Veterinary Medicine: Most Popular Articles

Veterinary Q & A Archive
Veterinary Questions and Answers Archive - Veterinary Medicine

Canine Pregnancy
How long is a dog pregnant for? Do female dogs experience menopause? What health benefits can be gained from spaying (ovariohysterectomy) surgery? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.

Dog: Skin & Coat Diseases
Skin and Coat Diseases and Conditions of Dogs

Dry Nose - Health Problem?
Learning to observe what is normal and and what is not in animals that can't talk takes time and patience. A "dry nose" is often seen as a sign of illness in dogs and cats, but is it? The purpose of this FAQ is to serve as a basic guideline to know when to consult your vet to see if an examination is in order.

Parvovirus in Dogs
Parvovirus infection is a serious disease that affects the gasstrointestinal or cardiac systems of dogs. Parvo is a highly contagious and often sudden viral disease; puppies are particularly susceptible. Learn about the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Parvo in this article.

Can you give pets aspirin?
Veterinary Questions and Answers - Veterinary Medicine - Aspirin for Dogs and Cats Question

Dog: Cancer - General
Cancer (oncology) of Dogs - General Information

Dog Diseases
Canine Veterinary Diseases and Conditions - Organized by Body System.

A-Z Diseases: Cats
Feline Veterinary Diseases and Conditions - A to Z

Dog: Eye Diseases
Eye Diseases and Conditions of Dogs

HGE in Dogs
Veterinary Q & A - Hemorrhagic GastroEnteritis (HGE) in Dogs

FAQ: Hot Spots
Veterinary Q & A: Hot spot skin inflammation in Pets.

Lipomas (Fatty Tumors)
Veterinary Q & A - Lipomas (fatty tumors) in Dogs and Cats

Dog licking paws
Dogs licking their paws is a common complaint. Is this a medical problem or a behavioral one? How can I stop this often annoying activity? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.

Dog: Parasitic Diseases
Parasitic Diseases and Conditions of Dogs

Are Calico Cats Always Female?
Many people are surprised to hear that the vast majority of calico cats are female. Why is this? Is it possible for a calico cat to ever be male? Learn about the genetics of coat color in this feline FAQ.

Cat: Skin & Coat Diseases
Skin and Coat Diseases and Conditions of Cats

FAQ - Pets Eating Grass
Many people ask why their dog eats grass. The reasons can vary from they like the taste to possibly an empty or upset stomach.

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.

FAQ: Pancreatitis
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.

Ear Infections
Veterinary Q & A - Ear Infections and Conditions

Torn Toenail First Aid
Veterinary Questions and Answers - Torn Toenail First Aid. Toenail injuries are fairly common in dogs and cats, and staying calm is the key to taking the best care of your pet. Read this article to find out how to take care of an injured toenail in a dog or cat: safely stop bleeding, trim the torn nail, and proper aftercare precautions.

How To Remove a Tick
How to safely remove a tick from pets and humans.

FAQ: Spay Operation
Veterinary Q & A - Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) in Dogs and Cats

Dog Facts
What is a "normal" body temperature for your dog? How many teeth do dogs have as puppies and adults? What is the normal range for canine heart rates? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this article.

Chocolate Toxicity
Chocolate Toxicity - Veterinary Medicine

Neutering in Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Q & A - Neutering (Castration) in Dogs and Cats

Euthanasia - Knowing When
Having to make the decision to end a pet's life is never easy. How to evaluate "quality of life", and make a decision that that won't be filled with regret and guilt.

Dog Diseases: Urinary
Urinary bladder stones are a fairly common disease in canines. Learn more about bladder stones, kidney and prostate problems, and how to deal with urinary incontinence in pets.

Q&A: Catnip
Catnip is a plant that is part of the mint family and known by cat lovers as a common "fill" for many types of cat toys. Cats react to catnip in a variety of ways. Read this article to learn about this interesting herb and why it causes a myriad of behavioral signs in cats or, in some cats, no signs at all.

