Congestive heart failure (CHF) is common in dogs. Small breed dogs such as poodles, Yorkshire terriers and ShihTzu tend to suffer from chronic valvular disease and this leads to congestive heart failure. In large breed dogs, the problem is generally with the heart muscle and is actually called cardiomyopathy. With congestive heart failure the heart is not able to pump efficiently so the rest of the body suffers because of the heart’s weakness. Many times the first indication that there… Continue reading →

February is Pet Dental month in many veterinary practises in Canada and the United States. Oral hygiene is an important issue for dogs and cats. Bad breath is very common in dogs and cats and is often the first sign of dental disease. 85 % of all dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age of 2 years. Periodontal disease starts with plaque accumulating on the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar. Accumulations of tartar… Continue reading →

Separation anxiety is a very common behavioral problem in dogs. It comes about because the dog fears or dislikes isolation. This causes him to engage in undesirable behaviors such as excess barking or whining, inappropriate urination or defecation, destructive behaviors or hyperactivity. Typically these dogs engage in these undesirable behaviors while the owners are gone and then have an excessive and prolonged greeting when the owner returns. What causes separation anxiety? Sometimes it is caused by trauma in a young… Continue reading →

Just like their human companions, cats can suffer from asthma. It is thought that currently about 1% of all cats suffer from this condition but that number is increasing with increased environment pollution. Feline asthma, or feline bronchial disease (allergic airway disease or allergic bronchitis) is caused by a spasm of the small airways in the lungs, the bronchii. This spasm is usually caused by an allergic reaction to something inhaled and causes inflammation and swelling. This restricts the airflow and… Continue reading →

It is no surprise to find that indoor cats live longer than their outdoor cousins. Indoor cats are not exposed to weather changes, certain poisons, unfriendly dogs, certain infectious diseases or car accidents. An indoor cat may live 12 to 18 years whereas an outdoor cat may only live 2 or 3 years. Indoor cats still have challenges and health concerns that may be different from those kitties that live out doors. Indoor cats still have “cat instincts” that tell them… Continue reading →

Here is something to make you smile through out your day. The original was written by Deanna Mascle but I have added and adapted. 5 Life Lessons I Learned from my dog: 1. We humans don’t touch each other enough but our dogs do. Dogs know that a simple touch, lick, a kiss can make all the difference in the world. A hug goes a long way. Hug someone today including your dog. 2. Never overlook the chance to take… Continue reading →

Pet owners frequently complain of age related problems with their older pets. Common complaints are house training issues, memory loss, confusion, disorientation, panting, drooling, wandering, night pacing and other sleep disturbances , obsessive licking and other conditions. These behaviours usually start gradually and many times owners do not notice them until they are quite severe. How common is this syndrome? Approximately 30% of all 11 year old dogs have this condition and 100% of all 16 year old dogs are… Continue reading →

Anal sac disease or anal gland disease is a very common and smelly problem in dogs. If you have ever smelled a terrible, fishy smelling odour from the back end of your favourite dog, you have experienced the smell of anal gland discharge! Anal sacs are scent glands that live at the 4 and 8 o’clock position inside the rectum. They hold a dog’s particular scent. A small amount of the scent is expelled every time the dog has a… Continue reading →

Feline gingivitis or stomatitis is a very common problem in adult cats. It is painful inflammation of the gums, and mouth. Often the gums and gingival tissue is red, swollen and bleeding. Bad breath is always present and sometimes there is infection. No one really knows what causes this problem although there are a few theories. Some cases seem to be related to food allergy or sensitivity. Other may have existing oral cavity disease – specifically unattended to dental disease.… Continue reading →

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is a progressive, long-term degeneration of the cartilage of the joints. DJD is common in older cats although many show no symptoms of lameness. Instead, cats frequently will have difficulty grooming, jumping up, or using the litter box. Some cats appear stiff when they walk, become very grouchy or do not wish to be touched. DJD can occur secondary to obesity, trauma, abnormal wear on the joints,or congenital joint diseases like hip dysplasia. In many cases,… Continue reading →