It’s hard to resist those pleading eyes under the dinner table, but when it comes to feeding your dog fatty foods, the wrong kind of table scraps can quickly turn dangerous. For dogs, pancreatitis is a painful and potentially serious condition most commonly triggered by the consumption of high-fat food. 

Before you slip your dog some chicken skin or your last piece of bacon, here’s what concerned pet parents need to know. 

What is Canine Pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a small but important organ that helps your dog digest food. It produces enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbs, along with vital hormones like insulin. In a healthy dog, those digestive enzymes are only activated once they reach the small intestine.

Pancreatitis occurs when those enzymes activate too early (inside the pancreas), causing painful inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissue. This condition can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the severity and how quickly it’s treated.

How Fatty Food Triggers Pancreatitis in Dogs

Fatty meals are one of the most common triggers of pancreatitis because they force the pancreas to work harder to produce sufficient digestive enzymes. Rich foods can slow down and overwhelm your dog’s digestive system, especially if they’re not used to them. 

Even if your dog seems fine immediately after getting into something greasy, pancreatitis symptoms can take up to a day to appear. Some dogs are at an increased risk of developing the condition, so keep an especially close watch on: 

• Older dogs
• Overweight dogs
• Miniature Schnauzers and other breeds with high fat sensitivity
• Dogs with a prior history of pancreatitis

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

If your dog has raided the trash or convinced an unknowing house guest to share their leftovers, stay alert. It’s important not to dismiss possible pancreatitis symptoms as a simple upset stomach. 

Act quickly if you notice: 

• Repeated vomiting
• Diarrhea or greasy stool
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Abdominal pain (your dog may hunch, pace, or seem uncomfortable when lying down)
• Fever

When to See Your Vet

Pancreatitis can’t be treated at home. If you notice any of the above symptoms (especially following the known ingestion of greasy food), getting your dog fast intervention can make all the difference. 

In severe cases, a buildup of digestive enzymes can actually cause your dog’s pancreas to digest itself, leading to organ failure, septic shock, and death. Your vet can check your dog’s enzyme levels, provide essential pain relief, and stabilize your pet so their pancreas can heal. 

Preventing Pancreatitis

The best way to keep your dog’s pancreas healthy is to keep fatty foods off the menu. That means avoiding feeding greasy table scraps and instructing well-meaning house guests to do the same. 

Keeping healthy snacks on hand is a great way to include your pet in meals without jeopardizing their health. “Human” foods like carrots, watermelon, and unseasoned green beans make excellent dog treats that actually support good digestion.  

Be aware that if your dog has had pancreatitis before, they are more likely to experience it again. Be especially cautious and work with your veterinarian to design a diet that reduces the risk of a recurrence. 

Pancreatitis is painful and life-threatening, but it’s largely preventable. A high-quality, balanced diet will keep your dog’s tail wagging. 

If your feline friend plays, sleeps, and hunts inside the safety of your home, you may be wondering if updating their rabies vaccine is really necessary. While it might seem like indoor cats are protected from infectious diseases, the reality is more complicated — especially when it comes to rabies.

Even if your cat never sets a paw outside, a current rabies vaccination is both a legal requirement in North Carolina and a vital part of protecting your cat, your household, and your community.

What Is Rabies and How Does it Spread?

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the nervous system of mammals, causing progressive inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It’s most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. 

It can take weeks or months for an infected animal to exhibit the classic signs of rabies, so it’s important to treat all bites as possible exposures. 

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. The only effective protection is prevention, which is why vaccines are so critical. Fortunately, the rabies vaccine is highly effective and readily available through your veterinarian as well as free and low-cost community clinics. 

Rabies Vaccination Is Required by Law in Raleigh, NC

Vaccination isn’t just a good idea — In Raleigh, NC, it’s the law.  All cats over four months of age must receive a rabies shot, even if they are kept indoors full-time. This requirement even applies to cats living in apartments, condos, or homes with no outdoor access.

