So you can’t remember the last time you plucked a tick off your pup or flicked a flea off your feline? That’s great! But it doesn’t mean you can let down your guard when it comes to prevention. Protecting your pets from parasites that bring discomfort and disease requires precision and persistence. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your pet healthy. Many pet parents only use preventative...
If your dog is licking his paws, you’ll need to find out the underlying cause and whether it’s an issue that requires a vet visit. The problem is that there are so many possible reasons why dogs lick or chew at their paws. Here’s a guide for determining the cause of the paw licking, spotting other symptoms, and treating and protecting your dog’s paws. 18 Reasons Dogs Lick or Chew Their...
Reviewed for accuracy on August 26, 2019, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM Diabetes mellitus can affect dogs of any age, but early detection is the most important step in ensuring that your dog continues living a happy, healthy life. Annual wellness visits are essential for early disease detection, but if you know the signs and symptoms of diabetes in dogs, you can recognize the problem between checkups...
Reviewed by Dr. Sandra Mitchell, September 2022 The following content may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy. NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and...
Reviewed and updated for accuracy on September 17, 2018 by Katie Grzyb, DVM While hurricane safety is often a topic of conversation—how to prepare for it and what to do if disaster strikes—few pet parents are actually ready for what comes after. From contaminated waters to dangerous animals to mosquito-borne illnesses, the hurricane aftermath requires just as much preparation as the...
By Ralph Quinonez While the number of homeless dogs varies by country, the problem is of worldwide concern. Stray dogs typically live shorter lives and frequently suffer injury, illness and abuse. And the efforts and approaches to control the homeless dog populations vary widely. These may include catch-and-detain in high-kill shelters, culling (mass killing) by various means, spay and...
By Paula Fitzsimmons You’re the proud pet parent of a mutt and wouldn’t have it any other way. Things like his capacity to display unconditional love are what’s important to you—not what breed of dog he is. Still, learning about your dog’s lineage can provide you and your veterinarian with an invaluable wealth of information about his health, and can even offer insight into his...
By Victoria Schade If you prefer to leave the dirty work of nail trims and anal gland expressing to someone else, you probably assume that your dog grooming responsibilities end when you drop your dog off with the groomer. Let the groomer worry about mats in the fur and unruly behavior in the tub, because that’s their job, right? Most groomers beg to differ. Grooming dogs is a big job...
Pet loss can be a very emotional experience for everyone whose lives they touched. According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey from the American Pet Products Association, 68 percent of US households have some type of pet, which suggests that a majority of people likely understand the special bond you can have with a pet. However, in an attempt to sympathize, even fellow pet parents can...
By Jennifer Coates, DVM As the weather warms up, we often spend more time outdoors, take up new hobbies and do some spring cleaning. Unfortunately, some of these activities may pose pet safety issues. Let’s take a look at a few indoor and outdoor environmental risks that can make pets sick. Allergies in dogs and cats tend to be at their worst in the spring and summer, but they can become a...