A Balanced Diet for Your Dog
Proper nutrition is vital to good health. Commercially available premium foods are convenient and their composition is strictly controlled and regulated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
The Dog’s Digestive System
Disturbances of the stomach and intestines in dogs have a variety of causes, which include eating bad food and/or foreign objects, bacterial and viral infections, worms, and food allergies. Kidney, liver and pancreatic disease as well as diabetes are also common causes.
Kennel Cough
Canine kennel cough is a highly contagious disease affecting the respiratory system of dogs. It is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and viruses. The disease is spread by direct contact with other infected dogs.
Puppy Shots or Vaccines
Vaccines help protect your puppy against many of the most serious potentially fatal diseases. Newborn puppies receive natural protection from antibodies in their mother’s first milk (called colostrum) while nursing.
Canine Distemper
A highly infectious viral disease of dogs, canine distemper attacks the lungs, brain and spinal cord. It occurs worldwide wherever there are dogs, with a death rate of 80 percent in puppies and 50 percent in adults.
DOG EAR PROBLEMS
The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to become irritated, inflamed, or infected. Any of these conditions left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including inner ear infections, hearing loss, and hematomas.
Cancer in Dogs
Dogs suffer form a variety of cancers on their face and head. The mouth is a common site for cancer. Breeds with dark pigment, like black cocker spaniels and chows, are prone to melanomas in the mouth.
Vaccines for your Dog
PARVOVIRUS
Parvovirus was first diagnosed after it reached epidemic proportions in the United States, killing millions of dogs in the early 1980’s. Since then the virus has become manageable through vaccination but remains as the number one fatal infectious disease of dogs.
Disease of the oral cavity is the most common health problem treated in small animal clinics today. At least 85 percent of all dogs and cats over two years old have gum disease. Left untreated, this is now known to be a leading cause of heart disease in pets and in people. Bacterial from the…
Cherry Eye is defined as a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. The medical term is glandular hypertrophy. The term Dry Eye describes changes that occur in the eye resulting from a lack of tears. Vets call this “KCS”, which stands for keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Both conditions are fairly common in dogs. CHERRY EYE…
Canine Cataracts
Cataracts are the second leading eye disease in dogs. A normal lens, which sits behind the pupil, is transparent and focuses incoming light on to the retina. The retina sends the image to the brain where vision is perceived.
Corneal Ulcers in Dogs
A corneal ulcer is an abrasion to the top layer of tissue lining the cornea which is the clear part of the eye. Corneal Ulcers are the third most common eye problem in dogs. Many ulcers are caused by trauma from foreign objects like foxtails and seed hulls from grass and weeds that can lodge under the eyelid.
Conjunctivitis in Dogs
Yours dog’s eyes should normally be clear, bright, and free of discharge. Red eyes in a dog can signal problems requiring treatment from eye drops to emergency surgery.
The Dog’s Head
Looking carefully at a dog’s head can give you a good general indication of his or her overall health status and temperament. First of all, dogs eyes should be clear and bright.
Judy Turner and her Dog Hawk
Dr. Osborne,
Hi. I wanted to keep you updated on my Hawk. Your medications were making a difference for him. I believe that he was more comfortable while he was taking them, but I had a very difficult decision to make.
Burns and Scalds on Cats
Flames from house, brush, and forest fires are just one type of burn that can affect your cat. A cat’s haircoat is extremely flammable and most cats have not been taught that ever-important fire safety phrase: “Stop, Drop, and Roll”.
Cat Broken Bones
The most common cause of broken bones in cats is automobile accidents. Fights between dogs and cats can also end up causing broken bones. Other causes include falling from a table, bouncing from the back of a pick-up truck, and various diseases, including bone cancer.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds
One of the most common accidents is a cut or laceration that causes bleeding. Bandage material, cleaning agents and anticoagulant powder (for nails that have been cut too short) take care of most minor wounds. Larger wounds should be seen by a vet.
Feline Automobile Accidents
The number-one cause of feline emergencies is automobile accidents. The term used by vets is “HBC” meaning “Hit By Car”. Some cats in automobile accidents just end up with minor wounds, bruises, or lacerations.
Feline Shock
Signs of Feline Shock – What You and Your Vet Can Do
Being able to recognize signs of shock helps save lives. Shock is defined as a collapse of the heart and lungs (cardiovascular system). It is a group of signs that occur as a result of a life-threatening disease process or situation.
Raising Orphaned Kittens
Orphaned or rejected kittens are a challenge to care for. Their chances for survival are directly proportional to their age. Mother cats will reject one or all of their kittens for a variety of reasons including illnesses and psychological problems.
Convulsions or Seizures in Cats
Convulsions or seizures are defined as sudden, uncontrolled bursts of abnormal activity that last from one to three minutes. Signs may include anything from a slight twitch to salivating and foaming at the mouth.
First Aid Kit for Cat Emergencies
Keeping a first aid kit on hand for emergencies can be helpful for minor cuts and wounds, as well as accidental poisonings. In addition to the standard items in any first aid kit, include
Cat Emergencies
In spite of our best efforts, emergencies happen. You should know your vet’s procedures for emergency situations, especially the ones that occur at odd hours. Being able to recognize a true emergency allows you to react more appropriately in a stressful situation and may help you save a life.
Dangers in the Home for Cats
Dangers IN THE HOME include plants, drugs, chemicals, gardening and lawn care supplies, car care products, and insecticide baits to name a few. Actual reports of cats getting seriously ill from eating plants are relatively rare compared to reports of poisoning from household products or drugs, but it is best to eliminate toxic plants from your cat’s environment and provide safe alternatives.
Scratching and Your Cat
Scratching is a natural grooming behavior that keeps your cat’s claws in good shape and is another way cats mark their territory. Unfortunately, it can also ruin your furniture and destroy your home.
Cat Behavioral Modification
A cat’s lifestyle naturally consists of regularity, territorial definition, low population density, and a hierarchy in which one reproductively active male is dominant. Many pet loving homes inadvertently depart from these conditions.
Cat Scent or Territory Marking
Urine spraying is also called urine marking and is not an elimination problem. Urine or scent marking is normal behavior which cats use to define their territories. It usually starts at 5 to 6 months of age when kittens become sexually mature and hormones become active.
Failing to use the litter box is the number one behavioral problem cat owner’s face. It is also a leading cause of euthanasia. All medical and psychological causes must be ruled out by your vet before this diagnosis can be confirmed.
Be sure your home accommodates your cat’s needs, by creating an environment that provides a natural lifestyle for your cat. This involves learning to read your cat’s “body language” and requires consistency, lots of love and plenty of patience.