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A California Registered 501(c)3 Charity   |   EIN: 83-0882287   |   PO Box 36471, Los Angeles, CA 90036

GENERAL ANIMAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Common Health Questions

At Labelle, we are dedicated to the health and wellness of your beloved pets. To address some of the most common questions and concerns you may have about your furry friends, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions in this section. 

 

The well-being of your pet is our top priority. If you have general non-life threatening health inquiries or need guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out to your foster coordinator or the adoption point of contact you've been provided with.

  1. Kennel Cough: This ailment is prevalent among dogs rescued from shelters. Symptoms may include a raspy cough, sneezing, or a moist cough, which can vary in intensity from dog to dog. If you observe these signs, please record a video and send it to your foster coordinator to arrange a vet appointment. Remember that kennel cough is contagious to other dogs, so take precautions if you have other pets at home.

  2. Worms: Most of our foster dogs are dewormed shortly after leaving the shelter, unless they are too young. Consequently, you may notice worms in their feces or signs like bloated stomachs and diarrhea. While it may be unsettling, this should typically resolve within 3 to 5 days. These worms cannot infect humans and should be disposed of in plastic bags to prevent other animals from coming into contact with them.

  3. Lethargy/Decreased Appetite: It's common for dogs to exhibit lethargy and reduced appetite during the initial 48 to 72 hours in a foster home due to the stress of transitioning. Allow the dog time to adjust and rest. If the lack of appetite persists beyond 24 hours, consider feeding them boiled chicken and rice. If lethargy continues for more than 72 hours, please consult your foster coordinator.

  4. Eye Discharge: Some eye discharge is normal, especially upon waking, and the amount may vary by breed. However, if your foster dog has yellow or green discharge, eye swelling, difficulty opening their eyes, or a visible third eyelid, contact the foster coordinator to schedule a vet appointment.

  5. Dehydration: Dehydration is often linked to diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. To check for dehydration, gently pinch the skin around the neck area; if it remains taut, the dog is dehydrated. Please inform the foster coordinator on the next business day to schedule a vet appointment.

  6. Vomiting: Occasional vomiting, especially after eating too quickly, is not typically concerning. However, if your foster dog vomits two or more times in one day, please inform the foster coordinator as it could indicate an underlying issue.

  7. Pain or Strain during Urination: Initially, stress may cause a dog to refrain from urinating. However, if your foster dog hasn't urinated in over 24 hours or displays signs of straining or pain during urination, contact the foster coordinator immediately, as it may signal an infection or obstruction.

  8. Diarrhea: Monitor your foster dog's bowel movements daily. Soft stool is common in the first few days due to stress and dietary changes. If the dog has liquid stool, contact the foster department to schedule a vet appointment to rule out the need for medication. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so prompt communication with the foster coordinator is crucial. If your foster dog has bloody or mucoid diarrhea, reach out to the foster coordinator immediately. Consider adding a tablespoon of pumpkin or sweet potato puree to their food morning and night to ease an upset stomach.

  9. Frequent Ear Scratching: If your foster dog frequently scratches their ears or shakes their head, it could indicate a bacterial or yeast infection, or in rare cases, ear mites. These conditions can be treated by a veterinarian, so contact the foster coordinator to schedule a medical appointment.

Some of our foster dogs may arrive with pre-existing health issues. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring you have the necessary resources to address any potential medical concerns that may arise during your foster period.


To support you in this reguard, we ask that you are as communicitive and forthcoming about changes in pet behavior or medical status. Early intervention is essential in getting timely medical care and help to the animal. Most vets are open between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Photos, videos and detailed descriptions are essential to get you to the right facility and doctor.


In the event that your foster dog requires in-person veterinary care, we kindly request that you reach out to your designated foster coordinator as soon as you notice the issue. Our coverage extends exclusively to veterinary appointments within our established network. It is imperative that you do not administer vaccinations, microchips, or make any medical decisions for the foster dog without obtaining prior consent from The Labelle Foundation.


Detecting signs of illness in dogs can be challenging.  Therefore, it is essential to diligently observe your foster dog's daily activities and monitor their appetite. Keeping a journal to record these observations is a valuable practice.

We cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining pet insurance immediately.


One of the primary reasons for pet owners surrendering their animals is their inability to afford veterinary care. Just like with humans, insurance provides crucial assistance when needed.


Although insurance requirements may differ, we are here to assist you with your needs. We are more than willing to offer our personal recommendations and share our experiences upon request.

One of the easiest ways is to consult with your primary veterinarian!


In addition, you can take control of the information you need at your fingertips by visiting the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) at https://www.avma.org/.

ANIMAL HEALTH NOTICE & DISCLAIMER 

Important Notice Regarding Pet Health Information:

The information provided on this Animal Health Page is intended for general educational purposes and represents commonly asked questions within our foundation. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

Emergency Situations:

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, for your foster pet, please reach out to the Labelle Foundation immediately.  Then, if you're able to, go to VCA West LA at 1900 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Time is of the essence in critical situations, and only a licensed veterinarian can provide the necessary care and guidance.

For our adopted animals, we recommend you seek medical attention from your previously established vet. The Labelle Foundation is not responsible for medical bills, treatments, or consultations post-adoption.

Individual Circumstances:

For all other non-urgent pet health concerns, we recommend consulting with a licensed veterinarian who can evaluate your pet's specific needs and provide tailored guidance. Pet health can vary greatly from one animal to another, and what works for one pet may not be suitable for another. The information presented here is general and may not apply to your pet's unique circumstances.

 

Limitation of Liability:

Our foundation and its contributors are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided on this page. We do not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information presented. -- We encourage you to seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian for any concerns you may have about your pet's health. Your pet's well-being is our top priority, and professional guidance is essential in ensuring their health and happiness.

By accessing and using this Animal Health Page, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of this disclaimer.

Our Direct Vet Partners

Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. 

LOCATED AT:

2613 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Rivers Veterinary

SILVERLAKE, CA

Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. Vet Description  & Info. 

LOCATED AT:

1900 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Afterhours Animal Hospital

NORWALK, CA

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