Pet Care Video Library

MyPetCARETV.com offers educational videos to all. Here you can browse through videos on most topics that would be of interest a pet owner. You can also type your topic into the search box at the top right portion of any page. All of these videos are written and narrated by well respected Doctors of Veterinary medicine that have years of experience in pet care. You can browse through topics from how to care for your new pet in the first few days at its new home, to how to recognize signs your pet may need to see your Veterinarian. As always, our #1 goal is to educate you about pet care.

Weight Changes

Physical Exams Senior - Cat

It is not uncommon for one of my clients to be utterly surprised when they discover that their dog or cat's weight has toppled the scale either up or down. Why didn't they notice the change? It's because it often occurs little by little, day by day, right before their eyes...

Read more …

Physical Exams Senior - Cat

Physical Exams Senior - Cat

It is estimated that there are 10 million more cats in the United States than dogs. That's almost 82 million cats as of the end of 2006 and the number continues to rise. But with the increasing popularity of cats, the fact that these furry felines receive less veterinary c...

Read more …

Pain Management

Pain Management

I had some rather painful surgery a few years ago and it made me appreciate how stoic our cats and dogs truly are. I was bedridden for a few weeks. It is not uncommon for my cat and dog patients who have undergone the same procedure to be up and around after only a few day...

Read more …

Parvo

Parvo

Recent newscasts have reported on nationwide outbreaks of a highly contagious canine disease, parvovirus. What is parvo? What signs would you see? Is your dog at risk? How can you prevent it? Parvo is a viral disease that was first identified in dogs in 1978 and is now ...

Read more …

Moist Dermatitis

Moist Dermatitis

Itching, biting, scratching, it is enough to drive a dog crazy. Though the skin is the largest organ of the body, it has a very limited number of ways in which it can respond to insults. One of the most painful ways is with a hot spot. Hot spots are areas of self-trauma. ...

Read more …

Urinary Tract Infections - Feline

Urinary Tract Infections - Feline

The most common behavioral issue for indoor cats is inappropriate elimination, namely urinating or defecating outside the litter box. The laundry list of reasons why they poop and pee where we don't want them to is almost endless. But for this segment of petcare TV, I woul...

Read more …

Rabies

Rabies

Great news! According to the center for disease control, as of the end of 2007, canine rabies has been totally eradicated in the United States. Now the bad news, rabies is still a major health threat to Americans and their pets. The source of the disease in the U.S. is wi...

Read more …

Ticks

http://video.mypetcaretv.com/petcaretv/thumbs/thumbs/160x120-20213.jpg

Global warming, improved conservation efforts and the increase in the human population. What do these three seemingly unrelated phenomena have to do with an increased risk of illness for your pet? Lots.

Read more …

Grooming

http://video.mypetcaretv.com/petcaretv/thumbs/thumbs/160x120-20216.jpg

It should be one of those Norman Rockwell moments. Your beloved pet in the tub, it is surrounded by a halo of ethereal bubbles. And you are sharing one of those special bonding moments. If that were only the case!

Read more …

Ear Mites

http://video.mypetcaretv.com/petcaretv/thumbs/thumbs/160x120-20217.jpg

One of the more common ear problems we see in puppies and kittens, and even many young dogs and cats is ear mites. These pesky little mites are highly contagious and easily transmitted from pet to pet

Read more …

Introducing Pet To Baby

http://video.mypetcaretv.com/petcaretv/thumbs/thumbs/160x120-20218.jpg

Having a new baby is definitely exciting, and raising kids together with pets is fantastic. I was raised in a houseful of pets, and have wanted to be veterinarian ever since I was five. My kids don't know what it's like not to have several dogs and cats running around the house at all times.

Read more …

Separation Anxiety

http://video.mypetcaretv.com/petcaretv/thumbs/thumbs/160x120-20219.jpg

Is your dog a nervous wreck when you're gone? Does he seem to become a demolitions expert when he's left alone? Well if this sounds familiar, your precious pooch may be suffering from separation anxiety-a common behavioral problem

Read more …

Zoonotic Diseases - Cat

Zoonotic Diseases - Cat

Being the caregiver of a cat has been shown to provide many health benefits, both for your mind and body. Repeated studies demonstrate that cats can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and even boost your chances of survival after a heart attack. There are however, s...

