Pets

As we all know, Santa Clarita has been experiencing an extreme heat wave over the past couple weeks and more to come.  Therefore, it is very important to be aware of several factors that may impact your pet’s health in the heat.  Some of the problems we deal with every day include heatstroke, snakebites, burned paw pads, lost or injured dogs during fireworks, and insect bites (fleas, bees, mosquitos, and ticks). 

Read more: Summer Pet Safety

A recent case I saw and an article in the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association’s journal reminded me that rabies still exist, and we should always be aware especially in cases with suspicious neurological symptoms.  Dog owners generally keep their pets updated, but some cat owners, especially “indoor-only cat” owners sometimes don’t vaccinate their pets against rabies.  State and County Veterinarians who work in the Public Health Departments recommend that all cats be vaccinated for rabies, including indoor-only cats.

Read more: Rabies

We are already experiencing some very hot days and summer is upon us.  So let’s make sure that our furry friends are out of the heat and out of harm’s way.  With the high temperatures we experience every year it is important to understand how the heat affects our pets and how to keep them out of danger. 
We see cases of heat stress and heat stroke every year.  Every pet is at risk for developing heat stroke, but those at increased risk include pediatric, geriatric, and obese pets, dark colored or long haired pets, and brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs, Boxers, and Bulldogs). 

Read more: Heat Stroke: Keep Your Pets Cool and Safe

Continued from last month…
What is the recovery period, and how long does it take to see results?
We recommend that the patient be kept quiet for the first 10 days.  Then, while they may feel a lot better, you will need to be careful so your pet doesn’t injure themselves until they build up some of their muscles.  Swimming and walking in water is great therapy.  We typically see improvement starting after three weeks, and then continuing up to around two months.
What conditions do you treat?

Read more: Stem Cell Therapy - Your Questions Answered Part two of two