As the weather warms, rattlesnakes come out of hiding—and sometimes into the path of dogs and their people. Although they are inherently shy and will get out of your (and Fido’s) way if they sense your approach, rattlers strike when provoked, and curious dogs who don’t know the consequences can provoke merely by investigating the source of an unfamiliar smell. more »
Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT,
Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA
We love to enjoy good weather by taking our dogs for a hike, but the happiness will quickly end if you are allergic to poison oak. If you're like me, you can't walk past a poison oak patch without breaking out in a blistery rash. Dogs, however, seem to have a higher tolerance for poison oak than humans.
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Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT,
Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA
Spring has sprung and while you, and your pup, are hopefully out and about enjoying the warm weather and longer days, there are hazards lurking in the upcoming months. Not only does spring’s warmer weather bring out allergens that can affect your dog, other seasonal activities that humans might take for granted can be extremely harmful to pets. more »
Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT,
Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA
Woo hoo! Spring has sprung! There is more sunlight to enjoy, gardens are being planted, and many plants are starting to bloom. Spring is a wonderful time for your dog to encounter allergens, as well as toxins in your yard.
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A walk in the park might not call for having a first-aid kit at the ready, but if you travel with Fido or spend much time adventuring together in the outdoors, you should know how to treat common ailments and stabilize your pet in the event of an emergency. more »
Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT,
Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA
Swimming is not for every dog. Some dogs are afraid of water and others, such as greyhounds, have a tendency to sink. That said, there are a ton of water-loving dogs out there who will love to go on hikes that include a swim, or who love to paddle around the family pool. more »
In the old days, the City of Sacramento's animal shelter was a notoriously dark, even abusive institution. When we checked in with them a couple of years ago, new management was arriving on the scene with a determination to do better. Now, says Animal Care Services Manager Gina Knepp, "We have been doing so much out-of-the-box, crazy, innovative stuff at City that I don't know where to begin. We have turned this place around. We used to be pond scum and now we are not! As you can imagine, this makes me intensely happy."
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Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT,
Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA
Your dog can really benefit from having his teeth brushed on a daily basis. Aside from keeping smelly tartar at bay, it’s also a great way to keep your pet healthy. Bacteria built up in the mouth can present a health risk causing infections that then travel throughout the body. more »
Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT,
Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA
Funny as it sounds, a broken nail really can ruin your dog’s day. A break or tear in the nail can occur with normal play and exercise. The nail can get caught and twisted, or strike a hard surface and break.
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Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT,
Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA
Although many people think ticks only come out in the spring and summer, in the west these bloodthirsty bugs are more likely to be encountered in late fall and winter. There are many species of ticks but the western black-legged tick, which is mostly reddish brown in color and found primarily in humid northwestern coastal areas and the western slopes of the northern Sierra Nevada, is the species that carries Lyme disease. more »