Prevent Accidental Dog Poisoning
National Pet Poison Prevention Week is the time of year when veterinary professionals make an extra effort to raise awareness of the many dangerous substances lurking in and around your home that could be harmful or even fatal to your pet. Many of these chemicals, medicines, plants and foods may seem harmless or unlikely to […]
Help Dogs Drink More Water
Water is by far the most important nutrient for pets and humans. Most of the human and animal body is in fact comprised of water. Adequate water ingestion and hydration is critical to maintain adequate circulation, as well as the health of various organs and tissues, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, lung, intestines and […]
The Importance of Your Dog’s Nutrition
Studies have shown that an estimated 40-50% of dogs are overweight, which significantly increases their chance of contracting serious diseases and illnesses. Keeping your dog on a nutritious diet not only helps to keep your him or her at a healthy weight, but may also reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Follow these […]
Diarrhea in Dogs
What is diarrhea in dogs and cats? Diarrhea in dogs and cats is loose stool caused by excess water in the feces. Loose stool may be accompanied by increased frequency or increased urgency. Normally, adult pets defecate once a day if they are fed once a day, and twice a day if they are fed […]
Digestive Problems and Concerns in Dogs
Digestive problems are fairly common in pets. Symptoms of pet digestive problems may include changes in appetite, changes in stool quality or quantity, regurgitation, and vomiting. With chronic disease, weight loss may also occur. Digestive problems in pets may be acute, as seen with gastrointestinal parasites, viral infections, dietary indiscretion, or hypersensitivity. Sudden dietary changes […]
Diuretics for Dogs
What is a diuretic? A diuretic is a class of drug used to rid your pet’s body of excess water and sodium through the urine. Diuretics are often prescribed when there is fluid buildup in your pet’s body. Diuretics work by decreasing the absorption of fluid and/or electrolytes from the kidneys. Diuretics can be used […]
Common Digestive Problems in Cats
It is not uncommon for cats to develop digestive problems at some point in their lives. Symptoms of digestive problems can be quite varied and include the following: Changes in appetite along with vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation Increased or decreased thirst Dull and/or unkempt coat Weight loss (in chronic situations) Cat digestive problems may be […]
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 […]
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 […]
Anal Sac Problems & Scooting in Dogs
When a dog’s anal sacs are irritated or infected, blood flow to the area increases. The anal area becomes hot, swollen, and painful. This inflammation causes the tiny ducts that empty the anal sacs to swell shut. With the ducts swollen shut, the material within the sac dries out and hardens, first into a paste, […]
Weight Loss Causes in Cats
Unhealthy weight loss in dogs and cats A significant and sudden decrease in weight accompanied by weakness is considered an unhealthy weight loss in your pet. Being slightly thin is actually a benefit for your pet, as thin pets tend to live longer than overweight pets, but unhealthy weight loss that happens quickly is a […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats
What is inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats? Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a complex syndrome seen in dogs and cats where there is inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract leading to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. Key facts about inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats Inflammatory bowel disease is one of the […]
Parvovirus in Dogs
What is parvovirus? Parvovirus in dogs is a potentially fatal infection that damages the intestines and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. With severe dehydration, blood no longer circulates as it should and your dog may die before diarrhea develops. When the intestine is damaged, blood vessels that nourish the intestine are also damaged. The blood […]
Parvovirus Treatment for Dogs
Veterinary treatment for dogs with parvovirus A dog or puppy with parvovirus should receive immediate veterinary care. Treatment will include the following: , IV fluids to counter dehydration Antibiotics to prevent septicemia Probiotics to replenish the normal intestinal flora Injectable vitamins, especially Vitamins B & C to help the immune system Colostrum to provide antibacterial […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment for Dogs
Treating inflammatory bowel disease in dogs and cats The treatment options for pets with suspected inflammatory bowel disease will vary depending upon whether vomiting or diarrhea is present. Many veterinarians will worm pets prophylactally with broad spectrum wormers such as Panacur C in order to treat potential hidden parasites such as whipworms in dogs, and […]