Category: Caring For Your Pets

Pet Diabetes Is on the Rise. Do You Know What Signs to Look For?

It’s interesting that the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in pets mirrors the pet obesity epidemic we discussed in an earlier post. Coincidence? Not at all. As in humans, obesity is a large risk factor for diabetes. According to Diabetes Voice, obesity increases the risk of developing diabetes about 3 to 5 fold. That’s pretty… Read more »

Think a Yearly Pet Exam Isn’t Important? Think Again!

Like many of us, you may be a bit lax in keeping up with your annual physical. It’s understandable. If you’re not feeling sick, you don’t feel the need to see your doctor. Hopefully, that same attitude doesn’t carry over to your dog or cat, because although you know when you’re not feeling well, your… Read more »

It’s Always Pumpkin Season for Your Pets

It’s nearly Halloween, so do you know what else it is? Pumpkin season! You’ll get to enjoy pumpkin in everything from pies and cheesecake to soups, side dishes, and yes, especially your morning latte. But don’t hog all that yummy goodness for yourself. Save some for the four-legged members of your household. Many dogs and… Read more »

E-cigs: Why This Popular Smoking Trend Is Not Good News for Your Pet

Have you jumped on the electronic cigarette trend as a healthier option for your smoking habit? Do you have a son or daughter who regularly smokes electronic cigarettes? This method of consuming nicotine is becoming a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. According to the FDA, e-cig use has risen dramatically in the past few years…. Read more »

The Scary Truth About Pet Obesity

Oct 12 is Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Why do we need a special day to bring awareness about our pets’ weight? Because according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 58% of cats and 54% of dogs in the U.S are overweight. And your chubby friend isn’t just having a little more trouble getting… Read more »

Rabies: Sources, Effects and the Importance of Vaccination

Your pet is your best companion. They trust in you – whether it’s that you’ll have food in their dish at mealtime, that you’ll let them sit in your lap or that you’ll take care of their medical needs. It’s important that you maintain that trust, and keep up on your pet’s needs, including doing… Read more »

Allergies in Pets: What’s Your Dog or Cat Allergic To?

We can all agree on one thing – allergy symptoms are terrible. No one likes feeling congested and stuffy; we all want to feel our best. While many people are allergic to pets, many pets can have their own allergies? Even worse, though, they cannot tell us how they feel. At Powell Veterinary Service, we… Read more »

Stop the Cough

According to a recent report in an American Veterinary Medical Association newsletter, there’s been a recent upsurge in kennel cough in Bend, Oregon. In fact, some veterinarians are seeing as many as 25 cases of dogs with kennel cough each week. This time last year, the average was 5. What’s happening in Oregon could certainly… Read more »

Byproducts in Your Pet’s Food? What’s the Big Deal?

With so many different pet food choices– grain-free, natural, organic, hypo-allergenic–more and more people are carefully reading the labels and ingredients. And one ingredient that often jumps out at many pet owners is “animal byproducts.” No denying it. The term byproducts typically inspires a rather unpleasant reaction from pet owners. However, is that bad rap deserved… Read more »

Excuse Me. Is That a Foxtail in Your Dog’s Ear?

Has your dog been scratching her ears or shaking her head? Are her ears red and inflamed or have a bad odor? Perhaps she’s also showing lack of coordination or balance problems. It could mean she has an ear infection. Ear infections are common this time of year, and we at Powell Veterinary Service are… Read more »