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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association

@oregonvma.org
228 followers 16 following 343 posts

The Oregon Veterinary Medical Association is a nonprofit group of veterinarians. We love helping people give their animals a high quality of life. oregonvma.org

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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 28/09/2026
Cats are natural predators and may be attracted to bats, which could be rabid. Cats come into contact with bats far more often than other pets and, if not vaccinated, may have to be euthanized after such contact. Learn more about rabies, and what to do if you find a bat in your home or yard. 3/3
oregonvma.org
Rabies | Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 28/09/2026
Over 30 rabid bats have been found in Oregon this year, which is a marked increase over prior years. Some had contact with humans who required Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. Twice as many cats as dogs are reported to have rabies each year; it’s important to vaccinate your cats against rabies. 2/3
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 28/09/2026
Today is World Rabies Day. This year's theme is "Stronger Together," emphasizing the importance of collaboration in eliminating canine-mediated rabies globally. In 2024, CDC confirmed two deaths of U.S. residents from rabies virus infection after bat encounters. 1/3
A group of people and dogs stand in a circle facing each other. The people are holding hands. The words Stronger Together appear next to the World Rabies Day logo and the date (9/28).

On World Rabies Day, we remind everyone that we all have role to play in making a world free from rabies a reality.

Vaccinating Pets & Horses Also Protects Human Health
Dogs, cats, ferrets and horses should be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccination not only protects them; it also provides a “buffer zone” between humans and rabid wild animals.

Oregon law requires all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies as early as three months of age. In addition, Multnomah County requires all cats to be vaccinated.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 25/09/2026
Pumpkin spice is a fall treat that you should avoid feeding to your dog. “The problem isn’t necessarily the pumpkin itself; plain pumpkin can actually be a safe treat for dogs. It’s everything that can be added to pumpkin spice desserts and drinks."
macon.com
Veterinarians Beg Dog Owners to Stop Giving This Common Fall Treat
We know it's tempting, but you need to avoid giving your pup this popular fall treat.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 22/09/2026
Create a contingency plan for evacuating horses and livestock. If possible, evacuate early—do not wait for mandatory orders. Stockpile Emergency Supplies Consider preparing two kits—one for sheltering in place, and one in a travel bag that is ready for quick evacuation. 2/2
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 22/09/2026
Your animals depend on you for their safety. Be sure to include them in your disaster preparedness plans. If it isn’t safe for you to be there, it’s not safe for them either. If you think you will need to evacuate, gather your pets so they will be accounted for when it’s time to leave. 1/2
A boy with brown hair and a blue plaid shirt holds a pet crate with a white cat inside of it. They are in front of the back hatch to a car, which is open. There are items packed inside of it.

It's Disaster Preparedness Month.

Prepare for the unexpected.

Include your pets, horses and livestock in your emergency preparedness plans.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 21/09/2026
Experts say animal companions play a huge role in promoting better health and well-being as we age.
winnipegfreepress.com
Experts say small companions play huge role in well-being as we age
My mother-in-law will turn 89 this year and she’s in love. In her rural home — where she’s lived for more than 60 years — her new roommate, a kitten named Pepper, has brought sheer joy to her world.
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Reposted by Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
Oregon Zoo @oregonzoo.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Happy Sea Otter Awareness Week!
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 17/09/2026
It's Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Owning a dog is a responsibility every day, and should not be entered into lightly. Regular (and emergency) veterinary care, preventive meds and vaccinations, exercise, socialization, nutrition and training are important parts of responsible dog ownership.
A brown and white dog with one ear pointed up and one ear flopped over stands on a beach. 

