Oregon Veterinary Medical Association

@oregonvma.org

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The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association is a nonprofit group of veterinarians. We love helping people give their animals a high quality of life. https://oregonvma.org

A white truck drives through the smoke from a wildfire. Signs of Smoke Irritation in Animals ••◄ Unusual coughing, sneezing or gagging ••◄ Breathing difficulties ••◄ Eye irritation and excessive watering ••◄ Inflammation of throat or mouth ••◄ Nasal discharge ••◄ Asthma-like symptoms ••◄ Increased breathing rate ••◄ Weakness and lethargy When Wildfire Smoke is Present ••◄ Keep pets and pet birds indoors. ••◄ Limit time outdoors for pets to quick potty breaks. ••◄ If your pet, bird, horse or livestock animal is experiencing breathing difficulties or eye irritation, consult your veterinarian. If you evacuate, take your pets with you. Plan ahead as much as possible for livestock and horse evacuation and shelter.
Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day. Nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by pets. Here are some tips to help ensure your pet does not start a house fire, and to keep it safe in case of fire. Make Sure Fire Alarms Are Working This is for the safety of everyone in your home. Extinguish Open Flames Your pet should not be left unattended around active cooking appliances, candles, or fireplaces. Consider Cook Tops Stoves and cook tops are the most common ways a pet can start a home fire. If your pet can reach them, remove stove knobs or cover them when not cooking. Use Flameless Candles Pets can start fires when their tails or paws knock over lit candles. Secure Curious Pets Keep pets confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home, such as in their crate or behind a baby gate.
A Corgi wears a bow that looks like an American flag. 🗽Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 Here are some tips for a safe 4th of July for you and your pet: 🎆 Do not take pets to fireworks displays. Keep pets indoors and away from crowds. 🎆 Animals that are already crate trained may feel safest in their crate. 🎆 A fan or other white noise can help mask the sound of fireworks. 🎆 Make sure your pet has ID (collar tag and/or microchip) in case they do get lost. 🎆 Please check in with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you think your pet may need anxiety support for the upcoming holiday.
A wheat color doodle dog wears orange sunglasses. Its pink tongue hangs out of its mouth. Summer Heat Tips for Pets * Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. Heatstroke is life-threatening and can happen when pets are left in cars with the windows rolled up or even cracked slightly. * Avoid exercising your pet during the midday heat and on hot pavement. * Check for harmful algae bloom advisories before cooling off in lakes or rivers. * Protect your pet from sunburn.
A reddish-brown dog sits in a field of grass. Keep dogs safe from foxtails. Grass awns are the barbed seed pods of foxtails and cheatgrass. If an awn becomes embedded in a dog, it can cause an infection as it migrates inwards. Brush your pet after outings, checking between their toes and in their ears, armpits, and groin area. Remove awns with tweezers—be sure to get the entire seed pod. If you think the awn has already migrated inward, please see your veterinarian.
Two female veterinarians compare notes in a field with grazing cows. Today is World Food Safety Day. Veterinarians are involved in the entire food chain, helping to maintain the health of livestock animals and poultry to keep our food safe.
A black cow stands in a field of sunflowers. New World screwworm can infest any warm-blooded animal, including livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and, rarely, humans. Screwworms are fly larvae (maggots) that burrow into flesh and feed on the living tissue of animals. If not treated, infestation can be fatal.
A woman holds a gray cat with bright orange eyes that has a yellow bell on its collar. It's Adopt a Cat Month. If you are thinking of adding a cat to your family, consider adopting from a shelter or humane organization. Older cats also make great companions. Cats deserve to have a cozy lap to sleep on, healthy food, a safe place to scratch, play time, treats and regular veterinary care.
A brown and white dog with its tongue hanging out walks along a woody path on a sunny day. Vaccinate Pets & Horses Against Rabies Vaccinating animals against rabies protects them and creates a “buffer zone” between humans and rabid animals. By Oregon law, all dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinarians strongly recommend vaccination for cats, ferrets and horses, too. Do not pick up or touch bats. If you encounter a bat during the day, it is likely unhealthy and should be avoided. Anyone bitten by a bat should be vaccinated against rabies if the bat is not available for testing.