Veterinary Q & A - Why Does My Pet Scoot?
Veterinary Q & A - Bones And Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods: The BARF Diet

Top Poison Insurance Claims
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.

FAQ: My Stinky Dog
Have you ever asked what you can do to get rid of that "doggie" odor in your pet? It may not be as simple as changing the shampoo you use. Various skin and coat conditions can cause foul odor that may or may not be helped by simply bathing your pet. This Q & A is about a smelly dog and illustrates the importance of a thorough veterinary exam to rule out possible causes for a "smelly dog".

Hot Spot Q & A
Also known as "pyotraumatic dermatitis", these common pet skin lesions are usually caused (and made worse) by biting, licking, or scratching.

Dog: Digestive Diseases
Digestive and Liver Diseases and Conditions of dogs

Dog: Infectious Diseases
Infectious Diseases of dogs, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal causative agents, symptoms, and treatment options.

Canine Estrus Cycle
Non-spayed female dogs will go into "heat" or estrus usually twice a year. The age at which they start their cycles and the duration of the cycle varies greatly between the breeds of dogs and individual dogs. Learn more facts about canine estrus in this FAQ.

Vet Q & A: Itching
Veterinary Q & A - Itching, Scratching, and Hair Loss

Cat: Parasitic Diseases
Parasitic Diseases and Conditions of cats. Learn about ectoparasites such as mites and fleas, and endoparasites such as intestinal worms and heartworms.

Caring for Geriatric Cats
How old is "old" for a cat? What should cat owners be watching out for as their cat starts to slow down with age? Learn to distinguish what is "normal" as a cat ages, and what warrants a visit to your vet, in this Veterinary Q & A on senior cats.

Cat: Urinary Diseases
Urinary infections, blockages or crystals can plague cats at any age, and kidney disease is one of the most common diseases of senior cats. Find out more about these diseases and learn how to be aware of potentially serious changes in your cat's kidney and urinary health to keep them as healthy as possible.

Limping & Lameness
Common scenarios involving lameness and injury in dogs and cats presented to help viewer determine when to call the veterinarian.

Flea control methods
Fleas have a complex, 4 stage life cycle. Control of fleas on your pet and in your home must address all stages of this life cycle to stop the problem of flea infestation. This article will cover several different methods that are effective at controlling fleas when used properly.

Dog: Musculoskeletal Diseases
Muscular and Skeletal Diseases and Conditions of Dogs

Dog: Nervous System Diseases
Nervous System Diseases and Conditions of Dogs

Heartworm Disease
Most pet owners have heard of heartworms. But what do heartworms look like and how are they transmitted from animal to animal? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.

Dog Diseases: Allergy
Allergy and Atopy medical conditions in dogs

Understanding Euthanasia
Having to make the decision to end a pet's life is never easy. It is a subject that many people do not want to talk about until they have to, but then it becomes a decision made under emotional stress. When faced with this difficult decision, not knowing about the procedure can create worry and fear. The purpose of this article is to explore what happens when an animal is "put to sleep" and how to handle the grief from losing a pet.

Veterinary Q & A - Feliway
A FAQ on the use of Feliway® in cats for behavior modification. What is Feliway®? What is it used for? Does it work? These questions and more answered in this Veterinary Q & A.

Limp Tail Syndrome
Your otherwise healthy dog comes in from the backyard, a swim or a day playing with dog friends and you are shocked to find that he can't lift his tail all of the way. What happened? Is this an emergency? Read this FAQ to find out more about this fairly common tail occurrence of large breed dogs.

simba07063
Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets at ABout.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical medications, oral medications and special diets that veterinary dermatologists use to diagnose and return their patients to good health.

Emergency Situations
While we endeavor to take the very best care of our pets, sometimes it is confusing to know if they are sick or not, if is it an emergency, or if we can wait and watch to see if they will improve. This list is by no means the absolute list to know if you should take your pet to the vet or not (always call your vet if you have any question about your pet's health", but rather it is a list of the most commonly asked about medical conditions that should be seen as soon as possible.

