Veterinary Blog in Gilbert

Do dogs going to Mexico need a pet health certificate?

Q: We want to take our family dog with us on a trip to Rocky Point this summer. Do we need a pet health certificate for dogs going to Mexico? Is there any other paperwork? A: According to the Mexican Consulate, a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and proof of vaccination against rabies…

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Wordless Wednesday: Buddies

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What are "core vaccines?"

Q: What’s the difference between “core” and “non-core” vaccines? Why should I care? A: Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all dogs or cats. They protect against diseases that infect dogs or cats of all life stages and lifestyles. These diseases usually (1) have high rates of infection, (2) pose a threat to…

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Is snake training right for MY dog?

Q: It’s spring in the desert and rattlesnakes are getting active. Does my dog need snake training? A:  Snake avoidance training, also known as snake training and snake breaking, can be a helpful tool for dogs that spend unsupervised time in Arizona’s deserts and woodlands. Canine Outdoor Enthusiasts–dogs that participate in off-leash activities like hunting,…

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I forgot a dose of heartworm prevention, why retest?

Q: I was a few weeks late giving my dog’s heartworm preventative, and now my vet says I should test him again in six months. I only missed ONE dose.  Is she trying to rip me off? A: Nope, she’s trying to protect your dog’s long-term health. Heartworm preventatives keep your dog from getting sick…

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Yikes! I forgot to give my dog's heartworm pill!

Q: I forgot to give my dog’s monthly heartworm preventative, what should I do? A: Give the dose you missed immediately, then continue giving the medication on the day you’ve always given it. If the missed dose is more than 2 weeks late, your dog should be tested for heartworm again in six months (click…

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Help! My cat is pooping outside the litterbox!

Q: My cat has started pooping right next to his litterbox. We recently had to change the type of litter because I’m pregnant and can’t be exposed to regular cat litter. Should we switch back, try a new one, or will he get used to it? A: Inappropriate elimination–defecating or urinating in unwanted places–may be…

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Pass the puppy, please!

We have a little game we play with puppies. It usually starts after Dr. Burns gets finished examining one and starts chatting with the pup’s people. While the family is distracted, the puppy mysteriously disappears—sometimes until the visit is over and Dr. B walks the family back up to reception, where the missing puppy is…

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8 Reasons it’s Better to be a Pet Now than 25 Years Ago

Dogs have it pretty good these days, as Karen B. London, PhD recently pointed out in THE BARK. In 8 Reasons it’s Better to be a Dog Now than 25 Years Ago, London points out some of the ways dogs have it better now than they did in the 80’s. Written from her perspective as…

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In Veterinary Medicine, the Standard of Care is rarely standard

Medical professionals often talk about the “Standard of Care,” a set of guidelines that define the appropriate treatment for a particular health problem. The standard of care is what helps ensure that patients receive a similar basic level of care no matter where they’re treated. Standards of care are nice, because they help set our…

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