A brown Labrador dog. Arthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and mobility challenges. Older pets are more likely to develop arthritis due to the effects of aging. Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, increasing the risk of arthritis. If your pet has achy joints and reduced mobility, ask your veterinarian about pain management options.
Charlie, a white doodle mix with dark brown eyes, is a dog adopted from a rescue organization. It's National Rescue Dog Day! Dogs deserve to have a loving home for life with a cozy bed, healthy food, exercise, socialization, toys, treats and regular veterinary care.
A yellow lab sits on the bank of a lake in the woods. Harmful algae blooms can cause serious illness or death in pets and livestock that ingest water or mats containing high concentrations of cyanotoxins. Dogs can become extremely ill, and even die, within minutes to hours of exposure. When in doubt, stay out! If you find thick, pea-green or blue-green foam, thick green or brownish-red mats, or bright green clumps suspended in the water in a lake, pond, river or stream—especially in shallow, marshy areas where cyanobacteria blooms can form—don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water.
A grey and white cat is scratching behind its ear with its paw. The most common reason for skin problems in pets is an underlying allergy. Allergies are one of the most common causes of recurrent ear infections in companion pets. Symptoms * Itching, scratching, shaking head, pawing at ears * Sneezing, snoring, runny eyes/nose, ear infections * Chewing, licking, hair loss, bald spots * Vomiting, diarrhea, scooting * Rash on feet, ears, face, base of tail, toes, abdomen Causes * Ectoparasites: Fleas, ticks, lice, mites * Environment: Pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, smoke * Food: 10-15% of allergy cases
A white cat sits in a cat carrier on a cream blanket. Your animals depend on you for their safety. Be sure to include them in your disaster preparedness plans. If You Evacuate, Take Your Animals If it isn’t safe for you to be there, it’s not safe for them either. If you think you will need to evacuate, gather your pets so they will be accounted for when it’s time to leave. Create a contingency plan for evacuating horses and livestock. If possible, evacuate early—do not wait for mandatory orders. Stockpile Emergency Supplies Consider preparing two kits—one for sheltering in place, and one in a travel bag that is ready for quick evacuation.
Two Corgis and a brown and white cat with orange eyes sit on a couch together. National Pet Week® celebrates the pets that enrich our lives and encourages responsible pet care every day of the year. Protect your pet's health and quality of life with regular veterinary care (including vaccinations and parasite control), exercise, socialization, a healthy diet, and lots of love!
A female veterinarian wearing a red shirt and green overalls kneels on straw inside a stall with a brown and white calf. Today is World Veterinary Day, a day to celebrate the contributions of veterinarians to human and animal health! This year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” highlights the vital role veterinarians play in safeguarding food safety and security, public health, and animal health.
A ginger cat with amber eyes sits by a window. It's wearing a blue color with a blue ID tag. It's National Pet ID Week, a great time to double check to make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag and/or microchip. These two forms of identification could help you to be reunited with your pet should it become lost.
A gray and white dog with deep brown eyes licks its nose with its long pink tongue. It is wearing a bejeweled light blue collar with a bejeweled silver heart hanging from it. On 4/20 day, we want to remind pet owners to secure all THC products and foods containing marijuana in pet-proof containers and keep them out of reach of pets. Keep pets away from cannabis plants. If your pet ingests marijuana, seek veterinary care and let them know you suspect marijuana poisoning.
A chocolate brown puppy with a bright pink tongue is looking super cute against a lime green bokeh background. Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, cats and ferrets. Infected mosquitoes spread the parasite that causes heartworm disease from animal to animal. Heartworm infection can cause inflammation and thickening of the pulmonary arteries as well as damage to the heart, liver and kidneys. If untreated, it can lead to heart disease and death. Your pet's risk of exposure to parasite-carrying mosquitoes increases with outdoor activities in areas that have high mosquito counts, but even indoor-only pets can be infected. The American Heartworm Society and veterinarians recommend annual heartworm testing and year-round heartworm preventive medication. Talk to your veterinarian about how to protect your pet from heartworm disease.
A gray and white cat with green eyes peers around the corner of a kennel while another gray and white cat bats at a toy in the background. We appreciate animal care and control efforts to protect the welfare of livestock, equine, and pets rescued from injury, disease, and abuse.
