dog

Daily in our veterinary practice clients bring in cats as well as dogs stating that their pet has an infected ear.  Often the most common symptom is scratching at the ear or shaking the head.  Family members will often comment that there is an odor or discharge around the pet’s head.  Frequently the family suspects… Continue reading

In the previous post the importance of regular dental care by your pet’s caretaker is emphasized.  As diligent as we might be in accepting this responsibility, cats and dogs as in people require periodic professional dental cleaning or prophylaxis.  This is usually in a veterinary hospital that has full laboratory, surgery, dental and anesthesia capabilities.  The… Continue reading

As the holidays approach various threats to your pet increase in likelihood. With Halloween just around the corner there is no more potentially serious substance available than chocolate. While there are many myths regarding chocolate such as causing parasites or imminent death with the ingestion of small quantities the truth is that chocolate can be… Continue reading

While the abundance of  scratching, runny eyes and itchiness that your dog or cat suffers from  can be reduced with environmental and food correction,  they may occasionally need medication to reduce discomfort.  Several products can be used to give relief depending on the preference of your local vet.  Often a simple antihistamine such as Benadryl is the… Continue reading

Once diet has been altered based on allergy testing, elimination diet or random choice, it may take as long as two months to see the benefit.  If a longer period has passed and your pet is still scratching, it is time to look further.  If skin scrapings, fungal (ringworm) cultures, yeast preps and other diagnostics… Continue reading

Much is often inferred from pet owners, pet food manufacturers, and veterinarians regarding  itchy pets and food allergies.  A natural reaction on the part of the dog or cat owner is to change diets,  But does this really help?  Although it is true that food allergies do occur in pets, how can we best evaluate… Continue reading

Perhaps the most important treatment for lameness of all causes in dogs and cats to emerge is Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT.  LLLT is more accurately described as photobiomodulation.  Although this term seems a bit daunting if one looks at the individual parts it becomes very logical..  Photo refers to light, bio refers to… Continue reading

Let’s assume that any laboratory abnormalities have been dealt with and that we still have a limping dog or lackadaisical cat and X-rays (radiology or imaging) have revealed arthritis of one or several joints.  There are certain joints that are more typically affected in some species as well as even breeds within these species.  It… Continue reading

As the heat of summer descends upon us our pets can enjoy the warmer weather just as we all do.  Not leaving our dog or cat  in a parked car and providing plenty of shade and water are essential.  But we can still exercise and enjoy our pets in the outdoors even during these dog… Continue reading