health

Signs Your Dog Is Stressed and How To Relieve Anxiety in Your Pet

Ommmmmm…… As I sit with my legs crossed, hands to the heavens, and eyes closed, I can almost feel myself becoming one with the universe. It is no secret that regular exercise and breathing deeply helps the body release natural feel-good chemicals. Which, in turn, can promote a better night’s sleep and sharper thinking. Physiologically, … Continued

Symptoms of Dehydration in Dogs and Safe Ways to Re-Hydrate

Pets are especially prone to dehydration and hyperthermia as they are not designed to efficiently regulate body temperature. They cool themselves by conduction, or transfer of heat, by lying on a cool floor. Sweat glands in the paws and panting help to carry away body heat and fur helps to provide insulation. On hot and … Continued

How to Prevent Travel Anxiety and Motion Sickness in Dogs

For many of us, not only do we treat our pets LIKE family, they ARE family; I’ll admit, sometimes the dogs are my favorite family members. They don’t whine, kick the seats, fight with their siblings, or complain of boredom. Especially on road trips. My human children can’t possibly imagine how we survived long car … Continued

Love Pets, Hate Allergies? Managing and Treating Pet Allergies

Love pets, but hate allergies? For some unlucky folks, cats, dogs, horses, and bunnies all cause the same pet allergy symptoms: itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose or congestion, a rash, hives, and even difficulty breathing. Even allergies are common in dogs and cats, but what is it about some pets that cause allergies to … Continued

How to Transition Your Pet Food Gradually

Back in 1999 when I graduated veterinary school, there was just one semester course that covered the basics of animal nutrition from chicken to goat to horse to dog. Over the last several decades, the way pet professionals and owners have come to think about nutrition has vastly changed. Boutique pet foods are all the … Continued

Heartworm Disease in Dogs and What You Should Know

Did you know April is National Heartworm Awareness Month? This is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease among pets that is caused by a parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworms are foot-long worms that impact our furry friends heart, lungs, and blood. You might not recognize heartworms in pets initially until the adult worms have matured. As this … Continued

Is CBD Oil Safe For Dogs? What You Need to Know About Cannabidiol

Touted as a cure-all for everything from arthritis pain, to anxiety, to cancer, to seizure disorders, is CBD, or cannabidiol, the new snake oil? Or is it the penicillin of our generation, providing pet owners new ways to treat old, frustrating, and seemingly unmanageable diseases? Is CBD safe for dogs and is it legal? We’ll … Continued

Do Dogs Dream? Understanding the Twitches and Running

If I had to guess what my dogs dream about when they enter the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep, the images would certainly include squirrels, a peanut-butter filled KONG, and the flash of weeds as they tear along their favorite trail. Most of us have witnessed the tell-tale eye twitches and running motion … Continued

Pet Coverage: Is Pet Insurance Worth It For Your Dog?

With more technology to diagnose and treat diseases such as cancer and chronic pain, pet owners have a multitude of choices for care when their pet becomes ill. Though cost should be the last thing on the mind of a concerned pet parent, owners often face a difficult decision when an animal companion becomes ill … Continued

A Stinky Situation: Dog Anal Gland Problems

There’s no polite way to introduce this topic: pet anal glands. These are mysterious, marble-sized, sacs that contain malodorous material and can be found at approximately 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock between your pet’s internal and external anal sphincter. All dogs, cats, and carnivorous species (including humans) have them; you may know what anatomical parts … Continued

Wellness Guide

Tag: health

Tag: health