12 Things Your Pet Could Be Allergic To
Itching, watery eyes, and sneezing are all allergy symptoms that our pets may have to deal with, especially in spring and summer when seasonal allergies are at their peak. But even though pet allergies are usually easy to spot, many pet owners are left wondering exactly what caused them.
Why An Annual Pet Blood Test Can Be a Lifesaver (And What It Detects)
We all want our dogs and cats to live long and healthy lives, but what if I told you that there was a chance that your pet could be suffering from silent health issues that you may not even notice? Though your pet may be acting like their normal, energetic, and affectionate self, the truth is, they could be sick or in pain without you even realizing it. If that concerns you, rest assured there's something your veterinarian can do to ease your mind and make sure your pet is in good health: an annual pet blood test.
Filter Failure: What Happens When a Pet’s Kidneys Can't Keep Up
A Guide For Pet Owners Learning About Kidney Disease In Cats And Dogs When we think about vital organs required for life in most animals, the heart may be our first thought. However, there are organs just as important that don’t quite get the same amount of attention, like the kidneys. In our pets, the kidneys filter waste, balance internal fluids, regulate and produce hormones for red blood cell production, and participate in blood pressure regulation.
Pet Heart Health 101: Common Cardiac Conditions in Dogs & Cats
Many pet owners mistakenly believe that unless their pet is predisposed to heart conditions or entering their senior years, cardiac health isn't an immediate concern. The truth is that heart disease and other cardiac-related conditions can affect any pet at any time in their life. This is why it's so important for pet owners to understand that how they care for their pet throughout their entire life can greatly impact the health of their heart and either prevent or encourage the development of heart issues.
A Veterinarian's Role In The One Health Perspective
We all know that human and animal health is directly impacted by the surrounding environment. Less defined are the specific roles that professionals play in keeping the balance between environmental health, human health, and animal health. Veterinary professionals balance concepts about zoonotic diseases, parasites, and generalized animal medicine on a daily basis. In doing so we not only protect our patients but safeguard their owners and entire communities.
Veterinary Big Box and Online Pricing: Why is My Veterinarian Always More Expensive?
Since 2008, pet owners have been inundated with advertisements and emails promising savings and convenience when purchasing veterinary products through online retailers or big-box stores. These early marketing campaigns often portrayed veterinarians unfairly, asking questions like, “Why take an expensive trip to the vet and pay outrageous prices for the same products?”
Palliative and Hospice Care for Pets: Compassionate End-of-Life Care for Dogs and Cats
Caring for a pet during their final days is one of the most emotional challenges a pet parent can face. While euthanasia is often thought of as the only option, many families are surprised to learn that hospice and palliative care services are available for their pets to provide comfort, dignity, and guidance during this sensitive time. These specialized services focus on managing your pet’s physical needs while offering compassionate support to help you make thoughtful, informed decisions about their end-of-life care.
Can My Dog or Cat Take Human Medication?
As a veterinarian, I often hear questions from concerned pet parents about whether they can give their dog or cat human medications. It’s understandable—when a pet seems uncomfortable, we naturally want to help them feel better as fast as possible. However, reaching for a common over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever or allergy medication could do more harm than good. Many medications formulated for humans can be toxic, even fatal, to pets.
The Cost of Pet Ownership: Understanding How to Budget for a Dog or Cat’s Lifetime Expenses
We all love the smell of puppy breath or watching a new kitten play. Some of our happiest moments as pet owners come when we finally choose to bring a new puppy or kitten into our home. This special time is filled with snuggles, purrs, eating, and toys. Whether your pet is a long-awaited breed-specific dog that you preselected or a stray you obtained at no charge, the initial expense is only a small part of the total cost of pet ownership.