Read more …

Spay And Neuter

Spay And Neuter

If your dog or cat has the pedigree and charisma of Rin Tin Tin or lassie, and you've already invested thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours trying to attain championship status, you probably aren't thinking about spaying or neutering yet-but you hopefully will be in th...

Read more …

How To Properly Remove A Tick

How To Properly Remove A Tick

Ticks are a nuisance for your pets, as well as for us. In many parts of the country ticks are very common, and are the source of many diseases which can affect both us and our pets, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other rickettsial disease...

Read more …

How To Medicate Your Dog

How To Medicate Your Dog

Medicating your dog is one of those things that gets easier with experience. There are a number of types of medications you may be asked to administer to your pet-oral medications, either pills, capsules, or liquids; ear meds, eye meds, or topical medications. Obviously, t...

Read more …

How To Medicate Your Cat

How To Medicate Your Cat

In a perfect world, your cat would never get ill. Ok, life is far from perfect and your pet will require medical assistance at some point in its life. Back to wishful thinking, if your cat does become ill, wouldn't it be spectacular if it only needed one injection that wou...

Read more …

How To Check Your Pet For Lumps Bumps Etc. And What To Look For

How To Check Your Pet For Lumps Bumps Etc. And What To Look For

You try to convince yourself that it's nothing. It must have been there all along, that bump or lump on your pet's body. Lumps and bumps are fairly common in cats and dogs, especially as they age. It is impossible to tell merely by looking at or feeling a bump whether it ...

Read more …

How To Bathe Your Cat

How To Bathe Your Cat

According to many cat parents who have tried, and considering some cats that I've treated, I'm not sure I disagree; there are few things more difficult in life than bathing a cat. Bathing a cat is truly an art, and, with some pointers, can be mastered with relative ease. T...

Read more …

How To Trim Your Pet's Toenails

How To Trim Your Pets Toenails

I used to snicker under my breath when one of my clients would come to the office just to have their pets' nails trimmed. I recently attempted to give my own cats a manicure but to no avail. My cats just don't realize that I am a veterinarian. They think of me only as `mo...

Read more …

How To Brush Your Cat's Teeth

How To Brush Your Cats Teeth

Like giving your cat a bath, brushing its teeth can be done-just not as easily as brushing your dog's teeth. Even still, it should be done on a somewhat regular basis, and if the procedure is introduced properly, your cat may not hate it as much as you think he or she might...

Read more …

Liver Issues

Liver Issues

How about a little anatomy quiz? Where is the liver situated in your pet's body? It is found under the last few ribs, at the upper most portion of the abdominal cavity. Ready for your next question? What is the function of the liver? If you said that it was the critical...

Read more …

Seizures

Seizures

One of the more frightening things you can witness is your pet having a seizure. Whether it is a full convulsive-type seizure known as a grand mal, or a more mild form which might present as some intense shaking or shivering, known as a petit mal, it is very scary to watch....

Read more …

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia

Probably one of the most common development conditions recognized in large breed dogs is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia can affect any dog, most commonly the large breeds, but seems to have a predilection for the retrievers, German shepherds, great Danes, chow chows, and Rott...

Read more …

Disc Disease

Disc Disease

Anyone who has experienced a bad back or has herniated a disc can certainly appreciate the pain and discomfort associated with these problems. Unfortunately back and disc problems can also affect our four legged friends. Most pet parents are aware of the disc problems comm...

Read more …

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic Mange

When we hear the term "mangy dog," we immediately get this picture in our minds of a dog with severe skin lesions, crusts, open sores, hair loss, uncontrollable itching, and very smelly, though we do occasionally encounter this sad sight, most of the times, the mange we diag...

Read more …

Ringworm

Ringworm

The first point I want to make about ringworm is that, despite what is implied by its name, it is not a worm! Ringworm, or microsporum, is actually a dermatophyte, or a fungal infection which invades active hair follicles. The infection caused by this fungal organism present...

Read more …

Diarrhea

Diarrhea

It not a very pleasant subject but it is such a common problem that I thought I should discuss it, diarrhea. Technically, diarrhea, also known as dysentery, is excessive bowel movement frequency with increased fecal fluidity. The intestinal tract is pretty amazing. You st...

Read more …

Elimination Problems - Dogs

Elimination Problems - Dogs

Most elimination problems in dogs involve puppies or newly adopted adult dogs who had been in a shelter or in a boarding environment. Occasionally, even well trained adult dogs can revert to having house training mistakes after certain behavioral issues or stresses, such as...

