Cornell Riney Canine Health Center

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Cornell Riney Canine Health Center

Dedicated to improving the lives of dogs, helping them live longer, healthier & happier lives. We do this through research, outreach, & engagement.

Please note that we do not offer consultation services through this account. However, answers to many questions regarding canine health issues can be found on our Canine Health Topics webpage. If you have a question regarding an emergent medical issue with your dog(s), please contact your veterinarian and work closely with them to address your concerns. For questions regarding services offered at

the Cornell University Hospital for Animals please call 607-253-3060 or visit the website for more information at Hospitals | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. If you haven't already done so, we invite you to “Join the Pack!” by becoming a member of the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center. You'll join a community of dog lovers receiving real-time access to the very latest and most promising advancements in canine health, including information from Cornell's world-renowned veterinarians and researchers. You'll also receive invitations to participate in events, clinical trials, and citizen science programs. For more details on the benefits of membership and to sign-up now, please visit our Membership webpage.

05/31/2026

It's ! Help us celebrate with pictures of your favorite canine friends. Don't be shy, let's see those dogs! 📷🐶

05/30/2026

Black flies are biting insects most common in late spring and early summer. ☀️

🔴Black fly bites appear as red, flat, circular spots, most commonly on the abdomen (belly) or inner thigh of your dog.

⚠️Although they may look alarming, the marks left by black fly bites are generally harmless. These red marks usually resolve on their own without treatment. However, if your dog shows signs of discomfort, itching, or lethargy, seek veterinary care.

05/28/2026

Many shelters need help fostering dogs & puppies as they see an influx around this time of year. Foster care can range from a few days to a few weeks and can have an enormous impact on the health and well-being of animals prior to adoption.

Want to learn more about foster care? Check out the link below at the Cornell Maddie’s Shelter Program and check with your local animal shelter.
https://hubs.ly/Q04gd4w40

05/26/2026

☀️ Warmer days are here… and so is a hidden danger in the water 💧⚠️

As temperatures rise, blue-green algae (a toxin-producing bacteria) can show up in lakes, ponds, and rivers. It may look harmless—but it can be life-threatening to dogs, people, and other animals.

🐾 For our curious pups (and adventurous humans), even a small exposure can be deadly—and there’s no antidote.

🚫 The best protection? Avoid it completely.

Before letting your dog splash or drink:
✔️ Watch for water that looks green, scummy, like pea soup, or has a bad odor
✔️ Avoid areas with warning signs or visible algae blooms
✔️ Keep pets from drinking or swimming in suspicious water

When in doubt, stay out 💚

Your pet’s safety starts with awareness—check out the infographic below to learn more 👇

What is Blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae is a toxin-producing cyanobacteria that can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers especially during warm weather spells. They appear as either blue-green or red-brown colored blooms, mats, foam or scum on the water. The water smells of rotting plant material. Exposure to toxins produced by these bacteria can be life-threatening to dogs, humans and other animals.

How can a dog be exposed?
Blue-green algae poisoning occurs when dogs drink or swim in water contaminated by an algal bloom. So make sure to check the water and health department warnings before letting your dog in the water.

What are the Clinical Signs?
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Collapse
• Drooling
• Muscle tremors
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle rigidity
• Paralysis
• Seizures

What should I do if my dog is exposed?
Initiating treatment as early as possible after exposure is critical. Your veterinarian will recommend blood work to look for signs of organ injury, because these toxins can cause liver failure, neurologic injury, shock, & respiratory arrest. There is no specific antidote for cyanotoxins, & treatment involves intensive supportive care. You pet may need to be hospitalized for multiple days.

How do I prevent exposure?
• Avoid water that has visible algal blooms, scum, foam, or that has an odor.
• Check local advisories for warnings before visiting a particular body of water.
• Remove stagnant water to prevent blue-green algae growth around the home.
• If you think your pet may have been exposed to an algal bloom, rinse their fur with fresh water & bring them to a veterinary hospital immediately.

05/23/2026

BBQ season is upon us! Here are a few common BBQ hazards to avoid:

1. Corn cobs – These are a common cause of intestinal blockage in dogs and must be kept out of reach. Corn kernels that are unseasoned and removed from the cob are safe for dogs.

2. Wooden skewers – Dogs may try to eat skewers with any food on them. If ingested, skewers can pierce through the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, causing serious consequences.

3. Grease and meat drippings – If grease spills on gravel or loose wood, dogs may lick or eat foreign material, causing an obstruction. Make sure you clean up any spills with the garden hose.

4. Meat with bones – If cooked bones are ingested, the risks are splintering, choking, intestinal blockage, or mouth/tooth injury and should not be given to dogs.

5. Fatty foods - Any foods high in fat can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis in dogs and should be avoided.

6. Loose garbage - Keep garbage secured with a lid that dogs cannot get into. Keep table scraps out of reach. If ingested can cause an obstruction.

7. Foil or plastic wrap – These have remnants of food on them and smell good to dogs. To prevent accidental ingestion, promptly dispose of used foil with food on it.

By avoiding these common hazards, you and your dog can have a safe and fun BBQ season. Enjoy!

05/22/2026

The ACVO/Epicur National Service Animal Eye Exam is a philanthropic event that provides free, ocular screening eye exams to qualified Service & Working Animals each May. 👀

To learn more about canine eye health check out the health topics on our website.
https://hubs.ly/Q04f2cN80

05/20/2026

Happy Rescue Dog Day! Today we bring awareness to the countless amazing canines in animal shelters across the country waiting for their forever homes.
Do you have a rescue dog? Tell us about them in the comments.

05/18/2026

Have you got a case of the Mondays? Don't worry it's !

Address

930 Campus Road
Ithaca, NY
14853

Website

https://canine.vet.cornell.edu/

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