Monday, February 27, 2012

Leptospirosis- Understanding The risk to your Dog and You !

What is in my Dog's vaccine?
Let's break down the Letters.
Da2ppL 
The L 
Leptospriosis ?







Leptospriosis is an infection disease that causes serious illness in dogs, other animals, and people.
The disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires that live in water or warm wet soil.
Letptospriosis causes a variety of Flu-like symptoms,but it can develop into a more severe,life-threatening illness.

Leptospirosis infects dogs by coming into contact of infected animals urine. Usually in water or wet ground.
It enters the body through the eyes,noses, mouth or through breaks in the skin.

Is my dog at Risk ?
Previously thought of as a warm -weather disease that occurs in the rural south, canine leptospirosis has now been reported through out the US. No matter where dogs live they are at risk and some are at a higher risk.
Dogs at high risk for leptospirosis:


Rural- working, hunting,and herding dogs.












Suburban- dogs living near water or wildlife










                                                                               City- dogs in crowded shelters or exposure to rodents.













How can you protect your dog from leptospirosis?
You can lower your dogs risk of leptospirosis by limiting exposure to potential sources of contamination, but the best way is with maintaining current vaccinations against leptospirosis.

Please check with your family veterinarian for their personal recommendations for Your Pet.
The Information is provided by intervet - Schering Plough Animal Health.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentines Day! 




No Chocolate for me! 

Dogs and Chocolate 
A deadly combination.

All forms of chocolate can be toxic to your canine Companion.

If you are unsure that your pet as ingested chocolate please call our office at 661-948-5065
Have a safe and happy day! 


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

It may surprise you how many substances found in and around your home can be 
dangerous to your pet. 
Each year millions of pets are exposed to household hazards, and not all of them have a good out come. 
Recently we had the opportunity to care for a sweet dog named Fred.  Fred came into the office after ingesting one of the most common household hazards Mouse Poison. Fred left to his own devices had gotten into the garage behind the tool box and unbeknownst to the owner found the mouse poison left over from last spring.  Fred is a good dog he is not a trash digger nor is he a table surfer, but the one thing he likes to get is mice. So apparently while in the garage with his owner he saw a mouse and headed out to catch that mouse. His owner noticing that Fred was after something but did not think much about it because Fred is a good dog,and  allowed Fred to continue looking for his mouse. A bit later the owner noticed Fred chewing on a box.. O NO a yellow and green box with the words DECON on the top.  Fred cant read he was not aware that this box with this tasty treat in it meant big danger for him. So off to the Veterinarian they went. Fred received medication and treatment and is doing fine. 
Fred's family would just like to remind everyone that Fred can't read and its our responsibility to protect our pets from all Household Hazards. 
Check out this great interactive web page @

Have a Great and Safe Day !
and Fred stay out of Trouble!

 Smith Veterinary Hospital