Failure to comply with this law can result in:

• Fines from Wake County Animal Control
• Mandatory quarantine if your cat is exposed to a potentially rabid animal
• Euthanasia of unvaccinated pets in cases of confirmed exposure

In short, skipping the rabies shot can carry serious legal and emotional consequences.

How Can Indoor Cats Be Exposed to Rabies?

While choosing to keep your cats inside drastically reduces their risk of exposure to infectious diseases, the unexpected can and does happen. 

• Bats inside your home. Bats can carry rabies and are known to enter North Carolina homes through windows and chimneys. If your cat catches or plays with one, exposure is a real concern.
• Escapes. Even timid cats can get curious about the outdoors. If your feline friend slips outside, encounters with wild animals are a possibility. 
• Invasive wildlife. Carriers like raccoons and foxes can sneak into attics, basements, screened-in porches, and garages, exposing household pets.
  Exposure from other household pets. If you also have dogs or other animals that go outside, there is a possibility that they may bring the virus home.
  

It’s a misconception that rabies exposure is always a dramatic event — it can happen quickly and quietly. 

Keep Your Cat’s Vaccinations Current

Kittens should get their first rabies vaccine by 16 weeks, and adults need annual boosters (some veterinarians use a three-year vaccine). 

If an exposure occurs, it’s critical that you’re able to provide proof of an active vaccine. If you’re unsure of when your cat received their last booster, your veterinarian can review your records and help you get back on schedule. 

Getting your indoor cat vaccinated against rabies is a simple, affordable step that protects your pet and family against a devastating disease process. Check on your cat’s vaccination status and stay in compliance with North Carolina law. 

Hitting the road this summer? With a little extra attention to the logistics, your next vacation can include the entire family.

Traveling with your dog can be fun and rewarding, especially if you’re properly prepared for the journey. Here are our best tips for pet parents planning a road trip with their canine companion in tow. 

1. Prepare to Travel with Your Dog

Before you disembark, make sure your dog is in good health. A visit to the vet can help you confirm that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and address any concerns you may have about travel-related health issues. This is also an ideal time to refill any prescription medications, so you don’t have to search for a pharmacy in an unfamiliar place. 

2. Pack the Essentials

Think through each phase of your trip, including the car ride, hotel stay, outings, and return home, to ensure that you have everything your dog needs. 

A thorough packing list should include:

• Food and treats
• Collapsible bowls
• Plenty of water
• Any medications and supplements
• Leash, harness, and collar with ID
• Waste bags and cleaning supplies
• Toys and comfort items
• Blankets or seat covers
• Towel for muddy paws
• Emergency contact information for local vets

3. Acclimate Your Dog to the Car

Some pets get excited at the sound of jingling keys, while others struggle with anxiety and car sickness. If your dog hasn’t spent much time in the car, help them get used to it by taking short, positive rides leading up to your trip. 

To keep your dog safe and comfortable, consider using a crash-tested crate or dog seat belt. Introduce these items gradually, so your dog feels secure rather than confined.

4. Plan Your Route

Stops for exercise, food, and restroom breaks are an essential part of any road trip. Before you set out, research dog-friendly points of interest along your route, including parks, rest areas, and pet-friendly accommodations. 

Plan to stop every 2-3 hours to give your dog a chance to drink some water, have a snack, and relieve themselves. Take a pass on roadside attractions and dining options that don’t welcome pets, and never leave your dog in a hot car, even for a short amount of time. 

5. Keep Your Dog Comfortable + Entertained

Your pets may not be able to ask “Are we there yet?” but prolonged boredom can easily turn into restlessness and anxiety. Pack a few of your dog’s favorite toys from home as well as something new to keep them engaged as the miles roll away. 

6. Help Your Dog Settle In

Whether you’re staying with family or in a pet-friendly hotel or Airbnb, your destination is guaranteed to be filled with lots of unfamiliar sights and smells. 

When you arrive, take a few moments to help your dog adjust to their environment. Set out a favorite blanket and bring their bedding or crate from home to help them feel more secure in the new space. 