Be Free of Fleas!
Fleas are bothersome to humans as well as pets. They may also carry diseases. To fully tackle a flea problem, it is important to know the flea life cycle and treat not only the pet but also the pet's environment. Learn some interesting facts about fleas and the recommended methods for controlling and eradicating fleas in your home in this article.

Veterinary Knowledge Quizzes
Veterinary Trivia game - stay sharp with these fun veterinary quizzes!

Veterinary Medicine - NYC and DC tragedy: Veterinary update
NYC and DC tragedy: Veterinary update -- Help is needed!

Dog: Endocrine Diseases
Endocrine Diseases and Conditions of Dogs; including diabetes, thyroid disease, pancreatitis, Cushing's, Addison's and more.

q&a-diagnosis
Using the internet for veterinary information to help make good pet care choices.

Cooling Off A Hot Spot
Also known as "pyotraumatic dermatitis", these common pet skin lesions are usually caused (and made worse) by biting, licking, or scratching. Here are some quick tips for relieving the itch and inflammation to give your pet some relief.

Pet Parasite Terminology
Farnam Pet Products helps you select the best product to fight fleas, ticks, and other pet parasites -- on your pet and in your home.

Dog: Blood Conditions
Blood and Immune Diseases and Conditions in the Dog, including AIHA (autoimmune hemolytic anemia), heartworm, pannus, pemphigus, von Willebrand's disease

How to Remove a Tick
There are many ideas about the "best" way to remove a tick, one of the most common tricks being making the tick "angry" enough to back out on its own. The truth is, this can actually make things worse; injecting more possible foreign material into the host (your pet or you) from the tick. Early removal of the tick is very important. Find out how to check for and remove ticks safely in this how to.

Zoonotic Diseases
Learn about many zoonotic diseases - those diseases transmitted from animals to humans

What is the flea life cycle?
Fleas. They make pets' lives miserable, and humans begin to itch just at the thought of them. Vets are often asked what pill, drop, dip, collar, or shampoo works the best to get rid of these persistent parasites. The answer is that there is no single method or insecticide that will completely eradicate (or at least control) a flea problem. The flea life cycle is fairly complex, and understanding the various stages will make it easier to get rid of them.

What is a histiocytoma?
The appearance of a raised, hairless and bright red "angry" looking skin lump on a young dog is characteristic of a histiocytoma. Is it cancerous? Is this something to be worried about? Read this FAQ to find out more about histiocytomas.

Spayed Dog in Heat?
This FAQ is taken from the Veterinary Medicine forum, where NIGHTSTARR1221 asks: "Our female dog was spayed when she was 4-5 months old. She is now 1-1/2 years old and bleeding; our male dog keeps trying to mate with her. The vet told my husband that sometimes this happens and that the way the dogs uterus is sometimes they miss an ovary and have to go back in. I cannot see that this is possible if they removed the uterus. Does anyone know if this is possible?"

Cat: Cancer
Cancer (oncology) of Cats - General Information

FAQ - Swollen Paw
Soft tissue swelling in an animal's paw may mean a few things: insect bite or sting, infection and abscession, or blunt tissue damage. First question to ask: is the paw painful? Learn more in this FAQ.

FURminator
The FURminator company makes several grooming tools, shampoos and treats for optimal coat health of dogs and cats. This review is focused on the FURminator deShedding Tool for large dogs (4 inch blade).

Veterinary Medicine - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Veterinary Medicine guide site.

What is Ringworm?
Ringworm derives its name from the classic red, round "worm like" lesion seen on human skin that is infected. It is not a worm though; it is a fungus that is spread from animals to humans. Read this FAQ to find out more about this zoonotic disease.

degenmyelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease involving the spinal cord. It is thought to be an inflammatory, autoimmune disease, variable in its presentation and course, in which the immune system attacks the dog’s central nervous system. Submitted by guest author Marjorie Zimmerman.

