Pet Health Guide - ABC Petmeds
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ABC Petmeds / Pet Health Guide

ABCpetmeds Pet Health Guide

Dog Health Issues

Barking

Understand Your Dog’s Barking

Remember that barking is a natural dog behavior but excessive barking could be a sign of a more serious problem.

Grooming

Grooming your Dog

Proper grooming can help to maintain your pet’s health because you can keep an eye out for skin problems like parasites, lumps, fleas, or other problems.

Diarrhea

Understanding Dog Diarrhea

Remember that barking is a natural dog behavior but excessive barking could be a sign of a more serious problem.

Barking

Understand Your Dog’s Barking

When we see dog diarrhea we need to be vigilant for other symptoms in order to prevent more serious conditions from developing or going untreated.

Does your dog have diarrhea?

You will know if your dog is suffering from diarrhea if they are frequently having bowel movements and if the excretions are watery.

Genetic Diseases

Facts about Genetic Diseases in Dogs

In fact, all dogs carry around 4 or 5 defective genes on average making genetic diseases the most common cause of illness in dogs.

Heat Stroke

Understanding Heat Stroke in Dogs

Dogs suffering from heat stroke will display specific symptoms and may become very ill.

Breeding

Breeding Your Dog

You should seriously consider the decision to breed your dog and the associated challenges before proceeding.

The Top 5 Dog Breeds in North America

Whether you want a pet or you’re just interested in dogs, there is certainly no shortage of breeds, the hard part is choosing the right breed for your lifestyle.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Dog Breeder

If you’ve decided that you want to go to a breeder for a new puppy, there are some precautions you should take to make sure that your dog comes from a good breeder and has been cared for properly.

Depression

Depression In Dogs

In most cases, a dog with depression will go untreated; however, there are some signs that indicate your dog may be depressed.

Hearing

Living with a Deaf Dog

If you suspect your dog is deaf, you really should visit the veterinarian.

Allergies

Skin Allergies in Dogs

Skin allergies are a common condition that affects all breeds of dogs.

Allergies

Am I allergic to dogs?

Dog allergies are relatively common in the human world.

Canine Distemper

What is Canine Distemper?

Canine distemper is usually prevented through vaccination but remains one of the most common serious diseases that infect dogs.

Horner Syndrome

What is Horner Syndrome in Dogs

Horner syndrome is a condition characterized by a drooping upper lip, narrow pupils, and recessed eyeballs caused by nerve damage in dogs.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute Pancreatitis in Dogs

Acute pancreatitis is a condition wherein the pancreas is severely inflamed leading to illness and possibly even death.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia happens when the top of the femur does not fit into the hip joint properly and this problem usually presents in fairly young dogs.

Does My Dog have Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a relatively common hereditary disease that affects the hip joints in dogs.

Warts

Warts in Dogs

Also known as canine papilloma virus, warts in dogs is a relatively common condition that usually affects younger dogs.

Dog toys

Best Toys for Your Dog

While we all love our dogs, we don’t often give them the credit they deserve for being intelligent beings.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis in Dogs

When the glomeruli (a crucial part of the filtration system in the kidneys) become inflamed because of antibodies and antigens get trapped in them, a condition called glomerulonephritis occurs.

Adoption

A Guide to Adopting Adult Dog

Did you know that only about 25% of dogs in shelters end up getting adopted?

Seizures

Understanding Seizures in Dogs

It may even be difficult to recognize your dog is suffering from seizures but there are some common signs that should help.

Cancer Treatment

Holistic Dog Cancer Treatments

Most holistic treatments for dog cancer focus on natural herbs and supplements as well as dietary changes to make an unfavorable environment for the cancer cells.

Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

When you leave your dog home alone for long periods of time, does he wreak havoc in your home?

Overweight Dogs

Is my dog fat?

As is the case with the obesity epidemic in humans, pets are becoming more obese as well.

What are Fat Deposits in Dogs?

Fat deposits in dogs, also known as lipomas, are among the most common benign tumors in dogs.

Nutrition

My Dog is a Picky Eater, What can I do?

Dogs are almost never born picky eaters but when they become accustomed to eating human food they may not want to return to the store bought stuff that comes in a bag.

What do I do if my dog is not eating?

Various illnesses or physical discomfort are the most common reason that your dog won’t eat.

Why do Dogs Eat Grass?

Eating grass is something of a strange phenomenon for dogs and veterinarians don’t know exactly why they do it but they do have some ideas.

Is Dry Food Better than Wet Food for my Dog?

The debate of wet food versus dry food for our dogs rages on.

10 Foods You Should Not Feed Your Dog

Humans eat alot of food that dogs should not eat because it can make them sick or even be letal.

