Vestibular Disease in Dogs
The vestibular system is a complex network of sensors within the inner ear and the brain that helps an animal maintain balance, and thus remain upright while walking, standing, or sitting. Most animals have a vestibular system, including humans. This delicate system can be disrupted by many things, leading to difficulty with balance.
4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Pet From Ticks This Spring—and Beyond
Year-round protection is key, but once spring has sprung, it's a good idea for pet owners to increase their vigilance when it comes to tick prevention. Warmer weather encourages these tiny parasites to emerge, which puts our companion animals at risk. Luckily, there are a handful of simple steps pet owners can take to make sure dogs and cats don't play host to ticks this spring.
What is a Zoonotic Disease?
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that are transmissible from living animals to people.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) describes the gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys normally filter waste products out of the blood. The waste is then excreted, or released, in the urine. Cats with CKD have kidneys that are not functioning properly. So, the waste products accumulate in their bloodstream and they suffer from symptoms of this illness. CKD occurs over a period of time and can be deadly for cats.
Canine Parvovirus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery
Parvovirus is a viral infection that can be life-threatening to dogs with compromised or under-developed immune systems, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and damage to the gut. Despite Parvovirus being one of the key viruses dog's are vaccinated against, hundreds of dogs and puppies die from Parvovirus across the world.
Cat Dental Treatments: All You Need to Know
Dental problems in cats are very common, with a 2023 study from the Royal Veterinary College (RCV) found 15.2% of cats are diagnosed [with dental disease] annually," which is an estimated 1.8 million cats a year, not to mention those who go undiagnosed. The risk of a cat developing periodontal disease also increases with age, with 85% of cats over 3 years old diagnosed.
Heart Failure in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Heart disease is present in around 15% of dogs in the UK. This can progress to heart failure, often called “congestive heart failure” or CHF. Dogs don't have sudden, unexpected heart attacks as humans do. Instead, heart failure in dogs is a progressive disease which, without veterinary intervention, will slowly worsen.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Certain health problems in dogs have a genetic component. This means the condition can be inherited from the parents, or that certain dogs may be predisposed because of their breeding.
The 4 Stages of Dental Disease in Pets Explained
Your pet’s dental health is vital for their quality of life. Pets use their mouths a lot, not just for eating, but also for grooming, playing, carrying things, and more. Dental disease often causes pain in the mouth and gums, making it hard for pets to chew their food or use their mouths at all, leading to severe discomfort and potential health issues.
Guide to Dog Dental Care
Did you know that February is the official Pet Dental Health Month? We've put together this guide to help you understand the importance of caring for your dog's teeth as well as highlighting the key signs of dog gum disease and what you can do to prevent it.
Hole-in-the-Head Disease in Saltwater Fish
Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH) causes erosive pits in fish and is primarily an aesthetic issue but can lead to secondary infections.
How to Treat Dry Skin on Dogs
Dogs can develop dry skin due to environmental factors, poor grooming, parasites, or underlying medical conditions.
Diarrhea in Ferrets
Diarrhea in ferrets can result from various causes, including infections, dietary changes, stress, or foreign body ingestion.
Salt Bath for Fish: Treating Freshwater Aquarium Diseases with Ease
Salt can effectively treat freshwater fish diseases, heal injuries, and reduce stress, but must be used cautiously.
Fact or Fiction: Can Cats Get Frostbite?
Cats can get frostbite, just like people and other animals. Though their winter coats will protect them to some extent, cats can easily get too cold in extreme temperatures. You may be wondering how stray and fetal cats survive the winter—sadly, some of them don't.
Kidney Disease in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Chronic kidney disease is the most common form of kidney disease in cats, causing gradual loss of kidney function over time.
Understanding Cat Eye Boogers: Causes and Solutions
When your cat’s sparkly, expressive eyes are suddenly goopy with eye boogers, you may be caught off guard. How did that happen so quickly? What’s causing it and how do you stop it? The good news is that there are many effective ways to provide your cat relief and get their eyes looking enchanting in no time. The first step is to figure out what’s wrong with your cat’s eyes.
Bladder Cancer in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Options
Bladder cancer is rare in cats, with transitional cell carcinoma being the most common type, affecting fewer than 2 in 1,000 cats.
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Elbow dysplasia is a genetic orthopedic condition common in large dog breeds, causing joint abnormalities and lameness.
