General pet care
Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) in Dogs and Cats
By: Rebecca Donaldson, DVM [printer-friendly version] Outer ear infection is one of the most common types of infections seen in pets and is referred to as otitis externa. How can I tell if my pet has an ear infection? An ear infection may occur in just one ear or can affect both ears at the same…
Read MoreFive Steps to Practical Pet Weight Loss
By: Emily L. Adamson, DVM [printer-friendly version] Your veterinarian has recommended that your pet lose some weight. Your first question might be, “How do I know my pet weighs too much?” This can be a tricky question with so many varieties of breeds, it’s hard to have an exact “goal weight” for every dog or…
Read MoreSeparation Anxiety in Dogs
by: Kathryn Junkins Sarpong, DVM, DABVP [printer-friendly version] What is it? – Pets acting anxious, destructively or vocalizing when away from their people. Examples – Your dog chews up the rug and urinates in your house whenever you go to work. The neighbors complain your dog cries constantly whenever you have to run an errand.…
Read MoreFAQ : Preventative Dental Cleaning and Assessment (PDCA)
[printer-friendly version] Q: What are the benefits of a non-anesthetic dental (PDCA)?A: A PDCA technician performs the following services; an assessment of oral health, cleaning (scaling and curettage), polishing, brushing, oral rinse, and a treatment plan. Q: Why is oral hygiene important for my pet?A: Pets are unable to brush their teeth daily. Therefore, it…
Read MoreCaring for Your Itchy Pet
David Deresz, DVM [printer-friendly version] Itchy dogs and cats are some of our most common patient complaints. This is noticed as scratching, licking, or biting. While there are many potential causes of this problem, only a few are responsible for the vast majority of cases. These common triggers can be broken down into 4 main…
Read MoreChoosing the Best Family Pet
By Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, DVM Selecting a new pet is an important decision since bringing an animal into your home means providing shelter, food, care, and love. Most cats and dogs have a lifespan of 12-20 years and it is a large commitment to adopt one into your home! Many families with small yards, or…
Read MoreCold Weather Hazards
By Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, DVM, DACVP Each season brings special hazards and concerns for family pets. Even in Texas, winter’s biggest threat is the low temperatures. Make certain to provide shelter to your pets from the cold and rainy weather. Some breeds of dogs tolerate the cold weather better than others. Generally, dogs with thick…
Read MoreChocolate and Pets Don’t Mix
By Dr. Kathryn Sarpong, DVM Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs. As little as an ounce of chocolate per 10 pounds of body weight can be potentially fatal depending on the type of chocolate. Dark chocolates and baking chocolates are more toxic than milk or white chocolate. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity range from mild…
Read MoreHeartworm Disease
[printer-friendly version] Where do heartworms come from?Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an animal, larval forms of heartworms are injected into the animal.Can my pet catch heartworms from another heartworm positive animal?Not directly. The life cycle of the heartworm parasite requires that it pass through the mosquito for development. The more…
Read MoreRecognizing Illness in Your Family Pet
By Kathryn Sarpong, DVM Discovering your pet is ill early and getting appropriate treatment can lead to a better outcome and longer life. But how do you know your pet is ill versus just having an off day? Pets are individuals and what seems serious in one animal may be normal for another. No one…
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