasites.

It is easy to remember to check our pet’s fecal when we are also looking at the blood for Heartworm, Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and Anaplasmosis.

In the fall and winter, these things tend to fall by the wayside.

But why is it important?

This morning, Dr. Kowaleski took a phone call from a deeply distraught client. Her beautiful, young male puppy had just been euthanized after he suffered a tragic accident.

To make a long story short, Dr. Kowaleski suggested to her that we could potentially harvest semen and freeze it if she felt like she could brave the thought and transport the patient to make it happen. She said she would speak to her co-owner and make a fast decision. She was able to rally the strength to load her beloved, promising puppy and bring him to us.