Read more …

Elimination Problems - Cat

Elimination Problems - Cat

It's only my opinion but I am a firm believer that all pediatricians should be parents and all veterinarians should own the species they care for. How else can you really appreciate all the trials and tribulations that parents and pet owners go through? I can whole hearted...

Read more …

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Have you noticed your older cat suddenly acting a bit more spry and energetic, eating more, yet losing weight? Well this presentation is not too uncommon, and high on the list of possibilities is an endocrine disorder known as hyperthyroidism. Whereas the most common thyro...

Read more …

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever is a bacterial disease caused by bartonella henselae. As the name implies, a person can contract this ailment from cat scratches but also from cat bites and possibly even flea bites. It is estimated that approximately 40% of all cats in the United States ...

Read more …

Birth Of Kittens

Birth Of Kittens

Queening. Sounds like a chess move. In actuality, it is the term used when referring to the birth of kittens. It may seem incongruous to many, but I strongly recommend that all cats be spayed or castrated. No, I am not trying to put myself or colleagues out of business. ...

Read more …

Birth Of Puppies

Birth Of Puppies

One of the high points to being a companion animal veterinarian is that initial examination of a new puppy. The owners are so happy and excited. The puppies are all cute little fur balls. It is a time of great potential. But with all of that being said, unless you are a ...

Read more …

Post Operative Care

Post Operative Care

There are typically three main aspects to a successful surgical procedure---the pre-surgical phase, the anesthesia and surgery itself, and finally, the post-operative period. The pre-operative phase entails the pre-surgical diagnostics, surgical preparation, and pre-anesthe...

Read more …

Pre Operative Care - Screening

Pre Operative Care - Screening

Your veterinarian has told you that your pet needs an anesthetic procedure. Maybe it is for a dental cleaning, a lump removal or neutering. It is normal for you to be nervous. You are constantly vigilant and attempt to keep your pet out of harms way. But once it is remov...

Read more …

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth

How To Brush Your Dogs Teeth

Brushing your dog's teeth is one of the more common home care activities you should be doing on a regular basis. Most pet parents are afraid to even try it because they think it is so difficult to do, or that their dog will hate it. The truth is it's actually quite simple,...

Read more …

How To Tell When Your Pet Needs It's Teeth Cleaned

How To Tell When You're Pet Needs It's Teeth Cleaned

Clients are frequently surprised when I tell them that their pet needs a dental cleaning. They are shocked when I inform them that I suspect an extraction or two may occur. They often report that they just had them cleaned 2 or 3 years ago. How can the teeth be that bad? ...

Read more …

How To Help Discover Many Potential Pet Health Problems At Home

How To Help Discover Many Potential Pet Health Problems At Home

They never taught me this in veterinary school. I had to learn it over time. Never doubt a pet owners' intuition. No one knows his or her pet better than the person who sees this cat or dog day in and day out. It is of paramount importance for this primary caregiver not ...

Read more …

Caring For The Older Cat

Caring For The Older Cat

I've learned many important lessons over the years from my cats. Cats know how to relax and enjoy the moment. They are not pressured by paying the mortgage, keeping up with the tabby down the street or staying up with fashion. They don't get their fur all riled up over tr...

Read more …

How To Administer Injections

How To Administer Injections

If you need to give your pet injections at home, I'm sure that your veterinarian or one of your hospital's staff members have already taught you what to do and walked you through the motions, so treat this as a refresher. Probably the most common reasons you will have to gi...

Read more …

Caring For The Older Dog

Caring For The Older Dog

Age is a matter of feelings rather than years. How long we or our pets will live is a function of diet, genetics and a bit of luck. Having been a veterinarian for over 20 years, I have had the pleasure of caring for many cats and dogs from the time they were puppies and ki...

Read more …

Emergencies - Toxic Dangers

Emergencies - Toxic Dangers

Are your homes truly "pet safe? " There are many potential dangers right under your, and your pets', noses, and, as is often the case, the best treatment for these dangers is prevention. Let's start with foods: Most of you know that chocolate can be toxic for our pets, bu...

Read more …

Emergencies - First Aid

Emergencies - First Aid

Though many emergencies you may experience at home with your pets require immediate attention by your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency facility, the simple truth is that most pet "emergencies," aren't! Many problems may look severe, and some may cause you to panic, bu...

