Articles

Articles, questions and guides on pet care.

Giving Your Pet Eye Medication: Step-by-Step Instructions

Giving Your Pet Eye Medication: Step-by-Step Instructions

You’ve just returned home from the vet, and fortunately, your furry friend is going to be just fine! But, your vet prescribed two different eye drops for your cat’s conjunctivitis. And the bad news?…

Read article
How to Examine Your Pet at Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Examine Your Pet at Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

Performing simple exams on your pet at home is important for several reasons. It can help prepare them for examinations performed by your vet, as well as handling by the groomer or other care…

Read article
How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears

Does your dog have problems with its ears? Has your vet recommended routine ear cleaning for your dog? Or perhaps you’d just like to add ear cleaning to your dog’s regular grooming routine! Here are…

Read article
How to Apply “Spot On” Medication to Your Dog or Cat

How to Apply “Spot On” Medication to Your Dog or Cat

Some products used to prevent ticks, fleas, and worms are applied directly onto the skin. These are sometimes called "spot on" medications. Here you will find tips and advice on how to apply them…

Read article
What’s Wrong with My Dog’s Tail? Facts About Limber Tail Syndrome

What’s Wrong with My Dog’s Tail? Facts About Limber Tail Syndrome

Dogs who like to swim, or those who spend long periods of time in cold, wet weather, can be at risk for a condition called limber tail syndrome. There are many names for limber tail syndrome…

Read article
Hot Spots (Moist Dermatitis) in Dogs

Hot Spots (Moist Dermatitis) in Dogs

Hot spots, also known as moist dermatitis, are a common skin condition in dogs. They are typically caused by damaged and/or infected skin. Areas of redness and irritation can occur rapidly,…

Read article
Why does my dog eat grass? Is it safe?

Why does my dog eat grass? Is it safe?

It's common for dogs to eat grass from time to time. Sometimes this may make your dog vomit. It can be concerning and difficult to understand why your dog wants to eat grass, especially if it makes…

Read article
Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia) in Dogs

Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia) in Dogs

Dogs cannot regulate their temperature by sweating, like humans. Instead, dogs pant to cool their body. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an effective way to avoid overheating. If the surrounding air…

Read article
Swelling of the Ear (Aural Hematoma) in Cats and Dogs

Swelling of the Ear (Aural Hematoma) in Cats and Dogs

Aural (ear) hematomas form when blood vessels rupture under the skin of the ear flap. This is the most common reason for swelling along the outside of a dog or cat’s ear. Continue reading to learn…

Read article
7 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Dog Breed

7 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Dog Breed

There are so many dog breeds that it can seem impossible to choose the perfect pet. All dogs need care, exercise, and training, but there can be big differences between the many breeds. You’ll want…

Read article
Choosing the Right Cat Breed for You

Choosing the Right Cat Breed for You

Adopting a new cat or kitten is an exciting time for every prospective owner. Having a cat is very rewarding but also comes with big responsibility. It’s important to take some time to research the…

Read article
3 Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog

3 Great Outdoor Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog

Looking for fun, easy activities to enjoy with your dog? Grab a small handful of treats and head outdoors! Your dog will love spending the extra time with you, and you’ll both benefit from the fresh…

Read article
What You Need to Know About Spaying Your Female Dog

What You Need to Know About Spaying Your Female Dog

Spaying female dogs is a common practice. This procedure is called an ovariohysterectomy, where both ovaries and the uterus are surgically removed. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of…

Read article
What You Need to Know About Neutering Your Male Dog

What You Need to Know About Neutering Your Male Dog

Castrating (or neutering) male dogs is a common practice. The procedure can be done in different ways, either surgically or chemically. Here we answer some of your most common questions and concerns…

Read article
Why is My Dog Losing Hair?  What You Need to Know About Demodectic Mange

Why is My Dog Losing Hair? What You Need to Know About Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange, also known as demodicosis or “red mange”, is caused by a cigar-shaped, microscopic mite called Demodex canis. These mites are transmitted from mother to pup within the first few…

Read article
Heat Stroke in Cats

Heat Stroke in Cats

Many cats like the heat, but just like humans, they can suffer from heat stroke if exposed to extreme temperatures for too long. Easy access to plenty of fresh water is essential. Unlike dogs, cats…

Read article
Tick Talk - Dogs and Tick Control

Tick Talk - Dogs and Tick Control

Ticks are small, biting parasites that feed on blood and are typically most active from spring through fall. They are most commonly found in wooded areas. Ticks come in many different varieties that…

Read article
Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?

Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?

There are many questions and concerns about COVID-19 infection. The most frequent questions that pet owners ask our vets are: can my pet get COVID-19, and can humans catch the virus from their pets?

Read article

With FirstVet, the vet clinic and pet shop are only one tap away. Get fast advice, trusted care and the right pet supplies – every day, all year round.

FIRSTVET

FirstVet Inc

900 3rd Ave 29th Floor

10022

New York