Tag: allergies
Mange! The Dreaded 5 Letter Word
It’s like a horror movie, you can basically hear the suspenseful music playing in the background when you suddenly think to yourself, I wonder if this could be mange! Ever had this happen to you? Well, if not, consider yourself lucky. But what really is all the dread about? Dogs and cats can both suffer from what is referred to...Read More
Beating the Heat
Summer heat is here! In our part of the country, we enjoy long, hot days and lots of outdoor activities, and many of us include our four-legged family members. When bringing our pets along for summer fun, there are some precautions we need to take and some things to watch for to be sure our pets have as much fun...Read More
Should Dogs Eat Grain Free Diets?
American pet owners are increasingly concerned with their pet’s nutrition which is wonderful news for pets. However, owners in search of the “best” diet for their pet are increasingly met with misinformation and misconceptions about diets and pet nutrition. While there are many well-meaning people giving advice about pet nutrition, most are ill-equipped and under qualified to tackle such a complex...Read More
Why is my dog obsessed with licking his paws?!
Chewing and licking paws is something we commonly see in veterinary medicine. Although occasional paw licking can be a normal behavior for dogs, excessive licking and chewing should never be considered normal and is often a sign of something more serious going on with your pet. There may be many different reasons why your pet is licking and chewing his...Read More
Golden-Doodle Mania
Nearly 10 years ago, I met my first Golden-doodle patient and, having never seen one before, I can remember thinking to myself, “This Golden retriever is having a very interesting hair day!” Fast forward to the present and I typically see a “doodle” patient multiple times a day. Furthermore, my personal family has grown as well to include 3 Golden-doodles...Read More
Reverse Sneezing
Ever wonder what that funny sneezing/honking sound was that your dog just made? It may have even seemed like he couldn’t breathe for a few moments or like he was choking on something. A reverse sneeze, also known as pharyngeal gag reflex, is a common condition seen in dogs. Fortunately, it’s usually a benign process that rarely requires treatment. Reverse...Read More
What is a Hot Spot?
“The spot came up on my dog overnight, and now they won’t leave it alone!” This is usually how the conversation goes with panic-stricken clients that have just noticed the huge, bald sore that is red and oozing. After telling them it looks or sounds like they are describing a hot spot, the next question is typically, “What is a...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
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
Herbal Supplements… All Hype or Worth A Try?
Alright, let’s get to the “root” of the matter of herbal supplements. There is a plethora of natural and herbal supplements available, both prescription and over the counter. Many ailments, particularly chronic diseases, have been shown to benefit from natural treatments. In veterinary medicine we look for alternative treatments for certain conditions, but they do need to be restricted to...Read More
