![]() Can you believe it’s already 2025? It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new millennium, and now we’re nearly a quarter-century in. With how fast the world changes, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and developments in pet care. That’s why we’re taking this chance to look forward to 2025: what sorts of pet care trends are we expecting to see in the new year, and do these trends live up to their own hype? If you’ve heard the buzz around raw diets, fitness wearables, alternative preventatives, or anything else trendy and new, read on! ![]() New Year, New Meal Carefully regulating what we eat has long been understood as an important piece of our own health, so it makes sense that pet owners are turning a more critical eye towards their pets’ nutrition as well. With so many pet foods on the market, and more and more discussion around whether store bought foods are even best for our pets, it can be hard to know if you’re making the right choice. Raw diets have seen a recent surge in popularity; these diets focus on ingredients such as muscle and organ meats, bones, fruits, vegetables, and raw eggs, thought to be more in line with how dogs dined before they were domesticated. Advocates for the raw diet tout benefits such as shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and higher energy levels, but the experts aren’t so sure. An FDA study found raw pet food is more likely to be contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria compared to other pet foods, while the American Veterinary Medical Association bluntly “discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein to dogs and cats because of their risk to human and animal health.” Even as we were writing this article, an Oregon-based raw food manufacturer issued a recall after contaminated food was confirmed to have resulted in a cat contracting H5N1 and dying. Grain-free diets have also gained popularity, for many of the same reasons as raw diets. Marketing would have pet owners believe grain-free diets are “more natural” and more in line with dogs’ evolutionary diets, and that this translates to health benefits over standard foods, but once again the jury is out. The FDA has an ongoing investigation into the link between grain-free diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy, particularly in breeds not genetically predisposed to this condition. The initial promise behind grain-free diets may also be faulty; while many of these diets seek to eliminate nutritional “fillers” (ingredients designed to bulk out food without adding nutritional value), many fillers actually contain necessary fiber to maintain intestinal health. Diets seeking to remove these fillers without compensation won’t be nutritionally balanced. Concord Animal Hospital has long pointed our clients towards veterinarian formulated brands such as Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and Hill’s Science Diet, as these brands invest heavily into research and development, and formulate foods to address specific health concerns, breed or age issues, dietary sensitivities, and so forth. Alternative diets can have a place in managing a pet’s health, but the one-size-fits-all approach touted by the manufacturers of raw, grain-free, and other boutique diets is often driven by the marketing machine, rather than an authentic concern for pet wellbeing. Finding the correct diet for your pet can take time, effort, and uncertainty, and it would be so much easier for pet owners if someone invented a miracle food fit for any pet. Food manufacturers know this- it’s why they’re all so eager to convince you they have. ![]() Too Fit To Quit Dogs need exercise. Some breeds more than others, but any Border Collie or Australian Shepherd owner will tell you their dog doesn’t let them skip leg day. For a long time our view of canine fitness has been limited to walking, running, and the vigorous game of fetch. But in recent years, our whole concept of getting fit with your pet has expanded! Perhaps the biggest change has come in viewing pet fitness not as an extra chore to fit into our schedules, but as a part of our own fitness journeys. According to Colorado State University, this link goes both ways; your own physical activity can impact the activity and fitness of those around you (pets included!), while working out with a pet also makes owners more likely to stick with their own fitness goals and routines. Nearly any exercise you can imagine can be tailored to include your pet, from swimming and circuit training to dog yoga or canine crossfit! If having a structured routine helps you stay consistent, as it does for many, you may even be able to find hybrid canine-human fitness classes in your area. Just like with our own workouts, it’s important to pick activities that are a proper match for your pet and your fitness goals. Healthy adult dogs with decent stamina may enjoy long hikes in the woods, while more energetic dogs might prefer the frenetic bursts of action you find in circuit or agility training. Fitness wearables like fitbits and smart watches are another trend that have exploded for human use over the past decade, so it’s no surprise they’re picking up steam in the pet sphere as well. These devices boast a whole suite of data and monitoring tools, from step tracking and calorie burn to heart rate, body temperature, and behavioral irregularities that could indicate a health concern. Sounds pretty great! …Right? The promise of having this information at your fingertips can be enticing, especially for anxious pet parents, but it’s worth asking if all these data points are actually necessary. In our research we found plenty of tech journalists and gadget reviewers debating the reliability and performance of these devices, but we didn’t find a single veterinarian advocating for why you should own one in the first place. Wearable devices could have a place in monitoring specific metrics for pets with certain health conditions (and they already do, if you count devices like glucose monitors!), but if you’re simply worried about monitoring your pet’s activity levels, diet, or general health, the good, old fashioned methods should serve you just fine. ![]() Alternative Medicine Alternative medicine is a broad phrase; it can be hard to define what counts as medicine, and which of those medicines are then alternative. Some treatments we offer