Leptospirosis: Protect Yourself and Your Pet

What is Leptospirosis?

lepto photoLeptospirosis 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 Pet Care

Senior Petsgeriatric 1

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…

Lyme Disease in Dogs

What Causes Lyme Disease?carrik

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…

Puppy and Kitten Vaccination

Why Do Puppies And Kittens Need Vaccines? 

kitten photoPuppies and Kittens are born with an immune system that is immature so they are very susceptible to infection with common diseases. When Puppies and Kittens are not properly vaccinated they are at risk of infection from these life threatening diseases that are easily prevented with proper and timely vaccination. Continue…