Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM MSc (Veterinarian)

Generally speaking, insulation can be found in every house. It can keep the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If your dog has eaten insulation, take them to the vet immediately. Even in small amounts, insulation can cause severe health problems, which can range from vomiting, abdominal pain, distension, and constipation

Snails and slugs love plants because they feed on them. Dogs are curious animals that like to stick their noses in grass, leaves, and puddles, which means they are exposed to the dangers lurking in those places. Slugs and snails can be vectors (intermediate hosts) for dangerous parasites, including lungworms, which can lead to severe

Cardiomyopathy in dogs is divided into two major classes: dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common form of cardiomyopathy found in dogs. DCM is manifested by the dilation and alteration of the left ventricular function or both ventricles. This condition is found especially in large, middle-aged dogs (4–8 years old), most

When it comes to food, dogs are notoriously greedy, even desiring their owners’ food. But not all the foods that humans can consume are healthy or safe for our pets. Unhealthy or toxic foods can cause severe adverse reactions and even death. A delicious hazelnut spread, Nutella also contains chocolate, which makes it toxic for

Tooth resorption is a common disease in dogs and represents the loss of tooth structure. It occurs when the body removes tissue that contains minerals. As a progressive disease, it leads to the loss or destruction of teeth. Resorption can affect all the parts of a tooth, including the pulp, the cementum (which covers the

The Papillon is a small but feisty dog that has plenty of energy and friendly behavior. The breed’s name is due to the winged appearance of their raised ears (“papillon” in French means “butterfly”). However, there are individuals with drooping ears, which are called “phalene” or “night moth” ears. The Papillon originated in France as

Carprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug for veterinary use and is administered to dogs to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with musculoskeletal disorders and degenerative joint processes. This medication can also be used post-operatively for pain control. Carprofen should not be administered to pregnant and lactating females. Side effects may include vomiting, loose/dark stools, diarrhea,

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a handsome breed that was developed in Africa to be a hunter and guardian. These dogs are smart but sometimes stubborn. They have a moderate level of energy and a coat that is easy to care for. Nowadays, they are more likely to hunt for a spot on the sofa after

When your puppy starts moving suddenly as if drunk, they might be experiencing ataxia or uncoordinated/wobbly walking. Vestibular ataxia makes a dog appear as if they are walking drunk, and they might act like everything is spinning around them. The vestibular system stabilizes the body in three-dimensional space and contributes to its stable perception. This

Dogs must be taken out for a walk every day to defecate and exercise, but taking your dog for a walk on hot days can be challenging. What should you do when it’s hot outside? What temperature is too hot to walk your dog? If the thermometer indicates that the temperature is around 68°F, it

Dogs can suffer from neurosis, but the cases are quite rare. Neurosis is a mental disorder that involves chronic stress resulting from extreme anxiety and insecurity. Neurotic dogs suffer from functioning deficits. Neurosis is characterized by anxiety, depression, or distress that is not consistent with your dog’s life circumstances. They can affect your dog’s functioning,

Bernese Mountain Dogs, also known as “Berners” among the enthusiasts of this breed, are gentle giants and one of the most attractive Swiss service dogs. They have shiny, soft, black fur and gorgeous markings. They are robust with solid bones and powerful shoulders. In some situations, Bernese Mountain Dogs need 2–3 years to reach full

Anxiety in dogs can be triggered in different situational or behavioral contexts. You may not always be with your beloved four-legged friend when they feel anxious, so you may consider purchasing a body wrap to help them in difficult moments. There are not enough evidence-based studies to prove that body wraps help anxious dogs, but

Grass allergies are common in dogs and are caused by grass pollen. The pollen floats in the air, so dogs do not need to be physically in the grass for their allergies to be triggered. Allergy attacks tend to occur more often in fall and spring when pollen is more abundant due to the variation

People who have allergies usually present watery eyes and runny noses, sneezing, and scratching. Similarly, dogs can be allergic to pollen and food, as well as to the hair of other animals. Although it’s not common, dogs can also be allergic to humans. Humans leave dander behind, like other animals, and dogs can be allergic

A good quality complete and balanced diet, regular vet visits, a strong bond, and physical activity are essential aspects to keep your dog happy and healthy. But do you need to give supplements to your dog to keep them free from vitamin and mineral deficiencies? Do they need them to stay healthy? While there are

If your dog has to undergo a routine or complex surgical procedure, your veterinarian has most likely informed you that before the surgery, your pet should not eat for 8–12 hours or drink water for 2 hours. Fasting before surgery with general anesthesia is crucial, whether we are talking about humans or pets. The role of

Do you think that your dog’s heart is beating faster than usual and want to know what the normal heart rate is for dogs? As a general rule, a dog’s heart rate varies according to their size and age but is generally somewhere between 60 and 120 beats per minute. Therefore, small dogs and puppies

Does your dog have red, inflamed, and watery eyes without other clinical signs? They probably have conjunctivitis, a common eye problem in dogs. Also called pink eye, it can occur in any dog breed, regardless of age. It is important to note that once conjunctivitis has localized in one eye, it can easily spread to

Surgical interventions are a part of the life of many pets. Most dogs will undergo surgery only once in their lives to be spayed or neutered. Other dogs will have scheduled surgical procedures to extirpate nodules, warts, tumors, etc. There are also biopsy procedures and exploratory or emergency surgeries. In the latter, the vet may