Pet Health Insurance
Is pet insurance worth it for your pet? What is the difference between an insurance plan and a wellness plan? Are pre-existing conditions or senior animals covered? Find out what is available and learn what questions to ask when searching for the best plan for your pet and lifestyle in this introductory article.

Pet Euthanasia
Here are some questions to consider when evaluating the quality of life for your pet. A general rule of thumb is when "the bad days outnumber the good days", but that can be difficult to assess. Becoming familiar with these guidelines will help pet owners determine when it is time to determine the best course of action for a terminally ill, geriatric, or injured pet.

Treatment for Tapeworms
Tapeworms are a very common parasite of dogs and cats. Most commonly transmitted by fleas, this parasite is also transmissible to humans who accidentally eat an infected flea (i.e. infants and children). Treatment for tapeworm infection in pets is easy if the correct drug is used.

Grapes & Raisin Toxicity
Originally thought to be an urban legend, it is now known that raisins and grapes are indeed toxic to dogs. The type of grape and the type of dog doesn't seem to matter, and the toxic amount may be a small serving to several ounces. Read this FAQ to learn what is known about this mystery toxin and to safeguard your pets from accidental poisoning.

Behavior Problems and D.A.P
Canine Behavior Spotlight: Behavior Problems and D.A.P - (Dog Appeasing Pheromone)

Infectious Tracheobronchitis
Most people have heard of "kennel cough", but what are the signs seen? Is the disease serious? How can I protect my pet? Learn these answers and more in this FAQ.

Orange Cat Freckles
A common question (and worry) of cat owners relates to black spots that just seem to "appear" on the lips, nose and eye margins, especially on orange colored cats. What is this, and are these spots something to worry about? Find out in this FAQ.

Feline Reproduction
Female cats can start their estrus (heat) cycles as young as four months of age. Signs of estrus can be confusing to pet owners, and cats may become pregnant without the owner being aware that the cat was in heat. Learn all about feline reproduction as well as the benefits of spaying and neutering pet cats.

Dental Care for Pets
Veterinary Q & A - Dental Care for Pets. Learn about dental disease in dogs and cats, what is involved in a dental cleaning, and how to keep your pet's mouth and teeth healthy with this Veterinary Q & A.

My pet is sick, no money
My pet is sick and I can't afford to go to the vet - Ideas and (possible options) for sick pets in financially tough times

When To Call the Vet
Veterinary Q & A - Should I Call The Vet? Part II

Feline House Soiling Problems
Feline House Soiling Problems - Veterinary Medicine

Vet Q & A: Salivary Gland Cyst
Veterinary Q & A - Salivary Gland Cyst (Sialocele)

VetTech Archives
A Day in the Life - Explore different careers working with animals, from veterinarian to kennel worker and many more!

Urinary Problems - Senior Dog
No matter what age your pet is, a noticeable increase in water intake (drinking) or urination often means there is an underlying medical problem. Also, a change in urinary habits, such as urinating in the house or where the pet sleeps, increased urge to urinate, or very dilute urine needs to be evaluated as soon as possible. One exception would be a senior pet with dementia (disoriented, forgetting housetraining), but other more common medical conditions must be ruled out first.

Tapeworm Medications
A friend of mine purchased some tapeworm medicine to deworm her cat. She noted that only one dose was needed, unlike the dewormer medication used for other types of worms (roundworms, hookworms, etc.). Was the tapeworm medicine a different dose? Why is only one dose needed? Learn more about tapeworm treatment in this FAQ.

Cat Digestive Diseases
Digestive and Liver Diseases and Conditions of cats

Equine Diseases and Conditions
Links to equine medical information, nutrition, and medicine. Hoof care, infectious diseases, nutrition, vaccinations, veterinary care and more, all to related horse health information.

Parvo Clinical Signs
Parvovirus infection is a serious disease that affects the gasstrointestinal or cardiac systems of dogs. Parvo is a highly contagious and often sudden viral disease; puppies are particularly susceptible. Learn what the common clinical signs are in this FAQ.