here at Concord Animal Hospital are considered to be alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, while other times alternative medicine is used to describe products or treatments that haven’t been adequately tested or researched, and haven’t undergone FDA or EPA approval. Flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives have been at the forefront of the alternative veterinary medicine trend, thanks to their cost, frequency of use, and complex ingredient lists. By comparison, inexpensive all-natural remedies such as garlic, tea tree oil, or boric acid can sound appealing… But do they actually work? In short, no. Store-bought “all natural” preventatives are typically a blend of alleged home remedies that can be harmful or outright toxic to dogs, and even the ones that won’t harm your pet are unlikely to offer real benefit. While some of these remedies can be successful in controlling sections of parasite populations, many only work against specific life stages such as larva or adults, meaning they won’t thoroughly eradicate a population. The prognosis is even worse for natural heartworm preventatives- because according to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), there are none. The AHS states that, while there are natural means of reducing exposure, “there’s no such thing as a ‘natural’ heartworm preventative.” The safest and most effective flea, tick, and heartworm preventions are, as is the case with most treatments, specially formulated prescription medications, designed for their exact purpose. These medications are carefully developed to ensure efficacy without adverse findings, and are tested at quantities higher than the recommended dosage to ensure safety. Additionally, use of prescription medications allows a veterinarian familiar with your pet to ensure a given medication is right for a given patient, factoring in histories and side effects in a way that can’t be monitored with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. Behind the Trends Being a pet owner is hard. New information comes out every day on what’s best for our pets, and it can feel impossible to sort through what’s reputable and what’s not. In researching trends for this blog we found all sorts of reports, analytics, and projections from marketing firms who generally cared about two things: where you spent your money last year, and where you’ll spend it this year. These “trends” are supported by sales figures and dollar signs rather than medical research, and they start from the conclusion that you should spend more money, before working backwards to justify this. Many of these trends capitalize on the anxieties of caring, well-meaning pet parents (Is my dog getting enough exercise? Are the foods I’m feeding them healthy? Are these medications safe?), because an anxious pet parent is more likely to buy something than a reassured pet parent. So let us take a moment to say… You’re doing amazing. Your pet loves you, you love them, and that love isn’t measured in the money you spend. You’ve taken care of them every day since they’ve joined your family, and you’ll continue to do so, this year and for many more to come. Listen to the advice of veterinarians and the slow-and-steady pace of veterinary research, but don’t let anyone frighten you into buying their solution to a manufactured problem. Hopefully this blog can give you some peace of mind in 2025, but if you do have worries, give us a call! At the end of the day, no new trend compares to speaking with an expert who knows your pet’s unique health and history. Have faith in your own pet-parenting ability this year, and to pets and people everywhere… Happy New Year! ![]() If you’ve turned on the news recently, chances are you’ve heard talk about bird flu. Also known as avian flu (and sometimes referred to by the strain H5N1), bird flu is a strain of the influenza virus found primarily in birds. Human cases are rare, but present as fever, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal upset, and conjunctivitis. At this time, cases in domestic animals are extremely limited. ![]() The Current State The H5N1 virus has existed for several decades now, but has come and gone from relevance based on the number of observed cases and the concern for cross-species transmission. The CDC is monitoring the spread of bird flu in the United States, and classifies the current public health risk as “low.” The vast majority of human cases have come from agricultural employees working in close proximity to infected cattle or poultry, while the CDC reports no known person-to-person spread at this time. At present there have been two confirmed cases of bird flu in cats in the United States. There are no known cases of bird flu in dogs at the time of writing. Concerns for Progression While the CDC reports a low current public health risk, a major point of concern comes from the ability of viruses to mutate rapidly, giving rise to new strains with new characteristics. While bird flu poses minimal threat to humans and pets in its current form, the American Veterinary Medical Association cites concerns that “H5N1 will eventually mutate into a lethal strain capable of human-to-human transmission.” Because of the rapid pace of developments, it’s good to frequently update yourself through a reliable source such as the CDC’s Bird Flu Situation Summary. Concerned about your own outdoor bird or pet that's been in contact with a wild or outdoor bird? ![]() What You Can Do At present the risk to you and your pets is low, but especially with concerns around mutation, there are common-sense steps you can take to reduce this risk further. Bird flu has only been found in two domestic animals thus far; both were cats who were fed raw diets in opposition to the advice of veterinarians and public health officials. The CDC advises avoiding direct contact with living or dead wild birds, bird feces, or potentially infected stagnant water such as ponds, puddles, and bird baths. If you visit any especially high-risk locations such as farms (relevant in our area!), the AVMA also recommends cleaning and disinfecting clothes, shoes, and hands before interacting with your pets. In summary… Practice common sense. Don’t touch wild or dead birds, and don’t let your pet eat them. Don’t feed your pets unpasteurized animal proteins. If you believe you’ve been in contact with any surface that may be infected, thoroughly wash your hands and disinfect any affected clothing. It’s natural to worry about your pets, and after 2020 it’s hard not to brace for the worst any time we hear about a new virus or a new strain. Right now the risk of you or your pets contracting bird flu is very low, and our team is closely monitoring the updates to know if and when that may change. ![]() Mark your calendars! Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday parties, New Year celebrations, and more are on the horizon; if you tend to play host, you’ll soon have guests galore to help warm your home in these colder months. Hopefully you’re excited about that, although we all know hosting can be stressful- and doubly so if you have pets in the house! Fortunately we’re here with the holiday cheer, as well as some advice for managing guests and gatherings in a way that’s safe and festive for all. Read on to learn about toxic foods, managing pet stress around guests, safely decorating your home for the holidays, and more! ![]() Common Food Toxins A tasty dinner or hearty spread is the key to any good party, but pet owners also know how chaotic mealtimes can get. Many holiday foods contain ingredients that are harmful or toxic to pets, such as turkey trimmings, garlic, raisins, and chocolate. These dangers may be old news to pet owners themselves, but a lot of your guests won’t know the rules as well as you do. Make it explicit to all guests that they shouldn’t feed pets any human foods or table scraps, and consider leaving pet-safe treats or kibble out so your guests have an approved way to feed the animals. Note that doing so will probably mean your pet gets fed a lot more than usual during the party; while they’re sure to be thrilled, you might consider feeding a smaller breakfast or dinner before or after the party to balance this. Human Guests Hopefully you’re excited to see your guests, though we all know how family can be. One way or another, even the most sociable pets may be put off by all these strangers in their home. Consider setting up a safe room inside your house, filled with all your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, and their bed, and make this room off-limits to party guests. Your pet can hide here when they get overwhelmed, and you can also confine your pet here as guests arrive or leave, to prevent anxious pets from making a break for the open front door. If you want your dog to be a social butterfly at parties, you can start training them early to get them used to strangers in their home. Additionally, be aware that even dogs who usually do well with strangers may be especially territorial or reactive when inside their own home - they have to keep you safe from these intruders, after all! Similarly, even dogs who usually love attention may become overwhelmed if they’re the center of it for too long, so keep a close eye on your pet to watch for signs of stress or discomfort. If they look like they need a break, take them to their safe room and let them have one! ![]() Animal Guests If you’re hosting a party that will include any four-legged RSVPs, you’ll want to take extra steps to make sure your own pets get along with these newcomers. If you’re trying to introduce two dogs, an ideal method involves walking the two dogs in neutral areas such as parks or streets, keeping them parallel and separated at a distance of about thirty feet; this process may need to be repeated multiple times to form a positive relationship. Similar to above, these introductions can be good preparation to do ahead of time, so your dogs are already eager and excited to see each other when the party rolls around! If these early introductions aren’t possible, maybe because a friend or family member is traveling with their dog from out of town, you can also use a similar method to introduce two dogs outside on a lawn or driveway. Get them acquainted outside the house, then keep them on-leash when you bring them inside, and be ready to separate them if the need arises. Doggy Décor Any good party has to have the perfect atmosphere, and decorations go a long way towards this. But if you have pets in your home, or will around the holidays, all your favorite decorations can quickly turn into a messy, four-legged playground. A simple rule to prevent this is to keep decorations out of reach; hang all your leaves, garlands, lights, and other holiday trappings high enough that pets won’t be able to swat, pounce, or chew. Run wires along high up areas, or run them through PVC or fish tank tubing to protect them against nibbly teeth. When it comes to more natural decorations like garlands and Christmas trees, artificial versions can be preferable, as they lack that outdoorsy smell that can confuse or entice pets. Many plants commonly used to decorate, such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias, are harmful or poisonous to pets if ingested, making them equally great candidates for synthetic lookalikes. ![]() Pet Costumes If you’ve decorated your whole house and all your guests are bringing their ugliest sweaters, you may want to dress your pet up for the occasion as well! Pet costumes can be a great way to make your pet the star of the show, but they can also be a source of stress or harm. If you’re planning on dressing up your pet, simple is often better. The less bits and pieces, the less likely the costume is to restrict movement or breathing, cause overheating, or end up torn and chewed on. Always be sure your pet can move and breathe freely once in their costume, and watch carefully for signs of stress or discomfort. If your pet really isn’t having it, downgrade the ugly Christmas sweater to an equally-tacky festive collar. Conclusion The holidays are a stressful time of year, and doubly so if you’re playing host. You should enjoy your party, not spend the whole time worrying your pet got into this or that. Fortunately these precautions are designed to cut out as much of that seasonal stress as possible, so you can focus on your most important host responsibility: spending time with your guests! So give yourself the gift of peace of mind now by running through these steps and precautions ahead of any upcoming gatherings. Of course, even the most perfectly planned parties still have mishaps. If you’re gearing up before a large gathering, you might also be interested in our friends at Concord Animal Hospital's blog on home remedies or our resources page for a list of nearby, 24-hour hospitals. In case your pet does get into something they shouldn’t, starts to act a little odd around a party, or if you just have questions we haven’t answered here, give us a call! And if you’re already calling anyway… Maybe you could invite us in? ![]() Did you know? October 7th-13th is World Pet Obesity Week. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the United States are estimated to be overweight or have obesity. Meanwhile, only 17% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners recognize their pets as overweight. This discrepancy is alarming, especially since obesity is entirely preventable once you know it’s there! To learn more about pet obesity, whether or not your pet is in this statistical majority, and what you can do if they are, read on! ![]() Pet Obesity Risks The obvious question many pet owners may ask is… What’s the big deal with pet obesity? Does it really matter if your pup is packing a few extra pounds? Unfortunately, yes. While it is possible for pets to be healthy at different weights, there are well-documented links between obesity and a number of other health conditions. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that dogs with obesity are at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and high blood pressure, and that obesity can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by nearly two years. The science hasn’t been studied quite as in-depth with cats, but we still have every reason to believe the effects are similar. Causes of Obesity What causes obesity? You may already be jumping up to answer: too much food, too little exercise! While these are the major contributing factors, there are other risk factors you may not be aware of. Metabolism is another big component; that is, how quickly and efficiently a pet’s body breaks down the food they’re given. Older dogs, female dogs, and neutered male dogs all tend to have lower metabolisms, which puts them at a higher risk for obesity. Certain breeds are also at a higher risk, such as many terrier breeds, spaniels, dachshunds, beagles, and labrador retrievers. Dogs with mobility issues such as osteoarthritis are also predisposed, since they’re likely to be less active in their day to day lives. ![]() Recognizing Obesity Your veterinarian can always help you assess whether your pet is overweight or has obesity, but there are simple ways to check at home as well. For dogs, you can estimate their body fat by feeling along their ribs just behind their front legs. Compare this to the back of your hand; if they feel about the same, your dog has a good body condition! If it feels more like the palm of your hand, your dog may be overweight. Conversely, if your dog’s ribs feel or stick out like knuckles, they may be underweight. You can perform a similar test with cats by attempting to feel their ribs or backbone. For a more visual representation, you can also compare your pet against the Body Condition System chart, designed by Purina and used widely across the veterinary world. Managing Obesity So you’ve discovered your pet is in the over 50% of pets who have obesity. What do you do next? Losing weight is the first step, and dietary changes are a major component of this. However, reducing the quantity you feed your pet with no other adjustments can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian when making these changes, as it may be best to add supplements or change your pet’s food to a weight-loss focused diet. Snacks and treats are also a big dietary culprit, and should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total food intake. This is easier to manage in large dogs, but in especially tiny dogs a single treat can take up that whole allotment! Exercise can be another major component of weight loss, though dogs with severe obesity may need to shed weight through dietary management first before they can safely manage the increased activity necessary for weight loss. To increase activity, increasing the duration and intensity of walks is a good starting point. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “Walking for weight loss is very different than walking for pleasure. You should aim for a daily, brisk, 30-minute walk. With this sort of walking, you should break into a slight sweat within a few minutes.” Once the desired weight has been lost, maintaining weight becomes the important second step. Portion control is key to this step; as tempting as it may be to reward progress with an extra treat or two, or to ease dietary restrictions once your pet is in a healthy weight range, this can end up undoing all your and your pet’s hard work. ![]() Preventing Obesity An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even if your pet is at a healthy weight now, there are simple steps you can take to maintain this healthy weight and stop obesity before it starts. Measuring food portions allows better control than simply eyeballing them, and allows you to ensure you’re not unknowingly overfeeding your pet. Adhering to strict, specific meal times will help your pet stick to a routine and will minimize begging, which reduces the temptation for humans to help them cheat on their diet. Routine weigh-ins can also help with accountability, and will allow you to catch any changes in weight early. Get Fit Together! We can all think of a few ways we could be healthier in our own lives, but starting and sticking to a routine is hard. Fortunately, having a buddy makes it easier! A lot of our tips for helping your pet lose weight- regular meal times, vigorous walks, decreased snacking- are good tips for humans as well. Weight-loss walks can be a great chance to work exercise into our own routines, and solidarity with a dieting pet can be just the thing we need to resist cheating on our own diets (you’re not really going to eat that cookie when Luna can’t have one, are you?). A recent study even suggests that combined dog-human weight loss plans are more effective than either plan individually! Of course, as your veterinarian, we want to be a part of your pet’s health journey as well! If you’re worried about your pet’s weight, need advice on exercise or nutrition, or just want a weigh-in, give us a call! We want to see your pet happy and healthy, and we’re always happy to chat. ![]() Thinking of adopting a new dog? There are plenty of questions to