7. Research Your Destination

Before you choose your accommodations, take time to read through any pet policies and familiarize yourself with local leash laws. 

No one wants to spend their whole vacation in the hotel, and neither will your dog. Make sure you know how and when you can include your dog in vacation activities so you can plan appropriately and make the trip fun for everyone. 

Many dogs love nothing more than a good splash in a pond or creek, especially on a hot summer day. While pet water safety is important for everyone, residents of North Carolina and other southeastern US states face a particular danger. 

Pythiosis, a variety of mold that thrives in warm, still water, can have devastating effects on your dog’s health. Though relatively uncommon, it’s aggressive, difficult to treat, and can be deadly if not caught early. Here’s what dog parents need to know about this waterborne illness and how to help protect their pets.

What Is Pythiosis

Pythiosis is caused by a microorganism called Pythium insidiosum. It acts like a fungus but is actually a type of water mold found in warm, slow-moving freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, and swamps. 

Dogs typically become infected by drinking or swimming in contaminated water, especially if they have any open cuts or wounds. Once inside the body, Pythium can cause serious infections of the skin or GI  tract.

This disease is most common in regions where temperatures stay warm for longer stretches of the year, but it can pop up anywhere conditions are right. Expectedly, Pythium infections spike in the summer. 

Symptoms of Pythium Infection

Pythiosis can present in two major forms: cutaneous (skin) or gastrointestinal. 

Cutaneous pythiosis:

• Sores or wounds that won’t heal
• Firm lumps or masses under the skin
• Ulcerated or draining lesions

Gastrointestinal pythiosis:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea 
• Weight loss
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Lethargy

Unfortunately, these symptoms usually take months to appear and can resemble other, more common conditions, so pythiosis can be difficult to diagnose early without specific testing.

Risk Factors

Pythiosis is most common in hunting or working dogs that spend time in or around swamps, marshes, and lakes. However, any water-loving dog is at risk of exposure. 

Pets with open cuts or sores or those prone to drinking lake water should be monitored closely while outdoors. 

Pythiosis Prognosis + Treatment

Pythiosis is aggressive and spreads quickly. If left untreated, organ failure, malnutrition, and sepsis are imminent. 

Because the symptoms of an infection can mimic other conditions, your vet will likely have to confirm pythiosis through imaging, biopsies, or specialized lab testing. Depending on how far the infection has progressed, treatment may involve the surgical removal of affected tissue, antifungal medications, or supportive care to manage symptoms. 

Only about 10% of dogs are cured through medication alone, making an early surgical intervention the most effective treatment by far.

Protect Your Dog

There’s currently no vaccine for pythiosis, so prevention comes down to awareness and avoiding risky environments. Here are a few ways to reduce your dog’s risk:

• Don’t allow your dog to wade or swim in warm, still bodies of freshwater, especially during the hottest parts of the year. 
• Bring plenty of clean water on outings so your dog isn’t tempted to drink from ponds, lakes, or swamps.
• Check your dog for open wounds and avoid water exposure until any cuts or sores are healed. 
• Follow up any outdoor swimming with a bath to remove potentially harmful microorganisms from their coat. 

If your dog is experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms or skin abnormalities, don’t hesitate to contact your vet to definitively rule out pythiosis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis. 

Your cat’s whiskers give them personality, but they’re much more than just wild hairs. These highly sensitive structures are essential to your cat’s everyday life, from exploring dark spaces to judging distance.

Unkempt whiskers might make well-intentioned pet parents tempted to give them a trim, but doing so will cause your cat a great deal of discomfort. Here’s why you should never trim your cat’s whiskers, and what makes them such an important part of a cat’s anatomy.

What Are Whiskers, Really?

Tactile hairs, also known as vibrissae, are an important sensory apparatus for domestic cats and other mammals, including tigers, foxes, and even manatees. They are most prominent above your cat’s eyes and on their cheeks and muzzle, but they can also be found on the backs of their front legs. 