It's Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Owning a dog is both a joy and a responsibility—every day. In addition to providing love, healthy food, exercise, and socialization, owners should plan for the costs of unexpected illness or injury and provide regular veterinary care, preventive medications and vaccinations.
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Reposted by Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) @avmavets.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Fungi live in different environments including your home, outdoors, and in healthcare settings. This Fungal Disease Awareness Week, #ThinkFungus26 and raise awareness to help protect people from the growing impact of fungal diseases. bit.ly/4dyCy6u
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 16/09/2026
Our 2025 Veterinary Service Award recipient, Rogue Valley Street Dogs, has received a $5K Grey Muzzle grant to assist in its care of senior dogs. ashland.news/talent-nonpr...
ashland.news
Talent nonprofit Rogue Valley Street Dogs awarded Grey Muzzle Grant to help senior dogs  - Ashland News - Community-Supported, NonProfit News
The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded an Incubator Grant to Talent nonprofit Rogue Valley Street Dogs (RVSD) to help fund medical care for senior dogs of houseless and low-income clients. The total...
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 15/09/2026
Colic is a frequent cause of severe illness and death in horses. Owners may not recognize an accelerated heart rate as an early sign of colic if they don't know their horse's normal heart rate. Horse owners should know their animal's normal respiratory rate, temperature, gum color and gut sounds.
thehorse.com
Spotting Signs of Colic in Your Horse
Recognizing and intervening early helps improve colic outcomes in horses.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 13/09/2026
It is important to give yourself permission to grieve the loss of your pet. Grief is a process that is experienced differently by each person and at an individual pace. Honoring and memorializing your pet is an important part of the grieving and healing process. 2/2
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 13/09/2026
Today is National Pet Memorial Day, a day to remember our beloved pets. The death of a pet can be very painful. Pets are part of our families and a source of unconditional love. Here at the OVMA, we remember our own pets who passed away recently: Cooper, Poppy & Charlie. 🐾🐾🐾 1/2
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 01/09/2026
The @oregonzoo.bsky.social's Tula-Tu has become the first elephant on the West Coast to receive a vaccine designed to protect against a deadly virus that is especially dangerous to elephant calves.
portlandtribune.com
Portland elephant calf makes history as first on West Coast to get vaccine for deadly herpesvirus - The Portland Tribune
A young Asian elephant at the Oregon Zoo has become the first elephant on the West Coast to receive a vaccine designed to protect against a deadly virus that is […]
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 01/09/2026
It's Responsible Dog Ownership Month. While responsible ownership is 24/7/365, this awareness month provides a reminder.
nbc16.com
Responsible Dog Ownership Month: The pet care tasks that are easy to forget
Responsible Dog Ownership Month is a good reminder that loving your dog is about more than belly rubs, treats, and toys.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 01/09/2026
How Veterinarians Alleviate Pain in Animals * Treat the illness or injury that is causing pain * Prescribe appropriate pain medications * Recommend weight management and/or a special diet * Suggest changes for the home or barn environment * Physical therapy, acupuncture, and/or laser therapy 5/5
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 01/09/2026
Horses: Some signs of pain in horses are obvious, such as vigorous rolling and kicking at the belly indicative of colic, but other signs of pain are more subtle. Watch for changes in your horse's activity level and behavior as these are the best indicators of pain. 4/5
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 01/09/2026
Dogs: The signs of pain in dogs may or may not be obvious. Many dogs hide signs of pain when interacting with people. Watch for changes in your dog's activity level and behavior as these are the best indicators that it may be experiencing pain. 3/5
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 01/09/2026
Cats: The signs of pain in cats can be subtle. They evolved to hide symptoms of illness or disease from predators. Watch for changes in your cat's activity level and behavior as these are the best indicators of pain. 2/5
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 01/09/2026
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. Pain management is a high priority for veterinarians. Whether dog, cat, horse, livestock or exotic pet, your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of your animal's pain and help treat it. 1/5
A brown and white cat with orange eyes lays on a green couch. 

It's Animal Pain Awareness Month. Here are some signs of pain in cats:
* Lameness or abnormal gait
* Difficulty jumping
* Reluctance to move or jump
* Withdrawn or hiding
* Straining to urinate
* Decreased appetite
* Changes in feeding behavior
* Excessive drooling
* Playing less
* Less rubbing on people
* Mood or temperament changes
* Squinting or closed eyes
* Hunched up posture
* Abnormal sleeping habits
* Abnormal reaction to petting
* Absence of grooming
* Licking a specific body region
* Unusual growling or groaning
* Tail flicking
* Trauma or injury

Consult with your veterinarian if your cat is not acting normally or is showing any of these signs.A brown dog with ears pointed up stands on a stump in the forest.