Read more …

In-House Pharmacies

In-House Pharmacies

You may not have realized this, but most veterinary hospitals maintain a fully stocked in-house pharmacy to meet the medication and supplement needs of its patients. Since many of the medications prescribed for your precious pets are made specifically for them, and therefor...

Read more …

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis

One of the most common skin problems we see in dogs, especially during the spring and summer months is skin disease caused by allergies. Flea allergic dermatitis-an allergic hypersensitivity to flea saliva is very common, but atopy, an allergy to inhaled allergens like poll...

Read more …

Canine Heart Disease

Canine Heart Disease

It has often been said that our dogs are "all heart" and fortunately most of these hearts are working beautifully, but we do occasionally examine patients whose hearts are not quite working up to par. In fact, according to the American veterinary medical association, about ...

Read more …

First Few Days Cat

First Few Days Cat

If you are coming in today with a newly adopted cat or kitten, I want to first congratulate you for most probably saving a life. Adopting a new cat can be very exciting! I should know-we just added number four to our feline crew. And, sharing your home with a cat is great...

Read more …

First Few Days Dog

First Few Days Dog

Having some concerns about your new puppy or rescue dog? Well, don't panic! Remember, a new home takes some getting used to. The first few days may require some adjustments from you and your new dog. It's a shock for your new pet - especially a puppy - to be without his ...

Read more …

Pet First Aid

Pet First Aid

Preparing our families for disasters is something most of us are very aware of, and, hopefully, already have our kits and a plan prepared. But, what about our pets? Have you thought about what to prepare and how to plan for your pets in the event of a disasterThe first mus...

Read more …

Pet Companions

Pet Companions

I just love them, those first `well baby' consultations. Parents have so many questions. One of the most common I hear is `when should we add to our new family? `Now, keep in mind I am a veterinarian and these parents are curious about bringing home another pet. Cats and...

Read more …

Feline Hypertension

Feline Hypertension

My mom went to see her doctor the other day and was told that her blood pressure was too high. She, like millions of Americans, suffers from hypertension. The cause in people can be a chaotic lifestyle, diet, genetics or a host of medical conditions. Were you aware that t...

Read more …

Feline Allergies

Feline Allergies

One of the most ungracious ways in which to be awakened is by a cat is by having it sneeze in your face. My cat divot does it to me every spring. She, like many of her feline relatives suffers from allergies. Her problem thankfully is easily controlled with medication. I...

Read more …

Canine Allergies

Canine Allegies

Were you aware that dogs can suffer from allergies just like their owners? Dogs can be allergic to everything that irritates us and then some. Where a pet itches, bites, scratches or fusses can assist a veterinarian in determining the causative agent, but not always. Disc...

Read more …

Feline Heart Disease

Feline Heart Disease

Ever wonder what a doctor is listening to when he or she uses one of these? They are listening to the sound of the heart and lungs as well as making note of the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat. During your cat's twice-yearly wellness consultation, your veterinarian will ...

Read more …

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Let me test your medical knowledge. What can't be seen with the naked eye, but causes illness in people, pets, plants and bacteria? Antibiotics have no effect on them. Vaccines are available to help protect against some of them but not all. The vaccines that are availabl...

Read more …

Pet Insurance - A Life Saver

Pet Insurance - A Life Saver

Recently, many pet owners have been asking us about pet insurance. Although pet insurance has been available in the U.S. since 1981, most pet owners are still unaware that it is even an option to help with your pet's care. Operating much like other types of insurance, pet in...

Read more …

Abscess

Abscess

It is amazing that something as small as a scratch or even a single puncture wound from a bite could cause a body wide infection in your pet, but it can. An abscess forms when the skin is damaged and bacteria is introduced under the skin. The body tries to kill the offendi...

Read more …

ID Chip

ID Chip

They come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Some are sporty, others glamorous and some are truly exotic. No, I am not talking about cats or dog but rather about identification collars. Identification collars are not just a fashion statement; they could actually save...

Read more …

Internal Parasites

Internal Parasites

Did you know that your veterinarian can help keep your child healthy? No we are not going to vaccinate your child or even give him or her a physical examination but rather by keeping your dogs and cats internal parasite free. You may be surprised to learn that the center f...

