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 […]
8 Signs of Anal Gland Issues in Dogs
Most dog parents have caught a whiff of their dog’s anal glands at some point. The pair of small sacs, located to the right and left of the underside of the tail, release a brownish, oily fluid that’s surprisingly potent and horrifyingly stinky. It’s normal for them to occasionally go off, but if you’re concerned […]
Which Mushrooms Are Toxic To Dogs?
After a few days of heavy rain, mushrooms have popped up all over your backyard. If you have a dog who eats everything, tender mushroom caps may be impossible for them to resist. While many are harmless, some species of mushroom are highly toxic to dogs. Keep these tips in mind when letting your dog […]
Dog-Friendly Spring Cleaning: 7 Tips To Avoid Toxicity in Dogs
With springtime in full swing, many of us are feeling the urge to freshen up our living spaces. After we put away winter clothes and get rid of clutter, it’s time to break out all things lemon-scented and flower-fresh. But as pet parents, we have to take extra steps to make sure our spring cleaning […]
Poisonous Plants for Cats
Plants Can Be Harmful to Your Pet. Chewing grass and green vegetation is normal for pets, but chewing the wrong vegetation can be fatal. About 25% of pets poisoned by non-drug products get sick from poisonous house plants and outdoor plants. Give your pets grasses, sprouts, green vegetables or treats so they leave poisonous plants […]