consider, and one question cuts straight to the front of the line: what breed should you get? The American Kennel Club now recognizes 200 different dog breeds, all with their own unique personalities, quirks, needs, and health concerns. You could spend your entire life becoming an expert on just one dog breed, which makes researching and comparing every breed a herculean task. Personal bias will always have a hand in your decision making (it’s okay to play favorites, we won’t tell!), as will living, finance, and family situations. But in favor of these factors, breed health is often overlooked. Every dog breed has their own unique health needs and concerns, and different breeds are more predisposed to different medical issues. Knowing the trends and the health issues associated with certain breeds can help you and your family make more informed decisions and can help you prepare now for eventualities that may not come to pass for many years. If your family is getting excited about a new dog then we know talking about health concerns is a bit of a downer, but you’ll thank yourself later for having these conversations now. And hey, we promise to sprinkle in plenty of cute photos to lighten the mood! ![]() Big Dogs! From the Great Dane to the Saint Bernard to the Greater Dane, there’s no sight quite as majestic as a truly huge dog. Some health concerns are common across most large breeds; carrying around extra weight and size makes these breeds more susceptible to mobility issues such as arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament tears (the dog version of an ACL tear). Large, deep-chested dogs such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes, and Weimaraners are also more at risk for bloat, though this risk can be mitigated via gastropexy, a surgical procedure that fastens the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent twisting. This can even be done laparoscopically at our sister hospital. ![]() Small Dogs! Napoleon Complexes have yet to be recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, but in the meantime there are still plenty of conditions common to smaller dogs. Many small breeds experience higher risks of dental disease and mitral valve disease (a weakening of the valves around the heart), and are also uniquely vulnerable to tracheal collapse, which can inhibit their breathing. Small breeds also have their own mobility issues distinct from large breeds, such as patellar luxation (common in Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and some small terrier breeds), in which the kneecap becomes displaced and causes a “skipping” as the patient walks. Small dog breeds have their own nutritional needs as well, thanks to their smaller stomachs and lower food intake. Because of this it’s easier to end up overfeeding or with a nutritional imbalance (a single treat represents a far greater portion of a Yorkie’s diet than a Great Dane’s), which may be tied to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis in smaller breeds. ![]() Brachycephalic Breeds! Brachycephalic is the medical term for short-nose breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs. These breeds have seen a big surge in popularity thanks to their adorable, smushed-up faces, but irresponsible breeding has made this cute feature into a major health concern. Shortened faces require shortened airways, which in turn can cause breathing issues throughout the dog’s life- so much so, in fact, that the condition is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS can increase the risk and severity of upper respiratory infections, and can also make it harder to exercise a dog and keep them in good shape. In addition to airways, brachycephalic breeds’ shorter faces can also create problems with their eyes. Bracychepallic Ocular Syndrome occurs thanks to shallow eye sockets pushing or bulging a pet’s eyes forward, and can result in eye trauma, eye protrusions, abnormal tear production, and even the inability to fully close the eyelids. ![]() Lightning Round There are a few breeds and conditions that don’t fit into our other categories, but still warrant a mention. While cancer is unfortunately common in all dogs, it is particularly prevalent in Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. The linked National Canine Cancer Foundation article also contains a table breaking down the most common type of cancer by dog breed. Poodles and doodles don’t shed, which can be great for your carpets, but also means they require grooming more regularly (up to every four weeks) to prevent matting and overheating. Poodles are also at a higher risk of glaucoma. Epilepsy is far more common in dogs than in cats, and is observed most in certain breeds such as Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Border Collies. Shopping and Adopting Responsibly Nothing in veterinary medicine is ever a guarantee; despite being a cancer-prone breed, an individual golden retriever could still live a long cancer-free life, and a French Bulldog could still develop osteoarthritis common in larger breeds. If you’re still interested in one of the breeds we’ve singled out here, don’t despair! Responsible breeders are aware of the same issues we’ve been talking about, and will take steps to screen and eliminate these conditions from their lines wherever possible. For assistance finding a reputable breeder, the Humane Society of the United States has put together a helpful handout featuring questions to ask and points to watch out for. If you’re looking for more information on the prevalence of health conditions across different breeds, Forbes has compiled an article that uses insurance claim information to track the prevalence of numerous health conditions across many breeds. And as always, if you still have unanswered questions about dog breeds, health concerns, or anything else we’ve covered, drop us a line! We’re always happy to chat, and we can’t wait to meet the newest member of your fuzzy family. :) ![]() Traveling internationally with your dog has always been a complicated mess of forms, requirements, and rules. On August 1st, 2024, the CDC passed a new set of regulations for crossing the United States border with your dog that unfortunately makes the process even more complicated (though if we do our job right, not by too much!). ![]() Import vs Export Those of you who have previously traveled internationally with your pets may be familiar with the need for a USDA Endorsed International Health Certificate. These forms are compiled and endorsed by the USDA, and are meant to ensure your pet meets the requirements for entry into your destination country. These are export requirements; they are required for your pet to leave the US in the first place. The new CDC requirements are import requirements, meaning they are necessary for your dog (not your cat) to re-enter the United States after traveling internationally. These requirements exist in addition to the current USDA export requirements, meaning you are now responsible for ensuring your dog meets both the export and import requirements prior to travel. Import requirements are split into three categories:
