by Dr. Dave Hutsebaut

by Dr. Michelle Ahmann

Pyometra. It is a terrifying word for most of us. It means that you may lose your valuable breeding animal or show dog or more importantly, your family member. Pyometra is a true reproductive related emergency and as such strikes fear into our hearts. Let's back up and take a deeper look at the whole process and what we can control to help for the best possible outcome.

The news is filled with breaking stories about the spread of a novel Coronavirus, dubbed CoVID-19.  This is a scary disease, and recent news reports have led to many questions from pet owners and travelers alike. The disease is named “coronavirus” as the virus appears to be crown-like in electron microscope images.

Nothing says summer like a road trip. But is your dog ready? Despite the carefree image of a happy dog with his head handing out the window of the back seat, there’s a lot to consider.

Moving can be a stressful experience for you and your family, so don’t forget it can also be a stressful time for your pet. Pets can get used to a routine and what’s familiar. They also sense when their family is stressed and can pick up on your feelings. Therefore, it's vital to stay in tune with your dog or cat's demeanor and behavior during your packing, moving, and unpacking process.

Foxtails may look like harmless tall grasses to the untrained eye, but they’re actually devils-in-disguise. Common in the Western United States, this fast-growing weed can grow 4 feet tall and proliferate easily, spreading their seeds everywhere.

This is bad news for dog lovers as they’re downright dangerous to our sweet pups.

Most people think of bleach or rat poison when they think of household toxins. If that’s you, you’re right. Yet, there are many other less obvious items that could pose a hazard.

Take sugar-free gum for instance. Did you know that it contains xylitol, which can cause liver failure in your dog? The popular sugar substitute is also in certain brands of toothpaste and sweetener packets for coffee and tea. Yet, it can be deadly to your dog.

If your pet spends time in the great outdoors, you may not give much thought to who he shares that space with—but you should. From deer and coyotes to foxes, skunks, bats, and raccoons, wild animals can pose a serious threat as they carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to pets and people.