Flea season is usually during the warmer months of the year, but here in Katy that can mean all 12 months of the year! As pet owners, we all need to be concerned about diligent flea prevention year round. Here are Dr. C's tips for achieving excellent flea control:

1. Treat the environment. 95% of the flea life cycle is off the pet, in the environment. One cannot achieve 100% control over fleas without addressing the environment (both indoors and outdoors)

2. Use an adult and a juvenile flea prevention. There are many products that will treat all life stages of the flea, but not all products do this. All of the life stages (from egg to adult) need to be controlled.

3. Practice year round prevention. This is a PREVENTION method, not a treatment method. Do not wait until you have a flea problem to decide to practice flea control. It takes many months to get rid of fleas once they are an issue.

The doctors and staff at Katy Veterinary Clinic can tailor a flea prevention protocol for your pet's specific needs. We currently have many promotions right now for our flea products. Feel free to call us today to begin your fight against fleas.

Dr. C

Welcome to the new and improved website for Katy Veterinary Clinic. We are pleased to include updated photos and information about our practice. One exciting new feature of the website is my personal blog, Dr. Kari's corner. I will be posting important medical information, addressing owners' concerns, and sharing thoughts and viewpoints. Hopefully I will be able to educate pet owners and provide reliable veterinary medical advice.

Katy Veterinary Clinic is a wonderful, family-friendly clinic. We absolutely love our four-legged friends. I always say that I have one of the most wonderful jobs in the world. Who else would get to help and love animals while working??? Educating clients on topics of animal medicine and helping their pets is my main objective. We love seeing our current clients and pets, as well as new faces. We are always accepting new clients and would live to show you what we have to offer.

Feel free to call or use our web-based appointment request feature to schedule your next visit. We have also done some "facelift" work to our lobby and reception area, so come see the changes!

Dr. C
(I have included a picture of my newest 4-legged family member, Walter)

1. Moldy foods- These foods contain mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can cause neurologic problems. Prognosis of a full recovery is good with early, aggressive veterinary care.

2. Chocolate- Chocolate can cause increased heart rate, tremors, and excitation, depending on the type and amount consumed. Dogs are very sensitive to the stimulants in chocolate, thus producing toxic effects. Early treatment, involving induction of vomiting, charcoal administration, cardiovascular monitoring, and supportive care, is imperative.

3. Macadamia nuts- These nuts may cause problems if ingested my dogs. Neurologic problems may arise, necessitating medical treatment. The cause of the toxicity is currently unknown. With appropriate medical care, return to normal is usually within 24-48 hours

4. Rising bread dough (unbaked)- this can be life threatening to dogs. The animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. Alcohol is produced during this rising process and the dough may expand to several times it's original size. Signs seen with bread dough ingestion include severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, lack of coordination, and depression. Seek medical help immediately if your dog has ingested rising bread dough.

5. Grapes and raisins- Some types of grapes and raisins have been shown to cause kidney failure in dogs. The basis for this toxicity is unclear at the time.

6. Xylitol- this is a sugar substitute commonly found in many foods including candy, chewing gum, and baked goods. Xylitol can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and liver toxicity.

If your pet has ingested any of these toxins, please seek immediate medical attention. As in most cases, early treatment can help a full recovery.

--Dr. Cleavinger