10 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog

When your dog is in pain, you want to help him feel better — fast. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to relieve the aches that are an everyday occurrence for dogs with arthritis… read more

Acetaminophen Toxicity in Cats and Dogs

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol and some other related medications that are used to treat pain and fever in people. Unfortunately, this drug can be extremely toxic (poisonous) to cats and dogs. Acetaminophen toxicity occurs when a cat or dog swallows enough of the drug to cause damaging effects in the body… read more

Addison’s Disease in Dogs

Oversimplified, Addison’s Disease occurs when the adrenal glands don’t release adequate amounts of two hormones that regulate critical body functions. Symptoms of Addison’s Disease are many — increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, no appetite, shaking or shivering, abdominal pain, weak pulse, slow heart rate. Once diagnosed, dogs with Addison’s Disease must receive hormone therapy for life… read more

Administering Injectable Medication to your Dog

Some medications can only be administered by injection, and while putting a needle in your dog’s skin can be a bit intimidating, here’s a how-to guide that will help ease your worries, so you can help your dog feel better — without injuring him or yourself… read more

Administering Medications to your Dog

There will be times when you need to give your dog medication — and that can be a tricky task, especially if you’ve never done it before or if he is uncooperative. Here is expert advice on how to get the medicine down… read more

Adopting Instead of Buying a Pet

Ready to add a four-legged friend to your family? Animal shelters are filled with loving, healthy, wonderful dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds and ages and one of those pets may be the perfect animal for you. Here are some of the reasons you might want to adopt a cat or dog… read more

Aggression in Dogs

Dogs can become aggressive and bark, growl, lunge at, and even attack other pets and people for all kinds of reasons — dominance, fear, defense of territory, pain, frustration, overly enthusiastic play, and more. The safest and most effective way to treat aggression is behavior modification under the guidance of a qualified professional. Drugs may sometimes help, but early socialization is the very best preventive… read more

Agility Training in Dogs

If your dog has an abundance of energy, it’s important that you direct that energy into an activity that’s fun for you and her. Our guide will help you decide whether agility training is right for your dog… read more

Allergy Testing

Allergy testing is most commonly performed to determine if a pet has atopy, also known as atopic dermatitis or allergic inhalant dermatitis…read more

Anemia in Dogs

This condition is caused by the loss or destruction of a large amount of red blood cells, which can happen in the case of internal or external bleeding caused by injury or a drug reaction, or a disease such as an immune-mediated disorder or cancer. Signs of anemia include tiredness, exercise intolerance (difficulty exercising), decreased appetite, and pale gums, though dogs with mild cases may not have any signs at all. A severe anemic may need a transfusion, and in all cases the underlying cause of the problem must be treated… read more

Antibiotic Therapy for Dog Ear Infections

Any pet can develop an ear infection; underlying allergies or other illnesses are often the cause. Bacterial infection generally occurs secondary to the inflammation and unhealthy environment in the ear… read more

Antifreeze Poisoning

Antifreeze poisoning occurs when pets drink antifreeze containing ethylene glycol. The liver quickly breaks down ethylene glycol into toxic products that can lead to kidney failure and death. Even a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal to dogs and cats. Antifreeze poisoning is a medical emergency, and early treatment is crucial… read more

Aspirin Toxicity in Dogs and Cats

High doses of aspirin can be poisonous (toxic) to dogs and cats; cats are more susceptible to aspirin toxicity than dogs are. Toxic effects can occur within hours of the pet swallowing aspirin or may take a few days… read more

Atopy - An Allergic Reaction

You want your pet to look good and feel good. But if he’s suffering from atopy — an allergic skin reaction – neither is the case. The itching can make your dog or cat miserable, and redness, rashes, bleeding, and skin infections are worse. They can be caused by environmental allergies, which typically can be treated with a range of things, from removing known allergens from the environment to antihistamines and supplements to immunotherapy or immunosuppression, depending on the allergic reaction and the pet… read more

BUN

The liver and kidneys are both involved in maintaining the body’s BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level. The BUN level can be affected by many things, including certain medications and various illnesses… read more

