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• Preparing Your Pet for a Blood Test

  Having your pet properly prepared for a blood test helps to ensure that the results are as accurate and reliable as possible. Preparation for these two types of tests is slightly different. Your veterinarian will give you specific instructions before your appointment. It is important that you follow these instructions exactly to ensure accurate test results.

• Preparing Your Pets for Winter

  Winter cold weather poses several risks for our pets. This article outlines some of the key risks and how to avoid them, to keep your pet safe year-round.

• Preventing Separation Distress During and After a Pandemic

  When families shelter together for extended periods, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, pets enjoy nearly constant companionship. As people resume an active lifestyle, pets are suddenly faced with being alone. They may experience distress related to this loss of companionship. Treatment is discussed, such as independence training and an incremental program of safe departures. If your pet shows continued signs of distress related to being alone, it is important to seek professional help to prevent escalation.

• Probiotics

  Probiotics are given by mouth and are used over the counter to treat gastrointestinal upset. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are rare but may include gas or mild discomfort. Do not use in pets that are very sick and immunocompromised, or in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

• Propantheline Bromide

  Propantheline bromide is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat diarrhea, slow heart rate, and incontinence. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes, fast heart rate, difficulty urinating, and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or similar drugs, or pets that have certain heart, bladder, or intestinal problems, glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

• Proper Disposal of Medical Waste

  Medical waste includes needles, syringes, body parts, bodily fluids, feces and medications among other things. This handout addresses some of the ways such waste can be safely disposed.

• Propranolol

  Propranolol (brand names Inderal®, Detensol®, Hemangeol®, Innopran®) is a beta-blocker used off label (extra label) to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) in cats, dogs, ferrets, and horses. It has also been used short-term to treat hypertension caused by thyrotoxicosis or pheochromocytoma. It is given by mouth or injection.

• Prostate Tumors

  Tumors of the prostate are relatively uncommon in dogs and extremely rare in cats. Clinical signs include bloody urine, or straining to urinate or defecate. Metastasis to the pelvic bone and/or lumbar spine is likely. Diagnosis and treatment options are discussed. Prognosis is considered poor.

• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

  Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is the use of a generated electromagnetic field to affect changes in tissues of the body. PEMF is believed to have beneficial pain-relieving and healing effects but definitive clinical evidence or a positive benefit is currently lacking. Potential benefits and contraindications are discussed.

• Pyrantel Pamoate

  Pyrantel pamoate is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat intestinal parasites in many species. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.