It looks pretty inefficient: Watch a dog or cat drink. How do they actually get enough water to swallow? Harvard University has been studying this for us, and HERE is their answer, with video. (CLICK HERE)
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It looks pretty inefficient: Watch a dog or cat drink. How do they actually get enough water to swallow? Harvard University has been studying this for us, and HERE is their answer, with video. (CLICK HERE)
In response to our unusually high and dangerous mosquito population, we recommend dogs continue or start heartworm prevention. It’s safe, simple to give, and protects your pet against life-threatening parasites.
What are heartworms?
In a nutshell, heartworms are parasites that can live and breed inside your dog’s heart transmitted by mosquitoes. Adult heartworms can cause heart and lung damage, even death.
How do dogs get Heartworm in the first place?
Infected mosquitoes transmit heartworms from one pet to another. It only takes one infected mosquito!
What are common symptoms of infected pets?
Coughing, lack of energy, labored breathing, and weight loss. We recommend testing yearly for heartworms if not already taking a preventative.
Is heartworm prevalent in our area?
Sadly, almost 300,000 dogs in the U.S. are infected with heartworms annually. Traditionally, heartworms are found in warm, humid climates ideal for mosquitoes however Heartworm IS moving north. Dogwood has confirmed 3 cases of heartworm–all patients were not taking a preventative.
What exactly is “heartworm prevention” and where do I get it?
Heartworm prevention is a prescription tablet given once monthly. It’s easy and safe to give, in fact most dogs take it as a treat. We recommend giving Sentinel tablets (protects against heartworm, roundworm, whipworm, and fleas) or Heartgard Plus chewables (same as the Sentinel except no flea protection). We ALWAYS carry both products, GUARANTEE it’s efficacy, and routinely offer coupons and rebates. [ add links to both products].
Is it safe to give a monthly heartworm preventative?
YES! We at Dogwood Pet Hospital confidently give our own dogs a monthly Sentinel tablet since it covers fleas too. By giving a monthly preventative, you’re not only protecting your dog from infectious disease, but your family as well! The United States Center for Disease Control reports that 1 to 3 million people are infected with zoonotic diseases every year and 700 plus Americans experience permanent or partial blindness from roundworm parasites. Roundworm protection is an added bonus of Sentinel and Heargard Plus!
How much does heartworm prevention cost?
Protecting your dog from heartworm, fleas, whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms costs as low as $15/month. We routinely have rebates and special offers too!
I’d like to start protecting my dog and family today. How do I begin my dog on heartworm prevention?
It’s easy! Your pet needs an exam within the last year and a current heartworm blood test. Once your pet begins monthly prevention, we recommend testing for heartworms every 2 years just in case a dose is missed.
Related Links: The Oregonian:”Floodwater mosquito are bombarding the Portland area,” published July 9, 2010, American Heartworm Society, Sentinel Heartworm Prevention.

MAX
Our pet of the month for December is the fabulous Max! Max became our patient in August of 2007, and at that time he had a long history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Yep, dogs get it too! We had been managing his IBD with a combination of western meds and some natural medicine such as probiotics and prebiotics. Recently, poor Max has had some bad luck. In October, we removed two cancerous tumors and started Max on a supplement program of Chinese mushrooms and antioxidants. Then, in November, Max’s abdomen swelled with fluid. After an ultrasound, it was determined that Max’s IBD had worsened and now his bowels were leaking protein! We are working hard to stay on top of Max’s dynamic disease, and we wish him the best of luck and a happy holiday!
Our Hero Varro!
We are extremely proud of our April Pet of the Month: Varro, a Multnomah County Sheriff Dog who regularly visits us since 2005.
Our featured hero mostly visits us for his annual health exam. Recently,Varro had 2 molars pulled due to an infection and a cyst removed from the top of his head, which meant time off work to heal and relax.
During his career with the Sheriff’s Department, Varro has captured 54 criminals in 3 years and counting! All of us at Dogwood love visiting with Varro and hearing about his many adventures. We hope he catches many more bad guys and has a long and happy life!