While the colloquial term “whiskers” makes them seem comparable to human facial hair, they are deeply embedded in the skin and surrounded by a dense network of nerves and blood vessels. While the hairs themselves are not innervated and trimming them doesn’t cause pain, the surrounding nerve endings make them highly sensitive to even the slightest touch or vibration.

Why Whiskers Are So Important

Whiskers do a lot more than give your cat an expressive face — they’re crucial tools for exploring and interpreting their world. Vibrissae serve several essential functions, including: 

• Spatial Awareness: Whiskers help your cat gauge whether they can fit through tight spaces by acting like built-in measuring tools.
• Navigation in Low Light: Even in complete darkness, whiskers can pick up subtle air currents and nearby movement, helping cats “see” their surroundings.
• Hunting and Play: Whiskers are tuned into the tiniest vibrations, helping cats detect the movements of prey and toys.
• Emotional Expression: The position of your cat’s whiskers can communicate moods to other pets. Whiskers angled forward may signal curiosity or excitement, while flattened whiskers often mean fear or stress.

What Happens If You Trim a Cat’s Whiskers

Many pet parents make the mistake of trimming their cat’s whiskers because they assume they are like any other kind of hair. While the intention may not be harmful, the result can seriously affect your cat’s comfort and confidence.

Because whiskers are sensory tools, trimming them is like temporarily blinding or deafening your cat. Without them, your cat may:

• Lose balance easily
• Bump into objects or misjudge distances
• Seem withdrawn
• Avoid jumping or climbing
• Appear stressed or disoriented
  

Fortunately, cut whiskers do grow back over time. Expect your cat to feel a bit out of sorts for several weeks while they regrow their tactile hairs. 

What to Do If Whiskers Are Damaged

In addition to misguided home haircuts, whiskers can also get damaged during play with other pets or grooming accidents. While lost whiskers don’t generally constitute a medical emergency, your cat will need your help to navigate the world without all of their senses.

Ease their disorientation by adding as much comfort and predictability into their routine as possible. Provide your distressed cat with an easily accessible space they can retreat to if they become overwhelmed, avoid startling them, and add some nightlights to help them navigate your home in the dark. 

Be patient if your cat is unusually clingy or vocal during this time. If their stress level or behavior becomes a concern, reach out to your vet for more strategies on keeping them comfortable while their whiskers regrow. 

It’s easy to overlook a piece of dental floss that has gone missing from your bathroom trash. Many pet parents who carefully dispose of chicken bones, lock away household chemicals, and keep chocolate out of reach don’t consider floss a safety hazard. After all, shouldn’t something so small and non-toxic pass easily if swallowed? 

The truth is, dental floss and other string-like objects are deceptively dangerous. If you suspect your dog has swallowed floss, acting quickly can prevent life-threatening internal injuries.

Why Dental Floss is Dangerous for Dogs and Cats

Swallowed dental floss is considered a linear foreign body — a long, thin object that doesn’t break down in the digestive tract. Unlike solid items that might pass or cause a simple GI blockage, linear objects pose a unique and serious threat.

One of the biggest dangers is something called tethering. This occurs when one end of a string gets anchored to a point in the digestive tract (commonly around the base of the tongue or in the stomach) while the rest of the floss continues to move through the intestines. This creates tension, which can cause the intestines to bunch or tangle around the floss, leading to a loss of blood flow to portions of the GI tract, tears, or perforations. 

If left untreated, intestinal blockages, ruptures, and peritonitis (a life-threatening intestinal infection) are imminent.  

Commonly Swallowed Linear Foreign Bodies

Dental floss poses a particular risk because it’s often easily accessible in uncovered bathroom trash bins, and some dogs may be attracted to the flavor. However, floss isn’t the only string-like object that can land you at the emergency vet. Other culprits include: 

• Sewing thread 
• Yarn and ribbon
• Long strands of human hair
• Carpet and rug fibers
• String from roasts and rotisserie chickens 
• Shoelaces 
• Tampons
• Frayed rope toys
• Holiday popcorn strings

If you have a pet who is prone to chewing, keep in mind that they can accidentally swallow anything they are mouthing, and be especially mindful of anything string-like that has come into contact with food or body fluids. 

