Rats may be susceptible to respiratory illness, particularly in times of stress, weather changes or when there is poor air quality. Symptoms can be treated, so keep an eye out and get your rat checked out if it develops the snuffles.
What’s the difference between plaque and tartar? Plaque is basically a film of bacteria that can be easily brushed away on a regular basis. When plaque remains for an extended period of time, it combines with calcium in your pet’s saliva to become tartar – a hard covering that can only be removed by your veterinarian.
Do you suspect your cat may be struggling with diabetes? Common symptoms include increased and excessive thirst, dramatic weight loss, and increased appetite. Fortunately, feline diabetes can be successfully treated with insulin.
Were you aware that it’s actually a misconception that dogs only see black and white? Dogs can actually distinguish colors, just not as well as humans. The fact is, different types of dogs tend to see different colors. Brightness, movement, and contrast also help a dog perceive the world around it.
Looking for a different kind of treatment for your pet's chronic pain condition? We've seen amazing results with laser therapy to work as an anti-inflammatory and anti-edema treatment.
If your pet has dental issues, your veterinarian can conduct a thorough cleaning that will often solve any problems. During this cleaning your pet is anesthetized so the dentist can clean teeth, deal with cavities and remove any diseased teeth.
Did you know that dogs have a sense of smell that is 1,000 times better than a human’s? This is because they have more than 220 million smell-detecting cells, compared to a human, who only has 5 million.
If your pet is showing signs of illness or injury, do not hold back on any of the symptoms or conditions – no matter how indelicate it may seem. The vet needs to know everything in order to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the proper treatment.
Kennel cough is a very contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract of a dog. It's caused by a virus spread by coughing and sneezing, and a dog can catch it just by being near an infected dog. Make sure to keep your dog away from any dog that exhibits excessive coughing and sneezing.
Declawing is a controversial topic among veterinarians as many believe the procedure is unnecessary and pet owners should instead teach their cat to scratch in allowed locations. If you declaw a cat, it must become an indoor cat. Without claws, a cat has no way to protect itself.
If you have a pet that spends time outside without you, there’s always the chance that they could encounter an aggressive animal. Rest assured that our team is always available to lend a hand when your pet returns home a little worse for the wear.
One of the many differences between dogs and cats are the reasons they go to the veterinarian. However, fleas are an issue for both dogs and cats that can also make life miserable for pet owners. Black dots indicate flea dirt on both cats and dogs. It’s important to get rid of the fleas in the house and yard as well as the animal or the problem will continue to reoccur.
While everyday hoof care and maintenance is important to hoof health, nutrition also plays a big role in the health of a horse’s feet. For horses that have chronic hoof problems, a hoof supplement may help to support better hoof health.
Ask your vet when it is best to vaccinate your new pet. The first vaccine is usually given to puppies at eight weeks and kittens at nine, with the second usually given two to four weeks later. Yearly booster vaccinations are needed because the body’s immune response gradually fades over time.
Have you noticed your parrot isn't as active as it once was? Just like people, older parrots can suffer from arthritis. If your parrot is having trouble, you can adjust their perch and cage to help make movement easier.
We recognize that pets are vital members of many American families. Let’s work together to ensure your furry family member stays in good health so they’ll be with your family for years to come.
Older long-haired cats may have trouble grooming themselves adequately due to limited mobility. Regular brushing can help reduce mats, but you can also ask your vet about clipping some fur to make grooming easier.
To help choose the right cage, allow your bird to help. Choose a cage that is large enough for your bird to spread his or her wings and flap them without hitting the bars.
Whenever you have to bring your cat or dog to the veterinarian, you should transport your pets in a pet carrier. It's safer and causes less stress on your pets, too.
Rabbits, like dogs, can contract various intestinal parasites, as well as external parasites such as fleas, ticks or ear mites. Having a yearly microscopic fecal examination at your veterinarian will allow for easy diagnosis and effective treatment.
Keep a close eye on your pet's eating and drinking habits. If he or she seems to suddenly have a much bigger or smaller appetite, it could be a sign of illness. For example, an increased appetite could signal diabetes or hyperthyroidism.
To keep your cat healthy, be mindful of the treats you share. Onions, green tomatoes, garlic, raw potatoes, chocolate, grapes and raisins can all be toxic to cats. Milk can also upset a cats stomach, so try setting out a saucer of water instead.
Just as with humans, the food a pet eats can have a major effect on the overall quality of their health. If you aren’t sure whether the food you’ve been feeding your dog or cat is contributing to an improved state of health, we’re always happy to provide you with additional nutritional options.
The average dog can run at speeds of about 19 mph. Greyhounds are the world’s fastest dogs and can run at speeds of 45 mph. In comparison, domesticated cats can run at speeds of 31 mph. The world’s fastest runner tops out at 29 mph.