It's Animal Pain Awareness Month. Here are some signs of pain in dogs:
* Lameness or abnormal gait
* Reluctance to move or use stairs
* Difficulty jumping, lying down or getting up
* Decreased appetite
* Changes in feeding behavior
* Excessive drooling
* Decreased interest in toys or play
* Mood or temperament changes
* Worried facial expression
* Squinting or closed eyes
* Restlessness
* Abnormal sleeping habits
* Abnormal reaction to petting or brushing
* Licking a specific body region
* Straining to urinate or defecate
* Biting or aggressive behavior
* Unusual whimpering, growling or groaning
* Any evidence of injury

Consult with your veterinarian if your dog is not acting normally or is showing any of these signs.A grayish white horse stands in a field of yellow flowers.

It's Animal Pain Awareness Month. Here are some signs of pain in horses:
* Lameness or abnormal gait
* Unusual posture
* Shifting weight from one leg to another
* Muscle tremors
* Abnormal sweating
* Lying down more than usual or reluctance to lie down
* Not running with pasture mates
* Mood or temperament changes
* Decreased appetite
* Abnormal reaction to grooming, saddle or bit and bridle
* Changes in feeding behavior
* Grinding teeth and/or excessive drooling
* Weight loss
* Squinting or closed eyes
* Biting or staring at a particular body region
* Any evidence of injury

Consult with your veterinarian if your horse is not acting normally or is showing any of these signs.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 26/08/2026
It's National Dog Day! A great way to celebrate the canine companions who give us so much love and friendship is by ensuring that they receive regular veterinary care, a comfy place to sleep, nutritious food and water, exercise and socialization. 🐾
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 24/08/2026
Dogs that are allowed to go swimming should wear a life vest, be vaccinated against leptospirosis and be rinsed well with clean water after swimming. 2/2
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 24/08/2026
Use caution when allowing dogs to swim in stagnant water, which can harbor cyanobacteria and can cause life-threatening liver failure or neurological collapse in dogs within minutes of exposure. 1/2
paradepets.com
We Asked 3 Veterinarians the Biggest Mistake Dog Owners Make in August—and They All Said the Same Thing
Know it so you don't make it.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 22/08/2026
Your veterinarian is trained to detect subtle signs of illness and disease. It is important that your cat visits the veterinary practice yearly for their checkup, and twice per year for senior cats. 2/2
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 22/08/2026
It's Take Your Cat to the Vet Day! One of the best ways to help your cat live a long and healthy life is to make sure it has an annual health exam with your veterinarian. This day is a reminder to make that wellness (spa) appointment for your feline friend. 1/2 📸: Feline VMA
A cartoon cat with cucumbers over its eyes wearing a robe and fuzzy cat slippers lays on a spa chair.  Image: Feline VMA

It's Take Your Cat to the Vet Day! One of the best ways to help your cat live a long and healthy life is to make sure it has an annual health exam with your veterinarian. This day is a reminder to make that wellness (spa) appointment for your feline friend.
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Reposted by Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) @avmavets.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
While your kids' 'Wildest Dreams' is to be Taylor Swift, it does not mean you need to do everything like her, including getting the same dog as her. Remember: the happiest matches come from choosing a dog that will be the right fit for YOU: bit.ly/4qyR99A
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 19/08/2026
Building a relationship with your veterinarian is crucial to your horse’s health care throughout its lifetime. OVMA member Dr. Wendy Krebs of Bend Equine Medical Center describes how maintaining that relationship through preventive care and wellness exams can help you limit your horse care expenses.
thehorse.com
Video: Building a Healthy Relationship With Your Veterinarian
Learn about the veterinarian-client-patient relationship and how preventive care can help you limit your horse care expenses in the long run.
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Reposted by Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) @avmavets.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Another reminder for #ItchyPetAwarenessSeason! Talk to your veterinarian for a pet skin health check or wellness visit.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 17/08/2026
Please take a few minutes today to double-check or update your registration information for your pet's microchip. If your pet isn’t already chipped, make an appointment with your veterinarian for the procedure. It’s fast and easy. 2/2
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 17/08/2026
Microchips reunite pets with families. It’s as simple as that. Far too often, however, veterinarians and shelters are unable to reunite lost pets with their owners due to missing, outdated or inaccurate information in the registration database. 1/2
A brown dog with long blonde hair on its ears and brown eyes wears a cream collar with a tassel.

