Articles
Articles, questions and guides on pet care.
Training a Perfectly Polite Puppy
Everyone pictures puppy training as “sit,” “lie down,” and “shake.” And while those things can play a big part in training a well-behaved puppy, there are a few other surprising fundamentals that…
Causes of Limping in Cats
Is your cat limping? Is the leg swollen and he won’t put any weight on it? Has your cat stopped jumping up onto the bed? All of these scenarios indicate a lameness problem that can happen to cats of…
Lymphoma in Cats
Lymphoma, also called lymphosarcoma or LSA, is a cancer of special cells called lymphocytes. Lymphoma is the most common cancer affecting cats and can occur in nearly any part of the body. Early…
Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline Leukemia Virus, or FeLV, is a retrovirus that infects felines only (domestic cats and some wild felids like cheetahs and the Florida panther). Feline Leukemia is the most common infectious…
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV, is a retrovirus that infects felines only (it cannot spread to people, dogs or other animals). FIV is found around the world but is not as prevalent as the…
Common Worms and Parasites Found in Cats
Although adult cats may not always show signs of illness when infected with internal parasites (worms and protozoa), if your feline family member is dealing with unexplained weight loss, chronic…
Treating and Preventing Abscesses in Cats
Cats tend to develop abscesses in the skin or under the skin more commonly than dogs. This is because when cats fight, they introduce bacteria deeper with their sharp claws and teeth. The skin…
How to Prepare Your Dog for International Travel
Getting ready for an international trip is exciting, but it can also be a busy and stressful time if you’re planning to take your dog along. Preparing your dog for the trip and planning ahead is…
Toxoplasmosis in Cats
You may have heard that doctors advise women, considering pregnancy or who become pregnant, to get rid of their cat(s) or have their partner clean the litter box(es) for the duration of their…
Flea Prevention and Control for Dogs
Is your dog scratching more than usual? Are you seeing live fleas on your dog? Are you seeing black spots or flecks in your dog’s hair coat? Your dog likely has fleas. Continue reading to learn how…
How to Protect Your Cat from Fleas
Fleas are the most common external parasite seen on cats. If your cat is scratching more than normal, has hair loss around his lower back/tail area, or has tiny black dots that look like pepper in…
Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Toxicity in Pets
Antifreeze or Ethylene Glycol (EG) used in car engines is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion is considered a medical emergency. Unfortunately, animals like the taste of antifreeze and will…
Your Guide to Kitty Body Language
Cats use their body and movement to communicate with us and each other more than their voices. They use cues all over their body to make a statement. Keep reading to learn more and become a cat body…
Snake Bite Prevention and Treatment for Pets
Like many pet owners, you may want to enjoy the outdoors with your dog or cat. In many parts of the United States, venomous snakes can pose a serious and often forgotten threat to companion animals.…
Hip Luxations in Pets
As spring and summer approach, people and pets want to get outside. With warmer temperatures, vets definitely see more animals involved in vehicular or other traumatic accidents. Some of these…
Rabies in Dogs
Rabies is an incurable virus that attacks the brain and spinal cord. All mammals, including dogs and humans, can catch rabies. While it’s preventable, once the symptoms of rabies appear, the virus…
Ask a Vet: 10 Important Questions to Ask at Your Next Vet Visit
Sometimes bringing your pet to the veterinary hospital can be overwhelming. Often, you’re struggling to get your cat in a carrier, driving with a dog that is terrified to be in the car, or wrangling…
Myxomatosis in Rabbits
Myxomatosis is a viral disease in pet and wild rabbits. In the US, this contagious disease is mainly located on the West Coast. Cottontail rabbits are the normal host of the virus and it rarely…