dog

Amazing recovery of “Lulu”

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Video of Winslow Animal Hospital patient “Lulu’s” amazing recovery after being hit by a car.
She had pelvic fracture and abdominal wall hernia surgeries and was able to avoid additional surgery for her hip. She amazes us all with the progress she has made in just a short period of time. Way to go, “Lulu”!!

Intestinal Parasites (pt 2 of 2)

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It's a stool sample!

It’s a stool sample!

… read Part 1 first.

Do not allow your pet to drink stagnant water and keep away from environments that are heavily contaminated with feces, such as dog parks. Clean up your pet’s environment on a regular basis to avoid soil contamination. 

Veterinarians recommend regular stool sample screenings, at least once per year for most pets in order to detect parasites as early as possible. If a pet has had chronic parasitic infections or suspicious symptoms have begun, screenings should be every 6 months.

Fecal samples for testing should be fresh, no more than 24 hours old and in an airtight container. Sample size recommended is one (1) gram, which is equivalent to 2 sugar cubes or one medium marble.

Intestinal Parasites (pt 1 of 2)

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It's a stool sample!

It’s a stool sample!

Hookworms. Whipworms. Protozoa infections. These terrifying miniature monsters are not science fiction; they are common realities for pets in the United States. Some of the many intestinal parasites out there can be contracted trans-placentally, that is, from mother to puppy or kitten.

Dogs are even less careful what goes in their mouths than people are. Many parasites are contracted via contact with or ingestion of infected feces, stagnant water, infected hosts (mice, rabbits, fleas, etc.) or through skin penetration by contaminated soil.

Pets MAY NOT show clinical signs, depending on the infection, which is why preventative care is so important. Most common symptoms include diarrhea, bloody stool, weight loss, lethargy, distended abdomen, abdominal cramping, dullness of coat, dehydration or anemia, especially when infected by a ‘blood-sucking’ variety of parasite.

See Part 2 for information about detecting and preventing intestinal parasites!

Heat Stroke in Dogs

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Heat stroke (hyperthermia) is a very serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Understanding the signs and practicing preventative measures will help to keep your pet safe during warm weather.

  • Dogs do not sweat like humans.They expel heat mostly through panting and they sweat through the pads of their feet and nose. 
  • The Average body temperature of a dog is 100°F – 101.5°F. If a rectal temperature rises to 104°F or greater, this is considered an emergency.
  • NEVER LEAVE your dog in a car in warm weather, even with the windows open. It may only take a matter of minutes for the temperature in the car to exceed that of your dog’s core body temperature, which is why heat stroke symptoms begin.      
  • Keep fresh, cool water available at all times during warm weather.
  • Be ever vigilant of the amount of time spent outdoors, especially while exercising or playing.      
  • Certain breeds are more sensitive to heat stroke, such as brachycephalic (short-nosed), thick-coated and long-haired breeds
  • Dogs with certain medical issues, such as obesity, heart, lung, liver and kidney disease, diabetes as well as the very young and very old are sensitive to heat stroke.
  • Avoid vigorous exercise in warm weather. Remember, heat stroke can still occur around water, like lakes and pools, if the dog is not actually in the water.
  • Know the signs of heat stroke: vigorous panting, dark red gums, weakness, lethargy, unable to rise, vocalization, dry/tacky gums, lack of coordination, vomiting, thick salivation/foaming of the mouth, collapse.