Oregon Veterinary Medical Association

@oregonvma

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

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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· 7h

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 Far too often, however, veterinarians and shelters are unable to reunite lost pets with their owners due to missing, outdated or inaccurate information in the registration database. 1/2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.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· 11d

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

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· 21d

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.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· 27d

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.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jul 15

Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day. Nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by pets. Here are tips to help ensure your pet does not start a house fire, and to keep it safe in case of fire. 🧯 Make Sure Fire Alarms Are Working: For the safety of everyone in your home. 1/5

Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day. Nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by pets. Here are some tips to help ensure your pet does not start a house fire, and to keep it safe in case of fire.

Make Sure Fire Alarms Are Working
This is for the safety of everyone in your home.

Extinguish Open Flames
Your pet should not be left unattended around active cooking appliances, candles, or fireplaces.

Consider Cook Tops
Stoves and cook tops are the most common ways a pet can start a home fire. If your pet can reach them, remove stove knobs or cover them when not cooking.

Use Flameless Candles
Pets can start fires when their tails or paws knock over lit candles.

Secure Curious Pets
Keep pets confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home, such as in their crate or behind a baby gate.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 29

🗽Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 "Animals — dogs and cats — can hear and feel the fireworks four times further than a human can," says Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 🎆 Do not take pets to fireworks displays. Keep pets indoors and away from crowds. 1/3

A Corgi wears a bow that looks like an American flag.

🗽Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸 Here are some tips for a safe 4th of July for you and your pet:
🎆 Do not take pets to fireworks displays. Keep pets indoors and away from crowds.
🎆 Animals that are already crate trained may feel safest in their crate.
🎆 A fan or other white noise can help mask the sound of fireworks.
🎆 Make sure your pet has ID (collar tag and/or microchip) in case they do get lost.
🎆 Please check in with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you think your pet may need anxiety support for the upcoming holiday.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 12

As it heats up this weekend, Oregon veterinarians remind owners to keep their pets safe. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. Even with the window cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly climb to more than 110 degrees which can lead to a potentially fatal heatstroke. 1/5

A wheat color doodle dog wears orange sunglasses. Its pink tongue hangs out of its mouth.

Summer Heat Tips for Pets
* Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. Heatstroke is life-threatening and can happen when pets are left in cars with the windows rolled up or even cracked slightly.

* Avoid exercising your pet during the midday heat and on hot pavement.

* Check for harmful algae bloom advisories before cooling off in lakes or rivers.

* Protect your pet from sunburn.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 10

Grass awns are the barbed seed pods of foxtails and cheatgrass. If an awn becomes embedded in a dog, it can cause an infection as it migrates inwards. This requires veterinary care. 1/2

A reddish-brown dog sits in a field of grass.

Keep dogs safe from foxtails. Grass awns are the barbed seed pods of foxtails and cheatgrass.

If an awn becomes embedded in a dog, it can cause an infection as it migrates inwards.

Brush your pet after outings, checking between their toes and in their ears, armpits, and groin area.

Remove awns with tweezers—be sure to get the entire seed pod.

If you think the awn has already migrated inward, please see your veterinarian.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 8

Today is World Food Safety Day. Foodborne diseases are a major health burden, causing illnesses that affect health, livelihoods, education and economies. Veterinarians are involved in the entire food chain, helping to maintain the health of livestock animals and poultry to keep our food safe.

Two female veterinarians compare notes in a field with grazing cows.

Today is World Food Safety Day. Veterinarians are involved in the entire food chain, helping to maintain the health of livestock animals and poultry to keep our food safe.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 5

The USDA has reported a case of New World screwworm (NWS) in a calf in Texas. This is the first case in the US. NWS can infest any warm-blooded animal, including livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and, rarely, humans. If not treated, infestation can be fatal. 1/4

A black cow stands in a field of sunflowers.

New World screwworm can infest any warm-blooded animal, including livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and, rarely, humans. Screwworms are fly larvae (maggots) that burrow into flesh and feed on the living tissue of animals. If not treated, infestation can be fatal.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 4

It's Hug Your Cat Day *and* Adopt a Cat Month!

A woman holds a gray cat with bright orange eyes that has a yellow bell on its collar.

It's Adopt a Cat Month. If you are thinking of adding a cat to your family, consider adopting from a shelter or humane organization. Older cats also make great companions.

Cats deserve to have a cozy lap to sleep on, healthy food, a safe place to scratch, play time, treats and regular veterinary care.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 2

Vaccinating animals against rabies protects them and creates a “buffer zone” between humans and rabid animals. Under Oregon law, all dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinarians recommend vaccination for cats, ferrets and horses. Multnomah Cty. requires cats to be vaccinated. 1/4

A brown and white dog with its tongue hanging out walks along a woody path on a sunny day.