A brown and cream pug looks expectantly at the camera. All dogs—even well-trained, gentle dogs—are capable of biting in reaction to a stressful situation such as being startled or scared, when they feel unwell or if they are injured, or if they are disturbed while sleeping, eating or caring for puppies. To help prevent bites: Never leave babies or young children unsupervised with dogs, even with family pets. Ensure that your pet receives preventive veterinary care and treat injuries or illness. Properly socialize and train your dog. Expose your dog to new situations slowly and for short periods of time. Give praise and rewards for good behavior. Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog, and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you. If the dog isn’t interested, don’t force it.
A photo of an Easter lily. This Easter, we want to remind cat owners to keep lilies out of their homes. All parts—petals, leaves, stem and pollen—of the Easter lily plant are poisonous and can cause kidney failure in cats within 72 hours. Tiger, day, rubrum, stargazer, and Japanese show lilies are also toxic to cats.
Benny, a Goldendoodle named after the OSU mascot Benny the Beaver, is a 2026 inductee into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame in the Professional category.
Skipper, a pit bull mix, is a 2026 inductee into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame in the Hero category.
Leanne Schuetze CVPM
Dr. Stephen Hines
Dr. Charles Hurty
A brown, black and white dog with bright blue eyes is smiling, showing its healthy white teeth. It's Pet Dental Care month, a time to remind pets owners of the importance of dental care for their pets. You wouldn't go a lifetime without brushing your teeth....neither should your pet! Dental disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem in adult dogs and cats. Nearly 80% of all dogs and cats over the age of three have periodontal (gum) disease. Without prevention and treatment, this can lead to tooth decay, bleeding gums, tooth loss, and even damage to internal organs. Check your pets for these symptoms of oral disease: * Persistent bad breath * Red, bleeding, swollen, receding or eroding gums * Yellow-brown plaque or tartar on the teeth * Loose, infected or missing teeth Prevention and treatment options include: * Dental cleanings by your veterinarian * Brushing your pet's teeth regularly * Feeding your pet a specially formulated food to combat tartar and plaque buildup
Graphic showing the top 10 toxins of 2025 affecting dogs and cats, based on case consultation data from Pet Poison Helpline. 1. Chocolate 2. Grapes and raisins 3. Onions and garlic 4. Bromethalin rodenticide 5. Xylitol 6. Ibuprofen 7. Vitamin D3 (overdose) 8. Marijuana and THC 9. Anticoagulant rodenticide 10. Acetaminophen Keep your pets safe from these toxins!
A small brown dog wearing a snowman costume wishes you Happy Holidays! Happy holidays from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and our member veterinarians and best wishes for a very happy and healthy New Year!
A brown and white dog with a heart shape on its nose wears a headband of golden antlers with colorful Christmas pom-poms on it. Here are some holiday safety tips for pet owners: Keep Holiday Foods Out of Reach * Chocolate * Candy * Fruitcake * Items containing xylitol * Alcohol * Marijuana, including edibles, butters and oils * Grapes * Raisins * Onion * Garlic * Fatty meats and poultry, including the skin Pet-Proof Your Decorations * Secure your tree. Avoid adding preservatives, aspirin or sugar to the water. * Keep glass ornaments, dreidels, tinsel, string and ribbon out of reach. * Light strands, loose wires and electrical cords can be a hazard to pets who like to chew. * Never leave holiday or Hanukkah candles unattended around pets. * While not toxic, American mistletoe leaves/berries and poinsettia plants can cause GI upset if eaten.
