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...
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...
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,...
Rocky is the beloved dog of a family that has had some financial ups and downs due to medical bills from a cycling hit and run accident, followed by COVID-19 related layoffs. When Rocky developed the serious spinal disorder intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Rocky's family could...
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...
While we know that different people have varying degrees of tolerance for physical pain, what do veterinarians and members of the public think about pain sensitivity in different dog breeds? A new study asked both veterinarians and the general public to rate pain sensitivity in...
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...
This sweet kitty is Lucy, pictured with her best friend Mikey! Lucy recently fell ill, she was lethargic and unable to hold down food. The veterinary team at VCA California Veterinary Specialists in Murrieta, CA found that Lucy swallowed a foreign object and had to...
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...
Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, and is transmitted by the bite of infected deer ticks. Dogs are at increased risk for contracting Lyme disease in the spring and summer months. Lyme disease has been found in all 50 U.S. states,...
This fashionable little pup is 10 month old Moosh! Moosh’s “mom” had been working in the hospitality industry, but when events started being canceled due to the COVID-19 health crisis, she was laid off from her job. It’s never a good time for a pet to...
As more and more businesses are temporarily closing due to the Coronavirus outbreak, many concerned pet owners are wondering if their local veterinary practices will be open. According to an article on the Veterinary Information Network website, some—but not all—states are declaring veterinary clinics as...
Cute little Theo is a rescue pup living with a single mom who is both working and studying for a degree. While she works hard to provide for her family, Theo's mom wasn't prepared for his recent veterinary emergency. Theo began urinating blood and his vet...
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has created a fact sheet on Coronavirus for pet owners. They address common concerns, including whether or not cats and dogs can become infected with the virus or pass it on. As of this time, there is no evidence that...
An important animal awareness holiday happens in March: Pet Poison Prevention Month. The ASPCA urges pet owners to be mindful of the following common pet poison hazards: Household cleaning products Pesticides (insect and rodent) Certain people foods Automotive products (like antifreeze) Medicines (human and pet, Rx...
Veterinarians at the University of California, Davis have been studying the health of cats affected by the recent California wildfires. They have found that cats who suffered burns and smoke inhalation developed a high incidence of cardiovascular problems. Researchers examined 51 cats referred for veterinary treatment...
The Royal Veterinary College recently completed a large study on elbow disease in UK dogs. Researchers examined the records of over 455,000 dogs under veterinary care to determine the risk factors for elbow disease in dogs. Here are some highlights of the study, you can read...
Poor little Lei Lei was just 13 months old when she swallowed a coin that got stuck in her stomach. Lei Lei needed emergency surgery to remove this foreign body obstruction. Lei Lei's family could not afford the full cost of the surgery and reached out...
The new strain of coronavirus from Wuhan, China (2019-nCoV) is believed to be a virus that jumped from animals (possibly bats via another species) to humans. While its contagiousness among people is a worldwide health concern, what about our pets? Veterinarians at Texas A&M University report...
Taking your dog for a walk is a great way for you and your pet to enjoy quality time together and get in some healthy exercise. Seems like a simple activity, but the American Veterinary Medical Association reminds dog owners to keep their best friend’s...