As the days grow longer and the temperature climbs, pet owners should be aware of the changes that come with the warmer seasons. Among these are the heightened risks of seasonal allergies and increased activity of bothersome insects. Here’s what you need to know to keep your furry friends safe and healthy during these vibrant months. Seasonal Allergies in Pets Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. These allergies are often caused by similar triggers, such as pollen, grass, and mold. Symptoms can include itchy skin, ear infections, sneezing, and excessive grooming, which can lead to more severe […]
Medicines and Treatments
Owning a pet with a chronic illness can present some unique challenges. A chronic illness can last anywhere from three months to the lifetime of the pet. This article will give a basic overview of the most common types of chronic illnesses and their treatment. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections are common in both cats and dogs. They are caused by a build-up of bacteria in the urethra and bladder. Physical symptoms include blood in the urine, trouble urinating, urine with a very strong smell and incontinence. We often don’t notice what our pet’s urine looks or smells […]
Every year, many dogs and cats become infected with heartworm. More dogs than cats are infected. It is found most commonly in outdoor pets, but indoor pets can also be infected. Heartworm is most prevalent in the mid-western, eastern, and southern parts of the United States, but there have been cases reported in all 50 states. Heartworm is a very dangerous condition with very few, if any, symptoms. By the time the pet begins exhibiting any signs of infection, it is often too late. Fortunately, heartworm is a very preventable condition. What is heartworm? Heartworm is a parasitic worm that […]
Several common diseases and illnesses can affect our pets. Some diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, bordatella (kennel cough) and heartworm are easily preventable by keeping your pet current on its vaccines. This article will focus on diseases that are not preventable by vaccination and are, for the most part, very treatable. Ear infections Your pet may develop an ear infection for several reasons. Puppies and kittens may get ear mites from their parents. They usually aren’t visible until three or four months of age. Then you may notice something that looks like coffee grounds in the ears. Ear mites […]
We all know that vitamins and minerals are necessary for our health. Thus, many of us take vitamins and supplements regularly, but we may not always know what vitamins, minerals and supplements are necessary or healthy for our pets. This article will attempt to answer this question and will discuss the more common vitamins and supplements used by pet owners. Possible dangers will also be addressed. If you feed your pet a high quality, commercially available pet food additional vitamins are not typically necessary. However, if you are feeding them a homemade or nutrient deficient diet, it may be necessary […]
Everyone loves a puppy or kitten and the whole house gets excited about the idea of bringing one home. Sometimes, in the excitement we forget that taking responsibility for bringing a pet into the house is a lifelong commitment. Both you and your pet are aging and while it may seem trivial when you first bring a puppy or kitten into your home, knowing how to care for an elderly pet will become an important consideration in just a few short years. This article strives to answer some of the most important questions about living with an aging pet. When […]
Every spring as the flowers begin to bloom and the wind shifts I can count on getting that itchy, watery-eyed, sneezy and scratchy feeling that says to anyone with allergies, “hay fever alert”. What I didn’t know until my vet told me, pets can get allergies like hay fever too. In fact, many of the most bothersome allergies found in humans (hay fever, food allergies, etc.) also show up in our closest animal companions such as dogs and cats. Many things might cause a moderate to severe allergic reaction in your pet. This list includes things that don’t usually cause […]