How Does a Dog Get Worms?

Rebecca Bretana
A common worry when you have a pet is keeping them healthy. A pet can simply get a cold, which takes time to recover but there is little or no permanent effect. A common problem that dogs can have is getting worms. But how does a dog get worms and what can we do to prevent our dog from getting worms? Today, we discuss worms in dogs and what we can do as owners to help our dogs stay healthy. What are Worms Worms are exactly what they sound like, but the worms that can get your dog sick are not quite like the kind you’d find living in the… Read More Continue Reading

What Can You Give a Dog for Pain?

Rebecca Bretana
Is your dog not acting like itself? Are they acting strangely or whimpering? It may be that your dog is experiencing pain. As the dog owner, it’s your job to advocate for your pet and look after their health. None of us wants our dog to suffer, and although you want to take away your dog’s pain, you need to do it safely. People often ask, “what can you give a dog for pain?” Some people think they need to treat dog pain like you would treat that of a human. However, treating a dog for pain doesn’t mean popping an ibuprofen. So, let’s discuss pain management for dogs and… Read More Continue Reading

Dog Joint Pain: Causes and Treatments

Pam
Is your canine friend struggling with dog joint pain? Arthritis in dogs causes many dogs in their older years to have pain in their joints. Let’s take a look at what causes dog joint pain, and what can be done to help your precious pooch. Causes According to PetMD, there are two different causes of origin for dog joint pain to occur. Joint pain in dogs are either developmental or degenerative. Developmental joint pain in dogs often manifests as hip or elbow dysplasia, which causes the joint to develop improperly. This cause has more to do with genetics than anything else. When dog joint pain is degenerative, it is created… Read More Continue Reading

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Pam
When a dog has separation anxiety, it becomes troublesome for the pet and the pet owner. Separation anxiety in dogs can also cause problems with neighbors and landlords, and become a stressful situation for everyone involved. This disorder happens when a dog is left by themselves, or can even happen when the owner is home but the dog doesn’t have access to them. Be aware that in serious cases of separation anxiety, your dog may need help from a veterinary behaviorist or a trainer that has experience in this area. In some cases, medication may be prescribed in order for the dog to overcome this disorder. Signs of Separation Anxiety… Read More Continue Reading

Pet Diabetes: Signs and Treatment

Pam
It appears that the number of cases of pet diabetes is on the rise. According to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, from 2007 to 2012 there was a 32% increase in cases of canine diabetes. Pet diabetes happens when there is either a lack of insulin, or an inadequate response to insulin. Pet diabetes is a condition that often goes undetected. Here are some symptoms to watch for that may indicate your dog has diabetes. Signs of Dogs with Diabetes Does your dog appear to be constantly thirsty? An increased thirst is one sign of diabetes in dogs, as is increased urination. A change in your dog’s… Read More Continue Reading

Top Pet Surgeries and their Costs

Pam
Pet surgery is something that no pet owner wants to face. Finding affordable pet surgery is often quite a challenge, especially when a specialist needs to be called in. In cases like these, people often look for pet surgery assistance options. However, this isn’t necessary in all cases. Here are the most common types of pet surgery and their average cost. Spay and Neuter As you may have guessed, spaying and neutering your pet is at the top of the list of most common pet surgeries. It involves the process of removing all or part of the pet’s reproductive organs. According to Vetinfo, the cost of this pet surgery depends… Read More Continue Reading

OMG a Lump!

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Have you ever experienced finding a skin lump on your dog? While you want to have all lumps checked, there is a good chance that the lump is benign. One of the most common bumps found on a dog is a lipoma, which is a benign growth of subcutaneous fatty tissue. Lipomas are very common in older and overweight dogs, and many dog owners have found a lump on their dog that turned out to be one of these benign growths. Many veterinarians will avoid calling these growths tumors because they are not cancerous. In most cases, if your veterinarian suspects a lipoma, he or she may recommend testing it… Read More Continue Reading

Coccidia in Dogs: What You Need To Know

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You just brought home your new puppy from the shelter and chances are, you are beyond thrilled.  According to the shelter staff, your puppy has been fully vetted: spayed or neutered, current on vaccines, dewormed and free of any disease. Not wanting to cause any stomach upset, you faithfully feed the food they sent home, but even though you take all the necessary precautions, within a day or two of getting your puppy home, he is vomiting and having bloody diarrhea. What gives? Chances are your puppy is suffering from a flare of coccidia. Coccidia are microscopic organisms that infect the intestines of dogs. They usually only cause symptoms in… Read More Continue Reading

Prevent Pancreatitis in Your Dog

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Around the holidays, veterinary hospitals see a significant uptick in canine pancreatitis cases. Pancreatitis is a potentially lethal problem that occurs acutely in dogs. While it can occur in cats as well, the disease is not the same. In dogs, the cause is almost always the same: Fido accidentally scarfs high fat table food, and around the holidays, delicious treats are abundantly available. In dogs, pancreatitis occurs when micro-abscesses form in the pancreas secondary to a dog eating too much food that is high in fat. These abscesses are painful, and cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and if left untreated, can be fatal. Pancreatitis can cause severe… Read More Continue Reading

People Food for Cats

Pam
Although cats don’t usually beg the way dogs do, it may be hard to resist giving your precious feline a treat from the dinner table. However, as you probably know, not all foods are safe for cats. Examples of foods that are not safe include onion, garlic, kelp, grapes, raisins, sugary snacks, chocolate, alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Not every human food is off-limits. When it comes to giving cats people food, the general rule is to not let human food make up for more than 15% of a cat’s diet. The first thing to understand is that cats are carnivores that require meat to thrive. Cats need meat protein so… Read More Continue Reading