Could it be a bad tooth?
For a cat still active for his age but showing signs of drooling and sporting an unkempt hair coat, a thorough oral exam is necessary. While diseased gums and or teeth are always a possibility, other conditions must be ruled out. Learn more in this FAQ.

Dog: Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases of Dogs

Post surgery lump
A question that is commonly asked after a routine spay surgery is: "should I be concerned about the lump in the incision area?" This is especially true for cats. Is a post-operative swelling "normal" or cause for concern? This FAQ cannot offer a diagnosis or treatment, but will point out some common findings and when a call to your vet is warranted.

Vet Q & A: Seizures in Pets
Seizures are often scary to witness. What should you do if you suspect that your pet has had a seizure? What are the treatment options and prognosis? When are seizures an emergency? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ article.

Mad Cow Cause & Transmission
BSE, or Mad Cow Disease was discovered in the mid 1980's in the United Kingdom and the first US case was reported on 12/23/03 in Washington state. The purpose of this FAQ is to educate about the disease causative agent, how the disease is transmitted, and potential human concerns. For in-depth human health and current political issues concerning BSE, please visit with your local health care provider or refer to local/national/Internet news sources.

Gift Ideas for Veterinarians
The holidays are approaching, and if you are wondering how to say "thank you" to your favorite veterinarian and his/her staff, here are some great ideas for the whole clinic!

Dog: Behavioral Issues
Behavioral issues and problems in dogs, including ways to do behavior modification and training. Drug therapy is also discussed.

Cat Diseases: Cardio
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Conditions and Diseases of Cats

Feline Behavior Spotlight: Feliway® Cat Pheromone Spray Now Available As A Plug-In
Feline Behavior Spotlight: Feliway® Cat Pheromone Spray Now Available As A Plug-In

Poisonings in Pets
Poisonings in Pets: Learn the signs of poisoning, what to do, and what substances are poisonous to pets.

Hair Loss in a Cat
Veterinary Q & A - Itching, Scratching, and Hair Loss. Why is my cat going bald? What is the cause, and what is the treatment? Find out possible causes in this FAQ.

Learn about maggot infestation
Flies are common in the warmer months, and lay eggs in dead tissue/rotting material, and the eggs develop into larvae that need to eat. They larvae eat the dead and rotting tissue, and look like small, white grub worms. They appear quite fast (8-12 hours), and will eat away tissue on your pet if the right conditions are present. Learn how to prevent this undesirable condition in your pet.

Urinating out of the box
Urinating in odd places (out of litter box) could be a medical problem (infection, crystal formation), a behavioral problem, or a combination of both. The goal of this FAQ is to help identify and differentiate feline urinary medical and behavioral issues.

Lice on pets and people
Dealing with head lice is something most school officials and some parents are familiar with. Is the family dog at risk if the kids have lice? Did the kids catch lice from the cat? A lice parasite infection is termed pediculosis, no matter what species of animal is affected by lice. Read this FAQ to find out more about lice; a class of ectoparasites that affect many animals, including humans.

Veterinary Care Costs
Viewer submitted comments and opinions about the cost of veterinary care and pet ownership.

Degenerative Myelopathy
Guest author Marjorie Zimmerman discusses the stages of canine Degenerative Myelopathy in this companion piece to "Degenerative Myelopathy - Is It Stalking Your Dog?".

Bile Acid Test
Forum member TRISHA1920 asks: "My dog had his Bile Acid test today and I won't get the results until early next week. Does anyone know what a Bile Acid test is? It sounds like something to do with Acid in the gullet..." Find out the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.

Common Household Poisons
The average home contains many possible poisons for pets and children. Properly storing and locking up hazardous items is the first step to preventing accidental poisonings. It is also important to realize the ability of many pets to chew through child locking caps and "safe" containers.

