Ectoparasites are organisms that live on the outside of an animal. Ticks are fairly common ectoparasites of dogs (and cats).  How often you see ticks on your dog and how severe a tick assault will be depends on the region of the country in which you live, the time of year (tick activity varies in warm and cool weather), the habits of your dog, and how and when you use tick control products. Some ticks can infest dogs that spend most of their time indoors, and even dogs that only spend brief periods of time outside can have ticks.

 How will ticks affect my dog?

Ticks attach to your dog by inserting their mouth-parts into your dog’s skin. Many ticks also produce a sticky, glue-like substance that helps them to remain attached. After attaching to your dog, ticks begin feeding on your dog’s blood. The places where ticks attach can become red and irritated.

Although rare, ticks can consume enough of your dog’s blood Continue reading →

At Cazenovia Animal Hospital, we know how important senior pets are to their owners.  These pets have given years of unconditional love and devotion to us.  They have helped us weather ‘storms’ in our lives, provided consistency and support during moves, job changes, loss of a loved one.  Many seniors have seen the kids grow from toddlers to teens, been the kids’ playmate or protector, taught the kids about love and responsibility.  Many have shared outdoor adventures with us.  These seniors are truly special, and that is why we take their health so seriously! Continue reading →

 SHARED FROM THE ASPCA WEBSITE

3 NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($65 Consultation Fee)

Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($35 Consultation Fee)

Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 (FREE)

All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.
More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading Continue reading →

• A dental exam is performed by your veterinarian to determine the overall dental health of your pet.
• A dental exam can help identify early signs of dental disease.
• Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to kidney problems, heart disease, and other health issues.

What Is a Dental Exam?

The term dental disease in dogs and cats is very broadly used to describe gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the bone and other support structures around the tooth). Another term commonly used to collectively describe these two conditions is periodontal disease. Continue reading →

February is “Responsible Pet Owner” month and that got us thinking: how do we view responsible pet ownership? While there isn’t an exact definition for it the America Kennel Club gives each of us a great starting point for how we view pet ownership: “Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it’s a responsibility.”

Whether you own a dog or a cat one thing is for sure, owning that pet comes with great responsibility. Pets are not accessories that can be thrown aside and forgotten. Pets are companions that need love, care and devotion. Continue reading →

This time of year we see numerous pets become ill due to exposure to some commonly used seasonal products- namely rodenticides and ice melt products.

If you ask a veterinarian there is only one safe way to kill mice and rats, old fashioned traps!  However many people with pets mistakenly use rodenticide baits thinking that if they hide it well enough it will be fine.  Mice and rats frequently drag or move these products out to where dogs and cats can snatch them and ingest them. Continue reading →