Read more …

Obesity

Obesity

Chubby, chunky, extra fluffy, or even full figured. These are all terms I use when giving a physical examination to my client's pets. But you get the idea, these are all ways of saying their pet is fat. Obesity is affecting our pets in epidemic proportions. It is defined ...

Read more …

Vomiting

Vomiting

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons why pets are presented to their veterinarian. Vomiting is not a disease. It can be caused by something as innocuous as eating a bug or it could signify a life threatening illness. Vomiting is defined as the forceful expulsion of ...

Read more …

West Nile

West Nile

I am sure you've heard about it on the evening news. But if you're like most Americans, you probably don't fully understand what all the concern is about, West Nile virus. This virus is known as an arbovirus, which means it is spread by arthropods. Insects. It was origina...

Read more …

Canine Dental Care

Canine Dental Care

Any size dog, any breed and any age dog can be affected; even your dog may be affected. Periodontal disease starts with mild inflammation of the gums and can progress to tooth loss, dental abscesses and body wide infections. Don't expect your dog to show signs of pain. He...

Read more …

Feline Dental Care

Feline Dental Care

Hello, my name is Dr. Bernadine Cruz. I just don't play a veterinarian on pet care TV, I am one, but my two cats, Bogie and Divot still don't believe me. This was especially true when I first started them as kitten on a at home dental care program. Yes, it is possible to...

Read more …

Twice Yearly Exams

Twice Yearly Exams

It is one of my exam room mantras -- "all pets, especially seniors, need twice yearly examinations and yearly blood and urine testing. "I am glad I actually listened to myself. Though my cat, Zachary, appeared to be perfectly fit, on his 16th birthday, I popped him into hi...

Read more …

Routine Lab Work

Routine Lab Work

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that even though I am a veterinarian, I really don't like needles. Now I administer a great injection but the thought of me getting a shot or having my blood drawn gives me the willies. Nonetheless, I am a brave patient during my yearly w...

Read more …

Arthritis Joint Problems

Arthritis Joint Problems

I would like to talk to you about problem joints. No, not the kind from the 60's but the type that may be causing your pet pain. Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis, can occur to a person or pet at any age. It is most common in seniors because of the ...

Read more …

Fleas And Ticks

Fleas And Ticks

Those fleas! They are more than just a nuisance, as they also transmit tapeworms, some bacterial and viral infections, and are the culprits behind one of the most common allergic conditions affecting our pets-flea allergic dermatitis. Fleas are blood suckers, and to surviv...

Read more …

Feline Heartworm

Feline Heartworm

When we think of heartworm disease, we usually don't think of it affecting cats. But, we have been seeing more and more feline cases nationwide, so it is a disease we should at least be aware of. As with the dog, the disease is transmitted via a bite from an infected mosqu...

Read more …

Canine Heartworm

Canine Heartworm

Heartworms are a very common parasite affecting our dogs, in fact in many parts of the country the disease has reached endemic proportions. The disease itself, if left undetected and untreated can often be fatal, and the sad truth is that screening and prevention is so easy...

Read more …

Physical Exams Dog

Physical Exams Dog

We all know how important regular checkups are for us as we age, well, this is no different for our dogs. As a matter of fact, when you consider how much faster our dogs age, these checkups are even more critical and should be even more frequent. A pet's body goes through ...

Read more …

Physical Examination Cat

Physical Examination Cat

When you consider that cats age considerably more quickly than we do, you should appreciate the fact that they need more frequent checkups as they begin to attain "senior" status. Also, cats are masters at hiding their diseases, so regular checkups become even more importan...

Read more …

Immunizations Dog

Immunizations Dog

Ask 10 different dog owners, the best way to potty train a puppy and you may get 10 different answers. Ask 10 different veterinarians which vaccine protocol offers the best protection for their canine patients, and they will likely give you several distinct answers. Why th...

Read more …

Feline Vaccines

Feline Vacines

It's definitely safe to say that vaccine protocols are not what they used to be! It is often said that in medicine, one-half of what is considered as fact today, will be obsolete in 5 years, and so it is with feline vaccines. The only protocol that still seems to be accept...

Read more …

Feline Resorption Lesions

Feline Resorption Lesions

Dental disease affects our feline friends just as much as it does our canines, and it is a fact that 75% of cats over the age of 3 already have some degree of dental disease. Early signs of dental disease in cats may be nothing more than a little bad breath, but as problems...

