Preventing and Treating Heartworm in Pets

Preventing and Treating Heartworm in Pets Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs, cats, and other mammals. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis that is transmitted to animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once infected, the worms can grow up to 12 inches in length and live for up to 7 years in the heart and lungs of their host. Preventing Heartworm in Pets Prevention is key when it comes to heartworm disease, as treatment can be costly and difficult, and in severe cases, can be fatal. Luckily, there are several measures pet owners can take to help prevent… Read More Continue Reading

Common Medical Tests for Pets

Common Medical Tests for Pets As a pet owner, it is important to know about the medical tests your pet may need throughout its life. Just like humans, pets can experience various health issues that require medical attention. Medical tests can help diagnose these issues and ensure your pet is healthy and happy. Physical Examination One of the most common medical tests for pets is a physical examination. During a physical examination, a veterinarian will check your pet’s overall health by looking at their eyes, ears, mouth, skin, and other body parts. They will also listen to your pet’s heart and lungs to check for any abnormalities. A physical examination… Read More Continue Reading

Everything You Need to Know About Canine Parvovirus

Having a sick dog can be worrying, to say the least. But what happens when they are seriously ill? If you’ve ever taken your dog to get their vaccines, you’ve probably heard of parvovirus. This common canine virus is highly contagious and dangerous to the long-term health of your dog. Here’s what you need to know. What is Canine Parvovirus? Canine parvovirus is a recent canine disease. According to the Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell, “The virus that causes the disease known as “parvo”, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV), first emerged among dogs in Europe around 1976. By 1978 the virus had spread unchecked, causing a worldwide epidemic… Read More Continue Reading

How Does a Dog Get Worms?

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

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