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, [...]
Fear, anxiety, and stress are not only unpleasant, they have real effects on your pet’s health. Our hospital’s goal is to make your loving companion’s visit as low-stress as possible. Less stress for your pet means less stress for you, and that means everyone has a more positive experience. Why is stress bad for [...]
The naturally inquisitive nature of pets leads them to eat or come into contact with a variety of household items that can be harmful. Here, we address 10 common pet toxins, but many others exist. For a more extensive list of toxic substances, check out the ASPCA’s poison control website. Chocolate Although most people [...]
We can’t help it—we become giddy with excitement when new, innovative products hit the market. Geeking out and reading all about the studies and research on the most recent products to hit the market fills us with joy. We know that making solid, research-based decisions on which products to use in our hospital will help [...]
