General Pet Information

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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If your pet is in pain it’s important to take them to your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. But while some signs of pain in pets are easy to identify, others can be more difficult to detect. In this short fact sheet, we’ll highlight some of the most common signs of pain in pets to […]

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An immune-mediated disease is any condition in which the immune system becomes overstimulated and attacks its own organs or cells. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a condition in which the immune system attacks and breaks down red blood cells in the body. Causes of IMHA There are two types of IMHA: primary (idiopathic) IMHA and […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the surface of the skin. Some types of lice feed by chewing on the skin, while others suck an animal’s blood. When lice infestation (pediculosis) occurs, cats and dogs can develop painful and uncomfortable symptoms. In severe cases, lice infestation can also lead to serious illness in […]

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Loss of appetite, also known as anorexia, is a condition in which an animal loses the desire or ability to eat. The condition affects both cats and dogs, and can be potentially fatal if left untreated. Causes of Loss of Appetite There are numerous potential causes of loss of appetite in pets. These include trauma, […]

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Lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, is one of the most common types of cancers found in cats and dogs. It is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in your pet’s immune system. Lymphocytes are found throughout the body and are particularly numerous in the bone […]

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Mange is a type of skin disease caused by parasitic mites. It is rarely diagnosed in cats, but affected animals can develop painful and uncomfortable symptoms. For this reason, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition so your pet can be correctly diagnosed and treated. Types of Mange Demodectic mange […]

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Masses are lumps that form when cells in the body grow abnormally. Some are benign (non-cancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). A mast cell tumor is an example of a malignant mass that forms on or under the skin. Benign masses include lipomas. These are fatty tumors that form under the surface of the skin. […]

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Metronidazole is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication used to treat diarrhea, inflammation of the large intestine, and various types of infections in cats and dogs. It is commonly known by the brand name Flagyl. The medication works by stopping the growth of certain microorganisms, although the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood. Uses […]

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Neutering is a surgical procedure in which a male animal’s testicles are removed. This type of surgery is sometimes also known as castration. In female animals, removal of the reproductive organs is referred to as spaying. Benefits of Neutering When a male animal is neutered, they are no longer able to impregnate females. The most […]

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Epistaxis (nosebleed), is a condition in which bleeding occurs from the nasal cavity. It is common in cats and dogs and can be caused by a number of underlying factors. Causes of Nosebleeds Trauma, stress, infection, and foreign bodies in the nasal cavity are some of the most common causes of epistaxis. Other causes include […]

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Nuclear sclerosis, also known as lenticular sclerosis, is an age-related condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and discolored. It is common in older pets and is often mistaken for cataracts. Nuclear sclerosis does not affect vision severely in most animals. However, it is important to visit your veterinarian if your pet […]

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Obesity is a preventable condition that occurs when excess fat accumulates in the body. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the US are now overweight or obese. This worrying statistic highlights the fact that obesity is a major health threat to modern pets. […]

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If your pet is a picky eater, you may be concerned that they are not getting the nutrition they need from their food. In this fact sheet, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons for this common problem and share our top tips for dealing with a picky eater. Health Reasons for Picky […]

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Prednisone and NSAIDs are common medications that are used to treat pain and inflammation. Although both types of drug are safe for use in pets when administered correctly, combining them can cause dangerous side effects and should always be avoided. About Prednisone Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory It is […]

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Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that acts as an anti-inflammatory. It is prescribed to manage inflammation in a wide range of conditions in both cats and dogs. Although prednisone can be very effective for managing and treating medical conditions including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer, it should be always be used […]

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It is important to socialize a new puppy to prevent behavioral issues later in life. In this fact sheet, we’ll cover the basics of puppy socialization to help you raise a happy and well-adjusted dog. When and Why to Socialize Your Puppy According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the best time to start socializing […]

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Deciding to euthanize your pet can be one of the most heartbreaking and difficult decisions you ever make. But it’s important to recognize when the time is right to end your pet’s suffering if their quality of life is in decline. In this fact sheet, we’ll look at what to consider when assessing your pet’s […]

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Rabies is a fatal disease that is caused by a virus which attacks the central nervous system. All mammals are susceptible to the disease, and there is no known cure. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, this means that it can be transmitted to humans by infected animals. For this reason, the disease is considered a […]

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Radiography is a common imaging technique that uses X-rays to examine tissues, internal organs, and bones. It is a useful tool that can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat many medical conditions in pets. How Does Radiography Work? Radiography machines project a beam of X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, onto a photographic plate. When […]

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Radiography is a common imaging technique that uses X-rays to examine tissues, internal organs, and bones. It is a useful tool that can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat many medical conditions in pets. How Does Radiography Work? Radiography machines project a beam of X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, onto a photographic plate. When […]

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Radiography is a common imaging technique that uses X-rays to examine tissues, internal organs, and bones. It is a useful tool that can help your veterinarian diagnose and treat many medical conditions in pets. How Does Radiography Work? Radiography machines project a beam of X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, onto a photographic plate. When […]

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Reverse sneezing is a common respiratory event in dogs but is comparatively rare in cats. When a pet reverse sneezes, they draw in air noisily and forcefully through their nose. This can be startling and worrying for pet owners who are unfamiliar with the phenomenon. Small dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are most prone to […]

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Rimadyl (carprofen) is a medication used to treat pain and inflammation. It is FDA-approved for use in dogs, but is generally not recommended for cats. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). It works by reducing hormones that lead to pain and inflammation. Uses and Benefits Rimadyl is used to […]

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Simplicef (cefpodoxime proxetil) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It works by suppressing the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and protozoa. Simplicefis FDA-approved for use in dogs. It may also be used to treat cats under the guidance of your veterinarian. Uses and Benefits Simplicef is used to treat skin infections […]

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Spaying is a surgical procedure in which a female animal’s ovaries and uterus are removed. The medical name for spaying is ovariohysterectomy. In male animals, removal of the reproductive organs is referred to as neutering. Benefits of Spaying When a female animal is spayed, they are no longer able to reproduce. The most obvious benefit […]

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A stroke is a medical condition in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. When this happens, the brain is deprived of oxygen and brain damage can occur. Fortunately, many pets can make a full recovery after a stroke. In fact, cats and dogs usually recover from a stroke much more quickly than […]

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Subcutaneous (Sub-Q) fluid administration refers to the procedure of injecting fluids into the subcutaneous tissue under a cat’s skin. The procedure is used to rehydrate cats and help manage conditions such as kidney and liver disease. In some cases, it may be necessary to administer subcutaneous fluids at home. If your cat needs home fluid […]

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Sudden weight loss is a common problem in cats and dogs that can be caused by a wide range of health issues. In general, sudden weight loss that exceeds 10 percent of an animal’s body weight can indicate a serious underlying condition. Causes of Sudden Weight Loss There are multiple potential causes of sudden weight […]

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Tear stains are dark patches of discoloration that can occur around a pet’s eyes. Although they do not pose any danger in themselves, they can be a sign of an underlying health condition. For this reason, we recommend seeking veterinary care if tear stains are an ongoing problem for your pet. Causes of Tear Stains […]

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Temaril-P is a medication used to treat itching and coughing in dogs. It contains an antihistamine called Trimeprazine and a corticosteroid called Prednisolone. Thanks to its active ingredients, the medication works in two ways. Trimeprazine counteracts histamine, a chemical that causes itchiness and inflammation during an allergic reaction. Prednisolone acts like cortisol, a naturally occurring […]

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