Did you know that more than half of US cats are not taken to the veterinarian for an annual veterinary exam? Yearly checkups are an important part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. Royal Canin, Chewy, PetSmart, and Banfield have become partners to raise awareness...
Researchers at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have found that early spay/neuter in heavier mixed breed dogs can lead to joint problems later in life. Specifically, the study found that mixed breed dogs with an adult weight of 44 pounds or heavier...
The American Veterinary Medical Association has been studying the growing trend of cannabis use for pet health, including the potential benefits and risks. They recently posted a statement about their perspective on this fast-evolving issue. Here’s a quick summary of what you should know before using...
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets, but it’s never a good time for your dog or cat to get stung by a bee or other stinging insect. Veterinary emergency and critical care doctor Christine Rutter from Texas A&M University provides...
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has traced a recent Salmonella outbreak that has sickened almost 1,000 people around the US to recently acquired chicks and ducklings. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes the foodborne illness known as salmonellosis. It is commonly...
Don’t let that serious face fool you! With a nickname like “Grumpy Sunshine” you can bet this 8 year old kitty has a sweet and playful personality. Recently, Chops began showing signs of a urinary tract problem. His family took him to San Diego’s Veterinary Specialty...
A new study published in the journal Parasites & Vectors examines the types and amounts of gastrointestinal parasites found at US dog parks. Is your pup at risk for making some not-so-nice new friends at the dog park? Here’s a rundown of the study. The researchers...
Here is a simple but powerful reminder to never leave your dog unattended in a car during the warm summer months, courtesy of the RSPCA. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO84RKZtO7c&w=560&h=315] For more information on the dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car, check out the RSPCA’s “Dogs Die...
Join us on Monday, June 29th from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. PDT for a free live webinar on pet cancer awareness and screening. Dr. David Proulx, a veterinary oncologist from VCA California Veterinary Specialists will discuss incidence of cancer in pets and the importance of early...
With summer now in full swing, pet owners need to be more aware of the heat-related dangers that can impact dogs, cats, and other pets. Did you know that some dog breeds are at higher risk for heatstroke than others? A recent article in Nature’s Scientific...
Melody’s family began to notice that something was wrong with their cat. She started hiding and showing signs of stomach pain. They took her to the vet and X-rays showed that she had ingested a foreign object…string. Melody needed emergency surgery to save her life, but...
Human health and safety precautions during the coronavirus pandemic have significantly impacted how veterinarians care for our animal companions. Besides implementing social distancing practices at veterinary clinics, vets are also turning to telemedicine. A recent article in JAVMA News reports that vets who were once exploring...
Have your heart set on a particular breed of dog as your next pet? Before you get your new best friend, be sure to do your research on the overall health of the breed you are interested in. Advances in DNA technology have made it easier...
The fetch Foundation is an Arizona-based non-profit that seeks to save the lives of family pets in fires and other emergency situations. They report that half a million pets are impacted by fire each year in the United States. 40,000 family pets die from smoke...
Teddy is an adorable Schnauzer-Poodle mix. His dad Christopher adopted him from the El Cajon Animal Shelter when he was a puppy. Recently, Teddy began to experience a swollen, painful mouth. His vets at the Bastet Veterinary Hospital told Christopher that Teddy had severe periodontal disease and required...
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that is spreading among wild rabbits in the southwestern United States. This disease was first identified in China in 1984 and has since spread across the globe. RHDV is not known to affect...
“Slower, Shorter, Sadder” is the title of a study of English dog owners who describe how their walks have changed after a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in their dogs. The development of canine osteoarthritis can lead to big changes in dog walking routines. Most of the owners...
The ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline has seen an increase in calls from concerned pet owners since the COVID-19 crisis began. The issue? Many of us have questions about the safe use of cleaning and disinfecting products (such as bleach) around our pets. To help pet owners,...
Just like dogs, cats can also develop degenerative joint diseases like arthritis as they age. Studies suggest that 45% of all cats and 90% of cats over 10 years of age have some arthritis. Arthritis and other painful conditions in cats can go untreated because cats...
The knowledge about how pets are affected by the novel coronavirus is evolving every day. Recent news stories about a handful of dogs, cats, and big cats at a zoo testing positive for COVID-19 may have pet owners wondering about their own animals. Since humans seem...
For many dogs and cats, the arrival of spring means that shedding season is here. The temporary closure of pet grooming businesses for public health reasons can be difficult for dog owners accustomed to handing their pups over to a professional for grooming services. We’ve gathered...