Dog Health FAQ

Spring in Central Oregon means Juniper pollen, but it doesn’t stop there — many other flowering plants release pollen at the same time, and the combination can trigger allergic reactions in dogs who’ve never shown symptoms before. Itchy face, ears, front paws, or tail are the most common signs. Cats can be affected too, though less commonly.

Most lawn mushrooms are harmless — but some species of Amanita mushroom are deadly, and they look nearly identical to the harmless ones. Since it’s almost impossible to tell them apart at a glance, the safest approach is to prevent dogs and cats from contacting or eating any mushroom, regardless of where it’s growing.

If your dog has eaten mushrooms, induce vomiting right away and call us.

Yes — when temperatures drop into the single digits (and especially with wind chill), toes, ears, nostrils, and lips are at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

If your dog spends time outdoors, provide dry, wind-blocked shelter, keep water sources from freezing, and consider booties for paw protection.

Cheatgrass awns get caught in fur, ears, between toes, and under eyelids — causing mats, irritation, and sometimes infection. Once a mat forms, the awn itself may not be visible.

Any swelling, discharge, or closing of the eyelid needs to be checked right away to protect your dog’s eye.

Yes — coyotes and mountain lions do hunt dogs and cats in Central Oregon, sometimes even in residential areas and during the day. Small dogs are especially at risk.

Keep dogs inside at night, never leave small dogs outside unattended, and avoid feeding deer or other wildlife near your home.

Dogs who eat raw salmon, trout, or steelhead — or lick where fish were cleaned — can contract a parasite-borne infection that affects the intestinal tract. Symptoms (poor appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea) typically show up 4–21 days after exposure and range from mild to serious. Treatment ranges from supportive care to antibiotics and hospitalization depending on severity.

Yes, particularly near streams and rivers. Most bites from Central Oregon’s Pacific Rattlesnake are “dry” (no venom), but venom can still cause allergic reactions, tissue damage, or infection. Ask us whether the rattlesnake vaccine makes sense for your dog’s lifestyle.

Yes — both does and bucks can aggressively attack dogs, especially around fawns or during fall rut, and the results can be serious.
Don’t let your dog chase deer, and keep them leashed at dusk when deer are most active.

Bring them in. Quills need to be fully removed without leaving fragments under the skin, and we’ll check the mouth and throat closely — this usually requires sedation to do safely and thoroughly.

Yes — raccoons can be aggressive toward dogs and cause real injuries, while skunks bring their signature smell. Outdoor pet food and accessible pet doors are common ways these animals end up in close contact with (or inside) your home.

Skunked? Mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap. Bathe, wait 5 minutes, rinse. Use immediately — it won’t keep. Note: may lighten your pet’s coat.

Heartworm isn’t established as self-sustaining in Central Oregon, but cases do show up, particularly with dogs that have spent time in the La Pine/Sunriver area or traveled elsewhere. We recommend monthly preventive medication for dogs in higher-risk areas, plus heartworm testing before starting prevention and annually if exposure risk is ongoing.

Roundworms are common everywhere, including here. As people move to Central Oregon from all over, their dogs sometimes bring roundworm strains that aren’t typically seen locally.

Giardia is a common intestinal parasite found in nearly every stream, river, pond, and lake in Central Oregon. It causes vomiting, diarrhea (often with blood or mucus), and poor appetite. Most dogs become lifelong carriers and can relapse — and yes, it’s transmissible to humans too.

Most commonly from hunting or eating rodents (or cleaning up after a cat who did), or from ingesting infected fleas — usually picked up while traveling somewhere with a bigger flea population.

A “cattle grub” that forms a lump under the skin with a small breathing hole. It needs careful surgical removal — don’t try this one at home.

Fleas are uncommon here thanks to our dry, cold climate, though they persist in rodent burrows and similar micro-habitats. Dogs visiting from flea-heavy areas can bring an infestation home — a repellent before travel is a smart precaution.

Also uncommon here and mostly tied to wildlife. Lyme disease isn’t considered prevalent in our area. We occasionally see ear ticks, which cause a lot of head-shaking and discomfort until removed.

Yes — the canine sucking louse is common in Central Oregon and spreads easily dog-to-dog. It looks like a speck of dirt on the skin and causes significant itching.

Confirmed cases in our region have been found in bats and skunks, and most other mammals — raccoons, coyotes, foxes — are susceptible as well. Routine precautions matter regardless.

Keep rabies vaccinations current — boosters every 3 years.

A serious condition causing fever, lethargy, and bloody vomiting or diarrhea — sometimes linked to scavenging deer or elk carcasses, though the cause isn’t always clear. It can look similar to Parvovirus or salmon poisoning and needs prompt veterinary care, often including antibiotics and supportive treatment.