Archive for the ‘Veterinarians’ Category
Pets and Heartworm
July 23, 2010 — by Anna P.Cats, Dogs, Veterinarians
Heartworms are a serious threat to all pets and all it takes is one infected mosquito to transfer the disease to your dog or cat via a bite. Heartworm infection is a common health issue that affects dozens of mammals including ferrets, foxes, various wild animals, and on rare occasion, humans.
It starts when one mosquito (carrying heartworm larvae) bites an animal and transmits the parasites inside the bloodstream. Over a period of 2 or 3 months the larvae grows and eventually release more microfilariae, also know as the offspring. The parasites contribute nothing but take up space in the...
Review: The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats
July 21, 2010 — by Jane WangerskyBooks, Cats, Dogs, Veterinarians
This is one of the handiest pet owners' references I've seen yet. Why?
- It lives up to its title and then some. The "remedies" are not only for medical problems, but for issues like boredom, fears, and the habit of jumping up on you when you come home.
- At 400 pages, it covers the essentials without being thick enough to discourage you.
- The introduction includes a vaccination chart, a list of safe and unsafe medications, and tips on everything from choosing your pet to pet-proofing the house.
- Topics are listed alphabetically, from acne to wounds, making them quick and easy to find.
- Plenty...
Summer Safety For Pets
June 17, 2010 — by Anna P.Cats, Dogs, Veterinarians
Summer is the season of fun, and its no exception for your pets! Whether it's taking them out to frolic in the sun or bringing your pet with you on vacation, its very important to keep your best friend's safety in mind. Read below for a few tips to keep in mind.
1- Never Leave A Pet In A Car
You'd never leave a baby or toddler alone in a car on a hot summer day, so why would you do the same to your pet? Because animals are smaller and don't really sweat the same way people do, it doesn't...
Pets and Grief: Part I
June 15, 2010 — by Jane WangerskyCats, Dogs, Veterinarians
You may have seen the YouTube video of a cat trying to revive another cat who'd just been hit and killed by a car. For pet owners, it's sad and touching, and it raises questions in our minds: Do our pets understand what's happening when another pet dies? Do they feel grief?
To both questions, professionals say sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Dr. M. Duffy Jones, an Atlanta vet, says, "They have a strong instinct for individual survival and sometimes that will carry over to other pets or people." Dr. Jones has seen pets that seem to understand an animal...
Prescription Pain Medication for Dogs
June 8, 2010 — by Jane WangerskyDogs, Veterinarians
If you own a dog, you're likely to find yourself dealing with pain medication for it at some point. Sadly, one out of every five adult dogs in the U.S. is affected by arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation reports. Of course, pain and inflammation can also have other causes, like surgery. At times like these, your vet may prescribe Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to help your dog feel better.
NSAIDS work by blocking the body's production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation in response to injury or irritation. There are several of them approved for dogs in the U.S., and the different...
