People in the Portland Metro area routinely experience problems with unwanted rodents in or around their homes. Our mild climate and abundance of resources provide excellent habitat for these critters. The most popular method of controlling unwanted rodent populations...

Some of you may have recently seen news reports about the FDA’s announcement on the potential for neurologic side effects with some flea and tick preventatives. These are products in what is called the ‘isoxazoline class’, which includes Nexgard, Simparica, Credelio,...

Ticks are a common parasite in the northwest. Although present year-round, they are most frequently encountered in spring and summer. We often get calls from clients, concerned that their dog (less often cat) has a tick on them. Quite often, dog parents will mistake a...

On June 15, 2018, The Oregonian reported that a bat testing positive for the Rabies virus was found inside a Lake Oswego home. While no one was bitten by the bat, it is possible that the dog and two cats who reside at the home had contact with the bat. Fortunately,...

With many people avoiding grains in their own diets, pet food companies have recognized this trend and developed grain-free pet foods marketed to health-conscious pet owners. While grain-free foods can be fine, a concern has been raised by cardiologists who have...

Is Grain-Free Healthier? The short answer to this complicated question is - it depends! While food allergies do exist, protein sources are far more often the culprit rather than grains. In one study with 278 dogs, beef was the most common allergen, being responsible...

Each of our Whole Health Plans includes labwork - but why? Puppy & Kitten Whole Health Plans:  Chem/CBC/PT/PTT (plus twice a year fecal for puppies and FeLV/FIV testing in kittens). Helps screen for congenital or acquired diseases that may be a health concern for...

Why is labwork important for healthy animals?  There are 4 main reasons: 1. To make sure nothing is wrong with a patient that we’re not aware of. Unrecognized toxin exposure - Pets that have been exposed to or ingested a toxin (unknown to their pet parents) may...

Why does my pet need a dental cleaning? Regular dental cleanings are needed to prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease takes place below the gum line. It is caused by the bacteria living on dental plaque and tartar eating away at the bone surrounding...

Canine influenza is a highly contagious airborne disease, much like kennel cough (Bordetella). The virus can travel in droplets from a cough or sneeze and can be transmitted by contact with contaminated objects (for instance, a chew toy or water bowl). Dogs can spread...