Symptoms of Dogs With Lyme Disease
Following a tick bite, symptoms of Lyme disease and/or illness may not develop for several weeks or months. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs and cats include limping and intermittent, wandering arthritis that affects one joint one day, and the same or another joint the next day. The painful arthritic joint may be hot and […]
What Causes A Runny Nose in Cats?
A healthy cat will have a moist nose clear of discharge or mucus. Sometimes, your cat’s nose will produce extra mucus to flush out dust or pollen, or as the result of an immune system reaction due to allergies or an infection. Learn what can cause a runny nose in cats and when this common […]
Does My Dog Have Arthritis? Lookalike Conditions That Can Mimic Osteoarthritis in Dogs
Around 80% of dogs over age 8 will eventually develop osteoarthritis in at least one joint. The wear-and-tear of everyday activity tends to catch up to our dogs faster than their joints can heal, leading to pain and inflammation. Since it’s so common, even expected, for dogs to develop arthritis in old age, it’s easy […]
Symptoms of Dogs With Anal Sac Problems (Scooting)
Scooting (rubbing bottom on floor or carpet) Tail chasing Chewing rear end Suddenly jumping up from resting position Swollen area around anus There are two ways to recognize anal sac problems in dogs—your dog’s behavior and the appearance of the anal area. Behaviors, such as scooting (rubbing bottom on the floor or carpet), chewing, and […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms in Dogs
What are the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats? Appetite changes Diarrhea Digestive upset Weight loss Vomiting Pets with Inflammatory Bowel Disease show a variety of symptoms from chronic changes in appetite (either decreased or increased in some cases), diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss. Weight loss can be quite severe resulting in […]
Kidney Disease Symptoms in Dogs
Symptoms of kidney disease in pets The first signs of kidney disease in pets include excessive drinking and urinating. Eventually your pet’s energy level and appetite drops, with subsequent weight loss. In advanced cases, ulcers may develop on the gums or in the mouth. Digestive disturbances may occur, including vomiting and diarrhea. Pale gums may […]
Mange Symptoms in Dogs
Mange (demodex) in dogs and cats causes skin problems. Your pet’s skin itches—mildly with localized infection and severely with generalized infection. Some pets scratch until they develop bacterial infections along with demodex infections. The hair falls out and bald spots develop. Bald patches, especially around the eyes, mouth, elbows, and front legs are common. The […]
Seizure (Epilepsy) Symptoms in Cats
Symptoms of seizures in dogs and cats The signs and symptoms of dog and cat seizures vary markedly. Although it’s easy to recognize convulsive grand mal seizures, many do not recognize the signs of petit mal seizures. Signs can also be missed because many seizures occur while pets are resting or sleeping. Grand mal seizures: […]
Separation Anxiety Symptoms in Dogs
Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs and cats Dog separation anxiety will often cause your dog to urinate or defecate inside the house. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety destroy walls and furniture and injure themselves trying to claw out of their crates. Other dogs are less physically destructive, but suffer equal anxiety. These dogs pace, […]
Canine Distemper Treatment for Dogs
Treatment options for dogs with canine distemper Unfortunately, no specific drugs treat dogs with the distemper virus. Instead, dogs should receive supportive care and treatment that helps prevent additional infections from developing while the white blood cells are suppressed (lymphopenia). For example, antibiotics are given to help prevent pneumonia. Most dogs need IV fluids because […]
FIP in Cats: Protect Kittens From This Fatal Virus
Bringing home a new kitten should be a joyous time. But for many, an aggressive virus brings tragedy, often proving fatal in a matter of weeks. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a mysterious, devastating illness that most commonly affects kittens, especially those that have been exposed to multi-cat indoor environments like animal shelters. In honor […]
Kidney Stone Symptoms in Dogs
Symptoms of kidney stones in pets Many pets with kidney stones exhibit no clinical symptoms at all, with the stones being diagnosed when your pet has an X-ray for another health reason or complaint. In other cases, symptoms of urinary tract infection may occur with urgency and/or blood in the urine. Kidney stones may cause […]
Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Dogs
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism Lethargy & mental dullness Weight gain Dull, dry coat that sheds excessively Greasy dandruff (seborrhea) Bald patches on the trunk A bald tail with a tuft of hair at the end Reoccurring skin infections Seizures Infertility Many dogs with hypothyroid disease slowly become lethargic and gain weight. In many cases, they […]
Rabies Treatment for Dogs
Treatment for pets with rabies If you think your pet has been exposed to rabies or bitten by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your pet has been vaccinated, he or she will be quarantined for 10 days, but treatment will not include re-vaccination. If your pet is unvaccinated and has contracted rabies, […]
Grooming Your New Cat or Kitten
Cats are self-grooming, 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. Brushing Your Cat Most cats have a double-layered coat that consists of a smooth, water-resistant top coat (also known as guard hairs) and […]