Without protection from rain, snow, cold and wind, pets left outside can suffer physically and emotionally and, in extreme cases, develop hypothermia. Hypothermia develops when the pet loses body heat faster than it can be replaced. Subnormal body temperature, decreased heart and respiratory rates, collapse, coma, and even death can result from hypothermia. Just like
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Allergies are states of hypersensitivity, where the body’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance. They can be set off by insect bites, pollen, mold spores, mites, fabric, food and much more. Just as with people, allergies can wreak havoc on your pet’s skin, health and happy disposition. Fleas are a common cause. Their
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A few years ago I was facing a major surgery and it brought to the forefront this question: “Who will care for our beloved pets should something catastrophic occur and I am not able to?” I checked with friends and family to find out who was willing or able to care for which animals. Then
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Not everyone is aware that the state of California is a declared rabies area. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system and, once symptomatic, it is almost always fatal. The virus is endemic in the skunk and bat populations, but every mammal is at risk, including humans. This is why it is
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Heartworm is a common parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes and poses a major threat to your family pets. An ounce of prevention in this case is worth more than a pound of cure – it can save your dog’s or cat’s life. Mosquitoes become infected by ingesting baby heartworms – called microfilaria – drawn
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Here are two good reasons to check your pet daily for ticks: your pet’s health, and your health. The more you know about these disease-carrying arachnids, the more you’ll understand how vital it is to avoid them. Ticks need blood meals from accommodating “hosts” – whether rodents, reptiles, pets or people – to survive. As
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