A dog belly button may be hard to find, but all dogs have them. It’s no secret that most dogs love belly rubs, but as you give your furry friend a tummy pat, you might have wondered whether there’s a belly button beneath that thin layer of fur. Canine belly buttons can be hard to detect, but…
How Every Bite Can Heal, Harm, or Help Your Pet Thrive. Have you ever taken a moment to truly look at what’s in your pet’s food bowl? Not just glance at the label—but really look at the ingredients, the source, the nutritional balance, and the purpose behind each bite? What you feed your pet isn’t…
Yorkshire Terrier enthusiasts frequently marvel at the outsized personality contained within these diminutive canines. These spirited companions have rightfully earned their “Tomboy Toy” nickname through their bold, assertive temperament, despite their modest 4-7 pound weight and 8-9 inch height. Through my extensive veterinary practice, I’ve examined hundreds of Yorkshire Terrier patients, discovering clinical nuances that extend…
One day, you take a closer look at your cat and think, “Hmm, they’re looking a little thin.” You run your hands through their fluffy fur, and they feel leaner than usual. That’s when the concern kicks in: Why is my cat losing weight? If your cat is losing weight unintentionally, a health issue may be the…
Has your pet experienced a bad reaction after having a shot for Rabies, Distemper, or Parvovirus? The pet groomer will not accept your dog because a shot is overdue. Does your condominium, apartment complex, or homeowners’ association require proof that your pet is up to date on all the necessary shots and vaccinations? Traveling and…
Longevity drugs for our canine companions are around the corner. Could they extend the life of your dog? Americans love dogs! In a recent survey, 90% of dog owners said they would be willing to spend or do anything to extend their “best friend’s” life a little longer. Extending your dog’s lifespan is truly becoming…
It may sound like hocus-pocus, but now pet owners can determine their dog’s age by analyzing their pet’s saliva. Enter the fascinating world of Epigenetics, a relatively new branch of science that delves into the study of genes and their “genetic” expression. Genes, composed of segments of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), determine your dog’s eye color,…
Retriever dogs are sporting dogs bred and trained to retrieve game for hunters. The six recognized types of retriever dog breeds include well-known breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. “With their intelligence, sociability, and responsiveness to training, retrievers are a breed that easily win hearts,” says Dr. Carol Osborne, veterinarian at Chagrin…
Canine bone cancer, responsible for the deaths of over six million dogs aged two years and older, now has new hope. The USDA has recently approved immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the dog’s immune system to fight the disease. Previously, this treatment was available only through clinical trials as an experimental option. Osteosarcoma is the…
How can pet owners estimate their dog or cat’s age if they weren’t present at birth or didn’t buy from a breeder? Many pet owners find their pets at rescues and shelters. How do dogs and cats age? Lifestyle is the most significant factor affecting how your pet ages. Lifestyle is 70% of the equation,…
Just like humans, dogs can develop diabetes, which is a metabolic disorder that leads to chronically high blood sugar levels. And while diabetes in dogs requires lifelong management, early detection can make all the difference. By catching the disease early and providing ongoing treatment and care, dogs with diabetes can continue to live their best, tail-wagging lives. …
Yeast infections in dogs can cause some seriously uncomfortable symptoms—think constant itching, irritated skin, and that unmistakable “yeasty” smell similar to Fritos corn chips. (Sorry if we just ruined that snack for you!) While yeast—a type of fungus—naturally lives on a dog’s skin and in their ears, overgrowth can turn into an infection that leaves your dog…
Raw food diets for pets are becoming increasingly popular because they are less processed and more nutrient-dense than most commercial pet diets currently available. These diets usually emphasize bones, raw meat, fruits, and vegetables. While some sing the praises of this dietary regimen, others argue against it as owners could run the risk of harming…
Wintertime Safety Tips for Dogs and Cats can be challenging, but to keep our dogs and cats healthy and happy you should know the following. The cold weather often brings a slew of potential problems to avoid when it comes to keeping Fido and Fluffy out of trouble. Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM offers a few essential safety tips to get your furry friend through these frigid months without a trip to the vet’s office.