A black and white dog with bright blue eyes looks up from a lawn covered in orange leaves. The OVMA and our member veterinarians wish you the best this Thanksgiving. Help your pets avoid these potential food hazards: * Fatty turkey and turkey skin * Alcohol and marijuana * Raisins and grapes * Artificial sweetener xylitol * Chocolate * Yeast and dough * Onions * Leftovers on plates or in the garbage can
A golden lab and a black kitty cuddle. It's Pet Diabetes Awareness Month. Pets with diabetes cannot produce or utilize insulin properly, preventing the conversion of food to energy. Without the conversion to energy, extra sugar left in the blood leads to lethargy and other health problems. Signs of Early Diabetes in Pets * More frequent urination * Increased thirst * Increased appetite * Unexplained weight loss and lethargy Symptoms of Advanced Diabetes in Pets * Loss of appetite * Cataracts in dogs * Vomiting * Dehydration * Weakness * Abnormal gait and muscle loss due to nerve damage Diabetes Treatments * Insulin * Glucose monitoring * Diet and exercise * Veterinary checkups
A golden lab is being gently petted on its head. It's National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is a leading cause of disease-related death in older pets. Just as in humans, early detection can make a difference in treatment options and outcomes. Regular health exams—at least once per year for younger pets and twice per year for pets over 7—can help detect issues while still in the early stages, improving treatment options for your pet. Your observations of your pet's behavior and health are important. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, please consult with your veterinarian. Do not assume your pet has cancer if they show some of these signs. Symptoms such as bad breath and weight loss can be signs of other health problems, too. That's why it's best to have your pet seen by its veterinarian. When in doubt, check it out. Signs to Watch For * Swelling or changing lumps or bumps — check your pet once per month * Bad breath or bad smell coming from the body * Weight loss or gain without diet changes * Change in appetite * Bleeding or discharge from anywhere on the body * Sores that are not healing * Difficulty or changes in urination or defecation * Loss of energy * Lameness or stiffness * Difficulty breathing, chewing or swallowing
A sprightly senior golden retriever with a white muzzle walks on a stone path. It's Senior Pet Health Month, a good time to make an appointment for your senior pet to have a veterinary check-up. A veterinary exam twice per year along with lab work will enable your veterinarian to diagnose and treat disease as early as possible in order to maintain your pet's quality of life. Your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate diet for your senior pet's nutritional needs as well as discuss behavior and mobility issues. It's also Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we remind you that, while older pets may sometimes have health issues, they make great companions, and regular veterinary care will help them live a healthier life. Health Issues Common in Senior Pets As they age, pets may develop some of the same health concerns seen in aging humans, such as: * Diabetes * Arthritis * Loss of hearing * Loss of eyesight * Heart disease * Cancer * Kidney or liver disease * Thyroid issues * Behavior changes * Cognition issues What to Watch for in Senior Pets Your senior pet should be seen by its veterinarian if it shows any of these symptoms: * Increased or decreased appetite * Weight gain or loss * Urination issues, such as accidents in the house * Vomiting * Changes in grooming habits or behavior, such as disorientation * New lumps or bumps that persist or grow * Lameness or stiffness
A military K-9 German Shepherd sits on a tank. Today we honor all Veterans, both human and canine, including the K-9 officers who serve as sentries, scouts, explosive detection dogs, search and rescue dogs, and others. Their service and sacrifice are appreciated.
A woman sits at a desk behind a computer across from a brown dog who is sitting in front of its own computer. Practice managers are essential members of the veterinary health care team. We recognize your important contribution to veterinary medicine and the well-being of animals. Thank you!
A woman offers her dog a bowl of food...the dog wags its tail excitedly. It's International Human-Animal Bond Day. Veterinarians are proud to help keep animals healthy and support the important bond between people and animals. "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~Anatole France
A shelter worker wearing a badge on a lanyard looks at a dog and a cat, both in cages. A cartoon bubble above her head includes a graphic of a house with a heart next to it. She will help them find a forever home.
A white cat with striking green eyes looks at the camera. It's National Cat Day! A great way to celebrate our feline companions is to ensure that they receive regular veterinary care, a healthy diet, toys to chase, places to scratch and a lap to curl up in. "There are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat." ~Tay Hohoff
🎃👻 Halloween is almost here! Here are some tips to help keep your pet safe on the spookiest night of the year. 👻🎃 A dog wearing a ghost costume holds a plastic pumpkin in its mouth. Here are some tips to help keep your pet safe on the spookiest night of the year: Keep Pets In When Trick-or-Treaters Are Out * If you are answering your door to trick-or-treaters, keep pets in a quiet part of the house. Pets can become overexcited, confused or frightened by trick-or-treaters in costume. * Watch for open doors and make sure your pets have ID tags and/or microchips in case they do get out. * Young trick-or-treaters may be scared of dogs who run excitedly toward them when the owner answers the door. Costumes May Not Be a Treat * Costumes should fit properly and not hinder your pet's movement, vision or breathing. * Have your pet try out the costume several times before Halloween so it can get used to wearing it. * If your pet is uncomfortable or stressed, skip the costume.
