Darien Animal Clinic

07/22/2026

Wildfire smoke doesn't just affect people. It can affect your dog, too. 🐾

Our veterinary and environmental public health experts have adapted the Air Quality Index (AQI) to help pet owners know when it's safe to head outside and when it's better to stay in.

Some dogs, including puppies, seniors, flat-faced breeds, and those with heart or lung conditions, are at even greater risk.

Learn how to protect your dog and view the full AQI recommendations ➡️ https://csuveterinaryhealth.org/how-poor-air-quality-can-impact-dogs/

07/08/2026

RECALL ALERT - Mars Petcare US, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall for two lots of PEDIGREE® Can High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor 13.2oz for dogs. The recalled product may contain metal and plastic foreign material.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/4vNUO4Z

07/04/2026

06/26/2026

It just takes one tick bite to spread disease. 🕷️

CAPC Board Member and Auburn University parasitologist Dr. Kathryn Reif is busting some of the most common myths that leave pets, and their owners, vulnerable to vector-borne diseases.

In a recent interview and video spotlight featured by Auburn University, Dr. Reif breaks down why tick risk is an all-year, all-neighborhood phenomenon. If you see wildlife like deer, bunnies, or squirrels passing through your backyard, those spaces aren't immune to ticks. Furthermore, while some species love the summer heat, others, like the blacklegged tick responsible for transmitting Lyme disease, actually thrive in cooler temperatures.

Because these risks are ever-present, CAPC’s motto remains clear: Every Pet Tested, Every Pet Protected. 🔬 Dr. Reif's Top Clinical Takeaways:

Ditch Seasonal Assumptions: We need to protect pets on a year-round basis, not just during anecdotally "high-risk" months.

The Backyard Threat: Wildlife brings vectors directly to your doorstep.

The Solution: Prioritize annual parasite testing and regular, year-round preventive treatments for ticks, fleas, and other common pests.

Want to read Dr. Reif's full breakdown ?

Check out the original post by Auburn University to level up your tick knowledge today: 👉 https://www.vetmed.auburn.edu/blog/cvm-news/year-round-threat-2026-pet-parasite-forecast-shows-rising-tick-risk/

06/13/2026

UPDATE: The USDA has reversed course on pet dog travel to Mexico.

Pet dogs are no longer on the list of animals restricted from traveling to Mexico amid the http://U.S. New World screwworm response. According to USDA/APHIS, pet dogs may travel to Mexico again under previously established procedures.

Restrictions remain in place for other affected species, and dogs entering the US from Mexico still require screwworm inspection/certification.

We’ll continue monitoring USDA/APHIS updates as this situation develops.

Read the latest update: https://hubs.li/Q04kL-1-0

06/09/2026

‼️USDA-APHIS has halted the export of pet dogs and several other animal species to Mexico amid confirmed United States New World screwworm detections.
Veterinary teams should continue monitoring for suspicious wounds, educating clients, and reporting suspected cases to the appropriate animal health authorities.
Read what we know so far: https://hubs.li/Q04kCRWW0

06/02/2026

As of May 2026, the number of recalled lots has risen to more than 180.

02/12/2026

A sweet moment between Dr. Gustafson and his patient Girly. ❤️

01/26/2026

FDA ADVISORY: The U.S. FDA is cautioning pet owners that eight samples of Raaw Energy dog food have tested positive for one or more types of pathogenic (harmful) bacteria, specifically: Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), Salmonella, and Campylobacter jejuni. One sample also contained Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 bacteria, which may be harmful.

Raaw Energy dog food is ordered via the firm’s website and picked up in person by customers. The products are packaged in either 2-pound or 5-pound clear plastic tubes sealed on each end with a metal clip. Products are sold frozen in brown cardboard boxes containing 10 clear plastic tubes. The cardboard boxes have white stick-on labels identifying the product flavor, ingredients, and date code.

Because Raaw Energy products aren’t labeled with lot codes, different batches of product are distinguishable by a date code (date of manufacture) printed on white stickers on both the individual plastic tubes and the brown cardboard box. MORE: https://bit.ly/4qGLcGA

12/23/2025