Resources

Animal CPR is similar to human CPR, but differs in technique due to differences in anatomy. While we hope to never need this skill, knowing the basics can make a critical difference in an emergency and can provide valuable peace of mind.

If you suspect your pet has ingested or come into contact with a toxic substance, animal poison hotlines can help assess the situation and provide guidance. They will typically ask for information such as your pet's weight, age, medical history, medications, and details about the suspected toxin.

Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), also known as "bloat" is a life-threatening condition pet owners, especially large-chested dog owners, should be aware of. To reduce the risk of bloat, I recommend that you avoid feeding your dogs in the hour preceding walks or other physical activity.

Heat stroke is a serious risk for dogs in Colorado (especially for brachiocephalic/short-snouted breeds) and can become life-threatening very quickly. On hot days I pay extra attention to changes in behavior, energy levels, and body language.

When temperatures are above 80°F, I recommend checking surface temperatures before walking your dog. I test this by putting the back of my hand on a sunny patch of pavement for 10–15 seconds—if it's too hot for my hand, it's probably too hot for a dog's paws. Keep in mind that some surfaces, including certain patios, concrete, artificial turf, and dark-colored materials, can become even hotter than asphalt.

Parvo is a highly contagious and often-fatal virus that is especially concerning for puppies. While early socialization is important, I caution against taking puppies to places frequented by unknown dogs—such as dog parks, pet store floors, or other high-traffic dog areas—until they have completed their vaccination series.

Foxtails are common throughout Colorado and can cause minor to severe health problems if they become lodged in a dog's eyes, ears, nose, paws, or skin. If your dog enjoys running through tall grass or off-trail areas, I recommend learning how to identify foxtails and considering the use of a protective field guard (such as an OutFox® hood) in high-risk areas.

Harmful algae blooms are not rare in Colorado and occur regularly in ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving water during the warmer months. Because exposure can be rapidly fatal, I recommend keeping dogs out of any unfamiliar body of water, especially those that appear unusually green, blue-green, murky, or covered in surface scum.

While most pet owners know about hazards like chocolate and grapes, toxins such as minoxidil (Rogaine), xylitol/sugar alcohols, cannabis, and caffeine are often overlooked. It's worth familiarizing yourself with common household hazards, understanding the potential severity of reactions (such as those caused by grapes/raisins/wine), and keeping potentially toxic substances out of reach of pets.