Articles Index
Veterinary Questions and Answers
There are so many pain relievers available to humans that choosing just one can be confusing. Not so with our pets. There aren't many over-the-counter pet pain relievers. When a pet is in pain, owners are eager to give medication to ease that pain, but giving human medications to animals can cause more problems than it cures. Learn why in this article.
Pet Health Insurance Company Interview: Petsecure
This interview is part of a continuing series of pet health insurance company interviews. I will be using the same ten questions for a variety of veterinary health insurers so that viewers can learn about each company and compare what plans are available. In this interview, Randy Valpy, President & Chief Operating Officer for Petsecure, answers ten questions about pet care plans available through Petsecure.
Pet Health Insurance Company Interview: Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)
This is the first in a series of pet health insurance company interviews. I will be using the same ten questions for a variety of veterinary health insurers so that viewers can learn about each company and compare what plans are available. In this interview, Brian Iannessa, Public Relations Supervisor for Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), answers ten questions about pet care plans available through VPI.
Pet Heath Insurance: VPI Spotlight
This is a companion piece to the Pet Heath Insurance Basics Interview with Dr. Carol McConnell, with answers that are more specific to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) policies.
Pet Heath Insurance Basics
Shopping for the "right" insurance policy for our pets is tough. There are so many choices and health care considerations to take into account. The terminology used to describe plans and coverage may also add to the confusion. I am grateful for the opportunity to interview Dr. Carol McConnell of Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) to find out the basics of what pet health insurance is (and isn't) to help pet owners make an informed decision.
Pet Heath Insurance - Is It Worth It?
Insurance for pets has been available for 20-plus years, but for most pet owners, the concept of pet health insurance is still relatively new. The variety of coverage plans, while encouraging, are often viewed with confusion and even suspicion as far as actually reducing the costs of pet care. Here are some perspectives from the viewers of this site and their experiences with pet health insurance.
Pet Insurance Shopping Tips
Shopping for health insurance, whether for humans or pets, is confusing. So many options. So many exclusions. We can't predict the future -- what plan will best suit our needs and grow with us? Asking questions is the first step to ruling out plans that won't work and finding plans that will. Assistance with finding a health plan that offers the best coverage and fits within the budget is the goal of this article.
Pets and Fireworks
As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder storms can cause a great deal of stress for some animals. Learn how to avoid stress for your pets, and tips to keep them from running when the sparks start flying.
Veterinary Vaccinations: The Fallacy of Titer Tests
How does the immune system "handle" vaccines, what do titer tests show, and what are the best vaccination choices for your pet? Guest author Will Falconer, DVM, a Certified Veterinary Homeopath, discusses his opinions of pet vaccinations and vaccine titers.
Pet Life Jackets
I have mentioned pet life jackets before on this site as they relate to overall safety in the summer and around water. This article examines pet life jackets more closely and will hopefully help pet owners decide if a life jacket is a good idea for their pet(s). I've decided that they are a great idea for my dog, Sophie!
Veterinary Q & A - B.A.R.F. Diet
It is commonly known as the "Bones And Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food" diet. What exactly is in this diet? Is this method of feeding something you should consider for your pets? Find out what our readers have to say in this interactive article.
Follow up to: ProMeris - Adverse Reactions or Urban Legend?
An email about adverse ProMeris reactions reported by an owner of 7 dogs spread like wildfire on the Internet in April of 2008. Fort Dodge, the manufacturer of ProMeris, did ultimately issue a response, confirming that they did receive an adverse event report. At this writing they are evaluating the situation. Viewer comments suggest that this was not an isolated incident. Read more and decide for yourself.
Vet School Diaries: Jen
The Vet School Diaries were started years ago to provide a peek at life "behind the scenes" of vet school and vet tech school. This diary will be maintained by Jen in California who will be starting vet tech school soon to work toward her goal of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
Veterinary Q & A: Pancreatitis in Dogs and Cats
It's that time of year again - holiday feasts and yummy treats start to appear everywhere. It is tempting to give extra treats to pets too, but caution is advised -- Pancreatitis and other stomach/gut upsets can occur, leading to a trip to the vet in some cases. Pancreatitis can also occur without a known history of fatty food ingestion. Learn about the risk factors of over-indulgence for pets and Pancreatitis in general.
Continuing Education (CE) Spotlight: VetMedTeam
Continuing Education (CE) is something required of most health professions as a means for practitioners to stay current in their field. In the "old days" before the Internet, completing CE meant taking time off of work, traveling to a conference, and attending the various seminars. Today, the Internet makes CE available 24/7. Learn about VetMedTeam; a online provider of veterinary continuing education.
Dog Days of Summer - Does Coat Color Make A Difference?
A viewer asks: "Does the color of the coat of a dog make much difference in the dog-days of summer?" Learn the answers to this interesting hot weather question and the origins of the term, "dog days of summer".
Veterinary Q & A: Hot Spots
Veterinary Q & A: Hot spot skin inflammation in Pets.
Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy in Veterinary Medicine
Stem cells have been in the news in recent years because they can grow and differentiate into many types of cell types. For cells originating from human embryos, there are many ethical and legal debates about usage of these cells. Scientists are now focusing on adult stem cells; cells from adult animals that do not harm the animal to procure the cells. Treatment potential spans many types of diseases and injury. Learn more in this article on stem cell therapy in animals.
Camping With Pets
Summer is almost here, and for many people, that means dusting off the camping gear! The fresh air, recreational activities, camp food, campfire, and some well-deserved relaxation are all part of camping. Unfortunately, so are the insect bites, burned or soggy camp food, lumpy beds, and bad weather conditions. Learn how to prevent accidents and avoid emergencies in this article.
Well-Intentioned Pet Owners Unknowingly Poisoning their Pets
According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the number one insurance claim by far for poisonings in 2007 was owner-induced; classified as "drug reactions" (3,455 claims). Most of these drug reaction poisonings were caused by pet owners giving their pets drugs intended for human use, such as over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. Learn about this dangerous practice of giving pets human medicines and 9 other top household toxins.
The Human-Animal Bond
Did you know that there are actual health benefits for the owners of pets? Studies have shown real health benefits: lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and better mental health for those living with pets. Pets also help us by being service animals for the blind, deaf or hearing-impaired and physically handicapped. Learn more about the benefits of pets in this article.
Veterinary Diseases and Conditions Organized by Body System
Canine Veterinary Diseases and Conditions - Organized by Body System.
Featured Veterinary Practices
Enjoy virtual tours of veterinary clinics and hospitals from around the world. See what other practices offer, and possibly learn something new; many veterinary practice sites include pet health articles that benefit both local clients and far away visitors alike.
Aging Pet Care Awareness - Separating Myths From Facts
A comment that I hear frequently (and say myself!) is that pets don't live long enough. As veterinary medicine advances and pet lover's awareness grows, longer and healthier lifespans are possible. Average pet lifespan varies greatly between dogs, cats and breeds. Being aware of the changes age brings will help owners prepare for optimal pet health in the senior years.
Veterinary Q & A: Caring for Geriatric Dogs
What is "normal" for an older dog? When should your vet be consulted? Keep your senior pet as active and healthy as possible by learning the answers to these questions and many more in this veterinary Q & A.