Signs Your Dog May Have Swallowed Floss

If you witness your pet swallow floss or string, get in touch with your veterinarian right away. Symptoms can develop over hours or days as the floss moves through their body, so even pets that seem perfectly fine may be in danger. 

If you didn’t witness the ingestion, however, here are signs that your dog or cat may have swallowed a linear foreign body: 

• Vomiting or dry heaving
• Pawing at mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or straining
• Abdominal bloating 

What to Do If Your Dog Swallows Floss or String

It may seem unnecessary to rush a perfectly happy dog to the vet, but a quick intervention can prevent life-threatening intestinal damage and give you better options for treatment. 

Never induce vomiting unless advised to do so by your vet, and never pull on a string you find hanging from your pet’s mouth or rectum. If the linear foreign body is anchored, pulling can cause serious internal injuries. 

Prevent Swallowing Accidents Before They Happen

Small changes to your home can prevent a lot of anxiety, expense, and tragedy. 

Invest in Trashcans With Lids

Open bathroom waste baskets are usually the perfect height for curious pets to explore. Swap them for lidded trash cans and keep dental floss, tampons, and other risky objects safely out of reach. 

Stash Your Sewing Kit

Pets who swallow sewing thread can also ingest attached needles, so be very mindful of how you store crafting supplies. Never leave projects unattended, and keep thread, yarn, and ribbon in a sealed container or drawer when not in use. 

Toss Damaged Toys

Frayed ropes and broken string-like cat teaser toys can quickly turn into swallowing hazards. Discard and replace toys when you notice signs of wear. 

Beware of Loose Ends

Fibers from rugs, carpets, furniture, and clothing can pose a risk to dogs who like to chew. Trim loose strings as soon as you notice them and dispose of them in a covered trash can. 

Raleigh, NC is well-known for being friendly to dog parents, but the Triangle has a great deal to offer cat lovers as well. 

Whether you hope to explore Raleigh with your cat, adopt a new best friend, or just enjoy all things feline, you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few local events and destinations for cat lovers and their companions. 

Visit a Cat Cafe

Located near downtown Raleigh, Purr Cup Cafe, provides a cozy environment where visitors can enjoy beverages while interacting with adoptable cats. The café partners with local rescues, so your coffee purchase helps community cats find their forever homes. 

Reservations are recommended to ensure quality time in the cat lounge.

Attend a Raleigh Cat Adoption Event

Local rescues like Safe Haven for Cats often offer a full calendar of adoption and fundraising events. 

Their annual Tuxedo Cat Ball is a much-anticipated opportunity for cat lovers to enjoy a night out for a great cause. Tickets include a buffet dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction that benefits over 1,300 of Raleigh’s stray and abandoned cats each year. 

Check Out a Cat Rescue Thrift Store

Cause for Paws houses adoptable cats in its two Raleigh thrift store locations so you can make a new friend while you shop. 

Browse a large selection of gently used clothing, furniture, and housewares and get in some face time with available cats and kittens. If you hit it off, staff members are available to help you complete an adoption application on-site.    

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely

Do you have an adventurous feline who craves fresh air? Raleigh’s expansive network of greenways offers respite from urban life that outgoing cats may enjoy as much as you. 

Break out the leash and harness or pet stroller and explore the tree-lined trails. Be sure to observe all safety rules and regulations, and avoid visiting during peak hours to minimize stress from large crowds and other pets. 

Spoil Your Cat While Shopping Local

While traditional pet stores tend to cater to dogs, Meow City is an entirely cat-centric shop filled with treats and unique gifts for cats and the people who love them. 

Explore an unmatched selection of cat furniture, interactive toys, and catnip snacks in their Cary, NC boutique a short drive from downtown Raleigh. 

