Dr. Joe Mallat DVM (Veterinarian)

If you’re missing a condom and suspect your dog has eaten it, don’t panic. Dogs will eat all sorts of harmless and dangerous things; thankfully, most cases of condom ingestion don’t result in any issues. Having said that, you might be left wondering a few things. Why do dogs eat condoms? And what are the […]

How concerned should we be about dehydration in dogs? Can it cause neurological issues such as seizures? Thankfully, dehydration is an uncommon cause of seizures in dogs. The main situation in which vets observe dehydration and seizures together is heat stroke. However, in episodes of heat stroke, there are other severe internal or metabolic derangements

Paw pad yeast infections in dogs are one of the causes of interdigital dermatitis or pododermatitis. These pesky infections are usually the result of skin allergies, though wounds and other skin conditions can also result in yeast infections of the paw. Most yeasts behave similarly—they thrive in moist, damp environments. If you’ve noticed irritation between

Rawhide chews have gained popularity among dog owners, providing entertainment to their dogs while simultaneously maintaining good dental hygiene. However, opinions are mixed, and it appears the jury is still out. Rawhide advocates will say they are the best option out there, safer than bones and more natural than dental chews. Rawhide opponents, on the

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a life-threatening condition in which a dog’s immune system starts attacking and destroying the body’s own red blood cells. As red blood cells distribute oxygen around the body, they are very important to almost every aspect of health and cellular function. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is often referred to as “immune-mediated hemolytic

Canine hyperkeratosis is a skin condition in which dogs produce too much keratin. Keratin is one of the most important structural proteins found in skin, hair, and nails, as well as beaks and horns. In dogs, hyperkeratosis is most commonly seen on the footpads and nose, though other parts of the body can be affected.

Vitamins are essential to the overall health of people: they help fight infections, metabolize food, heal wounds, and regulate hormones. But what about their role in dogs? Though not often spoken of, they are just as important in our canine friends. This article will focus on Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Inadequate thiamine in

A number of fungal infections can affect our canine companions. Some of these fungal infections are superficial or “local” diseases, such as ringworm and yeast dermatitis, which are problematic but not life-threatening. Other fungal infections, such as Aspergillosis and Cryptococcosis, can involve multiple internal organs and are much more serious. This article will explore common

If your dog loves to lick you, but the smell of their face is unpleasant, you’re not alone! This is something lots of dog owners experience. A smelly dog face can be caused by crusty eyes, ear infections, dermatitis, poor dental hygiene, or a dirty coat. Getting your dog to a quality groomer certainly helps,

Vision is crucial to your dog’s health and quality of life. With advances in both veterinary and owner care, dogs are living longer than ever before—great news for dogs and their families! However, as dogs get older, they become more prone to age-related eye issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disease. These are relatively

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects caused by the incorrect formation of a puppy’s mouth during pregnancy. Similar clefts also occur in human babies. While some clefts can be visualized without any difficulty, others are far less obvious. Similarly, some clefts do not need any treatment at all, while others require corrective surgery.

Caring for a newborn litter of pups is exciting and rewarding. At times, it may feel like a full-time job, but we can assure you it’s all worth it! Compared to some other species of mammal, puppies are born fairly vulnerable or “immature”. If a puppy is unable to feed from its mother, it is

When you decided to bring a dog into your family, you probably didn’t envisage dealing with scabs on her nipples. Or his nipples, for as it turns out, male dogs aren’t immune to the problem either! So, what’s it all about? The first thing to mention is that it’s generally no reason to panic. Allergies,

If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, your vet probably spoke to you about the importance of food. Some vets will recommend a prescription or commercial diet that is formulated for dogs recovering from pancreatitis. Others may recommend simple home-cooked food for the next couple of weeks. Got sweet potato in the fridge? Good

If you haven’t heard of scabies in dogs, you may have heard some of its other names—Sarcoptes, sarcoptic mange, or even just “mange”. We’ll avoid the use of the last name, as “mange” can technically be caused by any parasitic mite. Instead, we’re focusing on one specific mite: Sarcoptes scabiei. This is the mite that

Dogs are prone to developing all sorts of lumps and bumps. Papillomas, known as warts, are benign and fairly common tumors that develop in young dogs, though dogs of any age can be affected. But what does it mean, and what do you need to know if your vet has told you that your dog