Every year, animal poison control hotlines field dozens of questions regarding poisonous plant exposure. Dogs and cats frequently chew on or ingest plants’ foliage and flowers found both in and around the home. While most ornamental plants are innocuous, there are certainly many which do contain toxins harmful to pets. The effects of these toxins can range from minor irritation in the mouth [...]

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I just returned from a three-day spay/neuter clinic on the island of Jamaica. And it was no vacation. A group of six American veterinarians and three technicians volunteered our time and skills for the International Spay/Neuter Network, a grassroots organization out of Florida whose mission is to help the animals in that desperately poor country. We stood from 8AM to 6PM, Friday thru Sunday of [...]

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Recently, a friend of mine traveled cross-country with her three cats. She and her husband fretted as the trip approached, wanting to make the journey as stress-free as possible for them and their pets. To no one’s surprise, the trip went very well, and everyone arrived in good health and humor. Theirs is not a solitary tale. People move all over the place-and hopefully, take their animals [...]

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Just when most of us don’t want to hear the word flu again, here is more to consider about that nasty virus. Influenza is not just a hot button issue with humans, it’s abuzz in the canine world as well. The reason is two fold: there is a new, controversial vaccine for canine influenza, and recently, several cats and ferrets were diagnosed with H1N1. Holy Mutation, [...]

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I am overjoyed to tell you that the Kent County Humane Society is holding its first low-cost spay/neuter clinic on Saturday, October 30th from 8-5 at the shelter. The Kent County Humane Society is located 4.5 miles north of Chestertown on Augustine Herman Highway, Route 213. This first clinic will be for cats only, though subsequent events will include dogs. Cats or [...]

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None of us want to experience an emergency with our pet, but sometimes critical situations arise and it’s best to be prepared for them. Having a plan to deal with a pet in crisis minimizes stress for both owner and animal. Unfortunately, this is the voice of experience speaking. I found myself in that situation when Bosun my yellow lab, was hit by a car four weeks ago. He[...]

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By now, my readers are well on their way to a well socialized, good mannered and adequately immunized kitten. Now it’s time to shine the spotlight on puppies. Having a puppy around the house can be such a joy. It’s hard not to love a lab or golden retriever or a tiny poodle with their innocent expressions and cuddle-soft fur. Here’s my take on keeping that new[...]

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This isn’t an easy one to write. We lost Bosun last week. He succumbed to a variety of illnesses too overwhelming for even his great spirit. He was a beloved member of our family for over 13 years. He loved life, approached each day with happiness, was kind and gentle to everyone he met and gave unconditional love to his family and friends each day he walked on this earth. Bo came from a [...]

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Thank God it’s Spring. It’s such a lovely season, and I don’t know anyone who isn’t relieved and grateful for its arrival. Bugs will arrive too, so April is a good month to be sure that your pets are protected against heartworms. Heartworms are circulatory parasites. They don’t live in the gastrointestinal tract as do other familiar worms. As the name implies, they [...]

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I feel like a doorman. I’m constantly letting my cats in and out of the front door. Mercifully, I’m not home much, but when I am, it’s in and out, open and close, pause and wait, scoot or boot. I’ve contemplated the merits of the totally indoor versus outdoor lifestyle, and each has advantages. Indoor cats are of course cleaner than their outdoor [...]

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