Animal travel
There are benefits to vacationing with animals, however, all too often taking your animal on holiday is problematic, expensive, and difficult. We like the idea of traveling with our animals yet the logistics of animal travel is overlooked and the fine print causes the animals distress or to be left behind – and sometimes in hot cars. Please know that not all animals are candidates for travel and animals cannot go to all destinations. Traveling [...]
Our approach to rabies and its prevention
Rabies is a fatal viral zoonosis and serious public health problem. Rabies infection is caused by the rabies virus in humans and animals. The disease is an acute, progressive encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Mammals are infected through animal bites which spread the disease through saliva. Once the virus has penetrated the skin of the bitten animal it makes its way to the nearest nerve. The rabies virus then makes its way to the central [...]
Astoria Animal Hospital’s approach to canine ears
At Astoria Animal Hospital, our approach to the canine ear is a little different than most places. This document is written to help the client understand the difficulties with the canine ear, how we recommend it is treated and most importantly WHY we do it the way we do. Normal anatomy The canine ear canal is very long and has two parts: the vertical canal and the horizontal canal. The ear drum, if intact, [...]
Do you recommend vaccinating animals?
Yes, I recommend puppy/kitten vaccinations for young pets. Dogs need to be vaccinated for rabies (and cats should be as well) and licensed by six months of age in our state—that is Oregon State Law. The earliest you can vaccinate for rabies is three months of age. The rabies vaccination must be given by a veterinarian that carries a valid license Oregon. You will be given a certification that carries an original signature for which [...]
How often should puppies be fed?
Puppies need to eat small amounts and often (about 5-9 times per day). This applies to all puppies but not always for the same reasons. Puppies destined to be large breed dogs grow at an exceptionally rapid rate and often cannot maintain their blood sugar very well. Some puppies are destined for being small dogs, and these dogs cannot maintain their heat with out having frequent stops for refueling. No matter what their ultimate size, [...]
Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease in dogs (and cats) is a recognized risk in all 50 states. Not only is it recognized in all 50 states, but it has also been diagnosed in every season. There have been many positive diagnoses here in Clatsop County in recent years, though no one knows exactly how many or where the “hotspots” are. Simply put, heartworm disease is caused by adult parasitic roundworms that reside in the heart and related [...]