Read more …

Cat Behavior Scratching

Cat Behavior Scratching

As most of us know firsthand, cats, instinctively, like to scratch. Our goal is to train them to scratch appropriate surfaces like a scratch post, and to avoid inappropriate surfaces like our couches or drapes. Unfortunately, this is not always an easy task. Well, we here...

Read more …

Socialization Dog

Socialization Dog

It's not uncommon for me to hear the words `oh doctor, this dog and it must have been abused by its previous owners. It is such a fearful dog.` My years of experience as a companion animal veterinarian have shown me that thankfully cases of abuse are less frequent than inst...

Read more …

Socialization Cat

Socialization Cat

Want a cat that travels in the car without screaming from anxiety? Crave a cat that doesn't go crazy when you try to give it a bath, trim its' nails or give it a pill? Wish that when company comes to visit that your cat would actually come out and say hello rather than hid...

Read more …

Cognitive Changes

Cognitive Changes

It may seem like it was just yesterday that your pet was a puppy or kitten, chewing up the furniture, learning to walk on a leash and climbing up your leg with those sharp little claws. They grow up too fast, and now you realize, those "highlights" in its fur are actually ...

Read more …

House Crate Training

House Crate Training

Bringing home a new puppy may be one of the happiest days of your life, and one of the most distressful for your psyche and your carpet. How long will it take to house train your dog? Well, every dog is different, and some are easier to train than others, but it can be don...

Read more …

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus

If your dog or cat suddenly seems to be drinking more water than usual, and is having accidents around the house it doesn't necessary mean he needs a housetraining refresher course-he may, in fact, be suffering from one of a few metabolic diseases which can cause these exact...

Read more …

Skin And Ear Problems

Skin And Ear Problems

What is the largest organ in your pet's body? No, it is not the liver, heart or brain---it's the skin. And, a dog or cat's skin is actually more sensitive than ours. For protection from the elements, we have a much thicker outer skin layer, whereas your four-legged friend...

Read more …

Lumps & Bumps - Cancer

Lumps & Bumps - Cancer

Go in to any department or drug store and you will be impressed and bewildered by all of the lotions and potions aimed at slowing down or reversing the effects of aging on our skin. Luckily our pets don't have to worry about wrinkles; however, their skin is often an indicat...

Read more …

The Final Farewell

The Final Farewell

Saying goodbye to a friend is always hard, but when it's a pet that has become a part of your family, it can be especially difficult. The need to allow a pet to pass on quickly, painlessly and with dignity can be due to many reasons - organ failure, uncontrollable medical c...

Read more …

Kidney Problems

Kidney Problems

The body's elimination of waste, whether via defacation or urination is something we take for granted-it is also a physiologic necessity! Have you ever stopped to think about why this physiologic act is so necessary? Is there more to urination than to just maintain our hyd...

Read more …

Canine Nutrition

Canine Nutrition

What is the best diet to feed my dog? That is a question I am frequently asked by concerned pet owners. You may try to educate yourself by examining labels, or going to the manufacture's web site and reading their claims. You might decide to ask your breeder or seek the a...

Read more …

Feline Nutrition

Feline Nutrition

As challenging as it can often be to find the right food for a dog, finding the best food for your furry feline can be even more difficult. Cats are labeled as being finicky for good reason-they are often tough to please. One fact that does separate our felines from our ca...

Read more …

Vision Changes

Vision Changes

Interestingly, of all the amazing senses our pets have, their eyesight is probably their worst. They have an unbelievable sense of smell-about 40 times better than ours, a keen sense of hearing that puts ours to shame, a discerning sense of taste, and, except for some of th...

Read more …

Giardia

Giardia

You and your trusted canine companion are enjoying a great mountain hike when you stop to drink some seemingly fresh water from a running stream. Looks tempting, right? Well, looks can be deceiving, since there's a good chance this stream is filled with more than just clea...

Read more …

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic Mange

Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl. I am talking about mange, specifically the type caused by the microscopic, spider-like parasite, sarcoptes scabies. Though this bug is very small it causes a huge allergic response by the body. And, though this mite loves dogs, ...

Read more …

Otitis Externa

Otitis Externa

Basically, dogs and cats are very well designed. Cat bodies can curl into compact balls that fit perfectly into our laps as we watch TV. Dog tails excel at clearing a coffee table of anything on the surface. I do however take exception with their ear design. Humans have ...

