Pet Talk
Caring for Older Pets
Pets are more than just our companions—they are a part of the family. As your pet ages, it is important to consult your veterinarian for help providing the proper care for your senior pet’s changing needs. Every animal is different, so the senior life stage occurs at different ages in different pets. For instance, dogs […]
Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets
Although the words “exotic” and “wild” are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. It is important to understand the difference between wild and exotic animals and the requirements and responsibilities of owning such animals as pets. According to Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, clinical assistant […]
Parrots as Pets
Parrots are unique, complex, and entertaining birds. They are smart, can learn tricks, and provide excellent companionship for some people. Parrots have become increasingly popular as pets in the United States, but it is important to recognize the responsibility involved with caring for a parrot. Parrots come in hundreds of species. Therefore, pet owners should […]
Kennel Cough in Dogs
Like humans, dogs can experience a noisy, dry cough caused by an irritated throat. However, persistent coughing paired with a fever, nasal or ocular discharge, or loss of voice may be symptoms of a more serious condition, such as kennel cough. Canine infectious tracheobronchitis, or kennel cough, can develop in dogs when they inhale bacterial […]
Treating and Preventing Fleas
When dog and cat owners notice their pet excessively scratching, biting, and licking, many of them associate these signs with fleas. With so many products on market for flea treatment and prevention, finding the right product to treat your pet and house can be both intimidating and confusing. Controlling fleas is a multi-step process and […]
Equine Lameness
Equine lameness affects all types horses—whether they are ridden for pleasure, racing, or sport. Lameness, a health condition that affects a horse’s gait, is the most costly health problem in the equine industry in regards to the price of medical treatment and for time lost to rest. Dr. Ashlee Watts, assistant professor at the Texas […]
Preventing Diabetes in Dogs
Diabetes mellitus, also called sugar diabetes, is becoming more prevalent in today’s society. Like humans, dogs can develop diabetes and may need medical care throughout their lifetime to manage the disease. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by a lack or relative deficiency of a hormone called insulin. This hormone is produced by the pancreas and is […]
Pet Transportation Safety
The holiday season has ended, meaning most families are returning from their travels. For some people, pets are a part of the celebration and are included in travel plans. While some pets are easy travel companions, others are better left at home in the care of a trusted friend or neighbor. Even if visiting your […]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs
Like humans, it is normal for dogs to experience the occasional upset stomach, or episode of diarrhea, but experiencing severe symptoms, such as bloody stools, may be a sign of something more serious. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to a group of gastrointestinal diseases that result in the inflammation of the intestines. The exact cause […]
Ear Infections in Dogs
Many dog owners have witnessed their pet excessively scratching their ears or rubbing their head on a hard surface. Some owners may even notice redness, swelling, or odor in their dog’s ear canal. Although we may do everything we can to keep our dogs clean, these common signs could be a result of a canine […]