Since this blog is written primarily for our local, US-based clientele, we’ll focus on the first two categories. If you would like to learn more about the Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries you can follow that link to the CDC webpage outlining this information. ![]() Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries This is the easy one! If your dog is returning to the US and has only been in countries deemed by the CDC to be rabies-free or low-risk, all you’ll need is a CDC Dog Import Form. This is a form to be filled out online by you, up to six months before your date of return to the US. There is no fee for processing this form, and you shouldn’t need any assistance from our office to do so (though we’re always here if you run into trouble). Instructions on filling out the form can be found here. To determine whether your dog has exclusively been in low-risk or rabies-free countries, consult the CDC’s list of High Risk Countries for Dog-Rabies. If in the six months prior to your return to the US your dog has only traveled to countries that are NOT listed here, your dog has only been in low-risk or rabies-free countries. If your dog HAS traveled to a listed country in the six months prior to your return to the US, consult the requirements in the next section. ![]() Entry Requirements for US-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries If your dog has traveled to one of the countries on the CDC list of High Risk Countries for Dog-Rabies, there is an additional form required before your dog can return to the US. Dogs returning from high-risk countries will need a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination, which must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (such as CSAH’s Dr. McCullough and Dr. Guarin). If your dog had their rabies vaccinations administered at our practice and currently has a microchip and up to date rabies vaccination, this form can be completed by our veterinarians without the need for an appointment, or any further action from you. If your dog does NOT meet these criteria, there may be additional requirements:
NOTICE: Until July 31st 2025, these regulations will be in a transitional period. During this period, a USDA-Endorsed Export Health Certificate may be used in place of a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination. After July 31st 2025, a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination must be used. ![]() Entry Requirements for All Dogs In addition to the requirements above, there are a few requirements that all dogs entering the US must meet. These aren’t usually a problem, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention them:
Start Preparing Now! With these changes in regulation, there are certain things you can do now that will help down the road, even if you aren’t currently planning to travel. Any rabies vaccinations given before a dog has a microchip or given without recording the dog’s microchip cannot be verified and thus cannot be used for international travel. Whenever your pet receives a rabies vaccination, ask your veterinarian to scan for a microchip and ensure this information is recorded on your dog’s new rabies certificate. If a microchip stops working it can no longer be used for identification purposes, which will also invalidate all previous rabies vaccine history. While this failure is rare, it can and has happened. If your pet already has a microchip, ask your veterinarian to scan it at annual visits or when you first begin thinking about international travel; if it has stopped working, you’ll need at least 28 days to re-chip and re-vaccinate your dog prior to travel. Every country has different requirements for entry. While we can’t know exactly what will be required until you’ve decided where you’re traveling, keeping your pet up to date on all recommended vaccinations and treatments will put you in the best position possible when you do start making arrangements. Lastly, as always, call us early! The sooner you get in touch the sooner we can start getting ducks in a row, and the more likely we’ll be to get everything done in the required time. Give us a call as soon as you start considering international travel, and again the moment you have your travel dates confirmed. We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Michelle Guarin – please join us in welcoming her to the team! ![]() Dr. Guarin of Natick, MA, will join the CSAH team in June. Like Dr. McCullough, Dr. Guarin treats dog, cats, and other small mammals. However, she also sees most types of birds and reptiles as well as some amphibians. We’re excited to expand our services to include the care of even more exotic species. Bring on the axolotls, bearded dragons, and ducks! Dr. Guarin grew up in Baldwin, New York. She came to Massachusetts to attend Tufts for both undergraduate and then veterinary school. She thought she wanted to be an astrophysicist but flunked calculus. She was naturally better at biology missed having pets while at school. She realized how important animals were to her and that veterinary medicine was the coolest way to mix science and animals in a meaningful way. She has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2011 in a mix of general practice and emergency hospitals, and, most recently, as the Medical Director at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Request an appointment with Dr. Guarin or one of our other doctors! She shares her home with her husband, two young children, and a zebra finch named Niels Bohr. In her minimal free time, she loves spending time with her family at the beach and playing piano.