Heat Exhaustion in Dogs
Heat exhaustion is a term used for moderate overheating, and it is very important to be aware of the signs to know when to seek help and to prevent more serious problems. Just like people, dogs can suffer many health effects from overheating and these can range from mild to life threatening . By knowing what to look for, you can intervene quickly and help your pup by getting treatment right away.
Heat Rash in Dogs
Heat rash in dogs occurs in hot, humid conditions when their skin cannot cool properly, causing irritation and discomfort.
Dog Paw Burns
Paw burns can cause injury to the bottom of your pup’s feet, known as the paw pads, and these injuries can range from mild to severe. These pads serve a very important role in protecting your pup’s feet and supporting them in all activities from walking to running to jumping. Injuries like burns can occur in many different ways, including walking on hot surfaces or encountering chemicals.
Hypothermia in Dogs: What a Vet Wants You to Know
As cold weather descends on some parts of the country, you may be prepping your winter gear and considering how best to keep your pup warm, too. The change of seasons can bring a number of important considerations for our pets including how best to protect their paws from snow and ice melt products, traffic safety for walks after early sunsets, and how to keep our dogs warm on the coldest of days.
Lumps on Dogs
Regularly examine your dog for lumps and consult a vet promptly to determine if they are benign or malignant.
How to Care for a Three-Legged Dog
Three-legged dogs, or tripawds, can live happy, active lives with proper care and exercise.
Dealing With Pet Health Emergencies on Holidays
Keep your pet’s routine consistent during the holidays to minimize stress and avoid potential health issues.
Dog Blood Types
Dogs have different blood types, and giving incompatible blood can cause life-threatening transfusion reactions.
How to Handle Worn Down Dog Teeth: Prevention and Treatment
Dog teeth can wear down due to attrition (teeth rubbing against each other) or abrasion (chewing on objects).
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The Practice of Cropping Dog Ears
Ear cropping is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed on certain dog breeds to meet traditional breed standards.
Why Is My Dog Sneezing?
Occasional sneezing in dogs is normal, but persistent or excessive sneezing may indicate a health issue requiring veterinary attention.
What to Do If Your Dog Has a Loose Tooth
Regular dental care, including brushing and veterinary check-ups, is essential to prevent dental disease and complications in dogs.
Dexamethasone for Dogs
Dexamethasone is a type of steroid that is used both in human and veterinary medicine. It is primarily used to reduce inflammation but also serves various other medical purposes. Used carefully, this medication can provide relief from a variety of diseases but it must be used exactly as directed to avoid serious side effects.
Gastritis in Dogs
Gastritis in dogs, characterized by vomiting and abdominal discomfort, can be acute (sudden) or chronic (persistent).
Pyoderma in Dogs
Pyoderma is an itchy and uncomfortable skin condition, but it generally looks more serious than it is. Dogs with underlying conditions affecting their skin, endocrine system, or immune system are most vulnerable to this type of infection that arises from naturally occurring bacteria and causes red pustules and crusty lesions . Some mild cases will resolve on their own within a couple of weeks; others may require topical or oral antibiotic therapy to heal.
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Lara Hew 27 articlesLara is a photography major at UArts in Philly! In her free time, she likes to walk dogs and, of course, take photos. She also loves reading and movies, hiking, kayaking, and just anything that involves being outdoors. She has grown up with animals since she was little and currently has two dogs and a cat of her own.
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Peyton Shine 26 articlesPeyton originally from Michigan, but have lived in Philadelphia for 10 years. She grew up surrounded by animals, both at home and on her grandparent's farm. She now has one dog, a golden retriever-boxer mix named Cooper.
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Tiffany Salmon 47 articlesI focus on empowering my team through collaboration, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose. I believe in leading by example, maintaining a mindset of continuous learning, and encouraging others to think creatively and take calculated risks.
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Dana Minacapelli 47 articlesDana started her journey in the veterinary field in 2004 at an animal shelter in Corpus Christi, Texas. She immediately fell in love with the profession and nurtured her passion for helping animals that were in desperate need of a second chance. Here, she began implementing improved policies that mitigated disease control, managed a low cost spay/neuter program for the community, and made recommendations to the Board of Directors on best practices for the clinic as well as the shelter as a whole.
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Lizzie Youens 50 articlesLizzie has over ten years of experience as a veterinary surgeon with particular interests in animal behaviour, dermatology, and geriatrics.
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Hannah Clark 25 articlesHannah has worked at Pet Drugs Online for over three years, researching, writing, and publishing all of our blog content. She currently lives in Cardiff with her 5-year-old cat, Margot, and 2-year-old Cavapoo, Merida.