Pet Talk
Avoid mushroom poisoning in pets
Although commonly underestimated, mushroom intoxication ranks near the top of the list of pet poisonings each year. Of these deadly fungi, Death Cap mushrooms are the number one cause of fatal mushroom poisoning worldwide. Death Cap mushrooms are an invasive species that favor oak and pine trees. While they can be found across Texas, Death […]
Keep your pets safe this Halloween
Halloween is meant to be a fun festivity for all involved. However, for our furry friends, the holiday can turn into a frightful time. The tradition of trick-or-treating has long been a fun festivity for both children and adults. While we might appreciate the large assortment of chocolate and caramel, Kit Darling, infection control coordinator […]
October 21 is Reptile Awareness Day
Once thought to be extinct, crested geckos were rediscovered in 1994. Since their reemergence, this gecko’s easy-going personality and low-maintenance lifestyle has made it a popular pet among children and adults alike. This Reptile Awareness Day, Rachel Ellerd, a second-year veterinary student at the Texas A&M College of Veterinarian Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, reminds us […]
Don’t let ringworm put you through the wringer
Ringworm, or dermatophytosis, is one of the more common skin conditions affecting pets of all shapes and sizes. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by protein-eating fungi that invade the hair shaft and the surface of the skin. While there are many species of ringworm, Dr. Alison Diesel, a clinical […]
Feline inappropriate elimination–thinking outside the litter box
Inappropriate elimination, or urinating outside of the litter box, is one of the most common problems noted by indoor cat owners. Currently, it is a dominant reason for owners to surrender their cats at a shelter. While it is a frustrating issue, inappropriate urination can stem from a number of underlying causes, including behavioral or […]
Preparing your horse for severe weather
Severe weather can be troublesome for humans and animals, alike. While small, indoor pets are easier to board and travel with, horses require additional preparedness and precautions. Dr. Jessica Millwood, a resident in equine practice at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said that planning ahead and paying attention to weather […]
Grappling with grackles
We’ve all seen and heard them—lurking in well-lit, open areas, swooping down from trees, lining up on power lines, and pecking at food left on the ground. Great-tailed grackles are notorious for congregating in our most frequented parking lots and city parks, but have you ever considered the diseases these pesky birds may carry? Dr. […]
September is National Service Dog Month
From providing companionship to keeping an eye-out for medical emergencies, emotional support and service dogs assist their handlers in a variety of ways. While both roles are vital for the well-being of their owners, their job descriptions are not the same—an emotional support animal is a companion animal that can benefit its owner by providing […]
Fatty tumors are nothing to fear
Finding a mysterious growth under your dog’s skin can be a frightening experience; however, owners can find comfort in knowing that these mystery bumps are not as uncommon as they may think. As dogs age, they can develop benign growths beneath the skin—the most common of these being lipomas, or fatty tumors. According to Dr. […]
Helping our pets cope with loss
Like humans, pets experience a complex array of emotions. The loss of a beloved human or a housemate can be devastating to pets in a household, leading to a period of grief and mourning. It may be difficult for owners to tell if their pet is in mourning, but Kit Darling, infection control coordinator at […]
