Today we celebrate everything Irish, including the many types of dogs imported from the Emerald Isle: Terriers, spaniels, retrievers--even a giant breed, the Irish Wolfhound. No, they're not green, but some of them are redheads!
For more information on Irish dogs, visit the AKC St. Patrick's Day page.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day!
Jackson was admitted to the hospital and given oxygen as well as a diuretic, to help remove fluid from his lungs. Diagnostic testing showed that his mitral valve was not working at full capacity. This caused the tendons in his heart, called chordae tendineae, to rupture. In a larger dog, this may have been a fatal event, but Jackson's small body was able to compensate until he received treatment.
His heart will never return to normal, but proper medication, lifestyle management, and regular checkups have helped him maintain a good quality of life. He also receives plenty of tender loving care!
Happy Valentine's Day, Jackson!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Merit of Microchips
Is your pet microchipped? If not, I would encourage you to consider this service carefully. Microchips are a safe, permanent way to identify your pet. Many lost pets are returned to their owners each year because they could be identified via microchip.
Microchips are easily implanted using a needle and syringe (similar to how a vaccine is administered). In dogs and cats, the microchip is placed under the skin on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades. Most microchips remain in place and are readable throughout the life of the pet.
Microchips can be seen on an x-ray, but the microchip number can only be read by a scanner. Most scanners available today are universal, which means they read most types of microchips.
Once your pet is microchipped, you'll need to register with the manufacturer. Be sure to keep your contact information current so you can be easily contacted in an emergency. Microchip number and manufacturer information should be kept for the life of your pet.
Microchips are easily implanted using a needle and syringe (similar to how a vaccine is administered). In dogs and cats, the microchip is placed under the skin on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades. Most microchips remain in place and are readable throughout the life of the pet.
Microchips can be seen on an x-ray, but the microchip number can only be read by a scanner. Most scanners available today are universal, which means they read most types of microchips.
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| A microchip (green circle) implanted in a dog |
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| Close-up view of the microchip. |
Once your pet is microchipped, you'll need to register with the manufacturer. Be sure to keep your contact information current so you can be easily contacted in an emergency. Microchip number and manufacturer information should be kept for the life of your pet.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Winter Wonderland
When the temperatures dip below freezing, it's time to get most pets inside.
One exception is dogs that are bred for colder climates, such as Huskies and Malamutes. These breeds seem to love the cold and may stay outdoors for longer periods of time if they have adequate shelter, such as an insulated dog house, access to fresh, unfrozen water, and are given adequate amounts of food. Pets that spend a lot of time outside in the cold may need more calories, so be prepared to increase their daily food allowance.
One exception is dogs that are bred for colder climates, such as Huskies and Malamutes. These breeds seem to love the cold and may stay outdoors for longer periods of time if they have adequate shelter, such as an insulated dog house, access to fresh, unfrozen water, and are given adequate amounts of food. Pets that spend a lot of time outside in the cold may need more calories, so be prepared to increase their daily food allowance.
"Ginger"
Photo courtesy of Shane Meyer
Sunday, January 1, 2012
First Case of Rabies in a Massachusetts Resident Since 1935
A Cape Cod man contracted rabies at the end of 2011, most likely from a rabid bat. This marks the first case of rabies in a human in Massachusetts since 1935.
Most rabid animals show symptoms of rabies, such as aggression, foaming at the mouth, or paralysis. Bats are unique in that they can infect other animals (including people) with the rabies virus without appearing sick. Rabies is most often spread through bite wounds.
Bats found indoors in a room where a person was sleeping or in a room with a child or mentally incapacitated person, should be captured and sent to the State Diagnostic Lab for testing. This can be arranged through your town's Animal Control Officer, Animal Inspector or through your veterinarian. A physician should be consulted immediately if the bat is unavailable for testing.
Rabies in people can be prevented with post-exposure immunization. Any person who gets bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal or an animal that is unavailable for a ten day quarantine should contact their primary care physician for instructions.
Pet owners can do their part to limit the spread of rabies by keeping dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies.
Most rabid animals show symptoms of rabies, such as aggression, foaming at the mouth, or paralysis. Bats are unique in that they can infect other animals (including people) with the rabies virus without appearing sick. Rabies is most often spread through bite wounds.
Bats found indoors in a room where a person was sleeping or in a room with a child or mentally incapacitated person, should be captured and sent to the State Diagnostic Lab for testing. This can be arranged through your town's Animal Control Officer, Animal Inspector or through your veterinarian. A physician should be consulted immediately if the bat is unavailable for testing.
Rabies in people can be prevented with post-exposure immunization. Any person who gets bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal or an animal that is unavailable for a ten day quarantine should contact their primary care physician for instructions.
Pet owners can do their part to limit the spread of rabies by keeping dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Happy Holidays!
Pictured: Bonnie, "Goose", and Bubbles
From our family to yours, may you enjoy the company of loved ones this holiday season!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Pets Feel Stress, Too!
It seems like everyone's stressed during the holiday season! Did you know that pets can become stressed, too?
Changes in routine, resulting from holiday decorating, housecleaning, or nighttime shopping trips, can all cause stress in our pets. Our pets can also sense our moods and emotions. Whenever we're stressed, our pets go on alert.
Although we can't prevent our pets from getting stressed, here are some ways to help minimize it:
Keep their routine as regular as possible. Feed them their normal food at the time they expect it and don't forget to refill or freshen their water bowl at least once a day.
Make sure your pets have a safe place where they can get away from the holiday hustle and bustle. Even pets who enjoy being with people need a quiet place to relax now and then.
Exercise is a great stress-buster, for people and pets. It's a great way to shrug off that too-much-to-do-so-little-time feeling, burn calories, and reconnect with your pet.
Changes in routine, resulting from holiday decorating, housecleaning, or nighttime shopping trips, can all cause stress in our pets. Our pets can also sense our moods and emotions. Whenever we're stressed, our pets go on alert.
Although we can't prevent our pets from getting stressed, here are some ways to help minimize it:
Keep their routine as regular as possible. Feed them their normal food at the time they expect it and don't forget to refill or freshen their water bowl at least once a day.
Make sure your pets have a safe place where they can get away from the holiday hustle and bustle. Even pets who enjoy being with people need a quiet place to relax now and then.
Exercise is a great stress-buster, for people and pets. It's a great way to shrug off that too-much-to-do-so-little-time feeling, burn calories, and reconnect with your pet.
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