Congestive heart failure (CHF) is common in dogs. Small breed dogs such as poodles, Yorkshire terriers and ShihTzu tend to suffer from chronic valvular disease and this leads to congestive heart failure. In large breed dogs, the problem is generally with the heart muscle and is actually called cardiomyopathy. With congestive heart failure the heart […]
February is Pet Dental month in many veterinary practises in Canada and the United States. Oral hygiene is an important issue for dogs and cats. Bad breath is very common in dogs and cats and is often the first sign of dental disease. 85 % of all dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age […]
Separation anxiety is a very common behavioral problem in dogs. It comes about because the dog fears or dislikes isolation. This causes him to engage in undesirable behaviors such as excess barking or whining, inappropriate urination or defecation, destructive behaviors or hyperactivity. Typically these dogs engage in these undesirable behaviors while the owners are gone […]
Just like their human companions, cats can suffer from asthma. It is thought that currently about 1% of all cats suffer from this condition but that number is increasing with increased environment pollution. Feline asthma, or feline bronchial disease (allergic airway disease or allergic bronchitis) is caused by a spasm of the small airways in the […]
It is no surprise to find that indoor cats live longer than their outdoor cousins. Indoor cats are not exposed to weather changes, certain poisons, unfriendly dogs, certain infectious diseases or car accidents. An indoor cat may live 12 to 18 years whereas an outdoor cat may only live 2 or 3 years. Indoor cats still […]
Here is something to make you smile through out your day. The original was written by Deanna Mascle but I have added and adapted. 5 Life Lessons I Learned from my dog: 1. We humans don’t touch each other enough but our dogs do. Dogs know that a simple touch, lick, a kiss can make […]
Pet owners frequently complain of age related problems with their older pets. Common complaints are house training issues, memory loss, confusion, disorientation, panting, drooling, wandering, night pacing and other sleep disturbances , obsessive licking and other conditions. These behaviours usually start gradually and many times owners do not notice them until they are quite severe. […]
Anal sac disease or anal gland disease is a very common and smelly problem in dogs. If you have ever smelled a terrible, fishy smelling odour from the back end of your favourite dog, you have experienced the smell of anal gland discharge! Anal sacs are scent glands that live at the 4 and 8 […]
Feline gingivitis or stomatitis is a very common problem in adult cats. It is painful inflammation of the gums, and mouth. Often the gums and gingival tissue is red, swollen and bleeding. Bad breath is always present and sometimes there is infection. No one really knows what causes this problem although there are a few […]
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a progressive, long-term degeneration of the cartilage of the joints. DJD is common in older cats although many show no symptoms of lameness. Instead, cats frequently will have difficulty grooming, jumping up, or using the litter box. Some cats appear stiff when they walk, become very grouchy or do not […]