Vaccinate Pets & Horses Against Rabies
Vaccinating animals against rabies protects them and creates a “buffer zone” between humans and rabid animals.

By Oregon law, all dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinarians strongly recommend vaccination for cats, ferrets and horses, too.

Do not pick up or touch bats. If you encounter a bat during the day, it is likely unhealthy and should be avoided. Anyone bitten by a bat should be vaccinated against rabies if the bat is not available for testing.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Jun 1

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Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· May 26

It's Arthritis Awareness Month. Just like humans, pets can develop arthritis, too. Arthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and mobility challenges. Older pets are more likely to develop arthritis due to the effects of aging. 1/2

A brown Labrador dog.

Arthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and mobility challenges.

Older pets are more likely to develop arthritis due to the effects of aging. Excess weight puts additional stress on joints, increasing the risk of arthritis.

If your pet has achy joints and reduced mobility, ask your veterinarian about pain management options.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· May 20

It's National Rescue Dog Day! “Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” ~ Karen Davison

Charlie, a white doodle mix with dark brown eyes, is a dog adopted from a rescue organization.

It's National Rescue Dog Day! Dogs deserve to have a loving home for life with a cozy bed, healthy food, exercise, socialization, toys, treats and regular veterinary care.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· May 18

We are entering the season for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Not all Oregon waterways are monitored for cyanobacteria, so it's important to know what to watch for. We post harmful algal bloom advisories and resources for identifying HABs on our web site: www.oregonvma.org/toxic-algae-... 1/4

A yellow lab sits on the bank of a lake in the woods.

Harmful algae blooms can cause serious illness or death in pets and livestock that ingest water or mats containing high concentrations of cyanotoxins. Dogs can become extremely ill, and even die, within minutes to hours of exposure.

When in doubt, stay out!
If you find thick, pea-green or blue-green foam, thick green or brownish-red mats, or bright green clumps suspended in the water in a lake, pond, river or stream—especially in shallow, marshy areas where cyanobacteria blooms can form—don’t let your pet drink or swim in the water.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· May 12

May is Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month. The most common reason for skin problems in pets is an underlying allergy. Your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist can diagnose what is causing your pet's skin issues or asthma and recommend a treatment plan.

A grey and white cat is scratching behind its ear with its paw.

The most common reason for skin problems in pets is an underlying allergy. Allergies are one of the most common causes of recurrent ear infections in companion pets.

Symptoms
* Itching, scratching, shaking head, pawing at ears
* Sneezing, snoring, runny eyes/nose, ear infections
* Chewing, licking, hair loss, bald spots
* Vomiting, diarrhea, scooting
* Rash on feet, ears, face, base of tail, toes, abdomen

Causes
* Ectoparasites: Fleas, ticks, lice, mites
* Environment: Pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, smoke
* Food: 10-15% of allergy cases

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· May 8

Today is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the impact of disasters on animals and how we can prepare for them. Put a preparedness plan in place now to keep you and your pets safe. More: www.oregonvma.org/care-health/... 1/2

A white cat sits in a cat carrier on a cream blanket.

Your animals depend on you for their safety. Be sure to include them in your disaster preparedness plans.

If You Evacuate, Take Your Animals
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.

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.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· May 4

It's National Pet Week®, a time to celebrate the pets that enrich our lives! To keep your pet happy and healthy, veterinarians encourage responsible pet care every day with regular veterinary care, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and a lifelong commitment to the well-being of your companion pet.

Two Corgis and a brown and white cat with orange eyes sit on a couch together.

National Pet Week® celebrates the pets that enrich our lives and encourages responsible pet care every day of the year.

Protect your pet's health and quality of life with regular veterinary care (including vaccinations and parasite control), exercise, socialization, a healthy diet, and lots of love!

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Apr 29

@oregonstate.edu Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Day will be held this Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pet Day is free and open to the public! There are lots of fun activities including teddy bear surgery, kid zone, Picasso puppy painting, nail trim education and more.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Apr 25

Today is World Veterinary Day, a day to celebrate the contributions of veterinarians to human and animal health! This year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” highlights the vital role veterinarians have in safeguarding food safety, public health, and animal health. 1/4

A female veterinarian wearing a red shirt and green overalls kneels on straw inside a stall with a brown and white calf.

Today is World Veterinary Day, a day to celebrate the contributions of veterinarians to human and animal health!

This year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” highlights the vital role veterinarians play in safeguarding food safety and security, public health, and animal health.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Apr 22

Does your pet wear an ID tag? Is it microchipped? These two forms of identification could help you to be reunited with your pet should it become lost. Pet tracker tags and collars are another tool to help locate a lost pet but don't replace the need for an ID tag and microchip.

A ginger cat with amber eyes sits by a window. It's wearing a blue color with a blue ID tag.