Cuterebra Parasite Infection
A Cuterebra parasite is an opportunistic parasite found under the skin of small mammals. This parasite is the larval stage of the Cuterebra fly, who uses animal hosts to complete its life cycle. Learn more about this parasite most commonly seen in summer and fall in this FAQ.

Cat Facts
What is a "normal" heart rate for your cat? How long are cats pregnant for? Does a body temperature of 102.5F mean that your cat has a fever? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this article.

How To Find a Veterinarian
a how to guide on finding a veterinarian, vet specialist, or vet clinic in your area.

The Viewer Viewpoint - Wuffy
Wuffy was rescued/adopted 11 years ago. That in itself is a happy story. What's more, Wuffy has worked for over 10 years rescuing abandoned cats! This photo gallery contains images of Wuffy the dog and her various feline rescues and patients.

The Truth About Cats And Dogs
Pet statistics, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2001-2002 National Pet Owners Survey.

Equine Diseases and Conditions in Veterinary Medicine
Links to equine medical information, nutrition, and medicine

Ethylene Glycol toxicity
Acute cases of antifreeze toxicity (when an animal consumes antifreeze) often present as if the animal is intoxicated with alcohol. This is an emergency situation, and life threatening within hours. Please see your veterinarian immediately. Success of treatment depends on quick treatment.

Pet Loss & Children
Dealing with the loss of a pet is never easy. When children are involved, special considerations must be made to help them understand what is going on and how to deal with pet loss and grief. This article will address planning for euthanasia, how to recognize signs of grief in children, and ways to start healing after loss.

VetQ & A: Dental Care For Pets
Veterinary Q & A - Dental Care for Pets. Learn about dental disease in dogs and cats, what is involved in a dental cleaning, and how to keep your pet's mouth and teeth healthy with this Veterinary Q & A.

How to give your pet a bath
How to get the most out of a flea bath, the start of a good flea control program. Not every itchy dog (or cat) has fleas, though. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian if your pet is itching or has inflamed skin before initiating treatment or special shampoos. A shampoo is a good starting point for flea control, but must be used with other forms of flea control to be effective in the long term.

Lameness & Limping
As with any injury, there are so many variables involved -- age, weight, species/breed of animal, and the type of impact or injury that caused the lameness. This article will not offer a way to self-diagnose what is wrong if your pet is lame. Rather, the purpose of this article is to help pet owners identify when an injury is an emergency or if it can wait a bit for observation at home.

Summer Fun - Summer Safety
Summer pet safety, keep your pets safe from seasonal hazards

A Day In The Life...
A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian - Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Terminology
VetSpeak - Veterinary Terminology - Veterinary Medicine

Feeding Pets Table Scraps
Most people are aware of the dangers of feeding pets a diet of table scraps that are high in fat (trimmings, gravy, etc.), especially pets who do not consume table scraps on a regular basis. This FAQ addresses feeding pets corn on the cob, which may seem like a healthy alternative, but real dangers exist and this food item is not recommended for pets.

Canine Osteosarcoma: Lotsie
Canine Osteosarcoma - Lotsie's Story

UTI Symptoms
Urinary problems are commonly seen in dogs and cats. Symptoms can range from "obviously sick" to very few signs seen, depending on the length and severity of infection. Being familiar with possible warning signs could help save your pet's life. Learn more in this FAQ entry.

Skin Ailments In Pets
Diseases affecting the skin fall under two categories: primary and secondary. Primary skin ailments impact the skin directly, and may result from flea or tick infestation. Secondary diseases initially involve other organs and then impact the skin, such as hyperthyroidism, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.

What is the pancreas?
Most everyone has heard the anatomical term "pancreas", but just what is the pancreas, anyway? What is the function of the pancreas, and what happens when it isn't working properly? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.

How To Know When It Is 'time' to Euthanize a Pet
How to know when it is

Vet Q & A: Seizures in Pets
Seizures in Pets - how to recognize, what to do, and how to control.

Cats & Linear Foreign Bodies
String, yarn and other "linear" play items are popular items for cats, and cats love to follow the movement of string. Many cats will also try to ingest string, and this can be harmful. Tips to protect your cat from intestinal blockage or tears from string or other linear foreign bodies.