Barking in Dogs

A dog can bark for many reasons — to defend his territory, signal a stranger, get attention, say hello, express discomfort or frustration, and more. Understanding why a dog barks is key to getting him to stop. Sometimes, as in the case of compulsive barking, a veterinarian might recommend drugs. But, for the most part, there is no quick fix, and training, behavior modification, and environmental changes are the solutions… read more

Bee Stings in Dogs

Just like in people, a bee sting can be serious; dogs are more likely to be stung because of their natural curiosity and playful nature. If a dog is stung by a bee or shows signs of a bee sting, remove the stinger if possible and seek professional help from your veterinarian. Bee stings can be successfully treated and sometimes prevented… read more

Biopsy for Pets

A biopsy allows your veterinarian to determine the types of cells in a tissue sample. Biopsies are commonly used to determine if growths are cancerous but can also help determine the severity of a disease… read more

Bladder Stones

Any dog or cat can experience bladder stones caused by a buildup of minerals in the urinary tract. Some dog breeds, however, such as the Dalmatian, and Newfoundland, have a genetic predisposition to developing stones in the urinary tract. The stones may cause inflammation, bloody urine, frequent urination, painful urination, and straining when the pet tries to urinate. Treatment varies from dietary changes and supplements to surgery, depending on the type and location of the stone… read more

Blood Pressure Testing

A (indirect) blood pressure test measures the pressure of blood against the walls of large arteries. It is a noninvasive, painless procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Your veterinarian may recommend a blood pressure test if your pet shows signs of high blood pressure or has been diagnosed with a disease associated with high blood pressure… read more

Breast Cancer in Dogs and Cats

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal mammary gland (breast) cells. If left untreated, certain types of breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to other mammary glands, lymph nodes, the lungs, and other organs throughout the body… read more

Breeding Your Dog

Most shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing with mixed breed and purebred dogs that are perfectly friendly and adoptable, but there simply aren’t enough homes for them. As a result, approximately three to four million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Producing more puppies, for any other reason than to improve the breed, just exacerbates the problem… read more

Bringing a New Kitten Home

A curious, cuddly new kitten will bring love and laughter into your home. But, to keep everyone healthy and happy, you have to introduce your furry new friend into your home the right way — here’s how… read more

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Periodontal (gum) disease can lead to tooth loss and affects most dogs before they are 3 years old. Bacteria from periodontal disease can spread to affect other organs and cause illness. One of the best ways to help prevent periodontal disease is to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis — daily, if he or she will allow it… read more

CBC and Chemistry Profile

Although a CBC or a chemistry profile can be performed separately, these tests are frequently done at the same time; when the results are interpreted together, they provide a good overview of many of the body’s functions… read more

Calcium Level

Calcium is an important nutrient that the body needs to maintain many of its organs. Bones, the heart, intestines, and muscles are just a few of the organs that rely on a healthy blood calcium level in order to function properly. If the calcium level in the blood drops too low or goes up too high, serious illness can result… read more

Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2)

Kennel cough is a contagious disease that is the scourge of pet hotels and grooming salons and other places where pets congregate. Along with Bordetella and parainfluenza, canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is one of the reasons dogs get kennel cough… read more

Canine Anesthesia

Anesthesia is defined as the loss of ability to feel pain. However, the term anesthesia is more commonly used to refer to a state of deep sedation or unconsciousness during which a patient is unable to feel pain… read more

Canine Arthritis

Arthritis can be caused by injury, infection, the body’s own immune system, or developmental/hereditary abnormalities, and the treatments – ranging from weight loss to medication to surgery – are equally varied. But the most common form of arthritis is a degenerative process related to advancing age… read more

Canine Bladder Infections

A bladder infection occurs when microbes (usually bacteria) get into the bladder and proliferate. Any dog can get a bladder infection, though females are more likely to get one. Because the disease irritates the organ, it increases the pet’s urge to urinate… read more

