Buyer Beware

February 8th, 2011. By Erin Bechtol.
Comments Off

The lure of inexpensive medications can sometimes be difficult to resist, but are often too good to be true.  The FDA warns that buyers should beware: some online websites offer cheap medications, but these medications may be fraudulent.

Some online pharmacies are legitimate and are licensed to sell veterinary medication, but unfortunately, there are many other online pharmacies that are not.  Online pharmacies that are not licensed have been found to sell medications that are expired, fake or contain a decreased dosage than what is stated.  Read more…

Household and Garden Toxins

August 5th, 2010. By Erin Bechtol.
Comments Off

Courtesy of Wikimedia.org

There are a plethora of items that are potential toxins to pets. Often, toxins are found in everyday items that are easily accessible within your home or garden.  In 2009, the Animal Poison Control Center handled over 140,000 pet toxicity cases.  The majority of these cases involved basic household items including human and pet medication, insecticides, people food, rodenticides, household cleaners and garden products.

Basic precautions can help save your pet’s life.  For instance, use covered trash bins to prevent access to disposed items.  Also, keep pets out of storage areas that may contain toxins, such as sheds or garages.  Consider using child safety locks on cabinets where household cleaners are kept.  Research toxic plants and attempt to keep your garden pet friendly.

Examples of toxic plants are: Read more…

Animal Allergies

July 16th, 2010. By Erin Bechtol.
Comments Off

Courtesy of Lauren Helm Photography

Just as people suffer from allergies, so do pets.  Allergies can be caused by an array of things, such as plants, household items, bugs, bug bites, food and even types of materials used to make beds or food dishes.  If you notice that your pet is excessively chewing, licking, scratching, or has fur loss, scabs around their chin, neck, or ears, or has chronic episodes of vomiting, you should contact your vet for an allergy consult.  Allergies left untreated can lead to skin infections, general discomfort for your pet, and may even lead to self-inflicted wounds from excessive scratching. Read more…

Osteoarthritis

July 5th, 2010. By Erin Bechtol.

courtesy of www.olddoghaven.org

We live in a society full of active humans and canine companions.  Dog parks and beaches are busy with active dogs swimming, running, and jumping.  However, as our active dogs age, they oftentimes start to get stiff and sore, and can develop osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disorder. While most owners associate a slowdown in their dog’s activity with old age, it shouldn’t be disregarded. Osteoarthritis affects weight-bearing joints, such as hips, knees and elbows. If diagnosed and treated,   dogs can continue to live active lives with osteoarthritis, even throughout their geriatric years. Read more…

Fleas!

June 21st, 2010. By Erin Bechtol.
Comments Off

Courtesy of Wikipedia.org

Flea season has arrived! As the weather warms, fleas become a bigger problem. Did you know, there are over 2000 species of fleas, and females can lay up to 20-50 eggs a day? With such a large flea population, your pets are bound to pick up a few fleas from time to time.

Prevent your home and pet from becoming infested by using some simple steps. Read more…