Gift Ideas For Pets & People
Holiday gift ideas for pets and pet lovers; with attention to safety, functionality, and each pet's particular preferences. Find something for your pet or pet lover on your holiday list here.

Flea and Tick Control Tips
Overview from your Guide on pest control, safety measures and tips on fighting fleas and ticks. This is followed by a press release from Farnam Pet Products announcing a new look for their line of parasite products.

Why does my pet itch?
Pets who are itchy and scratching their skin constantly are not only bothered themselves, they bother their owners, too! What causes itchy skin, and what can be done about it? Learn more in the dermatology FAQ.

Urinary Incontinence
Many dog owners have been startled to find a wet spot on the floor or bed after a pet gets up after a nap. The dog is usually feeling fine otherwise and may not seem to notice the leakage. Learn more about this common senior canine finding.

Cheat Grass & Foxtail
Late summer is the time to be on alert for various "invaders" from the plant world. As grasses and weeds dry out and seeds begin to scatter, this can mean trouble for pets (and annoyances for people). Daily checks and quick removal are the key to preventing serious problems in the future.

Xylitol Toxicity Risk
Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener found in many sugar-free candies, chewing gums, baked goods and other products. In humans, ingestion of large quantities of xylitol may have a mild laxtive effect. In dogs, ingestion of even small amounts of xylitol can have potentially life-threatening effects. Read this Quick Tip to keep your pet safe.

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.

Pet Loss & Grief
Today, with pets living longer, healthier lives and enjoying such an integral position in the human family, grief over losing a pet is a serious concern. Thankfully, fellow pet lovers, veterinary schools and counseling professionals now offer a wide variety of resources for those experiencing the pain of losing a dearly loved pet. This article highlights the stages of grief and some of the various resources available.

Chemical Free Tick Prevention
With the new K9 Top Coat bodysuits, a dog’s entire coat is covered by breathable 4-way Lycra, leaving only its head and paws exposed, and less room for ticks to attach.

What is a recombinant vaccine?
Learn how has veterinary vaccination medicine changed and improved over the years. Recombinant technology allows for safer vaccination for our pets with less risk of disease or allergic reaction and better protection from natural disease.

What is a "reverse sneeze"?
Reverse sneezing is a fairly common respiratory event seen in dogs (rarely cats) that, while harmless, can be quite frightening for dog owners to witness. Find out what happens during reverse sneezing and what some possible causes are in this FAQ.

Chocolate Toxicity in Pets
Chocolate is a popular treat all year round. Care must be taken when animals are around, though. Chocolate can be toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals. Dogs are most commonly affected, due to their ability to find it and the common 'sweet tooth' they seem to have. It is important to remember that cats and other species are susceptible to the toxic effects of chocolate, too.

Cat: Behavioral Issues
Behavioral issues problems of cats

Viewer Viewpoints in Veterinary Medicine
Viewer Viewpoint, viewer-submitted stories and articles to the veterinary medicine site.

Is My Pet Overweight?
Is my pet overweight? This article is an overview on how to get started on assessing your pet's body condition, diet and fitness levels. Your veterinarian will help determine your pet's optimal weight and help set up a safe weight loss program specifically for your pet if it is determined that obesity is a problem.

Dental Anesthesia
Home care (brushing) does not require anesthesia, and is definitely a part of good oral health for your pet. In addition to home care, your vet may recommend a professional cleaning if your pet has bad breath or related problems. Learn what is involved with a veterinary dental and why general anesthesia is necessary in this FAQ.

Featured 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.

Veterinary Q & A - Suture Site Healing
Veterinary Q & A - Surgery Site Healing

A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Medical Technician
A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Technician

The Declawing Dilemma...
The Declaw Dilemna - What is involved in a declaw surgery for cats? Learn the pros and cons of this controversial surgery, the different surgical techniques and other alternatives to declawing.