Author: Melissa McClelland
-
GPS Trackers: Are They Worth It?
A recent incident that involved Bleu (8 month old border collie) running loose, chasing after some deer in the middle of the woods after dark, resulting in me sprinting after him and panic crying about never being able to find him, prompted a search for a GPS tracker. Bleu did, in fact, come back home…
-
Fall Allergies Are Here!
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know just how miserable it can be to walk outside in the fall and not be able to stop sneezing. Your dog or cat can also suffer from seasonal allergies, although their symptoms can be a little different from our own. Our pets are at a much higher…
-
Kidney Disease: How You Can Help Your Pet
Kidney disease is a very common diagnosis in older pets and can be managed to slow the progression and ensure a comfortable end-of-life. While renal disease does not exclusively affect older pets, it is certainly more common in the elderly. Young animals can experience kidney damage after exposure to certain toxins, which may cause lasting…
-
The Benefits Of Fresh Foods: A Controversy
With the ongoing heated battle over pet food choices, more and more research arises. It is interesting to watch big kibble corporations make a transition to more fresh and whole food options for pets. This is due to pet owner demands for healthier choices and these corporations have seized this opportunity. Even Purina is adding…
-
Fleas/Ticks/Heartworms: The Details You Never Wanted To Know, But Should.
The Flea Life Cycle Fleas live an average of 6-24 months. The adults will lay 40-50 eggs on their animal host per day, which ultimately fall off into the environment and hatch larva in 2-12 days. Flea larvae can molt, pupate, and become adults in 10-200 days. This life cycle is why your veterinary staff…
-
Pesticides: The Warning
Once again we have a post inspired by social media! Last week thousands of people were sharing a post with the headline “FDA FINALLY ADMITS DANGERS OF FLEA/TICK PREVENTIONS!”, with the article attached. Naturally, I opened the link and read the FDA report. So let’s be clear, the FDA did not “finally admit” anything. The…
-
Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Cat
Cats can be mysterious creatures. They are naturally wary of people and prefer a solitary lifestyle. Unlike dogs who are always happy to see their family and greet you at the door with a wagging tail, cats are a mixed bag. For some reason, a select few have decided living with and getting attention from…
-
Garlic for Rabies? Shut The F*&$ Up.
A few days ago a post was flying around social media about garlic curing and preventing rabies. You read that right. Someone on twitter, claiming to be a certified and licensed herbalist, posted “In case you get bitten by a stray dog and you want to treat yourself of rabies: grind garlic and press juice…
-
Quality of Life: When is it time? How do you know?
Euthanasia is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. You can drive yourself crazy weighing the pros and cons, suffering the guilt that comes with not knowing whether you made the right decision, and sleepless nights wondering whether or not it’s time. Clients routinely ask their veterinary staff “what would you…