The addition of Dr Guarin will allow CSAH to continue accepting new pet patients while tending to our current patients. We know she will make a fantastic addition to our team. Dr. Guarin and the rest of the CSAH team look forward to continuing to serve you and your pets! Many dogs come bounding through our front doors, ready to accept our cuddles and treats and seemingly oblivious to shots and exams. But for others, a trip to the veterinarian can be a nerve-wracking experience. The unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds can trigger stress and anxiety even in pups that are normally laid-back. With a few simple strategies, we can help alleviate their worries and make vet visits a more positive experience for our furry friends! Here are some tips to reduce stress during your dog’s next visit to the vet. What you can do even when you don’t have an appointment:
![]() On the day of your appointment:
Welcome to the world of pet parenthood, where every tail wag and purr is priceless! While showering your furry friend with love is essential, it's equally important to consider their health and well-being and how you can plan for their care financially. That's where pet insurance comes in – a financial safety net for unexpected vet bills and medical emergencies. In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of pet insurance to help you in your search for the right pet insurance provider and policy. The Basics of Pet Insurance Much like human medical insurance, pet insurance is an insurance policy you can purchase that can help to lessen the overall costs of veterinary bills. If your pet is seen at by a veterinarian for a covered condition, you typically pay the bill and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. There are three common types of plans:
Decoding the Pawlicy Before purchasing any pet insurance policy, you need to do some research so you understand to benefits and drawbacks. When we see pet owners disappointed with their insurance plans, it’s most often because they weren’t aware of what costs would not be covered. Surprises are never good when it comes to insurance, so do your research so you understand what is and isn’t covered by your plan.
A few terms you should know: Deductible: the amount you pay for covered veterinary costs before your insurance plan starts to pay. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you pay the first $500 of covered services. Your insurer will only begin to reimburse you for covered services after you have paid your deductible. Typically the lower the deductible, the higher the cost of the plan. Premium: the amount you pay each month or year to keep your insurance policy active. Premiums vary significantly based on things like your pet’s breed & age, your policy deductible, and the cost of care where you live. Coverage limits: the maximum amount your insurer may pay out for covered claims. If you file a claim with your insurer and the costs exceed your coverage limit, then you may be responsible for any remaining expenses that aren't covered by your insurance. Some insurance policies have coverage limits for the pet for the plan year or a lifetime, some have coverage limits for each of your pet’s conditions. Exclusions: a provision in your policy that eliminates coverage for certain conditions. For example, if your pet has a pre-existing condition, such as allergies, you will not be reimbursed for any allergy-related veterinary costs. Many illness plans don’t cover the cost of the sick or emergency exam fee. These costs also won’t count toward your deductible. ![]() Tailored Tails: What Type of Coverage is Right For You? Once you’ve explored the different types of coverage plans available, think about the plan that works for your furry friend's needs and lifestyle and for your wallet and peace of mind. While we’d love to recommend a plan that will work perfectly for your, we know that everyone’s reasons for getting pet insurance are different! A few questions you should think about when deciding on what type of plan will work best:
Fetching Quotes and Comparisons Now that you have a sense of the type of plan you want, it’s time to fetch some quotes from different pet insurance providers. May pet insurance providers have plan comparison tools on their website, but we typically recommend PetInsuranceReview.com as a great place to start your search. Compare plans available for your pet. Look for the right balance between coverage and cost – after all, you wouldn't want to break the bank on pet insurance treats! ![]() What the Doctor Recommends At CSAH, we don’t recommend any particular provider or plan but we do recommend pet insurance. When your pet cuts himself in the woods and needs surgery in a specialty hospital or is diagnosed with a long-term illness that will require years of medications and care that includes regular bloodwork and vet visits, it’s a good feeling to be able to say, “yes, do it all, I have insurance.” We have one pet patient whose insurance policy has covered over $45,000 worth of veterinary expenses. Would the owner have been able and willing to pay that out-of-pocket? We can’t say, but we are 100% positive that they are glad they purchased an insurance policy! By investing in pet insurance, you’re protecting your pet but also securing peace of mind for yourself. In the worst case, you spent money on a policy you didn’t use – hopefully a policy that was within your budget. In the best, you were able to say “yes” to expensive and extensive life-saving care, care that gave your furry family member additional years of health and happiness. As usual, we’ve done our best to summarize the topic of pet insurance but we may have missed something. If you have any questions, please call us at 339-234-6007 or send us a note. ![]() There is widespread reporting of