Indiana State Board of Animal Health

08/31/2026

Many cats love a warm sunny spot, but too much sun exposure can increase skin cancer risk in some cats.

Cats with white or lightly pigmented ears, noses, and eyelids may be more vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) damage and a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

A few precautions can help reduce excessive UV exposure:

• Limit long sunbathing sessions during peak sunlight hours.
• Encourage indoor time when the UV index is highest.
• Provide shaded resting areas near sunny windows.
• Watch for sores, scabs, redness, or ulcers on the ears or nose that do not heal.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice skin changes that do not improve.

Indiana State Board of Animal Health

08/24/2026

Cleanup is a vital part of disaster recovery, but it can also be hazardous. Stay safe with these cleanup tips:

-Wear protective clothing and coverings.
-Contact professionals for downed power lines.
-Stay out of damaged or flooded structures.

Get all the latest IDHS information on the recent severe weather at on.in.gov/August2026Disaster. Find more recovery tips from FEMA at https://www.ready.gov/floods.

08/24/2026

Please share this with your family, friends and neighbors who have been impacted by the recent severe weather.

If you need help, we have resources available for you.

Whether you’re without power or recovering from flooding or storm damage, the state is working to make sure you can access food, baby formula, drinking water, cleaning supplies, shelter and other critical resources.

Call 211 or visit in211.org to get connected with the resources available in your community.

08/03/2026

Is feeding raw meat safe for your pets?
Think twice before giving your dog or cat raw or under-cooked animal proteins (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk), because of the risk to their health.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against feeding these diets which could be contaminated with Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria and other foodborne illness-causing pathogens. Checkout AVAMA's policy statement to pet owners is available online: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-cat-and-dog-diets

07/25/2026

07/09/2026

Summer walks can be harder on your dog’s paws than you might think.

Even when the air temperature feels comfortable, pavement, asphalt and concrete can heat up quickly. Hot surfaces can burn paw pads in a short amount of time.

Pavement temperatures can rise well above the air temperature. For example:

• 77°F outside can mean pavement around 125°F
• 86°F outside can mean pavement around 135°F
• 95°F outside can mean pavement above 140°F

Watch for possible signs of burned paw pads, including limping, refusing to walk, excessive licking or chewing at the paws, redness, blisters or peeling skin.

To help protect your dog:

• Use the 7-second rule: place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it there for 7 seconds, it may be too hot for your dog.
• Walk during cooler times of day, such as early morning or late evening.
• Choose grass, dirt trails or shaded areas when possible.
• Consider protective booties for longer walks.
• Avoid leaving pets standing on hot surfaces.

Contact your veterinarian if you are concerned your dog may have burned paw pads.

Purdue University American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Indiana State Board of Animal Health

06/29/2026

We are saddened to learn of the death of one of our former district veterinarians. We were thrilled to have an equine expert of Dr. Bartlett's caliber on our team for several years when he retired out of private practice. He will be missed.

View Timothy Donald Bartlett, DVM's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Each year Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine & Veterinary Hospital invites the BOAH team to be part of Boiler Vet Camp, where middle schoolers spend a week learning about careers in veterinary medicine.
We usually end their day at the Indy Zoo with a session that includes 5 interactive stations about regulatory veterinary medicine and animal health.
Our goal is to inspire these young people to pursue careers that make a difference after they get a fun inside look at what our team does everyday (minus the super soakers!).

06/16/2026

The BOAH is heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dr. Baker.
He served as board chairman for several years and his service to Indiana is not forgotten. We remember his as a knowledgeable practitioner, who was willing to speak up and advocate for progress. But, more importantly, we remember him as a kind person with a helpful heart.

In Loving Memory of Dr. John Baker

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved, Dr. John Baker.

Dr. Baker was more than a trusted doctor to our patients—he was a compassionate caregiver, a mentor, and a friend to so many in our community. His dedication to animal health, his gentle spirit, and his unwavering commitment to every pet and family he served have left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.

For 45 years, Dr. Baker provided exceptional care, treating each animal as if it were his own and offering comfort and guidance to their families. His kindness, professionalism, and genuine love for animals touched countless lives.

As we grieve this tremendous loss, we are also profoundly grateful for the time we shared with him and for the legacy he leaves behind. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
We know many of you will share in this loss, and we thank you for the support and compassion you’ve shown our team.

Dr. Baker will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the lives he touched—both human and animal alike.

With sympathy and gratitude,

Warrick Veterinary Clinic Family