Symptoms of Heartworms in Dogs
Heartworm disease symptoms Pets with heartworm disease often cough. They find it difficult to exert themselves and don’t enjoy exercise. Most pets lose weight, and some develop episodes of fainting. Cats with heartworm disease develop asthma-like symptoms and their hearts enlarge. Unfortunately heartworm disease in cats is often fatal once signs of the disease occur. […]
Does Poison Ivy Affect Dogs?
You’ve probably heard the adage, “leaves of three, let it be!” and you may even have had an itchy, blistery rash after brushing up against the wrong plant. But can poison ivy, sumac, and poison oak affect your cat or dog? While pets are less likely to experience direct skin exposure thanks to their fur […]
Do Dogs Need Heartworm Medication Year-Round?
If you’re running low on your pet’s heartworm preventative, you might be wondering if it’s okay to skip a few months over the winter. The truth is, no matter where you live, you should protect your pets against heartworm all year. It’s a widely circulated myth that pets can only contract heartworm disease in the […]
Symptoms of Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
Symptoms of corneal ulcer in pets Increased tears Mucous discharge Cloudy cornea Elevated third eyelid Pets with corneal ulcer or corneal irritation have pink, teary eyes. These pets rub their eyes because they hurt. They squint to keep out light because the pupil moves in response to light, and any movement within the eye causes […]
10 Common Causes of Limping In Dogs
Nothing seems to slow your pet down until they’re suddenly refusing to put weight on one of their paws. In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, learn about ten of the most common causes of limping in dogs and cats, other signs to look for, and what you can do to help get your […]
Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease in Dogs
Common symptoms of dogs and cats with Cushing’s disease Bald patches on trunk Excessive drinking & urinating (PUPD) Ravenous appetite Swollen abdomen High blood sugar Darkened skin Ringworm & demodex infections Shrunken testicles Irregular heat cycles The majority (80-90%) of pets with Cushing’s disease have ravenous appetites. They drink excessively and urinate excessively (polyuria and […]
The Natural Approach to Skin Allergies
Skin and ear allergies are the most common chronic disease complaint presented to veterinarians. The most common cause of chronic skin allergies in our animal companions, especially during the hotter summer months, is fleas. Symptoms of flea bite allergies include lower body itching and skin eruptions or hot spots that emerge often near the tail, […]
Symptoms of Ear Infections in Dogs
Dog and cat ear infection symptoms If your dog or cat has an ear infection (otitis), you might notice a yeasty smell coming from your pet’s ear. The ear might be red and swollen. There might also be some waxy buildup visible. Your dog or cat might be scratching at their ears, and shaking their […]
4 Ways To Fight Fall Allergies In Dogs
Now that summer is officially over, you might be looking forward to saying goodbye to seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, fall brings a new wave of allergens that can make dogs and cats itchy and miserable. Learn about the most common fall allergies and what you can do to help your pet enjoy a healthy, itch-free autumn […]
Healthy Diet Tips for Dogs With Heart Disease
It is important that you understand the nature and severity of your pet’s heart condition before selecting a suitable diet. This distinction is important because a pet with heart disease may have vastly different medical and nutritional requirements than a pet with heart failure. Ask your veterinarian if you have questions. Heart disease is diagnosed […]
Is Your Kitten Getting Enough Omega-3s In Their Diet?
Many cat parents know that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to older cats. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly known to help reduce inflammation in arthritic joints, protect heart health, and promote immunity in seniors. But did you know that kittens also benefit from a diet that’s balanced with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids? Healthy fats […]
Symptoms of Fatty Skin Tumors in Dogs
Dogs with fatty skin tumors (lipomas) have a soft, non-painful swelling in the skin that slowly increases in size. The skin over the fatty tumor remains healthy and covered with hair unless the skin rubs against another part of your dog’s body and is damaged by friction. Skin over a fatty tumor normally does not […]
5 Common Myths about Heartworm in Dogs, Debunked
As a responsible pet parent, you’ve definitely heard of heart disease, and know it’s important to protect your pets, but you may feel confused by all the contradictory information out there. Here’s some of the most common myths about heartworm and the truth about these prevailing misconceptions. 1. You don’t need to give heartworm prevention […]
Top 5 Exercises for Dogs with Arthritis
Most senior dogs will develop arthritis in at least one joint as they get older. Osteoarthritis, caused by the wear-and-tear on joints that comes with aging, affects over 80% of dogs over eight years old. Other forms of arthritis can affect younger dogs, including that caused by autoimmune diseases, soft tissue injuries, and hereditary disorders […]
Symptoms of Ear Mites in Dogs
Symptoms of pets with ear mites Head shaking Scratches on the ear & head Odor Intense itching (pruritus) Dark ear discharge Cat and dog ear mites usually cause intense itching. Inside the ear you’ll notice a dark red-brown or black, crusty and crumbly discharge. Dog ear mites or cat ear mites will cause your pet […]