Canine Kennel Cough (or, why does my dog sound like a goose?)

Most people who have a dog in their family have heard the term ‘kennel cough’.  Despite this fact, very few people know what this term actually means, unless their dog has had it.  Kennel cough is the common name for canine infectious tracheobronchitis or Bordatella, and it is a highly contagious respiratory infection among dogs. Continue…

Cancer In Dogs and Cats

Unfortunately our dogs and cats get many of the same types of cancer that humans get.   Continue…

Halloween, the most frightful time of the year!

You have to admit that year after year, Halloween never really gets old. Scary movies and haunted walks in the woods make some thrill seekers count down the days until it’s arrival. While some of us appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the season without being totally terrified, and still being provided with chocolate everywhere you go. Jack-o-lanterns pose a threat for curious kittens and electrical cords are dangerous all year long. Continue…

Oh Hey, Let’s Talk Pupae! by front desk specialist Jen

Have you ever had a dream that fleas were wearing armor? Me too!

They’re hopping around with armor and shields, swords, and tiny helmets and tridents. In that dream you can hear them laughing along with little sounds of “Pew! Pew! Pew!” as they throw their weapons and get ready for their own attack on your beloved pet.  It’s actually not a dream it’s a nightmare.

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What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a potentially zoonotic bacterial disease, defined as a disease spread from animals to people.  Most human cases occur from wildlife sources such as raccoons, squirrels, foxes, skunks, opossums, coyotes and rats whose urine has contaminated standing water or soil.  Direct transmission from pets to people is uncommon but has been reported, usually from pet rats.  The bacteria penetrates mucous membranes or abraded skin. Continue…

Senior Pets

Senior pets are the best. They know you well,  and you know them well. They are smart and seasoned and worth their weight in gold. They’re also worth special care to keep them well and happy for as long as possible.  With dogs, the age at which they reach senior status varies by breed and other factors, such as size.  Cats are less variable than dogs in this regard, and tend to live longer than dogs.  As both species age, the checkups they need change, and you’ll want to keep a good schedule. Continue…

Hospice Care and End of Life Issues

Because attachment behaviors are the essence of the human-animal bond, owners want to return the unconditional love offered by companion animals, especially senior pets who have become long term family members. Our pets are integral parts of our family and we love them dearly. Seeing them age or develop disease can be very difficult. Continue…

The Androscoggin Animal Hospital is happy to provide acupuncture treatment for your pets.  Dr. Noyes was originally certified in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2001 though the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society or IVAS, and remains certified today. Dr. Noyes performs acupuncture on site by appointment. Continue…

What Causes Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by an infection with the Lyme bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi). The bacteria lives in infected deer ticks, and it is transmitted to the unfortunate host by the bite of the infected tick. Transmission of the bacteria from the tick to the host may only take several hours of attachment. Continue…

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Once your Dog or Cat has been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (Discussed further in Part I of our Diabetes Mellitus Blog), how is it treated? The short answer is with injections of insulin and with diet. Diabetes Mellitus is a generally treatable condition caused by an insulin deficiency.  Continue…