Archive article, written 2009–2016. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian. About our articles
| Allergies | |
| Is your cat grooming half her hair off or your dog licking his paws raw? It may well be your pet is experiencing allergies, one of the most common health problems for pets. | |
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| Arthritis | |
| The signs may be hard to spot at first: your gray-in-the-muzzle Labrador retriever takes a little longer to get up in the morning, or your fuzzy Persian doesn't jump as high as she used to. | |
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| Being Referred to a Specialty Practice | |
| A referral practice is one that specializes in one or more specific areas of veterinary medicine. An AAHA-accredited referral practice is required to have a board-certified veterinary specialist on staff. | |
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| Bloat | |
| It's true--animals can get bloated too. It's a little different than with people, though, and a lot more dangerous. If your veterinarian says that your dog has bloat, she means that your dog's stomach is full of excess gas, fluid, or foam. | |
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| Canine Hip Dysplasia | |
| Hip dysphasia is a genetic disorder in which dogs have a poor fitting hip joint. This ball and socket joint should fit together neatly, allowing dogs to move the legs freely and without pain. | |
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| Cataracts | |
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Cataracts are one of the most common eye problems affecting pets. They can affect all breeds and ages of dogs and cats, but the condition is found more commonly in certain dog breeds, such as Cockers, Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers and Terriers. |
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| Dry Skin | |
| "Winter is a common time for pets to have dry skin and more dander," says Dr. Merry Crimi, hospital director of an AAHA-accredited hospital in Milwaukie, Oregon. "As soon as we turn the heat on in the fall, our skin and their's takes a little more care." | |
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| Ear infections | |
| Ear infections are very common in dogs, although less so in cats. Two types are most often seen: otitis externa, infection of the external ear canal, and otitis media, infection of the middle ear. | |
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| External and Internal Parasites | |
| What makes pets such a prime target for parasites? Animals provide the perfect living environment. Blood, sweat, and tears isn't just a rock band from the 60's--to the parasite, they're a three-course lunch. | |
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| Fat Cats and Pudgy Pooches | |
| Improper diet for your pets can lead to health problems serious enough to endanger their lives. Diarrhea can result from allergic reactions to foods, sudden changes in diet, sickness, or dietary indiscretions (such as eating trash). | |
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| Fleas | |
| The flea is a hardy insect with a lifespan of six to 12 months. During that time, a pair of fleas could produce millions of offspring. | |
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| Heavy Isn't Healthy for People or Pets | |
| Carrying around extra weight is as big of a deal for your pet as it is for you-minus the impending swimsuit season of course. | |
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| Intestinal Parasites | |
| Perhaps your pet will never have intestinal parasites. But, unpleasant as it may seem, pet owners should be aware of worms and other parasites that can affect their animals' health. | |
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| Skin Problems in Pets | |
| Dogs and cats suffer from many problems that affect their skin. It is important to understand that the skin is an organ, just as the liver and kidneys are organs. | |
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| Spring Allergies | |
| As new plants and flowers burst into life this spring, so too do the symptoms of hay fever. But humans aren't the only ones who suffer. | |
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| Study Dispels Nutritional Myth of Canine Bloat | |
| Researchers find that vegetarian ingredients do not increase the risk of Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV), often referred to as bloat, is a serious danger affecting large breed and giant breed dogs. | |
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| The Mighty Flea | |
| Beware: Though a flea is puny, its effects on pets and people can be mighty. Learn more about their bad habits and health consequences--and why you should talk to your veterinarian about keeping your pet flea-free all year long. | |
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| Ringworm | |
| Ringworm is caused by a specific type of fungus and not a worm. The name comes from a time when doctors believed a worm caused the infection. | |
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