an infectious respiratory disease among dogs that has turned deadly in rare cases. The disease has been detected in dogs across the country, including in Massachusetts. This disease is considered to be part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). What is CIRDC? CIRDC are diseases caused by several different and often highly contagious bacterial and viral pathogens and include illness such as Bordetella (kennel cough), canine parainfluenza, and canine influenza. CIRDC is endemic in dogs, meaning it’s always present wherever there are dogs. Symptoms of CIRDC include coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, inappetence, and lethargy. Symptoms can last from several days to weeks. What is the canine respiratory disease observed more recently? At the moment we don’t know if this is a new disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), symptoms of this respiratory disease appear to last weeks longer than the typical symptoms of the better-known and very common Bordetella. The disease is generally resistant to standard treatments, such as antibiotics. In very rare cases, dogs develop acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours. Whether we are seeing a new disease in North America or a previously existing but undiagnosed illness is not known. In the chart below, reflecting respiratory related insurance claims submitted to pet insurer Trupanion in Colorado, we certainly see a spike in respiratory claims this fall of 2023. This increase could be the result of other factors, including a growing population of dogs, increased travel and boarding since the COVID pandemic, and delayed vaccinations and reduced socialization since the pandemic. “What the net result could be is we’ve got more dogs that have a lower level of resistance because they’ve been exposed to other dogs less over the last couple of years, and they’ve had less vaccinations. That means, just with our normal respiratory diseases that are always circulating, we’ll see more spikes in disease cases,” says Dr. Scott Weese, a pathobiology professor at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College and director of the university’s Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses. Dr. Weese also states that the number of severe cases may not indicate a new disease. “When you have more cases, you’ll get more severe disease since a small percentage of dogs with CIRDC get severe disease.” ![]() Keep your dog healthy! Whether this is a new disease or simply a bad season of CIRDC, our advice for keeping your dog safe if the same. Keep your dog up to date on vaccines. The AVMA notes that though the efficacy of existing vaccines against current cases is uncertain, maintaining your dog’s health through routine vaccinations can help support a dog’s immune system in combating disease. If your dog is a patient at CSAH, they are likely vaccinated against parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2 (part of the DHPP vaccine series given to almost all of our canine patients). At CSAH we typically only recommend Bordetella (kennel cough) if your dog is around other dogs a lot. As a pre-caution, we are recommending more dogs receive the Bordetella vaccine regardless of exposure to other dogs. If you are wondering if your dog should receive this vaccine reach out to us. We also carry a vaccine for canine influenza, but this disease is very sporadic in New England. If we hear reports of this disease in our area, we will begin recommending the vaccine. Some groomers, day cares, and boarding facilities may begin to require this vaccine as a precaution against CIRDC. Reduce your dog’s contact with large numbers of unknown dogs, such as at dog parks and using communal water bowls. Avoid nose-to-nose doggie greetings. At this point, it is not necessary to avoid day cares, boarding, or grooming facilities unless your dog or another dog in the home is immune compromised. The risk of CIRDC is not much greater than it normally is. Consider asking facilities about the vaccines they require and their cleaning protocols. If you aren’t comfortable with the answers, consider your alternatives. Keep your dog away from dogs that appear ill: those exhibiting a runny nose, runny eyes, sneezing, and coughing. ![]() But if they do get sick Contact us immediately if your dog is experiencing a lingering cough, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, worsening of illness, and a cough that is sufficiently severe that it causes the dog to vomit or makes it hard for the animal to breathe. Reach out early even with mild symptoms, as some cases advance very quickly. Be particularly vigilant if your dog is old, very young, brachycephalic (short nosed or flat faced), immunocompromised, pregnant, or has underlying heart or respiratory disease. While the disease doesn’t respond well to standard treatments, we can offer supportive care to help your dog fight off the infection. If your dog is suffering from a different illness, we can help identify and try to treat. Safety at CSAH Worried about bringing your pet to see us at CSAH and potentially expose them to this disease? Remember that CIRDC is endemic, so we see CIRDC cases all….the…time. We have protocols in place to prevent transmission of CIRDC and other diseases between our patients. Dogs exhibiting symptoms of diseases including CIRDC are asked to wait for their appointments in their cars instead of the lobby, exam rooms are sanitized between appointments and are disinfected with Lysol after an appointment with a patient suspected to have CIRDC or another highly contagious illness. We don’t see any more risk in bringing in your pet to CSAH than there is at any other time! As always, please reach out if you have any questions: [email protected]. |
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