Scratching
Scratching is a normal behavior for any animal. It becomes a problem when it is excessive, causes hair loss, or is causing discomfort for your pet. Puppies and kittens will scratch excessively at their new collars and that does not require any treatment. Do not remove the collar-they will eventually get used to it. However, [...]
continue readingCoughing
Coughing is one of the best and most powerful reflexes in the body. It helps expel any foreign materials in the throat or lungs. It is a symptom that should never be ignored. Coughing in pets is generally due to either cardiac or respiratory disease. Cardiac disease includes heartworms, congestive heart failure, or cardiac tumors. [...]
continue readingLimping
A patient will usually limp on any limb due to bony or muscular disorders, but can exhibit pain due to neurological abnormalities. There are different rule outs depending on the pet’s age. Less than 12 months old- congenital disorders, trauma, panosteitis, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, growth plate abnormalities Greater than 12 months old- arthritis, bone [...]
continue readingScooting
The anal sacs sit low on either side of the anus and aid in defecation. They contain a fish-smelling, brown liquid that is expressed during a bowel movement. If they are not expressed regularly, they can become infected or impacted. The absolute cause of anal sac disorders is unknown, but chronic soft stool, recent diarrhea, [...]
continue readingEar Odor
Ear odor is often caused by ear infections (otis externa), which are extremely common, especially in floppy-eared dogs. In animals the external part of the ear canal becomes infected rather than the inner, or middle, part of the ear like in humans. Otitis media (inner ear infection) can develop in pets, but is much less [...]
continue readingBad Breath
All pets will develop dental disease. Humans are instructed to brush and floss their teeth twice daily and still need to have their teeth cleaned every 6 months. Pets never floss their teeth, and rely on their owners to brush. It is not feasible to expect to brush your pet’s teeth twice daily. If you [...]
continue readingDiarrhea
As with vomiting, every pet will have diarrhea in their lifetime. The vast majority of the time, they can be monitored and treated at home. However, if your pet is vomiting, lethargic, painful, or not eating, they must be examined by a veterinarian immediately. There are serious conditions that can cause diarrhea including foreign bodies, [...]
continue readingVomiting
Every pet will vomit in it’s lifetime. There are certain guidelines that can be helpful to gauge whether your pet needs to go to the doctor immediately, or can be monitored. If your pet vomits intermittently and is still acting normally, is eating and drinking well, and is not having diarrhea, usually a veterinary visit [...]
continue readingAbdominal Pain
How do you know when your pet’s belly hurts? The symptoms vary, but you will definitely be able to tell that they do not feel well. Dogs will become lethargic, curl in a tight ball, vomit, whimper, have diarrhea, or run a fever. Some even assume a “prayer position” that is similar to a dog [...]
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