Bladder Stones

Bladder Stones in Dogs

Usually the result of recurrent bladder infections, bladder stones can lead to problems with the kidneys and other organs in addition to being very painful for your dog.

Degenerative Valve Disease

What is Degenerative Valve Disease in Dogs?

While there are many types of heart disease that may affect your dog, one of the most common is degenerative valve disease.

Oral Care

How can you tell if my dog has gum disease?

Otherwise known as periodontal disease, gum disease in dogs is a condition wherein the gums around the teeth become weakened and inflamed.

Can my Dog eat with no Teeth?

Older dogs tend to have special care needs and many pet owners wonder if a dog with no teeth can still eat.

Can you smell your dog’s bad breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis is not exactly a major concern of many pet owners but it can make it difficult to get close to your dog.

Puppies

Top 5 Puppy Care Tips

Introducing a new pet to your family brings many challenges and rewards but if you’re prepared the good will surely outweigh the bad.

What are Puppy Mills?

When you enter a pet store to find the perfect addition to your family, you don’t expect to hear about puppy mills that are essentially breeding facilities that produce large numbers of purebred puppies for commercial gain.

At What Age can Puppies have Tests or Medication?

When it comes to the health of our puppies, we all want to make sure we take the necessary steps to protect them but we also don’t want to cause unnecessary harm.

Thinking of Getting a Puppy? Should You Buy from a Breeder or a Pet Shop?

You can adopt a puppy, which is always a great option because you’re saving a loving animal, but you can also get a young puppy from a pet shop or a breeder.

Training

Housetraining your Puppy

Whether you’ve just gotten a new puppy or you’re caring for an older dog that has not been house trained, you probably know the importance of house training.

Top Tips for Training Your Dog

Whether you’re training a new puppy or you’re having behavioral problems with an older dog, here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your training sessions.

Crate Training your Dog

Crate training is an excellent tool in house training your dog but also has various side benefits as well.

10 Tips on Potty Training your Dog

Welcoming a new pet provides a lot of fun and love but also requires a lot of work. One of the most important duties of the dog owner is potty training.

Aging

How to Care for Aging Dogs

As we get older, we become more susceptible to illness and we endure the natural degeneration of various body systems.

Chewing

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs that can help them to relax while also promoting good dental health.

Osteoporosis

Juvenile Osteoporosis in Dogs

Juvenile osteoporosis leads to the degradation of the supporting tissue in the bones leaving a highly mineralized, brittle bone that is more easily damaged.

Diabetes

Diabetes in Dogs

Just like for humans, when left untreated diabetes can be a very serious illness for your dog.

Ear infections

Ear Infections in Dogs

Have you ever noticed that your dog’s ears have a terrible smell or that your dog constantly scratches his ears? It’s time to see a veterinarian.

Urinary tract infection

How do I know if my dog has a urinary tract infection?

Left untreated, urinary tract infections in dogs can lead to more serious, even life threatening infections of other major organs.

Kennel Cough

What is a Kennel cough?

Kennel cough is one of the most common and most infectious diseases in dogs.

Shaking

What does it mean when my dog is shaking?

If there is no obvious reason for your dog’s shaking, you need to visit a veterinarian.

Behaviour Problems

5 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Whining

When humans have problems we have the benefit of language to communicate our feelings and thoughts. But dogs and other pets must rely on more simple methods of communication and whining is a common response for dogs in various situations.

What do I do when my Dog Refuses to Walk on a Leash?

If you find that walking your dog has gone from enjoyable to the point where your dog is pulling or sniffing aimlessly, rest easy because there are some simple solutions to the problem.

Arthritis

How do I know if my dog has arthritis?

Indeed, arthritis in dogs is one of the most commonly diagnosed physical conditions and since none of us want to see our dogs in pain, it is important to recognize the symptoms early so treatment can be started.

Treat Canine Arthritis with Arthogen

The inflammation of joints, commonly known as arthritis, is a serious condition that can cause damage to the cartilage and bones in a joint.

Think Your Dog Has Osteoarthritis?

Somewhere between 25 and 30 per cent of dogs suffer from osteoarthritis in their lifetimes and the symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs are quite similar to those in humans.

Dog Arthritis and Rimadyl

As you can probably imagine, dog arthritis is a very serious condition and therefore understanding dog arthritis treatments is important for dog owners.

Biting

How can I train my dog to stop biting?

You cannot ignore a biting dog, or the behaviour will just worsen. This is why it is the responsibility of the owner to train dogs not to bite.

Chocolate

What happens if my dog ate too much chocolate?

