Beginning around age 7, dogs have an increased risk of developing age-related health problems, which accounts for why veterinarians generally recognize age 7 as the start of the geriatric canine years.The good news is that today's canines are living longer. Senior dogs make up about 39 percent ... more >>
An entropion eyelid occurs when the eyelid rolls over against the eyeball and the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye. The rubbing action irritates the cornea and may result in corneal ulcers. The condition is treated ... more >>
You may have heard that chocolate is poisonous to dogs. As with many substances, the poison is in the dose.A little bit of chocolate won't hurt your dog. But like many of us, dogs tend to overindulge in the rich taste of chocolate. And chocolate contains an ingredient that acts like caffeine ... more >>
Elbow calluses are common in dogs and large breeds seem to be more susceptible to this problem. They are thought to be the result of pressure when the dog lies on a hard surface. Mild calluses are usually not harmful. If the callus is large or becomes infected, veterinary treatment is usually ... more >>
Pregnant and nursing dogs have very different nutritional needs than normal adult dogs. In fact, nursing is the most nutritionally challenging period a dog will ever encounter. There are special considerations for the feeding and care of these dogs. In general, it is recommended that ... more >>
Dogs have 28 deciduous teeth (temporary) and 42 permanent teeth. Deciduous or "milk" teeth begin to appear when a puppy is about four weeks of age, and are lost gradually between 14 and 30 weeks of age. During this time, puppies may eat slightly less and chew more. Hard rubber or rawhide toys ... more >>
Aside from an accumulation of dirt, a persistent and unpleasant doggie odor could be caused by many factors including dental disease, ear infections, or oily skin. A closer look at your dog may help you find the problem. Look in your dog's mouth. Are the teeth discolored? Do you sniff more than ... more >>
Exercising with your dog not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet, it's also the healthy thing to do. Dogs, like people, benefit from exercise to help control weight and to maintain a healthy heart, lungs and muscle tissues.As you exercise with your dog, consider its needs and ... more >>
Is there such a thing as fat-free pet food?The answer is no for several reasons. Pet foods are different than human foods in that one pet food supplies all the nutrition the animal receives, whereas people eat a variety of foods. Fat is an essential nutrient and a certain amount of fat in the ... more >>
It's a problem both cats and dogs experience, and these are the warning signs: excessive and persistent scratching around the ears; head shaking; restless behavior; the ears are painful to the touch and the pet may cry out in pain; brown material present in the ears; a foul-smelling odor. ... more >>
When you get a puppy, you are adding a member to your family. You're going to have to make certain preparations and changes around the house and in your lifestyle. As a puppy owner, you are the most important part of your puppy's life. You have to watch out for danger, provide food and shelter ... more >>
1 EmaciatedRibs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences evident from a distance. No discernible body fat. Obvious loss of muscle mass.2 Very ThinRibs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones and all bony prominences easily visible. No palpable fat. Minimal loss of muscle mass. 3 ... more >>
A scratching puppy is certainly nothing to worry about -- unless it is excessive and leads to coat loss, red skin and, ultimately, infection. In that case, your puppy may be suffering from an allergy. Your vet can tell the difference between an allergy and normal canine behavior. If it is an ... more >>
It seems like just a short time ago that your best (canine) friend had a veterinary check-up, but today, once again, you’ve spotted that familiar reminder in the mail. Another veterinary exam already? Here is a checklist of some of the ways you can help ensure your dog’s good health ... more >>
When your dog starts to look dirty or smell "doggy" it's time to put the dog in the tub! Bathing should only be done when your dog is truly dirty, since overbathing removes natural oils and can dry out your dog's coat.In winter months, you may want to use a handheld dryer to dry your dog's ... more >>
Giving pills to your dog is simple when you know how. It's especially easy with dogs. You can fool most dogs most of the time by hiding it in a bit of food. Usually the dog won't even notice.Most dogs will lick liquid medication right off the spoon! If that doesn't work, try disguising it in ... more >>
It's one of the most perplexing health problems in dogs and one of the most dreaded by dog owners. It can strike at any time without warning. Often described as "the silent killer," the complex disorder Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), also called bloat, is a life-threatening emergency.Being ... more >>
When researchers at Stanford University announced in August they had found the gene responsible for the sleeping disorder narcolepsy, their discovery also bore significance because for the first time, genetic clues from dogs helped scientists unravel the genetics of a human disease. The ... more >>
Hardworking dogs need much more nutrition than a typical pet. These dogs, including hunting, racing, dogsledding or herding dogs, will need special diets and feeding schedules to support the exertions of their work and training. The first step in deciding your dog's diet is to figure out if he ... more >>
Dogs mature at different rates. As a rule, large-breed dogs mature earlier than small dogs. But if your dog is age seven or older, he's probably approaching, or in, his senior years. This may mean a change in lifestyle for him and for you. Companionship and commitment to your dog have always ... more >>
Fleas and ticks can make your puppy or dog miserable. The symptoms often include a lot of scratching, red skin and inflamed areas. Flea saliva is the culprit. It irritates a dog's skin, causing him to scratch, bite and chew - which can lead to infection. In places with cold winters, fleas and ... more >>
Perhaps the awareness of the benefits of fiber in human diets has prompted pet owners to ask about its benefits in pet foods. Once described as "filler" or "bulk," fiber is gaining recognition for the beneficial effect it has on the gastrointestinal system.Fiber is the portion of carbohydrate ... more >>
The latest research suggests that fleas spend most of their time on your pet, but are constantly shedding their eggs in the house and yard. This provides a continuous source of re-infestation. So if you don't treat the environment, you may never get the fleas under control.Treat them ... more >>
Unique nutrient requirements for "geriatric" dogs are not known. Older dogs should be fed as individuals, based upon their health, body condition, and level of activity. Some "middle aged" or "elderly" pet owners believe that "age is a state of mind" and, therefore, prefer to treat an older dog ... more >>
Puppies are always licking things. That makes it easy to administer liquid medication. They will usually take it right off the spoon. If that doesn't work, hide the medicine in applesauce or some other food. The same goes for pills. Your puppy may not even notice. Administering medication ... more >>