It's National Pet ID Week, a great time to double check to make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag and/or microchip. These two forms of identification could help you to be reunited with your pet should it become lost.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Apr 20

On 4/20 Day, we want to remind pet owners to secure all THC products and foods containing marijuana in pet-proof containers and out of reach of pets. Keep pets away from cannabis plants. If your pet ingests marijuana, seek veterinary care and let them know you suspect marijuana poisoning. 1/3

A gray and white dog with deep brown eyes licks its nose with its long pink tongue. It is wearing a bejeweled light blue collar with a bejeweled silver heart hanging from it.

On 4/20 day, we want to remind pet owners to secure all THC products and foods containing marijuana in pet-proof containers and keep them out of reach of pets. Keep pets away from cannabis plants. If your pet ingests marijuana, seek veterinary care and let them know you suspect marijuana poisoning.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Apr 17

April is Heartworm Disease Awareness Month. Heartworm cases are regularly reported in Oregon. Exposure to parasite-carrying mosquitoes increases with outdoor activities, but even indoor-only pets can be infected. Please protect your pet with heartworm preventive medication year-round.

A chocolate brown puppy with a bright pink tongue is looking super cute against a lime green bokeh background.

Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, cats and ferrets.

Infected mosquitoes spread the parasite that causes heartworm disease from animal to animal.

Heartworm infection can cause inflammation and thickening of the pulmonary arteries as well as damage to the heart, liver and kidneys. If untreated, it can lead to heart disease and death.

Your pet's risk of exposure to parasite-carrying mosquitoes increases with outdoor activities in areas that have high mosquito counts, but even indoor-only pets can be infected.

The American Heartworm Society and veterinarians recommend annual heartworm testing and year-round heartworm preventive medication.

Talk to your veterinarian about how to protect your pet from heartworm disease.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Apr 15

During National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week, we thank animal care and control personnel who provide essential community functions by enforcing animal control laws, helping to protect the public from diseases such as rabies, and educating the public on the care of the community’s animals.

A gray and white cat with green eyes peers around the corner of a kennel while another gray and white cat bats at a toy in the background.

We appreciate animal care and control efforts to protect the welfare of livestock, equine, and pets rescued from injury, disease, and abuse.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Apr 13

It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Each year, several million people are bitten by dogs and about half of dog bite victims are children. Keep your dog up to date on its rabies vaccination. Without a current vaccination on record, your dog likely faces a quarantine if it bites someone.

A brown and cream pug looks expectantly at the camera.

All dogs—even well-trained, gentle dogs—are capable of biting in reaction to a stressful situation such as being startled or scared, when they feel unwell or if they are injured, or if they are disturbed while sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

To help prevent bites:

Never leave babies or young children unsupervised with dogs, even with family pets.

Ensure that your pet receives preventive veterinary care and treat injuries or illness.

Properly socialize and train your dog. Expose your dog to new situations slowly and for short periods of time. Give praise and rewards for good behavior.

Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog, and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you. If the dog isn’t interested, don’t force it.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Mar 31

This Easter, we are reminding cat owners to keep lilies out of their homes. All parts—petals, leaves, stem and pollen—of the Easter lily plant are poisonous and can cause kidney failure in cats within 72 hours. Other Easter hazards include plastic "grass," chocolate, coins and plastic Easter eggs.

A photo of an Easter lily. This Easter, we want to remind cat owners to keep lilies out of their homes. All parts—petals, leaves, stem and pollen—of the Easter lily plant are poisonous and can cause kidney failure in cats within 72 hours. Tiger, day, rubrum, stargazer, and Japanese show lilies are also toxic to cats.

A graphic that includes three bunnies that look like marshmallow peeps. A reminder that Easter hazards for pets include plastic "grass," chocolate, coins and plastic Easter eggs. Please keep these out of reach of your pets.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Mar 19

Benny is a new inductee into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame in our Professional category. Benny is an emotional support dog working in the Oregon City school district. Learn more about Benny: www.oregonvma.org/oregon-anima...

Benny, a Goldendoodle named after the OSU mascot Benny the Beaver, is a 2026 inductee into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame in the Professional category.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Mar 19

Skipper is a new inductee into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame in our Hero category. In April 2025, Skipper saved her family from a house fire that she, unfortunately, did not survive. Learn more about our Hero dog, Skipper: www.oregonvma.org/oregon-anima...

Skipper, a pit bull mix, is a 2026 inductee into the Oregon Animal Hall of Fame in the Hero category.

Oregon Veterinary Medical Association@oregonvma· Mar 16

Congratulations to our 2026 Practice Manager award recipient Leanne Schuetze CVPM! Ms. Schuetze was honored for her work with clients and staff as the manager of Rogers Veterinary Service in Philomath. Read more: www.oregonvma.org/ovma-awards-...