The notion that the consumption of any quantity of chocolate will kill your dog isn’t exactly accurate but it is true that chocolate can have serious health consequences for dogs.

Chocolate Poising in Dogs?

Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine that is most certainly toxic to dogs if a large enough quantity is consumed.

Neutering and Spaying

When is it Too Late to get a Dog Fixed?

Not only does spaying or neutering your dog prevent unwanted puppies, fixing can also prevent certain illnesses, especially in female dogs.

Exercise

How many times a day should I walk my dog?

A healthy lifestyle is based on a balanced diet and regular exercise. Whether we’re talking about dogs, cats, rats or people, this statement holds true.

Fleas and ticks

Non-toxic flea and tick control

Bioguard Flea and Tick Shampoo is an excellent product that can help kill fleas and ticks before they become a problem.

Program Flea Control offers Protection for your Cat or Dog

It is important to understand the potential for serious health risks associated with the flea.

Make sure your car, furniture, and carpets are free from fleas and ticks.

Fleas and ticks are annoying little pest who, left uncontrolled, can cause more serious problems for your pet.

Nail Clipping

What do I do if my dog’s nails are bleeding after clipping them?

Almost any dog owner who takes grooming seriously probably can tell you about a time when they accidentally cut the quick of their dog’s toenails.

How To Trim Your Dog’s Toenails

In order to properly and safely cut your dogs nails there are a few procedures you should follow.

Tapeworms

Does your dog have tapeworms?

Intestinal parasites are not fun and considering tapeworms are the most common of these nuisances pet owners should take some time to learn about how they affect cats and dogs.

Vomiting

Why is your dog throwing up?

While most cases are the result of your dog eating something that doesn’t agree with him, prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration or intestinal obstruction; in fact, left untreated, vomiting can be life threatening to your dog and as such should be taken very seriously.

Administering Medication

How to Feed Medication to a Dog

Dogs have a highly refined sense of smell and this means that they can smell meds coming from a mile away, and trust me when I say they don’t want anything to do with them.

Cataracts

Does Your Dog Have Cataracts?

Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases in dogs and they can affect any breed at any age.

Bladder Problems

Does your dog pee uncontrollably?

Caused by the inability for the urethral sphincter to close completely, the leaking from your dog’s bladder, known as urinary incontinence, can not only lead to unwanted messes but can also result in a number of health issues from skin infections to urine scalding and even inflammation around the vulva region.

Parasites

Revolution Control is the Complete Parasite Treatment for Dogs and Cats

To ensure that our pet is living a long and healthy life is the owners responsibility, and since parasites can harm our pet it is our responsibility to protect our pet.

Heartworm

Prevent Heartworms in Dogs with Interceptor

As a parasite, heartworm can infect your dog and lead to very serious, and sometimes fatal, heart and lung problems.

Cat Health Issues

Oral health

Caring for your Cat’s Teeth

For cats, the bacterial growth associated with tartar can cause significant health risks as these bacteria can enter the blood stream and lead to organ damage.

Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth

Whether your veterinarian has recommended brushing or you smell an unpleasant odor from your cat’s mouth, it may be time to start brushing your cat’s teeth.

Cat Dental Problems

It is difficult to brush your cat’s teeth efficiently, therefore dental problems are hard to avoid. Cats have dental diseases just as often, and sometimes more often, as humans.

Cat food

Feline’s Pride Cat Food Recall

Recently, the FDA has issued a warning about Feline’s Pride cat food potentially being contaminated with Salmonella.

10 Foods you should not feed your cat

We love our cats and sometimes we want to reward them with a special treats. In small doses, table scraps are usually ok for your cats, but sometimes certain foods can be harmful to your cat.

Weight

Is My Cat Anorexic?

Cat anorexia is a condition wherein your cat loses his or her appetite and either refuses or is unable to eat.

Tricks and Training

Top Tricks to Teach Your Cat

Indeed, it is usually our dogs that we take the time to teach tricks but the fact is, cats are highly intelligent creatures and they are also more than capable of learning tricks.

How Can I Train My Cat To Stop Biting?

For the most part, cats provide the kind of love we’re looking for but from time to time cats exhibit aggressive behaviour like biting and pet owners are left trying to figure out how to stop this unwanted behaviour.

Grooming

Grooming Your Cat

Grooming can prevent or minimize hair balls which can be a nuisance, especially with longer haired cats; but grooming can also provide distinct health benefits.

Can Cats Groom Too Much?

Over-grooming is an anxiety disorder in cats that can be compared to obsessive compulsive behavior in humans.

Breeds of Cats

Top 5 Cat Breeds in North America

From the luxurious Persian to the ubiquitous tabby, there are a plethora of cat breeds that make a great addition to your family.

