Top Veterinary Articles of the Week: Another Mushroom Reminder, Myofascial Pain, and more ...

In Your Own Yard: Dogs and Poisonous Mushrooms

Dr. Jason Nicholas/Preventive Vet

I know I already highlighted an article on this topic. But during this time, we keep tripping over all kinds of mushrooms everywhere. This is the season for them to thrive. Some of those I can recognize as poisonous. Most of them I have no idea. I have even seen one that looks like an autumn leaf. I kid you not. I keep Cookie away from all of them. Whether I know they are poisonous and I am not sure - it's always best to err on side of caution.

Dr. Nicholas' advice is to clear them from the yard. While I cannot practially do that having 80 acres of it, and surrounded by more bush on all sides, I do concur that any "normal" size yard should be mushroom-free safe zone.

Another reminder we have to live and love as greatly as we can today, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. At approximately 11:15pm last night myself and @laurenhashianofficial had to make the painful decision to end Brutus' suffering by taking him off of life support and sending his soul to pup heaven. I held his lil' paw as he was finally at peace. As all puppies and dogs do, he ate a mushroom while playing outside with his brother Hobbs. This mushroom happened to have a lethal toxicity and within hours it was rapidly destroying his liver and immune system to the point of no return. I encourage all of you out there to be mindful of mushrooms in your yards, parks or anywhere outside your dogs play. What looks innocent, can be deadly to your lil' family members. Thank you Dr. Deckelbaum and Dr. West and the incredibly caring nurses and staff at The Animal Medical Center At Cooper City. We'll always love you Brutus.. and you'll always be my lil' main man and rough housing Brute. #RIPBrutus #WishICouldHaveSavedYouOneMoreTime #TheresPickUpTrucksInHeavenYouCanPeeIn

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on Sep 29, 2015 at 12:04pm PDT

Parasite Myth: Ticks Fall From Trees

Dr. Susan Little/CAPC

Have you ever heard this myth? Do ticks fall from the trees? Find out what you can actually expect from ticks.

If Your Pet Suddenly Yelps, This May Be Why

Dr. Karen Becker/Mercola Healthy Pets

We are no strangers to myofascial pain. Jasmine had issues with it, and after her injury, Cookie had an issue with it as well. She had trigger points all over. It's actually quite common but often missed.

You can check Susan Davis' article on myofascial trigger points here.

Trigger points can be caused by acute injury but also as a result of overuse and muscle imbalance. Unaddressed, these can develop into a chronic, progressive problem.

Check out Dr. Becker's thoughts on myofascial pain.