Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis (aka lepto) is a bacterial disease that is often life threatening.  The bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals, including wildlife, and so most commonly affect animals that spend a lot of time outdoors.  It is of most concern to dogs, but rarely affects cats as well. … Read more

Dog ate naproxen tablet (Aleve)

Pugs will eat anything–especially Hagrid! His mom is aware of his vacuum-like ability to slurp up anything on the floor that’s even remotely interesting (especially if it’s ”off-limits”). So when she accidentally dropped an Aleve (naproxen) tablet on the floor, and Hagrid snatched it up, she… Read more

Heartworm protection that lasts 6 months

Would you be interested in protecting your dog from a devastating disease caused by worms blocking blood flow in the heart by our giving an injection once every six months as opposed to trying to remember to give a pill once a month and then having to remember to pick up refills?  What if it cost… Read more

Rat poison and dogs

Thankfully, we don’t see rat poisoning too often here at Olathe Animal Hospital. But the patient we saw recently was a good reminder of the importance of keeping dogs away from rat poison. Penny is a healthy, 3-year old Maltese who came to see us after possible ingestion of a small amount of… Read more

Food Allergies and Atopy in Dogs

Allergies are one of the most common and frustrating dermatologic ailments we struggle with in veterinary medicine. It’s absolutely amazing how expensive allergies are to treat, especially given that it’s not a life-threatening illness. However, they’re not curable and they DO affect… Read more

The Importance of Socializing Puppies

From big to small, all dogs are in need of proper socialization, and this begins when they’re puppies! In fact, the critical “window” of opportunity for social development in dogs closes by 12 weeks of age!  The experiences puppy has during this time influence the type of dog he will… Read more

Kongs for dogs

Imagine hours of time, while your dog is blissfully entertaining itself, without barking, whining, digging, or other inappropriate behaviors!! Welcome to the Kong Toy! The purpose of the Kong Toy, other than bouncing in wonderful and wacky ways when thrown, is to occupy your dog with two of its… Read more

Intestinal Parasites and Heartworms

ROUNDWORMS* Also known as ascarids, these parasites live in the small intestines of affected dogs, and the infective eggs are shed in the feces. Can cause GI upset, gas, and diarrhea. HOOKWORMS* These dangerous, blood-sucking parasites live in the small intestines of affected dogs and can cause… Read more

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Also known as hypoglycemia, this is a common, yet serious, condition that most often affects very young and toy breed puppies.  Symptoms can include weakness, lethargy, trembling, slowness to wake up, and sometimes seizures. If you suspect your puppy is experiencing low blood sugar, rub a small… Read more

House Training Tips

Each puppy picks up this skill at a different pace, but all dogs are very capable of learning how.  All members of the family need to be on board to let puppy outside at frequent, predictable intervals, and everyone needs to help supervise puppy closely indoors. If close supervision is not… Read more

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