Ask the Vet

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

Akitas are a gorgeous breed originally hailing from Japan. With their thick coat, sturdy stature, and loyalty, it’s no wonder people saved the breed when it was close to extinction. Akitas are as loyal as they come in the dog world but must be socialized well from an early age. They are large dogs, getting

Many of you may already be familiar with the common human injury widely known as an “ACL” (anterior cruciate ligament) tear. However, far fewer people are familiar with the canine equivalent of this injury, which is called a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injury. In this article, we’ll learn what this musculoskeletal injury entails in our

Witnessing your beloved companion experience a seizure can be devastating. Knowing your options for how you can help prevent seizures provides a sense of empowerment. There are currently several antiseizure medications on the market, along with diets and herb supplements that can be beneficial to dogs who experience seizures. What Is a Seizure? A seizure

You’re likely reading this because your dog has swallowed a bully stick and you need to know what to do next. A bully stick is a dog chew usually made from the penis of a bull. They are long thin chewy stick treats for dogs. They are designed to be chewed over a long period,

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

Rhinitis and sinusitis are medical conditions that mean inflammation of the nose (rhinitis) and inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis). Rhinosinusitis, then, is if both rhinitis and sinusitis occur together at the same time. In dogs, there are various causes of these medical conditions, and in this article, we’ll discuss these as well as potential signs

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

Gastrointestinal parasites commonly infect our four-legged companions. One of the more challenging parasites to rid dogs of is whipworms due to their long life cycle. General debilitation, weight loss, and diarrhea are just a few of the signs a dog with a whipworm infection may have. Continue reading below to learn more about whipworms in

It is probably not hard to recall the last time you brushed your teeth, but how about your pup’s pearly whites? Dental disease is incredibly common, affecting more than 80% of adult dogs1. However, cavities are pretty rare. The dogs’ diet, oral bacteria, saliva pH, and the shape and spacing of their teeth are different from

Dogs can inhale or ingest fungal spores from the environment and acquire a fungal infection in their lungs, intestinal tract, or systemically in several organs and tissues. One such fungal infection is histoplasmosis. Diagnosis of this disease involves cytology and/or histopathology evaluation, and treatment may involve a prolonged and expensive course of antifungal therapy. What

If you’re about to become a “dogmother” or “dogfather,” the chances are that you want to be prepared for anything. Part of that preparation is making sure you have all the right equipment: blankets, towels, and a whelping box. However, the other crucial part is knowing what to expect when the time comes for the

Dogs can burn their paw pads if they stand or walk on hot surfaces, such as asphalt or pavement during a hot summer day. Fires, rough terrain, snow and ice, extensive exercise, and certain chemicals that your dog may accidentally walk through can also cause burns. Most pet parents are familiar with the dangers of

You’ve just gotten home and found trash strewn throughout your living room. The kitchen trash can is on its side, and your pooch looks guilty. You panic: should I be worried if my dog ate plastic? This is something you should be concerned about, but it does depend on a few factors. Read on to

Soft tissue sarcomas are a category of tumors that originate from muscle, connective, or nervous tissue in dogs. The tumor arises from an abnormal, uncontrolled overgrowth of cells. They can be found in any location in the body that houses these cell types. They are commonly seen in or on the skin. They are malignant

Dogs frequently lick their lips and swallow. There are many reasons why they do this. Some are completely harmless and a normal part of their routine, some are an indication that there is something wrong, or a warning sign of something about to happen. If you notice your dog has started licking and drooling or

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

Boston Terriers can make excellent family pets. They are an affectionate, lively breed and they respond well to mental stimulation so they can easily be trained. They are a brachycephalic breed. This means they have a short skull shape which gives them the appearance of a flat face, and there are health and welfare issues

Airedale Terriers are affectionately called the “King of the Terriers.” They are lovable creatures and make brilliant family pets. They can be stubborn, and they require a lot of exercise. Airedale Terriers are, unfortunately, prone to certain hereditary diseases. It is important owners are well-informed and understand the breed’s potential health problems before bringing one

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, snails, and frogs can be vectors (intermediate hosts) for dangerous parasites, including lungworms, which can lead to

We’ve all been there. You’re on a walk when suddenly something grabs the attention of your dog’s nose. Before you know it, your pup has picked up something from the ground and started munching on it. You quickly try to pull it from their mouth before it goes down the hatch. You notice small white

So, you are at the beach and enjoying your day when your beloved dog decides to make a meal out of sand. Should you be worried? The answer is yes, it is an urgent matter depending on the amount consumed. If your dog only ingested a small amount of sand, it is unlikely to be

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

Loving your dog means more than petting them and giving them kisses. It also involves duties like deworming them and taking them to the vet regularly. There’s also the fact that if your dog is not dewormed and has fleas or ticks, they can make you sick. Therefore, deworming and applying antiparasitic products (for fleas

Unfortunately, dogs love to eat all sorts of things; stinky socks, rotting food, scurrying bugs, dead animals, fecal material—you name it, and a dog somewhere has probably tried to eat it! But what about, more specifically, stink bugs? Could this common bug pose a serious or fatal problem to your dog? The short answer is

It’s easy to fall into the trap of overfeeding your dog, and a majority of a general practice veterinarian’s day includes coaching owners on how to tell if their dog is eating the right amount of food. With more ready knowledge and resources available about weight loss, what do you do if you think your