The name Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis), is often confused as an illness that only happens if your dog visits a kennel; we want you to know, this is not the case! The illness got this name because of how contagious it is, as it can spread through a boarding kennel rapidly, and because most dogs in kennels are in close quarters with each other. Another name for this illness, and a better name at that, … Read More
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10 Summer Hazards for Dogs
The days are longer, the grass is greener, and the temperature is hotter; summer is finally here! Warmer weather means we are out and about with our pooches either for longer walks, hiking in the coulees, playing by the river, or just sitting out in the back yard soaking up the sun! We came up with some things to look out for or think about now that we are spending more time outside with our … Read More
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Summer troubles. Grass Awns
As pets become more active with summer months they are more likely to pick up a foreign body while playing in tall grass. Grass awns appear to have a hair or bristle like appendage that make them more likely to become lodged in skin, ears, throats and eyes. Symptoms of a grass awn can be: Coughing or gagging Drooling Shaking head Rubbing ears on ground Irritated skin, swollen irritated areas Pain Sneezing Squinting and eye … Read More
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Camping with Canines.
With camping season beginning as the long weekend approaches, we wanted to share some tips for camping with your pets. 1. Water– Bringing water for your pet is as important as for yourself. Stream and stagnant water can harbor parasites and bacteria, potentially causing stomach upset that can really put a damper on your time in the wilderness. 2. Tether – Even the best behaved pets can wander off if the site next to you … Read More
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Rattlesnake Bites in Pets
Rattlesnakes are everpresent in Medicine Hat and area. Rattlesnakes are venomous members of the pit viper family. The venom of the prairie rattlesnake is a hemotoxin that affects the blood and lymphatic system and causes pain and rapid swelling. Rattlesnakes are rarely aggressive and will avoid human contact when they can.(Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division; Resource Status and Assessment Branch; Alberta Specieas at Risk Report No.40) Every year, however, there are dogs that come in … Read More
