ASAS Helps Veterans Overcome PTSD
As seen on PBS’ Arizona Horizons. You can watch the story here https://azpbs.org/horizon/2018/02/american-service-animal-society/ Man’s best friend is teaming up with veterans through the American Service Animal Society to help them with post-traumatic stress disorder, mobility issues and many unseen disabilities. “American Creed,” a documentary premiering on Arizona PBS on Tues., Feb. 28 at 8 p.m., looks […]
COVID-19 UPDATES
The well-being of our community is first and foremost our top priority. Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, we have taken several precautionary measures at the American Service Animal Society training center to help keep visitors safe. We are closely following Arizona’s reopening Executive Order that can be viewed here, and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control […]
D4V at a Glance
Dogs4Vets helps disabled veterans train their own dog to be their service dog. Dogs4Vets sponsors disabled veterans that qualify with lifetime, no cost service dog training and certification. The veteran’s program is tailor-made for their specific needs.
Holiday Hazards
This spring we spent some time discussing first aid and specific Arizona Emergencies for our canine companions. Given the busy upcoming holiday season, I thought it would be a good idea to go over some of the hazards for our dogs that come with the season. The most common problems we see during the holiday […]
Dog Foods
One of the most common questions veterinarians get from new dog owners is “What kind of food should I feed?” Unfortunately, there is no simply answer that can be given for every dog out there. The right food for you dog is one that is high quality and well balanced. A good food will help […]
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis in dogs is also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD). It is defined as progressive and permanent long term deterioration of the cartilage surrounding joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion for joints. When it is worn away, the result is pain associated with the affected joint. Symptoms of DJD vary. The dog may show […]
Valley Fever
Dogs, like people are susceptible to Valley Fever. Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the desert soil of the southwest United States. The fungus is Coccidioides, so Valley Fever is also known as Coccidiomycosis. Dogs (and people) acquire Valley Fever by inhaling fungal spores in the dust. Sometimes the immune system […]
Colorado River Toad
Dogs are natural predators. It is common for dogs to chase toads and put them in their mouths. The Colorado River Toad is the Arizona species that causes problems for our dogs. When the toad is stressed or threatened, it secretes a substance through the skin that is toxic. The toxin itself is similar to […]
Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes are most active in Arizona in the warmer months. They usually come out some time in March and hibernate starting in November. Of course, it is totally dependent on the weather. Dogs are 20 times more likely than humans to be struck by a rattlesnake and 25 times more likely to die from the […]
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature to a level beyond which the body’s cooling mechanisms are able to return the temperature to the normal range. Dogs do not have very efficient cooling mechanisms. They are able to release heat mostly through panting and to a lesser extent from foot pad sweating. They cannot […]