Senior Dogs, Part I: The Signs of an Aging Dog
As a dog ages, several changes may occur besides a greying muzzle. Senior dogs have more health concerns than younger dogs, but they can still make playful, loving companions. Harmony Peraza, a veterinary technician and the study subject manager for the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Dog Aging Project, discusses the […]
How to ‘Chews’ the Best Dog Chew Toys
Pet stores often carry an overwhelming number of dog chew options, from rawhides and antlers to rubber toys and ropes. With so many choices, how do you know which is the best for your dog? To help with this decision, Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine […]
A Brighter Future for Sadie
Wearing her Doggles sunglasses, Sadie projects a jet pilot’s intensity as she plays outdoors at her Brenham home. More importantly, the eyewear is a critical part of a treatment plan prescribed by Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital to protect the German Shepherd’s eyesight from further damage caused by pannus. This chronic inflammatory condition, […]
The Benefits of a Balanced Microbiome
The term “gut microbiome” is often used to refer to all the organisms—including bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that live in an animal’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract. For people and pets, these organisms have a large impact on the health of both the GI tract and the entire body. Dr. Audrey Cook, an associate professor at the Texas […]
Detecting the Subtle Signs of Pain
The first step in caring for a sick or injured animal is being able to recognize the signs of pain that indicate something is wrong. Acute pain tends to be easier to identify, but chronic pain can have a variety of less-noticeable symptoms. To help pet owners recognize these symptoms, Dr. Daniel Eckman, a veterinarian […]
Watch Out For Canine Eye Conditions
Vision may not be a dog’s strongest sense, but it still plays an important role in daily life. A dog’s eye health can deteriorate because of aging or disease, so dog owners should be aware of the various eye issues that can occur. Dr. Lucien Vallone, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College […]
The Joys and Challenges of Adopting an Animal
Adopting a pet from a shelter is a great way to find a new best friend. But it’s also a great way to make a huge difference for an animal, and potentially even save its life. Sadly, many of the animals that end up in shelters come from bad situations. Adopting a mistreated animal can […]
A Safe and Happy Holiday for Your Pet
With New Year’s Eve around the corner, it is important to remember that many pets, especially dogs, are frightened by loud and sudden noises such as fireworks or thunder. This fear can range from mild anxiety to full panic, which can lead to dangerous situations. There are many reasons why fireworks and thunderstorms can cause […]
Managing Canine Diabetes
Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is not the most common disease found in pets, but it can be a serious health concern if not treated. Caring for a pet with diabetes may seem daunting, but many pet owners find that it is not as difficult as it seems. In honor of National Pet Diabetes Month in […]
September is National Service Dog Month
From providing companionship to keeping an eye-out for medical emergencies, emotional support and service dogs assist their handlers in a variety of ways. While both roles are vital for the well-being of their owners, their job descriptions are not the same—an emotional support animal is a companion animal that can benefit its owner by providing […]