A white dog and a white and black cat with striking blue eyes cuddle together on a blanket. It's National Pet Wellness Month, a time to draw attention to the importance of ensuring your pet's wellness all year round. Protect your pet's health and quality of life with regular veterinary care (including vaccinations and parasite control), exercise, socialization, a healthy diet and lots of love! "No one loves you as unconditionally as your beloved pet." ~ Cynthia Dobesh
A group of healthcare professionals makes the heart sign with their hands. It's National Veterinary Technician Week! Veterinary technicians are vital members of the veterinary profession, educated in the latest medical advances, and dedicated to giving pets the best medical care possible. They work closely with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, practice managers, and owners to provide essential, compassionate care to all species of animals. On behalf of the OVMA and our member veterinarians, thank you veterinary technicians! This year’s theme, “Paths to Success: Shining a Light on Credentialed Veterinary Technician Stars,” highlights the many unique journeys of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians (CrVTs) and the mentors, educators, and colleagues who help guide their way.
A brown dog sits on a wooden bench surrounded by pumpkins. A sign reading "Trick or Treat" sits on a ledge above the dog. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe during the Halloween season: Halloween Treats Are Not for Pets * Unsweetened, dark, bittersweet and baking chocolate can be toxic to pets. If your dog eats this type of chocolate, or lots of Halloween candy, call your DVM or an animal poison control center. * Keep food, gum, candy or breath mints containing the sweetener xylitol away from your pets. Decorations Are Potential Tricks * Halloween decorations such as fake cobwebs should be kept out of reach of pets. * Glow sticks can be hazardous if chewed or ingested, causing mouth pain and irritation, as well as profuse drooling and foaming at the mouth. * Light strands, loose wires and electric cords can be a serious hazard to your pet, especially puppies, who may chew them. * Never leave candles, such as those in jack-o-lanterns, unattended— especially around puppies and kittens.
A graphic shows a cat silhouette in a scale with the Earth on the other side of the scale. The cat's side weighs more. Other silhouettes include a horse, dog and rabbit. It's World Pet Obesity Week. Obesity is a serious health issue affecting pets that requires action on the part of pet owners and veterinarians. You and your veterinarian can help your pet get to a healthy weight.
A woman and her dog are posed for a picture on a yellow leaf strewn path. Along with the arrival of fall come specific potential hazards for pets. Mouse and Rat Poisons Always place these poisonous baits in areas where your pet can’t reach them. Seek care right away if your pet ingests a rodenticide. Avoid cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), bromethalin and phosphides as these do not have an antidote. Mushrooms If your pet ingests a mushroom, place the remnants in a paper bag (if you can) and take them with you to the veterinarian. Compost Piles or Bins Fence off piles or bins. Decomposing and decaying organic matter and food products can contain toxins that can make your pet ill. Lawn Care Store all fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides in their original packaging and away from pets. Wait until chemicals have dried and even up to four days after application before allowing a pet into the area.
A brown and black dog on a leash excitedly walks next to its owner on a gravel path. It's National Walk Your Dog Week, a week to raise awareness about the importance of taking your dog for regular walks. Walking helps keep your dog's joints and muscles healthy, and can help them shed extra pounds. It also provides mental stimulation and strengthens your bond. “The only thing better than one walk is two walks!”
A hand and a dog's paw encircle the earth. The 2025 World Rabies Day theme is "Act Now: You, Me ~ Community," emphasizing the contribution we can make to the health of our community by ensuring our dogs, cats, ferrets and horses are vaccinated against rabies.