Read more …

Daily Pet News


VPI released a list of the most common toxins to your pets
Pets will eat just about anything, some of which can make them quite sick. Veterinary Pet Insurance Company released a list of the toxins most commonly consumed by pets. Topping the list was accidental ingestion of medications. Also, in the top 5 were ingestion of rat poison, chocolate or caffeine, and toxic plants. To reduce accidental poisoning, keep all potential toxic chemicals, foods, and plant life out of reach of both pets and children.


Are you ready to adopt a pet?
Before you adopt a pet, there are some questions you need to ask yourself. If you are considering adopting a dog or cat, are you willing to care for it for 10 to 20 years? If you are adopting a bird, it may be 60 years or more. Are you familiar with the kind of pet you are going to adopt? Personalities, ease of training, behavior? Will you treat your pet as a member of the family? Once you adopt, will you take it for regular examinations and follow all of your veterinarian’s recommendations? Do you have a plan for when you go on vacation? If you have answered yes to all these questions, then please adopt a pet. There are great companions when you choose the one that is right for you.


Controlling your barking dog.
Many pet owners struggle with dogs that seem to bark constantly. Pet behavior experts say that in order to get your dog’s barking under control, you need to first figure out the root cause. The most common reason for barking is to alert us that there may be an intruder. Most pet owners are okay with this. But two other common reasons for barking include boredom when left alone, and to get your attention when they want to play. If the cause appears to be either of the latter two, there are some simple steps that can help. Mental and physical exercises will help satisfy your dog’s craving for attention. Take it on walks and designate a little daily playtime for you and your dog. Mental tasks such as chew toys can be quite time consuming and will help your dog to relax. There are also some food stuffable toys that will challenge your dog mentally and reward it with food in the end. Although there are disciplinary collars out there, they do not solve the root problem and results tend to be short lived and can worsen the problem in the long run.


Canine cataract surgery is successful more than 90% of the time.
Canine cataracts can develop in dogs of any age. According to the AVMA the most common cause is secondary to a genetic abnormality. The second leading cause is due to diabetes. If diabetes is kept under control, the formation of cataracts can be at least delayed, if not avoided. Surgeries are commonly performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist and success rates are over 90%.


Cats need lovin too.
Although they top the list of household pets in the United States, cats make up a very small percentage of veterinary office visits. Cats have a reputation of being independent and self sufficient, and they may be. But they still require regular examinations just as dogs do. So wrangle up your cat and take a drive to the vet.


Heavy pets put too much weight on their joints
We are quickly approaching the final quarter of the year and that dreaded holiday season of food, food, and more food. But this is the perfect time for you and your fat cat or hog of a dog to shed some unneeded pounds. Pets that are overweight are at a huge disadvantage. They tend to get more joint problems and body ailments, diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and they usually die years sooner than a pet that is in good shape. And getting losing the weight is a great time to bond with your pet. Sit down with your veterinarian to design and diet and exercise program for your pet, then get to work.


Easy ways to protect your dog from arthritis
Many dogs suffer from arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Veterinarians say that nutrition plays a big part in your dog’s joint health. Eating dog food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. There are also supplements and prescription medications that are specifically designed for your dog.


Pet CPR masks save lives
An animal control officer in Maine is raising money to buy pet oxygen masks for their emergency rescue teams. Approximately 40,000 pets die each year from smoke inhalation. There are three different sized masks that fit easily on various pet’s heads. By using the masks, rescue crews can easily administer CPR on the struggling pets. The masks cost approximately $75 a piece and most fire departments look for them to be donated by people in their community. If you would like to help save pet’s lives, contact your local fire department or animal control agency.


Failure to treat minor injuries could lead to chronic conditions.
If you have ever experienced a leg injury, then you know it changes your walking pattern. The body has an amazing way of compensating for injuries. Horses and other animals compensate similarly. But the biomechanical changes often lead to compensatory injuries. That is, not using one limb properly causes overuse in another and the result is another injury. Due to the snowball effect, it is important to aggressively treat even the slightest injuries.


You can get worms and other diseases from your pets.
Although pets are fun-loving companions, it is wise to keep in mind there are a few diseases that you can contract from them. These zoonotic diseases include hookworms and roundworms which can be transmitted through stool, or contaminated playgrounds. Cats can easily infect humans with bacteria through bites or scratches. Parasites are also contracted through contact with a cat’s stool. Be sure to keep an eye on your kids as children are at higher risk.