It’s a scary statistic: The Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) reports that one in four dogs, and one in five cats, will develop cancer in their lifetime—in fact, it’s the leading cause of death for dogs over the age of two. During November at the Animal Medical Center of Cascades, we observe Pet Cancer Awareness Month, which was created by the ACF to raise awareness of the prevalence, symptoms and treatments for cancer in our companion animals.  As veterinarians, it is our sworn oath to protect and heal pets. Therefore, we’ve compiled a helpful list of things that you should be aware of regarding […]

Don’t give in to any persuasive purrs or puppy dog eyes this Thanksgiving! Many of the holiday treats and decorations we love can cause health problems for our pets if they eat them. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe this Thanksgiving: 1. Don’t leave wine glasses at snout or tail level. Alcohol is a real problem for pets; plus, overactive tails could also knock over glasses, resulting in injuries from broken glass.  2. Keep cut flowers and centerpieces out of paw’s reach. Many of the most beautiful plants—such as lilies and mistletoe—are quite poisonous to pets. Ribbons, strings and sticks are a danger as cats love to play […]

Heartworm season is over, but that doesn’t mean talk of this disruptive parasite has to end. Because heartworms can appear at any time our veterinarians push for year-round prevention. Banking on the chance that your pet, whether they’re canine or feline, will not be prey to heartworms is not a viable option. Internal exposure to heartworms could leave your pet with lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and negatively affect the animal’s health and quality of life for years to come. Many pet owners will shy away from committing to a heartworm preventative prescription because of the cost, but reactive treatment for heartworms […]

Halloween is a fun, spooky and often tasty time for us—but many treats associated with Halloween can put your pet’s health at risk. Chocolate and xylitol are two major ingredients in your favorite candies that could have major consequences if they get in your pet’s paws.  Chocolate can cause upset stomachs (including vomiting and diarrhea), heart arrhythmia, panting, hyperactivity, kidney failure, increased urination, hypoglycemia, muscle spasms, seizures and even death if large amounts are consumed. The danger hidden in chocolate is theobromine, a chemical compound found, along with caffeine, in the methylxanthine family, which is full of substances that are toxic […]

It’s reported that some 39% of the pets owned in the U.S. are older than 7, which is generally the age at which most dogs and cats are considered seniors.  Sadly, only about 14% of senior animals undergo a regular health screening. The joys of having an elder pet are many—but keeping your canine or feline friend healthy in their later years does take a bit more effort. We want to help you have as many healthy years with your pet as possible, which is why we always recommend that pets over 7 have a regular health screening twice per […]