A brown and white dog with orange-brown eyes and black dots on its nose looks up at the camera. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Consult with your veterinarian if your dog is not acting normally or is showing any of these signs of pain: * Lameness or abnormal gait * Reluctance to move or navigate stairs * Difficulty jumping, lying down or getting up * Decreased appetite * Changes in feeding behavior * Excessive drooling * Decreased interest in toys or play * Mood or temperament changes * Worried facial expression * Squinting or closed eyes * Restlessness * Abnormal sleeping habits * Abnormal reaction to petting or brushing * Licking a specific body region * Straining to urinate or defecate * Biting or aggressive behavior * Unusual whimpering, growling or groaning * Any evidence of injury
An adorable brown puppy with an orange collar sits in front of blurry trees. It's Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Owning a dog is an everyday joy and responsibility. In addition to providing love, healthy food, exercise and socialization, owners should plan for the costs of unexpected illness or injury and provide regular veterinary care. "The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment." ~ Robert Falcon Scott
A brown horse with a white stripe down its nose stands behind a wood fence. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Pain management is a high priority for veterinarians caring for their equine patients. Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of your horse’s pain and help treat it. Some signs of pain are obvious, such as vigorous rolling and kicking at the belly indicative of colic, but other signs of pain are more subtle. Watch for changes in your horse's activity level and behavior as these are the best indicators of pain. Consult your veterinarian if your horse is not acting normally or if your horse shows any of these signs: * Lameness or abnormal gait * Unusual posture * Shifting weight from one leg to another * Muscle tremors * Abnormal sweating * Lying down more than usual * Mood or temperament changes * Decreased appetite * Abnormal reaction to grooming, saddle or bit and bridle * Changes in feeding behavior * Grinding teeth and/or excessive drooling * Weight loss * Squinting or closed eyes * Biting or staring at a particular body region * Any evidence of injury
Circles in black sand surround a grey-ish white heart. Grey-ish white paw prints are on top of the sand circles. It's National Pet Memorial Day, a day to remember our animal companions. "When we think of those companions who traveled by our side down life's road, let us not say with sadness that they left us behind, but rather say with gentle gratitude that they were once with us." ~ Unknown
A grey kitty with yellow orange eyes sits on a grey sofa. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Pain management is a high priority for veterinarians in caring for their feline patients. Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of your cat’s pain and help to treat it. The signs of pain in cats can be subtle. They evolved to hide symptoms of illness or disease from predators. Watch for changes in your cat's activity level and behavior as these are the best indicators of pain. Consult your veterinarian if your cat is not acting normally or is showing any of these signs: * Trauma or injury * Lameness or abnormal gait * Difficulty jumping * Reluctance to move or jump * Withdrawn or hiding * Straining to urinate * Decreased appetite * Changes in feeding behavior * Excessive drooling * Playing less * Less rubbing on people * Mood or temperament changes * Squinting or closed eyes * Hunched up posture * Abnormal sleeping habits * Abnormal reaction to petting * Absence of grooming * Licking a specific body region * Unusual growling or groaning * Tail flicking Your veterinarian can help. How Veterinarians Alleviate Pain in Cats * Treat the illness or injury that is causing pain * Prescribe pain medications appropriate for cats * Recommend weight management and/or a special diet * Suggest changes to the home environment * Acupuncture * Laser therapy
It's National Dog Day! A great way to celebrate the canine companions who give us so much love and friendship is by ensuring they receive regular veterinary care.(We know this post is early, but we'll be spending that day with our dog! 🐶)
A veterinarian holds a tiger striped cat with green eyes. The cat's paw is on the veterinarian's nose. National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is a good reminder that one of the best ways to help your cat live a long and healthy life is for it to have an annual health exam with your veterinarian. Senior cats should see the veterinarian twice a year.
A brown dog sits in the grass next to yellow flowers. Microchips reunite pets with families. It’s as simple as that. If your pet isn’t already chipped, make an appointment with your veterinarian for microchipping. It’s fast and easy. Register your current contact information with the pet’s microchip manufacturer. Ask your veterinarian to scan the microchip during your pet's annual wellness exam to ensure the chip can be read. Each year on Check the Chip Day (August 15), check your pet's microchip registration and update your contact information if it's incomplete or no longer accurate.
A golden Lab sits on the bank of a lake in the woods. Harmful algae bloom advisories have been issued for several bodies of water in Oregon, including: Ross Island Lagoon and the Willamette River, south downriver from lagoon to Ross Island Bridge Please visit our web site at https://www.oregonvma.org/toxic-algae-advisories for a list of current advisories. Avoid contact with the water in these locations. Dogs can become extremely ill—and even die—within minutes to hours of exposure to cyanotoxins from drinking water, licking their wet fur, or eating floating mats or dried crust.
A Husky is scratching behind its ear. August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. The "tell-tail" signs of allergic itch beyond scratching in frequent licking, excessive rolling, ear problems, hair loss, body odor and skin changes. Does your pet show these symptoms? Your veterinarian can help!