Pets are diagnosed with cancer at roughly the same rate as people, so many animal lovers will likely experience the terrible heartbreak of losing a beloved companion to this dreadful disease. As in humans, many cancer types occur in pets. Cancer is not always a death sentence, however; if caught early enough, some cancers can [...]
Adding to your family is a big step. Whether your new family member will be furry, scaly, or slimy, do some soul searching before checking out local animal shelters and rescue groups. What pet will fit your family best? Ask yourself the following questions before impulsively swinging by the animal shelter. What species of pet [...]
When your beloved pet is in obvious pain, you would not think twice about bringing him in for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. For example, if your pet has orthopedic pain, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, with obvious signs like limping, exercise intolerance, and trouble getting up from a resting position, you’d [...]
A common misconception in the pet world is the claim that dogs scoot on their hind end because they have worms. While scooting dogs do sometimes have intestinal parasites, more commonly, a scooting dog is experiencing discomfort from full anal sacs. Rubbing her hind end on your carpet is her way of trying to express [...]
The flea is a tiny, wingless, blood-sucking parasite that requires a warm-blooded host, such as a dog, a cat, or even a human—but don’t worry, because most fleas choose the warm, protective environment of an animal’s fur. The species most commonly found in dogs and cats is the Ctenocephalides felis. Fleas prefer an ambient temperature [...]
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization providing accreditation to companion animal practices in the United States and Canada. Unlike human hospitals, animal hospitals do not need accreditation or to be held to strict professional standards to be in business, although most veterinary hospitals engage in best-medicine practices because of their code [...]
As the most common form of arthritis in pets, osteoarthritis (OA) affects 25% of dogs. OA is often used interchangeably with arthritis, but it’s more complex than arthritis, which is simple joint inflammation. With OA, the cartilage in one or more joints slowly degenerates, accompanied by thickening and overgrowth of nearby bone. As the protective [...]
Animals vocalize by barking, growling, hissing, and meowing, but body language is their main form of communication. Because we don’t speak the same language as our furry friends, it’s often a challenge to decipher what they are trying to say. Pick up on clues your pet sends with her ears, eyes, tail, and posture, and [...]
Ticks are often associated with Lyme disease, but they also transmit many other diseases that lead to illness in cats, dogs, and people. Here in Tennessee, cytauxzoonosis—”bobcat fever”—in cats and ehrlichiosis in dogs are more common than Lyme disease. Ehrlichiosis in dogs Complicated to pronounce and complicated to diagnose, ehrlichiosis can cause a variety of [...]
Owning an exotic pet can be a rewarding experience that affords family members the opportunity to learn about new and different species. Caring for a rabbit or lizard, however, is much different than walking a dog. Here are tips on caring for some common exotic pets. Rabbits If you’re looking for a cuddly exotic pet, [...]