Heat Stroke

Understanding Heat Stroke in Cats

Just like in humans or other animals, heat stroke is a condition that occurs when your cat’s body absorbs or produces more heat than it expels.

Heartworm

Heartworm in Cats

Because of the serious nature of heartworm infection in pets, it is very important to take them seriously. If you suspect your cat has been infected by heartworms, visit the veterinarian immediately.

Immunodeficiency

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a contagious illness that causes AIDS-like symptoms in felines.

Stress

Stress in Cats

Just like stress in humans has a negative impact on various organ systems, stress in cats can likewise lead to more severe illnesses.

Epilepsy

Feline Epilepsy

Epilepsy is characterized by recurring seizures usually as a result of uncoordinated firing of neurons in the cerebrum. In cats this can be very dangerous and should be treated.

Abused Cats

Caring for Abused Cats

The unfortunate reality for many cats is that their owners are negligent, physically and/or emotionally abusive.

Rabies

Does my cat have rabies?

Once rabies begins to develop death is a near certainty as it is very rare for animals or humans to survive the virus even with intensive medical care.

Ear Mites

Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites in cats can cause a variety of very uncomfortable symptoms and they are known to be the most common cause of ear infections in cats.

Spaying and Neutering

All about spaying your cat

Spaying a female cat is one of the most fundamental aspects of health care for your cat.

Behaviour

Cat Aggression during Playtime

When kittens progress to cats their playful scratching becomes more aggressive and painful. At this point, you want to teach your cat to play without the aggression so as to avoid injury to friends, family, and children.

Preventing Behavior Problems in Cats

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to prevent stress and the subsequent behavioral problems that cats may demonstrate.

Deciphering Meows: What Is My Cat Trying to Say?

While you may think that a “meow” is a meaningless sound, there are a range of different meows that cats use to communicate.

Declawing

What You Need to Know about Declawing your Cat

After all, we already have our cats spayed or neutered in addition to shots and other treatments, but there are few treatments met with as much controversy as declawing.

Bowels

Diarrhea in Cats

Diarrhea is a symptom that all animals can suffer and while not necessarily a very serious condition, diarrhea can be the sign of a more serious illness.

What do I do when my cat has diarrhea?

While many cases of cat diarrhea will be a case of an upset stomach, much as is the case with humans, chronic or prolonged diarrhea is definitely a bigger issue.

Is Your Cat Constipated?

Constipated cats suffer from the accumulation of feces in the bowel that makes it difficult to defecate.

Kittens

Understanding Kitten Development

As a cat owner, it is important to understand these developmental stages your kitten goes through so that you can ensure the best care for your kitten and so that your kitten grows to be a healthy and well-socialized cat.

Few Basic Principles in Training a Kitten

Kitten training is an important responsibility for cat owners as it will ensure that they don’t engage in inappropriate behaviour like scratching furniture.

Cat Scratch Fever

Cat Scratch Fever

Bartonella is the bacteria that causes cat scratch fever in humans and because there are several species of Bartonella it is also linked to a number of illnesses in your cat or dog.

Other Health Issues

Hamsters

Common Hamster Health Problems

Hamsters are tough little pets but because they’re so small they’re illnesses tend to become more seriously more quickly.

What is a good diet for my hamster?

Like caring for any pet, caring for your hamster requires a good diet.

How many hamsters can I have in a cage?

When it comes to how many hamsters you can fit in one cage, the answer is not exactly straightforward. In fact, it depends on the kind of hamster you have.

What do I do if my hamster bites me?

Especially when they have not been handled much, hamsters will bite out of fear.

Guinea Pigs

Malocclusion in Guinea Pigs

While guinea pigs make cute, gentle, and loveable pets, this particular species of animal is also prone to a variety of illnesses and diseases.

Gerbils

How do I clean my gerbils cage?

Having a clean cage is important for the health and well-being of your gerbil and taking a few minutes every week to ensure the job is done right is easy and effective.

Fish

Caring for Koi Fish

This article will present some of the most important Koi fish care tips so that you can keep a happy, healthy Koi fish.

Creating the Perfect Environment for your Pet Fish

While the fish itself may not be demanding as far as personal attention, feeding, and maintenance are concerned, there are still some things you’ll need to remember if you’re planning on getting a pet fish.

Fish Tank For Beginners

Fish tank beginners will likely have a lot of questions they need answered so they know how to set up a good fish tank that is the ideal environment for fish.

Turtles

Turtles as Pets

Turtles are generally considered safe but there are some special considerations that need to be made if you’re going to keep a turtle.

