Central Animal Hospital

07/16/2026

With wildfire smoke creating poor air quality across the U.S, the AVMA is reminding the public that wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks not only to people, but to pets and livestock as well.

Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can cause respiratory issues in animals, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung disease. Pet owners should keep a close eye on their animals during poor air quality events and contact their veterinarian if any of the following signs appear. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4wqddp3

07/01/2026

Rabies is 100% preventable — but only if we act quickly.
Recent news stories remind us how serious rabies can be, especially when exposure goes unnoticed. Wildlife like bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks play an important role in our ecosystem, and we should never harm them — but we do need to respect their space.

🦇 If you find a bat in your home, or wake up to a bat in the room, that counts as a potential exposure.
🐾 If your pet has contact with wildlife, even if there’s no obvious bite, call us right away.
💉 Keep pets up to date on rabies vaccination — it’s the best protection for them and your family.

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but post‑exposure treatment is highly effective when started promptly.

And a reminder we can’t stress enough:
We see many pets each week who haven’t been vaccinated in years because “they don’t go anywhere.”
Even indoor pets can have unexpected encounters with wildlife — a bat in the house, a door left open, or a curious nose at the wrong time. Rabies prevention only works if the vaccine is current.

If you ever have a concern, reach out. Veterinary professionals are here to help keep your pets, your family, and our local wildlife safe.

06/28/2026

These were out back tonight. Please read.

🦝 Nature is breathtaking — but wild means wild. 🌲
There’s something magical about spotting wildlife in your backyard — the rustle of leaves, a flash of fur, those curious little eyes peering back at you. 🌿✨
But as adorable as raccoons look, they’re not the friendly neighbors they seem to be.
Here’s what you should know 👇
🦠 Raccoons can carry serious diseases, including:
• Rabies — one of the most dangerous viral diseases, transmissible through bites or scratches
• Leptospirosis — a bacterial infection spread through their urine that can affect humans and pets
• Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) — microscopic eggs in their f***s can cause severe neurological damage if accidentally ingested
• Giardia — a parasitic infection that contaminates water and soil
⚠️ Stay safe around raccoons:
• Never feed them — it encourages them to approach humans
• Keep trash cans sealed and secured
• Supervise pets outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn
• If a raccoon seems disoriented or aggressive, call animal control immediately
• Always wash hands after gardening or being outdoors
We can admire wildlife from a respectful distance AND keep our families and communities safe. 🏡💚
Nature is a gift — let’s protect it AND ourselves. 🌍

06/09/2026

✈️🐾 Traveling With Pets This Summer? Here’s What You Need to Know 🐾✈️

As summer travel picks up, we want to make sure pet owners stay informed. New World Screwworm (NWS) is adding some extra complexity to international pet travel this year.

If you’re planning a trip with your pet, remember: every international trip is a round trip. That means you must meet both U.S. requirements AND the requirements of the country you’re visiting. It’s no longer as simple as “vaccines, records, and off we go.”

🔍 Where to Check Requirements:
All NWS‑related restrictions shared with USDA APHIS by international partners will be posted on their official sites:

🐄 For livestock & non‑pet species:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/live-animal-export

🐶 For dogs, cats, and other pets:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

Before you book your trip, take a moment to review the latest rules. It helps keep your pets safe and avoids unexpected travel delays. 💙

If you have questions, we’re here to help!

If you want to travel with your pet to another State or country, you'll need to meet these requirements whether you're traveling by plane, car, train, or boat.

06/08/2026

We want to make sure you are all aware of this new emerging issue with summer travel upon us. Do not panic, as there are great options for companion animals to stay safe, but traveling with our pets may get more complicated for a bit.

🐾 Health Alert: New World Screwworm Cases Confirmed in Texas 🐾

The USDA has confirmed a few new cases of New World screwworm in Texas, including one in a calf and one in a dog that had recently traveled from Mexico. State and federal animal health officials are actively responding with quarantines, surveillance, and sterile fly releases to stop the spread.

What Pet Owners Should Know:
✔️ Screwworms can cause serious wounds in animals
✔️ Check pets regularly for unusual wounds, maggots, or signs of discomfort
✔️ Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see anything suspicious

This parasite is not currently a threat in our area, but staying informed helps protect your pets and livestock. The USDA continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates.

More information is available at Screwworm.gov.

05/12/2026

Central Animal Hospital is looking to add a veterinarian to our team. If you know someone that is a good fit, please share. Dr. Douglas Kratt Douglas Kratt

05/01/2026

04/25/2026

The Companion Animal Parasite Council's 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast predicts continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and heartworm risk nationwide—including in areas once considered low or moderate risk.

04/18/2026

The team at CAH is honored to serve the incredible Canine Officers and their Handlers. Thank you for trusting us and especially for keeping us safe.

Award: Citizen Commendation

Award Description: This award may be presented to any person who is not a member of the department but who has materially aided the department or its officers in some way. This includes assistance in the solution of crime or the apprehension of criminals, aiding an officer in the field in a critical situation, and cooperation with or assistance to the department as a whole in any aspect of the department’s administration or operations.

Summary:
The Kratts have selflessly provided 100% of the medical care for every K9 our department has had over the years, at no cost to us or the agency. The Kratts also provide the same care at no charge to Tomah PD, Onalaska PD, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Campbell PD, Prairie du Chien PD and approximately ten K9 units of the Wisconsin State Patrol throughout the state. This care includes regular checkups, vaccinations, dental work, surgeries, injury treatment, and emergency visits—no matter the time or day.

Their commitment has saved our department tens of thousands of dollars. Every one of our dogs—past and present—has received first-class care because of their generosity and professionalism. The Kratts have cared for K9 Ori, K9 Marco, K9 Jager, K9 Halo and K9 Ragner for a combined total of 34 yrs worth of vet care.

The Kratts understand that these K9s are not just working dogs—they are our partners, our teammates, and members of our families. They will come in after hours, rearrange their schedules, and go far above and beyond to ensure our dogs are healthy, pain-free, and mission-ready.
Our K9s are not only cared for throughout their careers, but are also given this same level of donated care through retirement and until their last day with us.

The Kratts’ service to our K9 units has been nothing short of extraordinary. They ask for no recognition, but this acknowledgment is long overdue.