The fuzzy white caterpillar may look harmless, but the oak processionary moth (OPM) packs a toxic punch that can cause severe skin rashes, eye irritation, and breathing issues in humans and can kill dogs. Health officials in England are warning people “it’s time to be vigilant” after the caterpillars with poisonous setae (hairs) are flourishing…
Dogs cannot get autism, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned, after the “anti-vaccine” movement is spreading to pets. ‘Anti-vaxxers’ believe that immunizations and vaccinations have harmful side effects – ones that they believe cause autism in children. The beliefs have been widely debunked by the medical community, but it seems the ideas are now…
A dog owner is warning fellow pet owners about the dangers of electronic cigarettes after his Staffordshire Terrier puppy accidentally ingested a bit of the liquid and died. Keith Sutton’s dog, Ivy, bit through a capsule of the e-cigarette refill liquid and within 30 seconds the poison took hold and a few hours later she…
Dogs are such common victims of some tick species that the ticks have the word ‘dog’ in their name. Ticks carry many blood-borne diseases, transmitted when they attach to the host’s skin and staying attached until they’ve filled their bodies with blood. When ticks first attach, they are almost impossible to find in a heavily…
The Easter holidays is a great time for children to enjoy activities filled with surprise Easter egg hunts and chocolatey treats. As fun as Easter weekend can be for the youngsters, it’s also a time for pet parents to be vigilant that their dogs do not get accidentally poisoned by chocolate. Veterinarians say that the…
When you go fishing, or you purchase a raw salmon, think twice before sharing it with your dog. Salmon Poisoning Disease (or fish disease) is a rare, but potentially fatal condition seen in dogs that eat certain types of raw fish. Salmon (salmonid fish) and other anadromous fish (fish that swim upstream in freshwater to…
Cookie Dough the Shar Pei was rescued by Vet Ranch after the dog was left at a shelter in very poor shape. The dog had a skin infection and ulcers in her eyes and she had been used as a breeding dog at a puppy mill. Cookie Dough couldn’t see and was likely blind her…
Canine Parvovirus (or “Parvo” as it is commonly referred to) is highly contagious virus infection that is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. Canine Parvovirus affects domestic dogs and also other canine species including foxes, wolves, and coyotes. The disease is primarily spread through fecal matter in dirt….
Everyone knows how therapeutic massage is for your body. It helps blood circulate and relieve muscle tension, stiffness and soreness. But not everyone knows how good it is for dogs too! Massage can help relax a nervous dog and it can help relieve joint stiffness and muscle pain in active dogs, aging dogs and dogs…
A husky puppy rescued from a shelter arrived at Vet Ranch so weak he couldn’t stand up or eat. It turns out, the puppy’s gums were pale white because hookworms had caused severe anemia. He also had low blood pressure and was also parvovirus positive. Knowing they had to work fast, Dr. Kari and her…
During warm temperatures and hot weather months, blue-green algae blooms can suddenly grow in freshwater lakes, rivers, or waterways. It is sometimes found in saltwater near river mouths. Avoiding areas contaminated with blue-green algae is extremely important, as contact with toxic blooms can potentially be fatal for dogs and people. About blue-green algae Blue-green algae,…
Callie the pit bull was standing behind the couch when her human thought something strange was going on. She approaches the dog and asks her if she’s okay, only to notice the dog’s head shaking uncontrollably. The video, which is going viral, appears to be showing a symptom that turned out to be dog flu,…