Cats, Dogs, General Pet Information, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones and is commonly known by the brand name Baytril. Enrofloxacin kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis. Uses and Benefits Enrofloxacin is used to treat a wide variety of infections. These include […]
Environmental enrichment can help cats and dogs live happier and healthier lives. In this fact sheet, we’ll explore what environmental enrichment is and how it can benefit the health of companion animals. We’ll also share some practical tips to help you enrich your pet’s environment. What Is Environmental Enrichment? Environmental enrichment is the process of […]
Fainting, also known as syncope, is a medical condition characterized by a temporary loss of consciousness. There are a number of possible causes for fainting in cats and dogs, some of which can be serious or potentially life-threatening if left untreated. If your pet faints, it is important to take them to your veterinarian as […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Flatulence is a condition in which gas forms in the stomach or intestine. It is then expelled from the digestive system through the anus. Although passing gas is normal in pets, excessive flatulence can indicate an underlying health issue that requires treatment. Causes of Flatulence Common causes of flatulence include dietary changes and ingestion of […]
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can cause a wide range of health issues in cats and dogs. Bites from these pests can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. They can also put your pet at risk of a number of serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Fleas can cause illnesses such as flea allergy dermatitis […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
A food allergy is an immune system reaction to a specific food ingredient. The condition can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable, painful, and potentially dangerous symptoms in pets. Causes of Food Allergies Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a certain substance. When this happens, the body produces antibodies to defend […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors run the risk of coming into contact with sharp foreign bodies that can penetrate their skin. Pets with foreign bodies under the skin can suffer from pain and infection. For this reason, it’s important to visit your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs or symptoms of this […]
Gabapentin is a medication used for the treatment of seizures and chronic pain. It was originally developed for use in humans, but is now commonly used to treat pets. Gabapentin appears to work by altering the way that nerves send messages to the brain, although its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. The […]
Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a condition in which small stones form in the gallbladder. It is more common in dogs than cats and can cause painful and potentially dangerous symptoms. Causes of Gallstones The gallbladder is a small organ that is located between the lobes of the liver. Its main function is to release bile, a […]
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) is a serious and life-threatening condition which requires immediate emergency medical treatment. The condition occurs when two things happen in a pet’s body. First, the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid. This is known as dilatation (or bloat). When dilatation occurs, the stomach expands and pressure is increased within […]
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is a common medical condition that can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms in cats and dogs. Causes of Gastroenteritis Just as in humans, gastroenteritis in pets can be caused by a wide range of underlying health issues. Some of the most common causes include bacterial infection, […]
Gingival hyperplasia is a condition in which the tissue of the gums becomes enlarged and inflamed. It is rare in cats, but relatively common in dogs. Certain breeds of dog such as Boxers and Bulldogs are predisposed to developing the condition. If left untreated, gingival hyperplasia can lead to periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a condition which occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose in the blood to enter the cells. It is very important for overall health as the body uses glucose as its main source of energy. When a pet […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Giving your pet oral medications can be challenging, so it’s important to follow the proper procedure. Your veterinarian may prescribe oral medications in pill or liquid form. They will also provide information on administering the medication, correct dosages, and how often to give pills or liquids. It is very important to follow the treatment advice […]
Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid pressure builds up in the eye. This can lead to serious eye damage and even blindness. Although seen in both animals, the condition is more common in dogs than cats. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of glaucoma so that pets can be diagnosed and […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a condition characterized by complete or partial loss of hair. It is common in dogs and cats and can be caused by a wide range of underlying health conditions. Causes of Hair Loss Some of the most common causes of hair loss in pets include parasites, skin infections, […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Although this unpleasant condition is often overlooked by pet owners, it can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues that may require treatment. Causes of Halitosis There are many potential causes of halitosis in pets. The most common of these is periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, cats, and some other species of mammal. It is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected animals. Left untreated, heartworm disease can cause serious health conditions including lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage. […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Heat stress and heat stroke are dangerous conditions brought on by exposure to heat. The normal body temperature for dogs and cats is between 100-and 102.5-degrees Fahrenheit. Pets will begin to display symptoms of heat stress when their body temperature is elevated above this level. Heatstroke begins when a pet’s core body temperature rises to […]
Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues. Causes of Hematuria There are many potential causes of hematuria in pets. Some of the most common of these include urinary tract infections, urinary stones, trauma, and bladder […]
