Questions and Answers - Veterinary Medicine
Find answers to common small animal veterinary questions here - fleas, parvo, pancreatitis, HGE, Benadryl, aspirin, and more. Learn about veterinary conditions and diseases of dogs and cats.
Tongue Tip - Turn off paper shredder auto run setting to project your…
Curious pets and auto-run paper shredding machines can be a dangerous mix. This type of story appears every so often in the news and is not an urban legend; pets and small children really do get injured by these machines. Usually the damage occurs by a machine set to turn on as soon as paper is inserted, but sometimes children helping parents shred papers are also victims.
Curious pets and auto-run paper shredding machines can be a dangerous mix. This type of story appears every so often in the news and is not an urban legend; pets and small children really do get injured by these machines. Usually the damage occurs by a machine set to turn on as soon as paper is inserted, but sometimes children helping parents shred papers are also victims.
Animal Emergencies - Keep Numbers in Your Cell Phone to be Prepared f…
Most people have their vet's phone number close at hand, if not memorized. What about other types of animal emergencies? Do you know who to call and what the phone number is? Having emergency phone numbers stored in your phone could make all of the difference if you find an animal injured on a dark road at night.
Most people have their vet's phone number close at hand, if not memorized. What about other types of animal emergencies? Do you know who to call and what the phone number is? Having emergency phone numbers stored in your phone could make all of the difference if you find an animal injured on a dark road at night.
Money saving tips to help pet lovers afford vet care, food an…
These are tough economic times for people and pets, and sadly, record numbers of animals are being abandoned and surrendered at shelters. Some people are even having to make difficult decisions regarding euthanasia when faced with pet health problems and high vet bills (also known as "economic euthanasia"). In spite of this depressing news, there are ways to help. Please share what works for you …
These are tough economic times for people and pets, and sadly, record numbers of animals are being abandoned and surrendered at shelters. Some people are even having to make difficult decisions regarding euthanasia when faced with pet health problems and high vet bills (also known as "economic euthanasia"). In spite of this depressing news, there are ways to help. Please share what works for you …
Interview with Dr. Nancy Kay - Author of Speaking For Spot
Nancy Kay DVM DACVIM, is the author of Speaking For Spot, a book about pet patient advocacy. I reviewed Speaking For Spot and found it to be an excellent resource for both pet lovers and veterinarians. I was pleased that Dr. Kay was available for an interview. Now viewers can get to know her better and learn about the "how and why" of this book.
Nancy Kay DVM DACVIM, is the author of Speaking For Spot, a book about pet patient advocacy. I reviewed Speaking For Spot and found it to be an excellent resource for both pet lovers and veterinarians. I was pleased that Dr. Kay was available for an interview. Now viewers can get to know her better and learn about the "how and why" of this book.
Twitter: Do You Tweet?
I had looked at Twitter before, but just didn't "get" it and figured it was not for me. Thank goodness Trisha Torrey, Guide to Patient Empowerment at About.com introduced me to Twitter. While a bit confusing at first, Twitter is a great way to learn new things and meet people with similar veterinary interests.
I had looked at Twitter before, but just didn't "get" it and figured it was not for me. Thank goodness Trisha Torrey, Guide to Patient Empowerment at About.com introduced me to Twitter. While a bit confusing at first, Twitter is a great way to learn new things and meet people with similar veterinary interests.
Money and Pets: Taking Care of Our Pets in Tough Economic Times
News of tough economic times is everywhere, every day. People are spending less on themselves and on their pets. What have you sacrificed in terms of pet food or pet care? See how others are coping, and learn some money-saving tips to use at the food store and the veterinary office.
News of tough economic times is everywhere, every day. People are spending less on themselves and on their pets. What have you sacrificed in terms of pet food or pet care? See how others are coping, and learn some money-saving tips to use at the food store and the veterinary office.
Flea Question: What are those little "black pepper" spots on my dog?
This Frequently Asked Question is from Margaret. "My question is: my dog has these little black things in her fur that like little spots of black pepper. I took one off him today and it is real hard and cracks when I put it between my fingers. He has many of them on his little body. He went to the groomers last month and she didn't say anything about fleas. Is that what I am dealing with and what should I do?"
This Frequently Asked Question is from Margaret. "My question is: my dog has these little black things in her fur that like little spots of black pepper. I took one off him today and it is real hard and cracks when I put it between my fingers. He has many of them on his little body. He went to the groomers last month and she didn't say anything about fleas. Is that what I am dealing with and what should I do?"
Pet Supplies and Food: Save Money with eCoupons
This tip is a companion piece to the "Ways to Save Money on Pet Care and Vet Bills" article. Many online retailers offer discounts and money-saving coupon on pet supplies and food. Find out how to start saving here.