It's Check the Chip Day.  Microchips reunite pets with families. It’s as simple as that.

If your pet isn’t already chipped, your veterinarian can do it. It’s fast and easy.

Register your current contact information with your pet’s microchip manufacturer and keep it up to date.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 13/08/2026
The DOJ is now seeking an injunction that would require the company to make sanitation improvements and comply with preventive control requirements before manufacturing any more pet food. 2/2
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 13/08/2026
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a complaint against Arrow Reliance Inc.—which does business as Darwin’s Natural Pet Products—after pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, was allegedly found in its products. 1/2
mybellinghamnow.com
WA raw pet food manufacturer the subject of Dept. of Justice food safety lawsuit - My Bellingham Now
A complaint was filed after pathogenic bacteria was allegedly found in the company's products.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 11/08/2026
A favorite toy or treat can become dangerous in an instant if it gets lodged in your pet’s airway. Because choking is a terrifying emergency for pets and their owners, Dr. Christine Rutter shares what every pet owner and pet sitter should know about recognizing choking and responding safely.
vetmed.tamu.edu
Prepared, Not Panicked: An Owner’s Guide to Choking Emergency Responses
Learn how to recognize a pet choking emergency, what to do if your dog or cat is choking, and when to seek immediate veterinary care.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 07/08/2026
Don't leave dogs in cars! Bend Police Department reminds pet owners to leave their dogs at home when running errands in warm/hot weather. Over the past week, officials say they've gotten more than a dozen calls about dogs left in parked vehicles.
ktvz.com
Bend Police warn against leaving dogs in cars after rise in emergency calls
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With temperatures soaring, the Bend Police Department reminds pet owners to leave their dogs at home when running errands. Over the past week, officials say they've gotten more th...
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 06/08/2026
August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Dermatitis is one of the top reasons for veterinary visits. Itchiness can be caused by parasites, infections or allergies. The good news is that your veterinarian can help. If your pet shows these symptoms, please make an appointment with your DVM. 📊: AVMA
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 31/07/2026
A coalition of animal welfare groups and veterinarians has launched the Warm Springs Animal Relief Fund to support animals impacted by the Bench Fire. The campaign aims to raise $15,000 to provide feed, veterinary supplies and recovery resources for livestock and companion animals.
ktvz.com
Warm Springs Animal Relief Fund launched to help animals impacted by Bench Fire
WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A coalition of animal welfare groups and veterinarians has launched the Warm Springs Animal Relief Fund to support animals impacted by the Bench Fire. The campaign aims to...
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 30/07/2026
Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife are urging people to prevent exposure to rabies while highlighting the importance of bats and other wildlife to the state’s ecosystems. So far, 22 bats have tested positive for rabies in 2026, according to OHA data.
content.govdelivery.com
Avoid contact with bats to reduce rabies exposure risk
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 30/07/2026
Twice-annual veterinary checkups are important for senior pets to differentiate between signs of normal aging and signs of illness, says @avmavets.bsky.social President Jennifer Quammen. Cats are generally considered senior at 10 years old, and dogs are considered senior after 75% of life span.
creators.yahoo.com
Senior pet care: what a veterinarian wishes every dog and cat owner knew
A veterinarian and AVMA president-elect shares what dog and cat owners miss about aging pets, why twice-yearly vet visits matter, and the early signs of pain and disease.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 30/07/2026
Oregon's rabies testing is done at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis, led by microbiologist and lead technician Wendy Black and microbiologist Nelson Osorio. Here they explain how their work helps minimize human exposure to the disease.
today.oregonstate.edu
Spotlight on: The rabies team at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory | OSU Today
The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory housed within OSU’s Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine diagnoses animal disease in livestock, pets and wildlife across Oregon and frequentl...
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 27/07/2026
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a condition where a dog's stomach becomes distended or bloated and then begins to twist upon itself, which can lead to death. Bloat can prove fatal to dogs in just a few hours, so getting your dog to veterinary care quickly is critical.
A light and dark brown Shepherd dog looks at the camera. 