Tips for Exploring Raleigh With Your Cat

Not all cats enjoy an outing, and that’s ok! If your feline friend gets anxious during necessary travel, a long walk in a pet stroller may just cause avoidable stress. For outgoing and adventurous cats, a few precautions can help keep activities fun for everyone,

• Scout the location. Visit any potential destinations alone before bringing your cat to ensure that the environment is safe and suitable. 
• Safety first. Plan to keep your cat on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Make sure any harnesses fit properly, and have an exit strategy in case your cat gets stressed or frightened. 
• Pack smart. Bring plenty of water, treats, and familiar toys to keep your cat hydrated and engaged while you’re out. 

Plan ahead, prioritize safety, and explore all that Raleigh has to offer cat lovers and their feline companions. 

If your dog experiences frequent upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, or gas, you’ve probably wondered if there is a canine version of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). You would be correct!

Canine IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects dogs, often linked to stress, diet, or an overly sensitive gut. While it can be frustrating for both pets and owners, IBS is manageable with the right approach. With an accurate diagnosis and good support strategies, bowel problems don’t have to interfere with your dog’s quality of life.

Symptoms of IBS in Dogs

Just like humans, canine bowel issues can present in several different ways. Symptoms of IBS tend to appear when dogs have eaten something out of the ordinary or experienced a stressful event like travel, unfamiliar house guests, or bad weather. 

You may notice:

• Chronic or intermittent diarrhea
• Constipation
• Mucous in stool 
• Abdominal discomfort
• Excessive flatulence
• Vomiting or nausea
• Changes in appetite 

IBS vs. Bloat

While IBS is a chronic, manageable condition, bloat (also known as GDV or twisted stomach) is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate surgery. 

Never dismiss your dog’s symptoms as a bowel sensitivity or upset stomach if they include:

• An enlarged, distended, or unusually firm abdomen
• Pale gums
• Panting and drooling
• Shortness of breath
• Unproductive vomiting

If your dog is showing signs of distress, get them to the emergency vet as quickly as possible. 

How is IBS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing IBS in dogs requires ruling out other medical conditions, such as food allergies,  parasites, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

Your veterinarian may perform a physical examination, stool analysis, and bloodwork to assess your pet’s overall health and organ function. They may also recommend an elimination diet to determine if food intolerances are triggering symptoms.

Since IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, your vet will consider all possible causes before confirming the condition. The process requires some patience, but it will yield helpful strategies for minimizing uncomfortable flare-ups. 

Supporting Dogs with Bowel Issues

Many pet parents find that their dog’s IBS is well managed through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. 

Stress Management

Stress is often a key trigger for IBS. Dogs are creatures of habit, so unexpected guests, unfamiliar sounds, and prolonged absences can raise their anxiety and lead to an upset stomach. Adhere to a routine as much as possible, and provide your pet a safe space to retreat when they’re feeling overwhelmed. 

Making sure they get plenty of mental stimulation, interaction, and exercise can ease separation anxiety during the times you have to be away. 

Dietary Management

Your vet’s examination may reveal specific food sensitivities or intolerances. Avoid ingredients that irritate your dog’s gut, and look for ways to incorporate more fiber into their diet. 

Carrots, apples, and watermelon are great for bulking up your dog’s runny stool, easing constipation, and adding essential hydration. 

Medication

Your vet may prescribe antidiarrheal medication or fiber supplements on an ongoing or as-needed basis. In chronic cases, a long-term treatment plan may be necessary to maintain digestive balance.

When to Worry

Generally, canine IBS is all about support. While your vet will likely give you most of the tools you need to manage your pet’s condition at home, it’s possible that chronic or severe flare-ups may require additional interventions. Make a follow-up appointment if you notice:

• Weight loss
• Signs of dehydration
• Blood in stool
• Black or tarry stool
• Lethargy or weakness

Early intervention will get your dog back on the road to health and help them live a longer, more comfortable life.