by Dr. Laura Monahan | Apr 18, 2022 | Pet Safety, Product Information
Dogs exposed to Lyme disease have a 43 percent higher risk of developing kidney disease, according to a study from IDEXX. Ticks transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Dogs, cats, and humans (along with many other animals) can become infected with Lyme disease...
by Dr. Laura Monahan | Apr 3, 2022 | Pet Safety, Wellness
Two of our dog patients recently tested positive for heartworm disease. That’s the first time we’ve seen this in over 10 years, so we wanted to provide you with some important information about what to watch for in your dog or cat. What is heartworm disease? Heartworm...
by Dr. Laura Monahan | Oct 31, 2021 | Pet Care, Pet Safety, Vendors We Love
Before domestication about 3,000 years ago, Felis catus domesticus (our house cats) ate uncooked foods, including the innards of rodents, birds, fish, insects, snakes, and other reptiles. Outdoor cats still frequently imbibe in wild creature cuisine in its “natural”...
by Dr. Laura Monahan | May 16, 2021 | Pet Insurance, Pet Safety, Wellness
Giardia is a microscopic, contagious parasite common in the Pacific Northwest. It causes the gastrointestinal illness known as giardiasis. Giardia is found in contaminated water (such as puddles), soil, and food that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from...
by Dr. Laura Monahan | Apr 5, 2021 | Pet Medicine, Pet Safety
All mammals, including bats and humans, can contract rabies through a bite or contact with saliva from a rabies-infected animal (alive or dead). Unfortunately, bat bites in humans can be tiny and often go undetected. Bat Facts According to the Washington State...
by Dr. Laura Monahan | Nov 2, 2020 | Pet Safety
A pet owner called us in a panic after their dog ate a chocolate-covered gummy bear. Since the ingredients weren’t listed on the bag or on the manufacturer’s website, we couldn’t determine whether the gummy bear was sugar-free, potentially containing xylitol. Xylitol...