Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Allergies are overreactions of the immune system to substances known as allergens. A wide range of symptoms including skin irritation and respiratory problems can develop when a pet’s body tries to rid itself of allergens. Allergies are common in cats, dogs and other pets. Causes of Allergies Pets can suffer from three main types of […]
Red blood cells are a type of cell that are produced in the bone marrow. They contain a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. Anemia is a condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Pets with the […]
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication used to treat and manage itchiness associated with allergies in dogs. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by controlling the immune system’s response to itchiness and inflammation. Uses and Benefits Apoquel is used to treat itchiness and inflammation caused by a […]
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs. The condition is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Dogs of all ages can contract canine distemper, although it is most common in young puppies with underdeveloped immune systems. Causes of Canine […]
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects dogs. Unvaccinated dogs of any age can contract CPV, although younger dogs are most susceptible to the condition. Causes of Canine Parvovirus Canine parvovirus targets the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems in dogs. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected dogs […]
As a pet owner, you want your pet to live a long and healthy life. But as your pet ages, it’s important to be aware that their needs and requirements will change. In this fact sheet, we’ll highlight some of the challenges of caring for an aging pet. We’ll also share some practical advice to […]
Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. The medication contains a combination of clavulanate and amoxicillin. Amoxicillin works by preventing bacteria from building cell walls, while clavulanate prevents bacteria from deactivating amoxicillin. Clavamox is stable, effective, and resistant to stomach acid. It is also suitable for use in cats […]
Cats, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It is commonly known by the brand names Antirobeand Cleocin. The medication works by halting bacterial growth. It also kills bacteria by preventing them from creating the proteins they need to survive. Uses and Benefits Clindamycin is used to treat a […]
The cruciate ligaments are two fibrous bands located within the knee joint. Their role is to connect and stabilize the femur and tibia (the bones directly above and below the knee joint). Cruciate ligament rupture occurs when the ligaments fully or partially tear. This painful condition can cause mobility issues and degeneration of the knee […]
Each year, thousands of pets are accidentally poisoned in the US. And many of these cases are caused by ingestion of toxic foods. In this fact sheet, we’ll highlight some of the most common human foods that are toxic to pets. Please be aware that ingestion of these foods can cause serious illness and even […]
Conditions, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive and incurable disease which impacts the spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease worsen over a period of 6 months to 3 years, resulting in paralysis of the hind end of the body. Fortunately, DM is relatively rare in dogs and there are very few documented cases in cats. Causes […]
Dental care plays an important role in your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Without proper care, pets are susceptible to periodontal disease (gum disease), an infection of the mouth. Unfortunately, by three years of age, most cats and dogs have some evidence of the disease. Periodontal disease develops when bacteria in the mouth form plaque […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria is found in the gastrointestinal tract of most mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. E. coli infection (colibacillosis) occurs when there are elevated levels of E. coli bacteria in the body. When this happens, humans and animals can develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Causes of E. Coli Infection There […]
Ear infections are a common canine health problem that can cause pain and discomfort. In many dogs, the condition can become chronic, affecting one or both of the ears. While it’s true that dogs are prone to developing ear infections, most canine ear infections respond well to treatment. Causes of Ear Infections One of the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Feline distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects cats. The condition is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus (FDV), which infects and destroys certain types of cells in a cat’s body. Cats of all ages can contract feline distemper, although it is most common in young kittens with underdeveloped immune systems. […]
Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a highly contagious, species-specific virus that causes viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), an upper respiratory infection. It is a common virus that can affect cats of all ages, including wild cats. Causes of Feline Herpesvirus Infection Feline herpesvirus is transmitted through direct contact with virus particles. Uninfected cats can contract the virus by […]
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that infects cats. The species-specific virus attacks the immune system and can cause a variety of secondary illnesses. FeLV is a leading cause of death in cats, second only to trauma. Causes of Feline Leukemia Virus FeLV is transmitted through direct contact with virus particles. Uninfected cats […]
Feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is the medical term used to describe a range of conditions which affect the bladder and urethra in cats. FLUTD is commonly diagnosed in cats and can lead to a variety of painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Causes of Feline Urinary Tract Disease Many cases of FLUTD are idiopathic, meaning their […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, 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 […]
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 […]
Conditions, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Wellness and Vaccines
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 […]
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 […]
Conditions, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]