Dr Pet Health

We expect this section of the website to grow in the next couple of months as more and more general health questions flood our email inbox.

Having your pet vaccinated against contagious diseases may be one of the most important things you ever do for your pet. We can advise what is best for your individual pet, but here are some guidelines:

Puppies should begin vaccinations at 6-8 weeks of age, while kittens begin at 8-10 weeks. Annual boosters are needed to maintain health protection. Dogs should be vaccinated against Distemper, Parvovirus and Rabies.

Cats should be immunized for Panleukopenia (Distemper), Feline Leukemia, respiratory viruses and Rabies. All pets should have a stool sample checked yearly for intestinal parasites. Dogs should also have a yearly blood test for heartworms and be put on a preventative year -round.

Veterinary medicine has made great strides in recent years and pets are now enjoying much longer and more trouble-free lives, with the aid of qualified and conscientious health care professionals. We look forward to helping you enjoy the happiness that a healthy pet can provide.

For any specific pet health questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at Dr Pet Health on webmaster{at}drpethealth.com, and we will get back to you ASAP.

Can my dog get sick from eating too much?
Yes your dog can get sick and may even die. The term for this is bloat, it is a very serious health risk for many dogs, yet many dog owners know very little about it.

According to the statistics, it is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. It is frequently reported that deep-chested dogs, such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Dobermans are particularly at risk.

The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV"). Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present). It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation").

Stress can be a significant contributing factor also. Bloat can occur with or without "volvulus" (twisting). As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus (food tube) and at the duodenum (the upper intestine).

The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.

Bloat can kill in less than an hour, so time is of the essence. Notify your vet to alert them you're on your way with a suspected bloat case. Better to be safe than sorry!