This tip is a companion piece to the "Ways to Save Money on Pet Care and Vet Bills" article. Many online retailers offer discounts and money-saving coupon on pet supplies and food. Find out how to start saving here.
9 Ways to Save Money on Pet Care and Vet Bills
Pets not only require our time and attention, they require our money, too. Food, vaccinations, and veterinary medical care all add up. In today's tough economy, people are rethinking their personal expenses and cutting the budget where they can. Here are some tips to keep your pet in good health while saving money.
Pets not only require our time and attention, they require our money, too. Food, vaccinations, and veterinary medical care all add up. In today's tough economy, people are rethinking their personal expenses and cutting the budget where they can. Here are some tips to keep your pet in good health while saving money.
Veterinary Pet Care and How-To Videos
Learn pet care and nutrition tips and watch how to administer medications, groom your pet and assess the optimal weight and body condition.
Learn pet care and nutrition tips and watch how to administer medications, groom your pet and assess the optimal weight and body condition.
Veterinary Medicine Site Map and Overview
Quick index to find the information you need on the veterinary medicine site at About.com.
Quick index to find the information you need on the veterinary medicine site at About.com.
Veterinary Knowledge Quizzes
Test your knowledge about veterinary terminology, diseases and parasites.
Test your knowledge about veterinary terminology, diseases and parasites.
Anal Sac Disease
What do to when your pet scoots!
What do to when your pet scoots!
Anthrax
Veterinary and human information about this much-talked about zoonotic disease.
Veterinary and human information about this much-talked about zoonotic disease.
Aspirin
Can you give a pet aspirin? Read the answer to this common question.
Can you give a pet aspirin? Read the answer to this common question.
BARF Diet
The diet with the interesting name -- the "Bones And Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods" (BARF) diet, has people talking. Read about this method of feeding your pet, and what our viewers have to say about it.
The diet with the interesting name -- the "Bones And Raw Food" or "Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods" (BARF) diet, has people talking. Read about this method of feeding your pet, and what our viewers have to say about it.
Bugs & Benadryl®
Learn what an insect bite/sting allergic reaction looks like in a dog (photos), and a viewer's account of using Benadryl® to counteract an allergic reaction in her dog.
Learn what an insect bite/sting allergic reaction looks like in a dog (photos), and a viewer's account of using Benadryl® to counteract an allergic reaction in her dog.
Catnip
Is Catnip safe? Why do some cats go crazy with Catnip?
Is Catnip safe? Why do some cats go crazy with Catnip?
Chocolate Toxicity
Chocolate is toxic to pets. How much is too much?
Chocolate is toxic to pets. How much is too much?
Dental Health
Do pets need their teeth cleaned? Yes! Learn about pet dental health, and how to keep your pet's teeth healthy.
Do pets need their teeth cleaned? Yes! Learn about pet dental health, and how to keep your pet's teeth healthy.
Fleas: Be Free of Fleas -- Part I
A discussion of the flea lifecycle, and why it is important to understand for total flea control.
A discussion of the flea lifecycle, and why it is important to understand for total flea control.
Fleas: Be Free of Fleas -- Part II
Make the fleas flee! Learn about the variety of flea products that are available today, and why using a combination of products is essential to be flea-free.
Make the fleas flee! Learn about the variety of flea products that are available today, and why using a combination of products is essential to be flea-free.
Heartworm Disease
Learn about the worm life cycle, how this disease is treated, and why prevention is so important.
Learn about the worm life cycle, how this disease is treated, and why prevention is so important.
Finding the right petsitter for your pets
I am not a frequent traveler. I am not sure if this is because I prefer staying home or the fact that I have so many pets. I have to be honest; the single biggest stressor for me as a traveler is what to do with my pets! This article was written to be used as a checklist for finding the most suitable caretaker for your pets when you are traveling.
I am not a frequent traveler. I am not sure if this is because I prefer staying home or the fact that I have so many pets. I have to be honest; the single biggest stressor for me as a traveler is what to do with my pets! This article was written to be used as a checklist for finding the most suitable caretaker for your pets when you are traveling.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
HGE, or Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, is a potentially life-threatening diarrheal disease with no known cause. Learn about this disease, and why it is important to seek veterinary care early for a successful recovery.
HGE, or Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, is a potentially life-threatening diarrheal disease with no known cause. Learn about this disease, and why it is important to seek veterinary care early for a successful recovery.
Holiday Eating & Pets
Holiday feeding guidelines to keep your pet healthy.
Holiday feeding guidelines to keep your pet healthy.
Itching, Scratching, and Hair Loss
What makes your pet itch, and what you can do to help soothe and protect your pet's skin.
