Dogs

The Truth About Cat and Dog Treats

// To Treat or Not to Treat? This is going to be an unpopular message for many pet owners. Your pets don’t need food-based treats. We know, we know, we are awful, horrible people for saying that. Hear us out. Pet obesity is a big problem (pun not intended). Over half of the dogs and…

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Can You Guess the Breed?

What Breed Is My Dog? This is Joy. She belongs to one of our Registered Veterinary Technicians, Charity, and her family. What would you guess Joy’s breed(s) to be? Time’s up! DNA Testing for Dogs Charity took advantage of DNA testing for dogs to learn Joy is 50{cc651acb8fd21d18461bab90e3951e117ad976e0f5f2bec6fa2ec763fee94208} Australian Shepherd, 12.5{cc651acb8fd21d18461bab90e3951e117ad976e0f5f2bec6fa2ec763fee94208} Lhasa Apso, and 12.5{cc651acb8fd21d18461bab90e3951e117ad976e0f5f2bec6fa2ec763fee94208}…

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Clean Bowl Challenge

Are You Ready? It’s important to use clean bowls for your pet’s food and water each day. Why? Germs, for starters.  Do you use the same dish for your breakfast, lunch and dinner without washing it? Still not convinced? Remind yourself with this article. The Clean Bowl Challenge Take a before and after picture of…

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Pet Food and Nutrition

Pet Food and Nutrition Talking about pet food and nutrition is like opening up a can of worms. Just because the topic is difficult or has uncomfortable answers doesn’t mean we should ignore it. On the contrary–we need to have a continual conversation–pet owner to veterinarian and vet to owner. Your pet is welcome to…

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Toe Trivia Time

We like to keep you on your toes when it comes to animal trivia. Put your best foot forward and have a guess! We know you can think on your feet. Toe Count: Elephant? Rhino? Dog? Cat? Chicken? Moose?   Your Animal Toes Answers Are Below  

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Dogs with Disabilities

From time to time we run across something that really inspires us. This story was one of them. We have clients who have pets with a disability. Perhaps a dog with 3 legs, a cat who is blind, or a pet who can’t easily get around. Living with these pets can be challenging at times,…

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How Do Animals Stay Cool?

True or False: Sweating is the most common way animals regulate body temperature. We really do sweat like pigs. Some creatures poop to keep cool. How exactly do different species keep cool when the temperature rises?    

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Help–My Dog Is Eating Poop!

If you’ve ever owned a dog, you may have encountered this lovely little quirk.  The technical term is coprophagia, or the eating of feces.  Some dogs have an extreme love of this forbidden fruit:   their own, from another dog, from the cat (extra special), or from rabbits (gourmet treat). Given that this is a fairly…

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DIY Upholstery Cleaner Is Put to the Test

Puppies are a lot of fun. They can also be a little on the messy side. Ellen, my Bloodhound pup, was having reoccurring urinary tract infections. Fortunately, one of the many benefits of working at a veterinary hospital includes bringing your pet to work. Ellen came with me every day because she had to go…

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When Human and Veterinary Medicine Connect

In the March 2015 issue of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Update (monthly newsletter), there was an interesting piece about the Patterson family from Des Moines, Iowa. They have not one, but two family members diagnosed with Lyme disease. That may not sound intriguing, but one of the family members is their black Lab, Lady….

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