With its festive red or white flowers, poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is one of the most common holiday winter plants. But are poinsettias poisonous to cats and dogs? And if your pet eats the toxic plant, what should you do? Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Cats? Poinsettias are on the ASPCA® list of toxic plants and are considered poisonous to cats. But…
It’s that time again to deck the halls. But you should be careful when it comes to breaking out your Christmas decorations if you have pets. While they may look festive, they can also be deadly. Take the fiesty mistletoe for instance. The Christmas decoration is popular among holiday romantics looking to lock lips with that special…
A woman who recently learned that her dog has cancer has told Newsweek how she first noticed something was wrong, and explained his unusual symptoms. In July, McKenna Allen, 27, noticed her dog’s left eye appeared slightly red, but at the time she thought little of it. She assumed that the husky and Labrador mix, named Slate,…
Hyperthyroidism isn’t a dealbreaker. Learn what it takes to care for a dog with hyperthyroidism. You visited a shelter and instantly fell in love with a dog, but the staff informs you the dog has hyperthyroidism. Naturally, you wonder what adopting a dog with hyperthyroidism entails. How much extra care do they need? What does treatment look…
Halloween celebrations pose unexpected challenges to pets, and their safety needs proper attention during this time. Halloween pet safety tips play a significant role because the holiday brings unique risks ranging from toxic treats to situations that cause anxiety. Pet owners should recognize what it all means to protect their furry family members throughout the festivities. Your pet’s safety…
A woman who recently learned that her dog has cancer (Leukemia) has told Newsweek how she first noticed something was wrong, and explained his unusual symptoms. In July, McKenna Allen, 27, noticed her dog’s left eye appeared slightly red, but at the time she thought little of it. She assumed that the husky and Labrador mix, named…
Yes, dogs get breast cancer too! The incidence of mammary tumors is higher in dogs than in any other domesticated animal and is three times higher than the incidence in humans! Mammary tumors are the most common cancer found in non-spayed female dogs. Integrative veterinarian, Carol Osborne, DVM, offers tips and insight for female dog owners…
Learn essential grooming techniques for a healthy, well-maintained pup. Caring for your dog’s hair, teeth, nails, and ears goes far beyond just appearance—it’s about ensuring their overall well-being and preventing potential health issues down the line. From dental care to nail trims to brushing, understanding the proper techniques and timing can help keep your pup…
Insider secrets that pet food companies do not want you to know about: 1. There is No Such Thing as a “Grain-Free” Dry Pet Food a. The process of making dry pet food involves baking at extremely high temperatures. To create dry dog or cat food, some type of starch (grain) is necessary to bind the…
video capturing a dog’s comical reaction to discovering a hidden pill in a slice of ham has charmed users on TikTok. The viral clip shared by @cannonmeagan0916 has amassed more than 35.7 million views since it was first posted on July 20. The clip begins innocently enough, with the dog being eagerly fed a slice of ham. What…
Deworming in dogs involves using medications to kill worms that invade a dog’s body. We’re not talking about harmless earthworms, but rather parasites that take up residence in a dog’s intestines (and sometimes other organs), feeding on blood and nutrients they find within. Sounds like something straight out of an “Alien” movie, right? We spoke to…
Wondering how to freshen dog breath? Leading experts share some terrific tips for when your best furry friend has stinky breath. Bad breath in dogs might seem like a minor inconvenience, but when it’s your dog with the wicked breath, it’s a huge deal. While there are lots of solutions available, how do you know…
Summer sunshine is nice, but temperatures have been soaring to extremes lately. How much sun is too much when it comes to your canine companion? Yes, pets can get heat stroke too! The owner was frantic. Just an hour before, her Frenchie, Sambo, was playing in the yard. Now, he was listless and having trouble…
Veterinarians weigh in on whether you should accompany your pet in the exam room – or let them fly solo. Whenever I bring my dog, Banshee, to see her vet, I’m faced with multiple anxieties. Sure, most revolve around cost, just as it does when I take myself to the human doctor and worry what insurance…
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritious member of the legume family that many people enjoy. Your dog can also eat chickpeas, experts say. These beans are safe for dogs, as long as you only feed them to your dog in moderation. Generally, a good serving size is between one and five tablespoons…
Heart disease in dogs is more common than you might think. But earlier detection, along with an understanding of the role diet, supplements and lifestyle changes play in cardiac health, can help dogs live longer. Heart disease is commonly associated with humans, but it affects our dogs too. In fact, nearly eight million dogs in…