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Behavioral

Stress Reduction for Cat Veterinary Visits

Cats are an even more common of a furry companion than dogs. It is easy to understand why. They are graceful, clean and independent. They are also able to hide illness very well and hardly show signs until they are very sick. Because it is so hard to know when they...

Lick Granuloma

Lick Granuloma is an extremely stubborn and frustrating problem that is the result of a dog repeatedly licking the same spot. This problem usually occurs on a front leg but can occur in other locations. Repeated, compulsive licking leads to hair loss, trauma to the...

Thunderstorm and Firework Phobias

During the hot summer months many of us love enjoying an intense thunderstorm after days of hazy humidity. And who doesn’t love a grand fireworks display for July 4th? Some of our canine friends may actually find these summer pleasures terrifying. To some extent the...

Dental Care and Disease

Why does my pet need a dental cleaning? Your veterinarian will have inspected your pet’s teeth at the time of examination. They may have found plaque, tartar, gingivitis or even periodontitis. A professional dental cleaning is the only way to properly treat tartar...

Why is My Dog Itchy This Fall?

New England has been on it’s typical roller-coaster of weather. We have had days colder or warmer than typical every season and it can be hard to guess what season to dress for. All of these factors add up to changes in the usual mix of pests, parasites, pollens and...

The World Through the Eyes of Your Pet

Although we can never truly know what a dog or cat is seeing, science gives us a lot of information on how their vision differs from ours. Pet owners often ask questions about the vision of their animals. Well here are the answers - or as much as science can tell us....

We Love Our Seniors

For veterinarians and veterinary staff senior pets are often some of our favorite patients. Their families have deeply bonded with them over many years and the devotion that we see from their owners warms our hearts. Wouldn’t it be great if all of our furry family...

The Dangers Lurking in our Ponds

Unfortunately, every summer, a few dogs will become very sick or even die from exposure to blue green algae. Here is what you need to know: Toxic blue green algae, or Cyanobacteria, can bloom on ponds when the weather has been hot and humid and the water is stagnant....

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Nutrition

Grain-Free Diets: What You Should Know

There have been a lot of stories in the news lately that many dogs and a handful of cats have become sick and even died of cardiomyopathy that has been linked to grain-free pet foods. This is really scary for a lot of pet owners who have been feeding these designer,...

Tackling the Pet Obesity Epidemic

As veterinarians, obesity of pets is one of the most common and preventable problems that we encounter. Pets are simply getting too many calories for their level of activity. We all know that obesity leads to many health problems. It is not good for us and not good...

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat Scratch Fever is not just an old Ted Nugent song, it is also a disease that people can catch from cats. The bacteria, Bartonella henselae, is transmitted by the scratch (or possibly bite) of a cat. Since it is transmitted from animals to people it is categorized...

The Importance of Parasite Testing

Why is fecal parasite testing important? Yes, we live in the north and have very cold and snowy winters. Intuitively one would think that this would help kill many parasites. Believe it or not we do actually see lots of pets with intestinal parasites in Massachusetts....

The Secret Lives of Fleas

Now that the weather is getting cooler, fleas are on the hunt for warm bodies and a way to get inside to survive the winter. Late fall and early winter is commonly the peak of new flea infestations. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can be a real nuisance. They can...

Yes, You Can Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Many owners are nervous about the prospect of brushing their dog’s teeth when it is suggested by a member of the veterinary team. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems that dogs face and it can usually be prevented completely. The task may be...

Trick or Treat | No Chocolate for Doggie to Eat

The leaves are falling, time to carve a pumpkin and decorate for Halloween. But…be careful where you put that candy dish. Chocolate is actually quite toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains three compounds that are very toxic to dogs: theobromine, caffeine and...

Mosquitoes and Pets – What You Should Know

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has hit Massachusetts and dutiful pet owners are concerned about what to do to protect their pets. The mosquitoes are still out in full force and thirsty for blood. Here are some facts and advice to get you through until the weather...