Rabies is a viral disease that can infect any mammal. Regardless of where the virus enters the body, it slowly invades the central nervous system and eventually the brain. With a few rare exceptions, the disease is fatal. August is Rabies Awareness Month, so please take a moment to learn more about this contagious virus and understand how to protect your pets. Prevalence Except for several well-regulated islands, rabies can be found worldwide. Causes/Transmission The usual source of … [Read more...] about Protecting Pets, Humans from Deadly Rabies
Dr. Chelsey Rae Calhoun
Preventing Heat Exhaustion in Pets
With summer temperatures in Flagstaff soaring into the 90s, it is crucial to make sure that your pet is cool and comfortable. Your pet’s temperature can rise very quickly in hot weather and heat exhaustion becomes a danger. Once the process of heat exhaustion begins, it progresses rapidly toward heat stroke, which can result in coma and death, unless measures are taken immediately to reverse the rise in body temperature. The normal body temperature of your pet is between 100ºF and 102.5ºF. Once … [Read more...] about Preventing Heat Exhaustion in Pets
Preparing for Mosquito Season, Heartworm in Pets
As temperatures grow warmer, Westside Veterinary Clinic and the American Heartworm Society (AHS) want every pet owner to be prepared for mosquito season and the risk that heartworm disease carries for pets. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes as microscopic larvae and can grow into worms as large as 10-14 inches long. These worms live in the heart and pulmonary vessels in the lungs. They can cause severe cardiovascular disease, which can lead to death if left untreated. While heartworm … [Read more...] about Preparing for Mosquito Season, Heartworm in Pets