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a canine disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It is most common in small breeds of dog and usually strikes in early adulthood. It is very important that dogs with HGE receive immediate medical treatment as the condition can be life-threatening if left untreated. Causes of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis The underlying cause of […]
A hernia is a condition in which part of an organ protrudes through the wall of muscle that contains it. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated. However, the majority of pets with a hernia will make a full recovery if the condition is caught and treated […]
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is malformed. It is common in dogs, but relatively rare in cats. The condition is progressive and can lead to painful and debilitating symptoms in pets. Causes of Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is primarily an inherited condition. Large and giant breeds of dog such as […]
Histiocytoma are a type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that appears on the surface of the skin. They are more common in dogs than cats and are usually painless and self-healing. Causes of Histiocytoma The underlying cause of histiocytoma is unknown, but they originate in the Langerhans cells which form part of the immune system. Histiocytoma […]
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis, are a common skin condition in cats and dogs. The condition is characterized by moist, red, and inflamed lesions on the skin. Although not serious, hot spots can be very irritating and painful, so it is important that they are treated as soon as […]
Bathing your pet is an important part of maintaining their skin and coat health. As well as keeping pets clean, bathing can help minimize health issues such as infection, skin conditions, allergies, and parasites. Unfortunately, many pets do not enjoy being bathed, so it’s important to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Ask your […]
Balanced nutrition is the cornerstone of canine health. That’s why it’s so important to feed a high-quality, complete and balanced diet that contains all the nutrients your dog’s body needs to function at its best. Choosing a high-quality dog food can help support and maintain your dog’s health. But don’t forget that the treats you […]
Ear infections are a common health problem in pets that can cause pain and discomfort. Keeping your pet’s ears clean will prevent the buildup of wax and other debris, minimizing the risk of ear infections. Most cats are excellent self-groomers and will rarely need their ears cleaned. However, some cats groom themselves infrequently and are […]
Deciding to add a puppy to your family is an exciting milestone in life. But it’s important to do your research and pick the right breed for your household. In this fact sheet, we’ll look at some of the biggest considerations to make when choosing a new puppy. Before Choosing a Puppy Caring for a […]
Lipids are naturally-occurring fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides. They perform a range of important functions in the body, including providing energy and maintaining cell membranes. Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which there are elevated levels of lipids in the blood. When this happens, pets can develop a number of serious and potentially life-threatening […]
Hypertension is the medical name for abnormally high blood pressure. The condition occurs when blood pressure within the arteries places excessive stress on the artery walls. Just as in humans, hypertension in pets can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Causes of Hypertension There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension […]
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is common in dogs, but very rarely affects cats. Medium and large dogs are most susceptible to developing hypothyroidism, and certain breeds of dog including Doberman pinschers, cocker spaniels, and golden retrievers appear to be predisposed. Hypothyroidism is characterized by […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD can affect both cats and dogs, most frequently seen in middle-aged and senior pets. Some breeds of pet including Siamese cats, French bulldogs, and Irish setters are thought to be predisposed to the condition. Symptoms of IBD can […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in dogs and cats. Pets are curious creatures and will eat a wide variety of objects. Usually, these pass safely through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but sometimes an obstruction can occur. Objects lodged in the GI tract can cause serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. For this reason, […]
Conditions, Dogs, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), sometimes referred to as a slipped or herniated disc, is a condition in which the fluid-filled disc between two spinal vertebrae is ruptured or herniated. This leads to inflammation, and compression of the spinal nerve and cord.IVDD can cause severe pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in extreme cases. Causes of […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Intestinal parasites (worms) are a common health problem in cats and dogs. Unlike external parasites such as fleas and ticks, intestinal parasites live inside your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. There are many types of intestinal parasites, and infection can lead to serious health complications in pets. Common Types of Intestinal Parasites The following are some of […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin. It occurs in both cats and dogs and can indicate a number of serious underlying health issues. Causes of Jaundice The characteristic yellow pigmentation associated with jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood and tissues. This substance […]
Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a broad term used to describe an infectious condition characterized by coughing and other respiratory symptoms. Kennel cough is rarely serious in healthy animals, but it can lead to complications such as pneumonia in pets with compromised immune systems. It is important to remember that kennel cough is a […]
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections in cats and dogs. It is also used to treat hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease). The medication is commonly known by the brand name Nizoral. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungal cell walls. Uses and Benefits Ketoconazole is used to treat a variety of internal […]
The kidneys are a pair of organs that are responsible for a number of vital roles in the body. These include removing waste products from the blood, producing essential hormones, and regulating blood pressure. Kidney disease is a broad term used to describe any disorder that damages the kidneys and impairs their function. The condition […]