Category: Wellness
The Truth About Dog Flu and Pneumonia
As we have discussed, canine influenza- aka the dog flu- is a highly contagious respiratory infection. There are currently two canine strains of this virus known to affect dogs internationally. H3N8 emerged around 2004 in Florida, and continues to cause sporadic disease. H3N2, a mild strain, was recently identified around Chicago in 2015. Geographic locations for this newer strain...Read More
Beware of Grass Awns!
What are grass awns? One of the most common minor emergencies we see during the summer in the Mid-south are grass awn foreign bodies. These ‘seeds’ or grass awns can become lodged in pet ears, between toes, and under the skin. The most common presentation is a draining tract between the toes. However, grass awns can also cause much more serious...Read More
Socializing A New Puppy
I think all veterinarians can agree puppy and kitten visits are usually the happiest parts of our day. Between puppy-breath kisses, we usually vaccinate, de-worm, perform our exams, and go over pet food and basic husbandry aspects of having a new puppy. The longer I practice, the more I am seeing the importance of early socialization and the impact that it...Read More
Should I REALLY spay/neuter my pet?
Many people have heard it is important to spay/neuter your dog and cat but not everyone knows why it is so important. So why do veterinarians recommend having your dog or cat sterilized? By spaying or neutering your pet you are preventing many life threatening infections and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer! Female dogs and cats can...Read More
Litter Box Issues
Litter box problems are the most common behavior issue with cats. Unfortunately, it often leads to banning the cat outdoors, abandonment, or even surrender to the shelter when their owners cannot handle it anymore. While stress is often a common cause of litter box issues, medical conditions can also lead to this problem. If your cat is having litter box...Read More
Why is my dog itching all the time?
Whether for humans or pets, allergies are typically a frustrating diagnosis for all involved. Dogs with severe allergies struggle to find relief for their itch, as you have probably witnessed. They might rub a part of their body against the wall, lick or chew their feet, sneeze and wheeze constantly, or scratch until they develop sores. It’s hard to see...Read More
The Ugly Truth About Fractured Teeth
Are Fractured Teeth Really a Big Deal? The short answer is: Yes! All fractured teeth run the risk of becoming non-vital (or dead) and infected. Though some tiny, very superficial fractures may never cause a problem, it is always best to have fractured teeth checked by a vet. Any disturbance to the enamel has the potential to cause a bigger...Read More
Are ‘Recheck’ Appointments Actually Needed?
Your dog’s ears are red and inflamed and he has been shaking his head and scratching at his ears. The doctor looks into the ears to find both ear canals are swollen with a dark wax inside. She gets a sample from the ear canals and performs cytology with a microscope diagnosing a mixed infection of bacteria and yeast. An ear...Read More
My dog has a cold, wet nose… Why?
When it comes to pets, it seems there are many mysteries about their bodies and why they were made a certain way. One thing that makes their humans curious is the fact that their noses are often both cold and wet. It is often believed that a dry, warm nose equals a sick dog and a visit to the vet...Read More
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- Allergies
- Dog Owners
- Dogs
- Illness
- Pet Habits
- Pet Health
- Uncategorized
- Wellness
Building Confidence and Raising A Happy Cat
Is your cat the life of the party or hiding under the bed in the back room? Does he stalk out to see who you brought home to watch a movie or hide in the laundry basket? Does he enjoy a car ride or howl the whole way to the vet’s office? We have a few tips to build their...Read More