Canine Chronic Otitis

Chronic otitis is basically a long-lasting ear infection that can affect any dog, causing itchy, painful, smelly ears. Quite a few things can cause the disease — parasites, allergies, growths — which is progressive and can lead to a rupturing of the eardrum or narrowing of the ear canal. Treatment starts with cleaning the ear and using medications such as antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories, but in some cases surgery is the best option… read more

Canine Clothing

How do I know if my dog needs a sweater or coat this winter?.. read more

Canine Coronavirus Infection

As the name implies, coronavirus is caused by a virus. A dog can get it when he comes in contact with the feces of an infected dog. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. It typically runs its course and then the patient is fine… read more

Canine Diabetes

Even dogs eating healthy diets can suffer from diabetes. As with diabetes in humans, sometimes a dog’s body’s stops producing enough insulin or the cells of a dog’s body are unable to use the insulin that is produced… read more

Canine Distemper

Prevention is the key with this disease. Distemper in dogs is caused by a virus which is spread through most body fluids including saliva, urine, and blood. It is highly contagious and often deadly… read more

Canine Heartworm Testing

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs, cats, and up to 30 other species of animals. It is caused by parasitic worms (heartworms) living in the major blood vessels of the lungs and, occasionally, in the heart… read more

Canine Hip Dysplasia

The most common symptom of this genetic disease is limping, but dogs with hip dysplasia might also walk funny, have a hard time jumping or rising, or lose muscle bulk in their thighs. Pain-relieving drugs, joint supplements, and maintaining a proper weight help manage the condition, which causes crippling arthritis, but, unfortunately, a true solution for many can come only through surgery… read more

Canine Influenza

Canine influenza (CIV) doesn’t affect people (or cats), but infected dogs experience symptoms such as coughing, respiratory infection, and fever. The available vaccine won’t necessarily prevent a dog from getting the flu, but it is helpful in reducing the severity of the illness should a dog become infected… read more

Canine Nutrition

Since your dog can’t go shopping or read labels, it’s up to you to make good, sound decisions about your dog’s diet. This guide will teach you what to look for next time you’re cruising the dog food aisle… read more

Canine Pancreatitis

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that is involved in helping the body digest food. The pancreas releases enzymes (proteins that are involved in chemical reactions in the body) into the digestive tract to help break down fats and promote digestion. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the condition is referred to as pancreatitis... read more

Canine Parvovirus

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, in the case of canine parvovirus, it’s worth, well, everything, as there is no cure. Dogs catch canine parvovirus, commonly called “parvo”, from infected dogs or feces, and left untreated it means almost certain death… read more

Canine Urine Marking

Urine marking is an instinct among male dogs and even some females — dogs being dogs — but when a dog lives indoors, urine marking can be torture for the owner… read more

Canine Vaccination Recommendations

“What vaccines should my dog get?” This is a question veterinarian’s hear on a fairly regular basis. Because of advances in science and vaccine technology, and a growing body of information about infectious diseases, the answer you may have gotten 15 years ago is different from the answer you will get today… read more

Cardiac Exam

A cardiac examination is an evaluation of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Many elements of a cardiac exam are usually performed (to some extent) during a routine physical examination in pets of all ages… read more

Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Gland of the Nictitans)

The third eyelid, or the nictitating membrane, is that little triangle in the inner corner of the eye under which a tear gland lives. With some dogs, that gland is displaced, resulting in a condition known as “cherry eye” — so called because the protruding gland become inflamed and sits atop the third eyelid like a rosy fruit… read more

Chest Radiography

A radiograph (sometimes called an x-ray) is a type of photograph that reveals the body’s bones and internal organs. The procedure for obtaining a radiograph is called radiography… read more

Chronic Kidney Disease

The kidneys play a vital role in your pet’s health, including removing waste from the blood, regulating electrolytes and blood pressure, and making hormones essential to calcium metabolism and red blood cell production. When the kidneys become damaged, whether through an infection, poisoning, or some other event, a pet can experience vomiting, appetite loss, frequent urination, back or abdominal pain, and other symptoms… read more