IMPORTANT NEWS FOR DOG OWNERS
The artificial sweetener Xylitol, which is found in many sugar-free chewing gum, mints, and candy, can be deadly to dogs. Owners must be careful to keep dogs away from these sweet temptations. Go to the ASPCA poison control website to find out more.

CAUTION
Retractable/Flexible leashes (the kind with the plastic reel attached) should not be used near the street. We personally know of two dogs who have been killed because the leash allowed the dog to step into traffic. The extension itself is also very thin--not reliable for the restraint of a large dog. My advice is to use these leashes only for exercise in an enclosed field or yard.

Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is available at our clinic. We do not routinely vaccinate for Leptospirosis, because not all dogs are at risk, and the vaccine is associated with a high incidence of adverse reactions. In order to reduce the incidence of reactions, the vaccine will be given at a separate office visit from other vaccines.

Please visit the following website to determine whether you think your dog needs to be vaccinated.

Leptospirosis and Your Pet: A CDC Fact Sheet

This fact sheet is designed to assist pet owners in answering questions related to leptospirosis in pets and the health risk to humans exposed to Leptospira-infected pets. See http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/leptospirosis_g_pet.htm

The following web sites are highly recommended as a reliable source of information about Pet Health News.