Providing complete veterinary needs in Dutchess County & Poughkeepsie, NY and surrounding areas…

Have you ever considered feeding your dog or cat a grape or its dried counterpart, the raisin? It’s not a good idea. It turns out that grapes and raisins can actually prove toxic to our animal friends. These humble fruits can cause poisoning and even death in the most extreme cases. Read on as your local veterinarian tells you more about grape and raisin poisoning in pets.  Why are grapes and raisins poisonous? You might … Read More »

August 10th is a pretty special day for our canine companions. It’s the birthday of one of the most beloved iconic pups ever: Snoopy! A vet discusses some fun facts about Charlie Brown’s furry best friend below. A Star Is Born There’s actually a bit of confusion about Snoopy’s actual birthday. The pup made his first appearance on October 4, 1950, which was the third Peanuts comic strip ever. However, the matter was clarified in … Read More »

You’ve probably heard about grain-free or gluten-free products over the past few years. They’ve gained a lot of popularity recently, and grain-free products have found their way into the pet food world, too. But is a grain-free diet right for your dog? Let’s take a closer look at what grain-free means and whether or not it’s the right choice for your pet.  What is grain-free dog food?  Grain-free dog food is just what it sounds … Read More »

Have you recently added a puppy to your household? Congratulations on your new addition! Puppies are a lot of work, but they’re also loads of fun. One of the most important aspects of raising a well-mannered and well-adjusted puppy is proper training. The question is, how do you make your puppy’s training stick? There’s no sense in training your puppy when they’re young only for your hard work to go to waste.  Use these simple … Read More »

Just like you, your dog sneezes sometimes. Most often, it’s simply because small particles of dust, dirt, grass, or other materials make their way into the nasal passages—your dog uses their nose to explore the world, after all. But what happens if your dog sneezes frequently, or won’t stop sneezing? Here are some of the most common reasons that dogs sneeze:  Play Sneezing Did you know that most dogs sneeze when they’re playing? Whether your … Read More »

Lyme disease has been on the rise in recent years, in large part because of exploding tick populations. Lyme disease is zoonotic, which means that both people and pets can be afflicted. According to the CDC, it’s the most commonly-reported vector-borne disease in the US. As you may know, it is transmitted through tick bites, particularly the deer tick. A local vet offers some tips on protecting your pup and yourself from this disease below. … Read More »

Just the word “rabies” tends to conjure up some frightening images in the mind’s eye. And because rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transmitted from animals to humans, it’s particularly dangerous. Luckily, rabies has been all but eliminated in the United States and many other parts of the world thanks to modern vaccination and wild animal control measures. Still, you’ll want to take the proper precautions to make sure your pet … Read More »

International Pet Sitters Week is the first week of March! This event was founded by PSI, the world’s largest professional pet sitters organization. While your canine buddy would love to go everywhere with you, that just isn’t always possible. And, while many people have been working from home this year, there are still times that people need to leave their dogs in the care of others. A local vet discusses pet sitting below. Benefits of … Read More »

Aside from protecting the sofa legs from your puppy’s incessant chewing, there’s not a whole lot to do while your new pet is going through the teething process. Knowing the details of teething is a good idea, though. That way, you know what your puppy is going through and when, and you can let your vet know right away if something seems amiss.  Newborn Puppies Just like human babies, puppies are born with no teeth. … Read More »

Wintertime brings with it plenty of cold, damp, dreary weather. You’ll probably help your pet feel more comfortable by keeping the house warm, offering a fuzzy blanket, and maybe even dressing your companion up in a comfy sweater or jacket, especially when heading outdoors. But there’s one other change you might consider making this winter: adjusting your pet’s portion size. Read on to find out whether or not you should adjust your pet’s diet as … Read More »