We are here for you and your pet at Blue Sparrow Holistic Veterinary House Calls!
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While we are all experiencing changes to the way we live and work, Blue Sparrow continues to adapt to these times while promoting the health and well- being of our clients, patients and staff.
We remain open and offer care for sick patients, as well as general health services, hospice and humane euthanasia in the home. We are still seeing only scheduled house-call appointments, but also offer telemedicine appointments and phone consultations for general questions or non-urgent conditions for which your pet may not need to be seen. (Please keep in mind that for a majority of issues, your pet may still need to be seen.) In an ongoing effort to limit physical contact, we still provide contactless deliveries and pick-ups of medications, supplements and lab samples.
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When you make an appointment, our administrative services will send you an email outlining our protocols and how to best prepare for our arrival. This will include who will handle door knobs/levers, where the appointment will take place (in a room of the home, backyard, garage space, deck, etc), and any supplies that we would need from you (towels, treats for your pet where applicable).
During the appointment we will arrive with PPE on (masks and gloves) and continue to follow best physical distancing practices of 6 feet apart from owners/caregivers. We will also carry cleaning wipes to sanitize surfaces and equipment used during the appointment. For those clients not wishing to be present or if unable to be present, we have an Absentee Form that can be filled out prior to the appointment in which you can describe the current history of your pet’s health and be sure any concerns are addressed.
We are mindful that the wearing of masks and gloves can affect interactions with your pets. They have learned to read and interpret our facial expressions, but with masks on, they do not have that frame of reference. We are sure to speak in light and upbeat voices. We are sure to move slowly during appointments while gently handling your pet. We are also mindful of our body posture and try to not crowd your pet as much as possible. Time is taken to gain their trust with our PPE on.
If you’re feeling unwell or have been exposed to COVID-19, please be aware that we’re happy to reschedule your appointment. You will not be penalized for canceling an appointment due to illness or possible exposure. Should Dr. Araba or any of our technician staff feel unwell, we will also reach out to reschedule appointments immediately.
For those clients with new pets or for those who are experiencing the loss of your beloved pet, we can also provide resources to support you. Please inquire with administrative services should you need information on virtual training classes, behavioral resources or pet loss support. Physical distance does not have to mean social distance or isolation.
We, at Blue Sparrow Holistic, continue to follow the CDC, state and local health agency guidelines for veterinary care. We prioritize keeping you, our patients, and our team healthy while we navigate the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. We also continue to proudly provide veterinary services to our diverse Bay Area community with love, compassion, empathy and pride. Now, more than ever, we know how important genuine connectivity is- to our pets and to each other. Stay safe and we hope you are all well.
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The foxtail plant is a grass-like weed mostly found in the Western half of the U.S.
Foxtail plants can be risky for your pet. The barbed seed heads of the foxtail plant can work their way into any part of your dog or cat, from the nose to between the toes and inside the ears, eyes, and mouth. They can even dig themselves directly into an area of skin.
The danger of foxtails goes beyond simple irritation. Because these tough seeds don't break down inside the body, an embedded foxtail can lead to serious infection for your pet. It can even lead to death if left untreated. The seeds can be hard to find in your pet's fur. So how can you tell if your pet has a foxtail that’s causing problems? If you find a foxtail should you extract it? And when is it time to call a vet?
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Risks and Symptoms
Foxtails travel. Moving relentlessly forward, never back. They can migrate from inside your pet's nose to to other areas. They can dig through skin or be inhaled into, and then perforate, a lung.
Embedded foxtails can cause discharge, abscesses, swelling, pain, and death. If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms, check for foxtails or talk to us:
- Feet - Foxtails love your pet's feet, and can easily become embedded between tender toes. Check for foxtails if you notice swelling, limping, or if your pet is continuously licking the area.
- Ears - If your pet is shaking their head, tilting it to the side, or scratching incessantly at an ear, this could be the sign of a foxtail -- one that may be so deep inside the ear canal you can't see it. A veterinarian needs to take a look using a special scope.
- Eyes - Redness, discharge, swelling, squinting, and pawing all may be signs your pet has a foxtail lodged in their eye. If you think this may be the case, seek veterinary care immediately.
- Nose - If you see discharge from the nose, or if your pet is sneezing frequently and intensely, there may be a foxtail lodged in a nasal passage.
- Genitals - Foxtails can find their way into these areas, too. So if you notice your pet persistently licking at its genitals, foxtails could be the cause.
Tips for Preventing Foxtail Problems
Any pet can get foxtails in the ears, nose, eyes, or mouth. But dogs with long ears and curly hair can be especially prone to foxtail problems. Prevent issues by:
- Examining your pet's coat during foxtail season, generally May through December, especially if you've been walking in open fields. Brush your pet as necessary, looking especially closely for pointy foxtail awns in your pet's thick or long fur.
- Check your pet's face and ears carefully for foxtails. Don't forget to look in and around their mouth and gums.
- Carefully check your pet's paw pads for foxtails, especially between the toes.
- Use tweezers to remove any foxtails you can easily get to. But if a foxtail is deeply embedded, or if the area around it is red or swollen, call us right away to schedule an appointment. Remember, foxtails won't come out on their own, and they can burrow into feet, eardrums, lungs, anywhere.
The easiest way to prevent foxtail problems is to keep your pet out of overgrown, grassy areas. You should also pull out any foxtail plants you find in your yard. Also consider trimming your pet's hair during foxtail season, especially if they persistently get foxtails in one spot. Stay safe and we hope you have a great Summer!
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