Pet education
The Dangers of Heatstroke in Dogs
By: Lauren Strazdis, DVM [printer-friendly version] Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature by sweating like humans do because they only have a few sweat glands on their paw pads. They instead rely on evaporation by panting to cool off in hot environments. No matter how much a dog pants, there are some situations where they…
Read MoreDiarrhea in Dogs and Cats
By: Rebecca Donaldson, DVM [printer-friendly version] Unfortunately, we’ve all experienced diarrhea at some point and know first-hand the discomfort it causes. Our pets can experience that same discomfort if they develop diarrhea too. While not pleasant to discuss, and especially not fun to discover on our carpets, it is important to educate yourself on the…
Read MoreEar 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 MoreLiving with a FeLV Positive Cat
By: Mireya Cavazos [printer-friendly version] What is FeLV?Feline Leukemia Virus is a retrovirus that is one of the most common infectious diseases of cats. There is a higher risk factor for male gender, adulthood, and outdoor roaming cats. Cats that test positive may live for many years depending on what stage of the virus they…
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 MoreGrain-Free Diets and Your Dog’s Heart
BY EMILY ADAMSON, DVM [printer-friendly version] As a pet owner, you make important decisions every day that affect your pet’s health. From the moment you bring them home, you work hard to make choices that lead to a healthy, happy dog – which food they eat, how often they exercise, the toys they play with,…
Read MoreCBD Oil In Pets – Myth, Mystique, and Potential
by Dr. Kathryn Junkins Sarpong [printer-friendly version] There is a rapidly growing trend of giving pets CBD oil -a component of marijuana or hemp plants. Owners are giving it to their pets in the hope to reduce anxiety, pain, arthritis, seizures, and many other conditions. CBD is short for cannabidiol, the nonpsychotropic component of cannabis…
Read MoreAddison’s Disease
by Dr. David Deresz [printer-friendly version] Addison’s Disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder usually seen in younger dogs, typically under 2-3 years of age. The low production of the steroid cortisol, as well as low production of water retaining hormone aldosterone, are the driving forces of this disease. Clinical signs include intermittent…
Read MoreAllergies in Pets
Dr. Cassandra Gail Knapp [printer-friendly version] ALLERGIES IN MY PET – ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Sadly, no. It’s not a mythical thing. Allergies can happen to your pet and in the heart of Texas, they happen a lot. Allergies come in many forms and affect both cats and dogs, purebreds and mutts. What do allergies…
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