What makes your pet itch, and what you can do to help soothe and protect your pet's skin.
Hot Spots
How to keep your dog "cool" when skin irritations flare up.
How to keep your dog "cool" when skin irritations flare up.
Lipomas (fatty tumors)
A common lump in dogs, occasionally seen in cats. It is always advisable to have every lump checked out by your vet.
A common lump in dogs, occasionally seen in cats. It is always advisable to have every lump checked out by your vet.
Mad Cow Disease (BSE)
What causes Mad Cow disease? What are the symptoms in cattle?
What causes Mad Cow disease? What are the symptoms in cattle?
Neuter Surgery in Dogs and Cats
Learn about this common surgery, also known as castration, and why it is important for the health of your pet.
Learn about this common surgery, also known as castration, and why it is important for the health of your pet.
Medication: Why won't my vet just refill my pet's prescription?
Pet owners commonly ask why they can't get a medication refilled for their pet without an examination. Whether for a recurring infection or a chronic condition that requires medication, your vet will likely want to see your pet on a regular basis prior to dispensing medication. Read this FAQ to learn the reasons why a check-in with the vet is required in most cases.
Pet owners commonly ask why they can't get a medication refilled for their pet without an examination. Whether for a recurring infection or a chronic condition that requires medication, your vet will likely want to see your pet on a regular basis prior to dispensing medication. Read this FAQ to learn the reasons why a check-in with the vet is required in most cases.
Pancreatitis
Fatty foods and other risk factors for this disease. Find out what to watch for.
Fatty foods and other risk factors for this disease. Find out what to watch for.
Parasites - Danger Lurks In Your Home And Garden!
The team at Farnam Pet Products discuss pests that pose health risk to pets and humans. Parasite illustrations included. First in a 5 part series on pet parasites.
The team at Farnam Pet Products discuss pests that pose health risk to pets and humans. Parasite illustrations included. First in a 5 part series on pet parasites.
Parvovirus (Parvo in Dogs)
Learn about this potentially deadly disease in dogs, and what you can do to protect your best friend.
Learn about this potentially deadly disease in dogs, and what you can do to protect your best friend.
Poisonings in Pets
Learn how to identify a possible poisoning, and how to keep your pet safe.
Learn how to identify a possible poisoning, and how to keep your pet safe.
Pet Care: How To Choose A Petsitter Or Kennel For Your Pet
Pets are part of the family and should have thorough, conscientious care while we are away. Here's how to choose the best pet care for your pet when you are away.
Pets are part of the family and should have thorough, conscientious care while we are away. Here's how to choose the best pet care for your pet when you are away.
Rabies
Health alert information about this fatal viral disease that is transmissible to humans.
Health alert information about this fatal viral disease that is transmissible to humans.
Salivary Gland Cyst (Sialocoele or Mucocoele)
Learn about this condition also called sialocele or salivary mucocele.
Learn about this condition also called sialocele or salivary mucocele.
Seizures (Epilepsy)
How to identify a seizure and what medications are available to control seizures.
How to identify a seizure and what medications are available to control seizures.
Senior Cats
The feline senior years -- what to expect, when to call the vet.
The feline senior years -- what to expect, when to call the vet.
Senior Dogs
The canine senior years -- what to expect, when to call the vet.
The canine senior years -- what to expect, when to call the vet.
Should I Call the Vet?
Is my pet really sick, or should I wait to call the vet?
Is my pet really sick, or should I wait to call the vet?
Should I Call the Vet? - Part II
Arthritis in pets, excess water drinking, and spaying older animals.
Arthritis in pets, excess water drinking, and spaying older animals.
Should I Call the Vet? - Part III
Bad breath, dental anesthesia, cat urinary problems.
Bad breath, dental anesthesia, cat urinary problems.
Spaying (Ovariohysterectomy)
learn about this common surgery, and why it is important for the health of your pet.
learn about this common surgery, and why it is important for the health of your pet.
Suture Site Healing
A veterinary question from the Veterinary Medicine Forum. A viewer asks if her dog's postoperative healing is normal.
A veterinary question from the Veterinary Medicine Forum. A viewer asks if her dog's postoperative healing is normal.
Torn Toenails
How to take care of torn and cut-too-close toenails.
How to take care of torn and cut-too-close toenails.
My Stinky Dog
What to do when shampoo isn't enough...
What to do when shampoo isn't enough...
Why Do Vets Do That?
Answers to common questions about veterinary care in general.
Answers to common questions about veterinary care in general.
Zoonotic Diseases
Diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans.
Diseases that are transmissible between animals and humans.
More Q & A
From career planning to tooth loss, your questions answered here.
From career planning to tooth loss, your questions answered here.