Aging Cat Behavioral Changes
What type of behavioral changes can my aging pet develop? Pets with behavior changes as a result of aging often wander about confused. Pets that were independent may become clingy. Some pets snap when you try to pet them. Pets appear uninterested in food, their environments, and in themselves. They’re restless at night. They lose […]
How to Treat Bladder Stones in Dogs
It is important to treat your pet’s bladder stones to prevent recurrent, uncomfortable symptoms and urinary tract obstruction. If the stones are large and unlikely to plug or obstruct the urethra, medical management of stones using prescription specialty diets or home recipes may be tried. Many of these diets promote increased thirst, which encourages a […]
Congestive Heart Failure Treatment for Dogs
Treatment options for pets with congestive heart failure Treatment for congestive heart failure in pets involves a combination of various medications to try to enhance survival rates. The most important drugs include diuretics, such as Furosemide (Salix) and Spironolactone. These medications help reduce and eliminate excessive fluid that has built up in your pet’s lungs […]
Causes of Horse Ulcers
What Are Horse Ulcers? Horse ulcers are non-healing sores that can develop both outside and inside the body. In horses, ulcers most commonly develop in the stomach and are known as gastric ulcers. These sores may also occur in the intestines, including the colon, though stomach ulcers are the most frequently diagnosed form. The horse’s […]
Top Risk Factors for Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety is the number one behavioral problem in dogs, so it’s not uncommon if your dog has experienced heightened anxiety when you leave the room. But did you know that by ignoring these symptoms, you could in fact worsen your dog’s behavior? Before you can treat your dog’s separation anxiety there are a few […]
How to Treat Anal Sac Problems & Scooting in Dogs
When a dog’s anal sacs are swollen and inflamed they are treated by draining. Draining is done manually or surgically with a scalpel and under anesthetic. When done manually, the procedure is called anal sac expression. How to manually express a dog’s anal sacs Dog anal sacs are emptied manually either by external or internal […]
What Causes Dogs to Vomit?
Dog and cat vomiting can be caused by problems from within the stomach and intestines (called the gastrointestinal or GI tract) and by problems from outside the GI tract, such as kidney disease. Common causes of a dog or cat vomiting are allergies, illness, cancer, infections, drugs, parasites, plants, and poisons. Vomiting is also caused […]
Submissive Urination (Incontinence) in Dogs
What is submissive urination? Dog submissive urination is when your dog urinates because he or she is anxious, or timid, and wants to acknowledge you are dominant. Your dog may roll on his or her back and urinate, or stand and dribble when greeted, often when you return home from work. This behavior mimics that […]
Protecting Your Dog Against Worms
Worms (tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms) survive in pets by draining pets of their nutrients and blood. Pets with worms can experience anemia (low red blood cell count), lethargy, and poor appetite. Severe cases of worms can even become fatal for some pets. Ways your pet can contract worms: Eating fleas Catching mice, rats, or […]
Horse Lameness Treatment
Treatment Options for Horse Lameness Treatment for horse lameness is most successful when it addresses the cause of lameness. In general, it helps to reduce your horse’s weight and amount of exercise, have your horse stand on soft flooring, undergo hydrotherapy, receive optimum nutrition, and take appropriate pain and anti-inflammatory medications. Many horse owners also […]
Don’t Skip Your Dog’s Heartworm Prevention
Have your pet tested for heartworms annually The American Heartworm Society reports pets being diagnosed with heartworms throughout the year in all 50 states. And with the hot and humid summer months in full effect, protecting your pet is extremely important. If your pet isn’t already on heartworm preventatives, you should consult your veterinarian about […]
Grooming Basics For Your New Cat or Kitten
Cats are avid self-groomers, spending up to 25% of their waking hours using their rough tongue to groom every part of their body. Even so, your cat will need help with their hygiene to stay clean and healthy. Brushing Your Cat Most cats have a double-layered coat that consists of a smooth, water-resistant top coat […]
Toxicity and Detoxification in Dogs
What is toxicity and detoxification in pets? Pet toxicity and pet detoxification are words that conjure up images of sludge and pollution, and so they should. They are also words that some producers of “natural” products misuse in an attempt to sell their goods. The selling of “detox” has led too many consumers and veterinary […]
How to Treat Lyme Disease in Dogs
Lyme disease treatment includes Doxycycline, a form of the antibiotic tetracycline. Because tetracyclines discolor the teeth of growing pets, and of pets still developing within the uterus, we use a different antibiotic for nursing, pregnant, and young pets — Amoxicillin. Doxycycline and amoxicillin are relatively inexpensive and do not normally cause serious side effects. The […]
How to Treat Demodectic Mange in Dogs
Treatment for mange (demodex) infection in dogs and cats varies depending upon whether it is a localized or generalized mange infection. Localized mange treatment About 90% of young, healthy pets with localized mange infection get better within two months even if they are not treated. These pets may benefit from a topical antibacterial agent such […]