Birds

Choosing the Right Pet Bird for Your Family

Pet birds are becoming nearly as common as dogs and cats these days but considering the wide variety of species of birds and the care required for each, it’s important to take some time to think about what kind of bird is best for your family.

How to maintain a healthy diet for my bird?

The best way to ensure the health and happiness of your bird is to give them a nutritionally rich diet that includes fruits, seeds, and even insects.

Rabbits

Rabbits as Pets

Caring for a rabbit is somewhat different than caring for cats or dogs and this article will outline some of the necessities of rabbit care.

Why do rabbits purr?

Indeed, rabbits can make a “purring” noise, but this is different than the purr you’d hear from a cat.

Do Rabbits Eat Carrots?

Wild rabbits eat a variety of foods and while each species of rabbit will have some variation in their diets, most rabbits enjoy a similar range of foods.

Toxoplasmosis

An Overview of Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis can infect nearly all warm-blooded animals and some estimates have one-third of the world’s human population carrying the parasite.

Toxoplasmosis: Risk Factors and Transmission

Some estimates have around 22.5% of all individuals over 12 years of age infected with toxoplasmosis in the United States.

Toxoplasmosis: Prevention and Treatment

While most people and animals that have contracted toxoplasmosis are likely not to suffer any serious symptoms, some animals and people with compromised immune systems can become quite ill.

Pet Hospice

What is Pet Hospice Care?

While euthanasia is a common, humane solution that ensures your pet doesn’t suffer unnecessarily, hospice care is an alternative.

Your Pet’s Coat

Protect Your Pet’s Coat and Skin

Your pet’s coat is vital to protecting their skin and body as it can keep foreign bodies out and prevents bacterial and viral infection.

Shedding

My Pet is Shedding Everywhere!

There are some preventative steps a pet owner can take to reduce the inconvenience associated with shedding.

Want to stop your pet from shedding?

Simply regularly brushing and cleaning your dog or cat can go a long way to preventing or reducing shedding.

Pet Supplements

Things to know about health supplements for your pet

As pet owners we care about the health of our beloved friends but we don’t often consider the benefits of a general health supplement.

Adjusting to a new pet

Introducing New Pets to a Home

Taking some time to prepare your pet for your home and your home for your pet can make the transition stress-free and enjoyable for your pet.

Introducing New Pets to a Home

Whether you’re introducing a new dog to a home with a cat or vice versa, it is important to take special precautions to ensure that your dog and cat get along.

Choosing a Pet

Choosing a Pet

We are the providers and we care for our pets but the truth is that our pets can also care for us. Still, it is important to choose a pet that fits your lifestyle rather than expecting your pet to adjust to the way you live.

Adopting a Pet

Top 3 Reasons to Adopt a Pet from an Animal Shelter

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Registering a Pet

Registering Pets

Ensuring the safety and well being of your pet goes beyond proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a safe environment. One responsibility of any pet owner is registering your pet.

Optometry

Caring for your Pet’s Eyes

Any time you think your pet may be suffering from some kind of eye problem, it is important to get it checked by a veterinarian right away.

Health Insurance

Should I get Pet Health Insurance?

Insurance policies for pets cover a comprehensive list of illnesses and the level of care delivered to pets has improved as well.

Anal Gland Disease

What is Anal Gland Disease?

Around your pet’s anal opening there are some small sacs known as the anal glands which can become infected causing abscesses.

Abused animals

Taking In an Abused Animal

One of the kindest things an animal lover can do is to take in an abused animal but there are obvious challenges that arise in these situations.

Swine Flu

Can Pets get Swine Flu?

This flu virus was responsible for a pandemic in 2009 and it’s no surprise that pet owners around the world are concerned for the safety of their beloved animals.

Parvovirus

What is Parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2), more widely known as parvovirus, is a highly contagious virus seen mostly in dogs.

Veterinarians

Choosing A Veterinarian

Whether you’re new to a neighborhood or you’re a new pet owner, choosing a veterinarian is one of the most important things you’ll do for your pet.

Euthanasia

It’s time to say goodbye – Pet Euthanasia

In some cases, your dog or cat may become so sick that you have to decide whether your pet should be forced to live through the pain anymore. Many pet owners turn to euthanasia to prevent their pet from unnecessary suffering, but it is still an incredibly difficult action to take.

Fleas and ticks

Non-toxic flea and tick control

Protecting your cats and dogs from fleas and ticks is one of the most important responsibilities for a pet owner

Revolution Control is the Complete Parasite Treatment for Dogs and Cats

As pet owners we have a responsibility to give our pet the best life possible; such a duty is happily assumed by most loving pet owners which is why we want to protect our pet from heartworms and fleas.