Pet Talk
Choosing the Right Food for your Furry Friend
Many pet owners are becoming more conscious of the quality of food they are feeding their pets, but it is often difficult to determine what constitutes a healthy and nutritious meal. A dog or cat’s nutritional requirements vary based on age and health, which may leave some pet owners questioning how to choose the right […]
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
Recognizing irregular behavior is one of the most common methods pet owners use to determine if their cat may be sick or in pain. One behavior that should be closely regulated is urinary behavior. Keeping track of urination habits helps prevent conditions such as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), an umbrella term that refers […]
Common Feline Skin Conditions
Being familiar with the signs of common skin irritations and conditions in your feline companion is important for your cat’s health. Certain skin problems could be sign of a more complicated underlying issue, such as physical pain, discomfort, or infection. According to Dr. Alison Diesel, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary […]
Your Dog May Protect You from Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association, there have been reported associations between pet ownership and cardiovascular health in the last decade. Owning pets — specifically dogs — may help reduce the risk of heart disease in pet owners in a number of ways. In addition to companionship, dogs can encourage laughter, physical activity, and other […]
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 […]