Posts

Hip Dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint. It is a genetic condition that can be affected by diet. There is no cure for Hip Dysplasia; however, there are many treatment options available today for pets diagnosed with the condition. Hip Dysplasia can affect many pets, however, it is predominantly found in large breed…

Heartworm disease is a potentially life-threatening parasitic infection. Found worldwide, it infects wild and domestic dogs, sea lions, ferrets, and cats. In rare cases it can infect other animals and humans. HOW PETS GET HEARTWORMS Heartworm Disease is caused by a worm, Dirofilaria immitis, and spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal,…

Parasites are organisms that live in or on your dog, causing harm. Minimizing parasites is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Some pet parasites can cause problems for people too, so keeping them out of your home is also good for you and your family. External parasites are insects or arachnids that live…

As in human nutrition, the goal of good nutrition in animals is to maximize the length and quality of life. It is very important to feed our companions a healthy and well balanced diet that meets their specific needs. Lets begin by taking a look at the nutritional needs of dogs. It is first important…

Dogs can develop fears of noises, people, and objects.  Fearful behavior can escalate into inappropriate growling and snapping (fear biting), urinating or defecating in the house, or destructive behavior.  The dog may injure itself while panicking during a storm.  Dogs should be desensitized to their fears and phobias before the situation becomes problematic in the…

Ehrlichiosis is a disease spread from the bite of a tick. The brown dog tick is the primary host of this serious disease, which was first seen in military dogs returning to the US from the Vietnam War. The organism that is carried by ticks and causes the Ehrlichiosis infection is called a rickettisa, which…

The most common ear problem in dogs is inflammation of the outer ear, technically termed otitis externa. The area between the outside opening and the eardrum can be irritated by infections, parasites, allergies, and foreign objects. SIGNS OF EAR PROBLEMS Signs of irritation include scratching, shaking the head, and reacting painfully when the ears are…

Canine Distemper is a serious viral disease. Widespread vaccination has reduced its incidence, but dogs that get it often die. Canine distemper can also infect pet ferrets. HOW DOGS GET THE VIRUS Susceptible dogs are infected by inhaling the Distemper virus, which is found in secretions and feces from infected dogs. Puppies under six months…

As pet owners, we all hope that our dogs never have to experience disc disease. However, this is a fairly common condition in some breeds and in many geriatric pets. Discs are essentially cushions that help to absorb tension and pressure between the vertebrae. Humans have this same mechanism and can also suffer from disc…

Dogs dig for pleasure, curiosity, exploration, and out of boredom.  Wild canines dig for prey and to build a den, so our domestic dogs come with the same instincts.  This can be a problem when Fido decides to dig up the rose bushes in your beautifully landscaped back yard.  There are ways to curb this…