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a dog's stomach fills with air, fluid, or food and then twists upon itself. It requires immediate medical attention.

Signs to Watch For
◗ A swollen or bloated stomach
◗ Excessive salivation (drooling)
◗ Attempting to vomit but nothing comes out
◗ Restlessness and agitation

Prevention
◗ Feed smaller meals several times a day rather than one big meal.
◗ Limit the amount of water your dog drinks at one time, especially after exercise or in hot weather.
◗ Separate feeding time from exercise.
◗ Consider feeding wet food in addition to kibble. Ask your veterinarian about feeding options.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 24/07/2026
As wildfire evacuation orders continue to be issued across Central Oregon, it’s not just people who need a safe place to go. The Crook County and Deschutes County fairgrounds are providing temporary refuge for horses, livestock and other large animals displaced by the fires.
ktvz.com
Central Oregon fairgrounds provide refuge for livestock during wildfire evacuations
CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wildfire evacuation orders continue to be issued across Central Oregon, it’s not just people who need a safe place to go. The Crook County and Deschutes County fairgroun...
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 24/07/2026
Think Wild wildlife rehabilitation center offers tips for helping wildlife during Oregon wildfire season.
kval.com
How to Support Oregon wildlife during fire season
As summer heats up, wildfire season is back in Central Oregon, with wildfires throughout the state causing evacuations, poor air quality, and concerns around li
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 23/07/2026
Are pets at risk for becoming ill from the Cyclospora parasite currently causing numerous human cases in the US? Short answer: No.
dvm360.com
Cyclospora and pets: Reservoir, bystander, or red herring? | dvm360
Cyclospora cayetanensis is all over the headlines amid a 2026 national surge and a Midwest outbreak. So should veterinary teams be worried about dogs and cats as carriers, reservoirs, or patients?
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 21/07/2026
FDA launches pilot program to incentivize manufacture of animal drug products in the US.
fda.gov
FDA Launches Pilot to Incentivize U.S. Manufacturing of Animal Drugs
FDA’s CVM has launched a pilot program designed to encourage and strengthen domestic manufacturing of animal drug products & active ingredients.
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Reposted by Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
fidopetfoodbank.bsky.social @fidopetfoodbank.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
#ExcessiveHeatWarning #Pets #PetCare
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 21/07/2026
Unfortunately, there are several wildfires currently burning in Oregon. Here are some suggestions on monitoring your animals for wildfire smoke irritation. If you have concerns about your animal's health, please consult your veterinarian.
A white truck drives through the smoke from a wildfire.

Signs of Smoke Irritation in Animals
••◄ Unusual coughing, sneezing or gagging
••◄ Breathing difficulties
••◄ Eye irritation and excessive watering
••◄ Inflammation of throat or mouth
••◄ Nasal discharge
••◄ Asthma-like symptoms
••◄ Increased breathing rate
••◄ Weakness and lethargy

When Wildfire Smoke is Present
••◄ Keep pets and pet birds indoors.
••◄ Limit time outdoors for pets to quick potty breaks.
••◄ If your pet, bird, horse or livestock animal is experiencing breathing difficulties or eye irritation, consult your veterinarian.

If you evacuate, take your pets with you. Plan ahead as much as possible for livestock and horse evacuation and shelter.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 20/07/2026
Two U.S. biotech companies are testing experimental GLP-1 weight-loss treatments for overweight cats.
cnbc.com
Fat cat? Weight-loss drugs may be coming for your overweight pet
Startups are testing GLP-1 treatments for overweight cats while pet-food giants are leaning into longevity products as owners spend more on animal health.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 16/07/2026
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated soil and water that can cause serious complications, including kidney and liver failure, in dogs and people. Vaccinate dogs to reduce the risk of infection.
a-z-animals.com
The Summer Puddle Risk Most Dog Owners Don't See Coming
Dogs love splashing in puddles and other bodies of water, but this can increase their risk of bacterial infection leptospirosis.
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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association @oregonvma.org · 15/07/2026
🧯Be Prepared to Evacuate in Case of Fire: Keep leashes near the door for a quick exit. Create an exit plan and practice it. Make sure your pet has ID (collar with tag and microchip) in case it escapes. 5/5
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