Keys Animal ER

10/30/2026

🎃 Halloween Candy: Treats for People, Trouble for Pets

Halloween candy can be a lot more dangerous for pets than many people realize.

In this week’s Keys Life column, Dr. Doug covers some of the biggest concerns, including:

Chocolate

Sugar-free candy containing xylitol

Raisins

Macadamia nuts

Candy wrappers and other packaging that can cause an intestinal blockage

If your pet gets into the Halloween stash, save any wrappers or packaging you can find and contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

A little extra attention to where the candy bowl and trick-or-treat bags end up can save everyone a trip to the ER this Halloween.

📰 Featured in the October 29, 2026 edition of the Keys Citizen

10/26/2026

🐾 Why Is My Dog’s Head Tilting?

A sudden head tilt can be alarming, especially when it comes with stumbling, falling over, or unusual eye movements.

In this week’s Keys Life column, Dr. Doug discusses vestibular disease, one possible cause of these symptoms. Older dogs can develop what is often called “old dog vestibular syndrome,” but a head tilt can also be caused by things like ear infections, medication toxicity, trauma, inflammation, tumors, or stroke.

The important part: don’t assume it’s just old age. A dog that suddenly develops a head tilt or balance problems should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

The good news is that many dogs with idiopathic vestibular disease begin improving within a few days and can recover very well with supportive care and time.

📰 Featured in the October 22, 2026 edition of the Keys Citizen

10/16/2026

🌿 Ma*****na and Pets: What Owners Should Know

Just because a product is labeled “medical,” “natural,” or contains C*D doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe for pets.

In this week’s Keys Life column, Dr. Doug discusses ma*****na exposure in dogs and cats, including THC, C*D products, gummies, oils, vapes, and edibles.

Signs of exposure can include:

- Stumbling or unusual sleepiness
- Vomiting or drooling
- Urinary incontinence
- Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
- Tremors, seizures, or other neurologic signs in more serious cases

Some edible products can create additional risks because they may also contain ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, or caffeine.

If you think your pet may have been exposed, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away — and be honest about what they may have gotten into. That information helps guide treatment.

📰 Featured in the October 15, 2026 edition of the Keys Citizen
*****naAndPets

10/08/2026

🐾 From Dr. Doug in Keys Life 🤍

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. In his latest article, Dr. Doug Mader discusses veterinary euthanasia, what families can expect, and the care that goes into making those final moments peaceful.

📰 “Veterinary euthanasia” — featured in the October 8, 2026 Keys Citizen.

Thank you, Dr. Doug, for addressing a difficult subject with compassion and helping pet owners feel more informed during such an emotional time. 🤍

10/01/2026

🐾 Pet Obesity & GLP-1 Drugs

With medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro becoming so common in human medicine, pet owners are understandably asking whether GLP-1 drugs could also help overweight pets.

In this week’s Keys Life column, Dr. Doug takes a look at what we know so far.

Researchers are beginning to study GLP-1 medications in animals, but these drugs are not currently approved as weight-loss treatments for dogs or cats, and appropriate dosing and long-term safety haven’t been established.

For now, the basics still matter most: measured meals, appropriate exercise, regular weigh-ins, and a weight-loss plan developed with your veterinarian.
And an important reminder: never give your pet your own prescription medication.

📰 Featured in the October 1, 2026 edition of the Keys Citizen

10/01/2026

Some exciting local veterinary news! 🐾

Many of you may recognize Dr. Alison Millington, who works with us as a relief veterinarian at Keys Animal ER.

Dr. Millington has started Keys Mobile Veterinary Care, a new mobile veterinary service based in Islamorada and focused on bringing veterinary care directly to pets in their homes.

She’s getting everything ready now and will be sharing more information soon about services, scheduling, and the areas she’ll be serving.

We’re excited to see another veterinary option becoming available in the Keys and wish Dr. Millington the best with her new venture!

Give Keys Mobile Veterinary Care a follow to keep up with her updates. ❤️🐾

Spread the word! More information coming soon. Follow us to stay updated!

09/25/2026

🦔🐾 What Should Pet Owners Know About Leprosy?

In this week’s Keys Life column, Dr. Doug talks about Hansen’s disease (leprosy), armadillos, and what the risk actually looks like for people and pets.

While nine-banded armadillos can carry the bacteria associated with Hansen’s disease, simply seeing or being near an armadillo does not mean you or your pet will become infected.

Dr. Doug also covers:
- Why direct contact with wild armadillos should be avoided
- Why dogs are unlikely to develop classic Hansen’s disease
- A different type of mycobacterial infection that can occur in cats and dogs
- Why unusual skin lumps or lesions should be evaluated by a veterinarian

And as always with wildlife: admire from a distance and let them be.

📰 Featured in the September 24, 2026 edition of the Keys Citizen

09/24/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Fayth! 🎉🐾

We hope she’s enjoying some very well-deserved time away from the hospital, having a great birthday, and not thinking about the hospital for at least a little while. 😂

Thank you, Dr. Fayth, for everything you put into this place and for everything you do for our team and our patients.

Help us wish her a very Happy Birthday! ❤️

09/17/2026

🦌 Wooden Tongue in Key Deer

In this week’s Keys Life column, Dr. Doug discusses “wooden tongue,” a bacterial infection that can affect Key deer and cause swelling of the tongue and surrounding tissues.

Signs can include:

Drooling
Difficulty swallowing
Weight loss
A swollen or protruding tongue
Swelling around the jaw or lymph nodes

The important part is that several other conditions can look similar, so a proper diagnosis matters.

If you see a Key deer with a swollen jaw, excessive drooling, or a tongue hanging out, do not attempt to handle or treat it yourself. Report the animal to the appropriate wildlife authorities.

📰 Featured in the September 17, 2026 edition of the Keys Citizen

09/11/2026

🐾 What’s the Best Age to Spay or Neuter Your Dog?

There isn’t one answer that fits every dog.

In this week’s Keys Life column, Dr. Doug discusses how the ideal timing can depend on things like breed, size, s*x, growth, and individual health risks.

For many small and medium dogs, spaying or neutering around 6–12 months is common, while some large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting longer as they finish growing.

The takeaway: timing should be an individual decision made with your veterinarian, rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.

📰 Featured in the September 10, 2026 edition of the Keys Citizen