Chronic ear infections can be a frustrating problem for dogs. A dog's ears are shaped like
an "L," with a horizontal ear canal leading to a vertical canal. Because of this
conformation, they often need a little help getting properly cleaned out. Certain breeds
have more trouble than others. Cocker spaniels are notorious for having ear problems
because they have big, heavy outer ears (pinnae) that hang down and trap moisture,
predisposing them to infections with yeast and/or bacteria. Shar-peis commonly have
narrowed openings to the ear canal, which can make it more difficult to drain on their
own. Labs and Goldens are also predisposed. Swimming and allergies can be part of the
problem with chronic ear disease as well. Please visit our ear cleaning tips for some help
in the cleaning department.
Heartworm season is year-round here. Please contact us if you need information on
heartworm disease and prevention. We generally recommend year-round preventatives
here. Recent news reports have indicated that the mosquito count is on the rise, and
where there are mosquitoes, there is the potential for heartworm disease. We
recommend an annual heartworm test, as giving the preventatives can be dangerous if
your pet is infected. Testing is required every two years.
We have the rattlesnake vaccine available for dogs only. The vaccine is designed to
reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with snakebite. It is administered
subcutaneously (under the skin), like all the other vaccines. It should be boostered 30
days after the initial vaccine, and then every 6-12 months. For more information, please
call our office. Please note that in the event of a snakebite, emergency care is still
required. We can also refer you to trainers that can help prevent snakebite.
New medications are on the horizon! Slentrol, a new medication for weight loss in dogs,
is now available. Slentrol is intended to be a temporary medication, typically prescribed
for 7-12 months, to aid in weight loss. There is also a new medication for vomiting,
which can be used for motion sickness in addition to other causes of vomiting.
Reconcile is a new medication for canine separation anxiety. It comes with a DVD for
behavior modification which can dramatically improve the lives of you and your pet. The
tips are simple and easy to follow. Reconcile is another medication intended for
short-term use, generally from 2-6 months.
an "L," with a horizontal ear canal leading to a vertical canal. Because of this
conformation, they often need a little help getting properly cleaned out. Certain breeds
have more trouble than others. Cocker spaniels are notorious for having ear problems
because they have big, heavy outer ears (pinnae) that hang down and trap moisture,
predisposing them to infections with yeast and/or bacteria. Shar-peis commonly have
narrowed openings to the ear canal, which can make it more difficult to drain on their
own. Labs and Goldens are also predisposed. Swimming and allergies can be part of the
problem with chronic ear disease as well. Please visit our ear cleaning tips for some help
in the cleaning department.
Heartworm season is year-round here. Please contact us if you need information on
heartworm disease and prevention. We generally recommend year-round preventatives
here. Recent news reports have indicated that the mosquito count is on the rise, and
where there are mosquitoes, there is the potential for heartworm disease. We
recommend an annual heartworm test, as giving the preventatives can be dangerous if
your pet is infected. Testing is required every two years.
We have the rattlesnake vaccine available for dogs only. The vaccine is designed to
reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with snakebite. It is administered
subcutaneously (under the skin), like all the other vaccines. It should be boostered 30
days after the initial vaccine, and then every 6-12 months. For more information, please
call our office. Please note that in the event of a snakebite, emergency care is still
required. We can also refer you to trainers that can help prevent snakebite.
New medications are on the horizon! Slentrol, a new medication for weight loss in dogs,
is now available. Slentrol is intended to be a temporary medication, typically prescribed
for 7-12 months, to aid in weight loss. There is also a new medication for vomiting,
which can be used for motion sickness in addition to other causes of vomiting.
Reconcile is a new medication for canine separation anxiety. It comes with a DVD for
behavior modification which can dramatically improve the lives of you and your pet. The
tips are simple and easy to follow. Reconcile is another medication intended for
short-term use, generally from 2-6 months.
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