Pet Health

Bloat in Dogs: Signs

Bloat is one of the most common life-threatening conditions a dog can face, yet many pet parents are unfamiliar with it.

Causes of Bloat in Dogs

The definitive cause of bloat in dogs is unknown. However, veterinary scientists have identified a number of potential risk factors.

Dog Breeds at Risk for Bloat

While bloat can occur in any dog, it's commonly accepted that dogs with deep chests are more prone to the disorder.

What to Do if Your Dog has Bloat

If you suspect your dog may be experiencing bloat, rush him to the veterinarian's office or emergency clinic right away.

Preventing Bloat in Dogs

Nothing is guaranteed to prevent bloat, but you can reduce your dog's risk factors with some small changes in his eating habits.

Bone Cancer in Dogs: Introduction

Although it's more common in older dogs and larger breeds, bone cancer can strike dogs of any age and size.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer

Diagnosing bone cancer as early as possible is crucial to your dog's chances of survival, so you should recognize the signs.

Treating Bone Cancer in Dogs

Amputation and chemotherapy together can reduce your dog's pain and give him many more months of life.

Pet First Aid and CPR

Considering taking a pet first aid and CPR course? Find out what you'll learn -- and why you should -- here.

How to Care for Your Pet's Bandage, Splint or Sling

Proper care of your pet's splint, sling or bandage is crucial to his or her successful recovery.

How to Create a First Aid Kit for Your Pet

Keep your pet safe! Learn how to make a pet first aid kit, what to include and where to learn pet first aid.

Recommended Pet First-Aid Kit

Is your pet first aid kit ready? Find out what you need to include here.

Dog First-Aid Quiz

Do you know how to keep your dog safe in an emergency? Answer each true/false question and test your pet-safety knowledge.

Cat First-Aid Quiz

Do you know how to keep your cat safe in an emergency? Answer each true/false question and test your pet-safety knowledge.

Why Do Cats Get Constipated?

There are many reasons a cat may be unable or reluctant to defecate, from illness to injury to stress. Here's a list.

Is Your Cat Constipated?

Signs of constipation in your cat may include a reduction in the number of and frequency of stools or hard, small stools.

Cat Constipation Treatments

Your vet may prescribe a laxative or stool softener, or recommend changing your cat's diet.

Preventing Cat Constipation

Keeping a cat well hydrated and getting regular checkups at the vet go a long way toward preventing constipation.

Cherry Eye in Dogs: Introduction

Cherry eye is an alarming-looking, but not painful, condition that is most often corrected surgically.

Treatments for Cherry Eye

Your vet may prescribe a topical medication in the short term, but cherry eye is most often corrected surgically.

Does My Senior Pet Have Dementia?

Senior pets, like people, can suffer mental decline that is not considered a normal part of aging. Find out about how cognitive decline could affect your senior pet.

The Signs and Symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Senior pets, like people, can suffer mental decline that is not considered a normal part of aging. Find out the signs and symptoms of dementia in dogs and cats.

Diagnosing Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Pets

Find out questions to ask your vet and how he or she might diagnose cognitive dysfunction syndrome in your cat or dog.

Using Thinking Games to Treat Pets with Dementia

Keeping your senior pet's mind active can play a big part in delaying and treating cognitive decline. Find out out here.

Using Diet to Treat CDS in Pets

Diet plays a big role in treating pets diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Find out what the study's showed and vet's suggestions for food supplements for your pet.

Do Medications Treat Dementia in Pets?

Find out what medication, when paired with a change in diet and enrichment routine, may help your aging dog think more clearly.

Cold Weather Tips

Cold weather can be a hazard to your pet for more than just the obvious reasons. Find out how to protect your pet this winter.

ASPCA Winter Pet Safety Tips

Cold-weather can spell trouble for companion animals. Check out these simple tips for keeping your dog safe and sound this winter.

Caring for Your Pup's Paws in the Winter

Winter can be hard on dogs' feet -- especially for city-dwellers. Check out these tips for keeping your dog's pads comfy all winter long!

How to Help Pets with Arthritis Stay Comfortable In the Cold Months

Cold weather can wreak havoc on arthritic joints and cause a great deal of discomfort in your pet. But a little preparation and coordination with your vet can help your pet keep the pep in his step through the cold months ahead.

Winter Tips from Banfield Pet Hospital

This season, many families want to know how they can keep their pets safe during cold weather months. Here are some pet-safety tips to keep in mind during the winter.

Top 5 Serious Cat Illnesses Only Your Vet Can Diagnose

Learn about five common cat illnesses that are treatable, but hard to diagnose without a vet's expert eye.

Cat Health Terms Demystified

Tips for speaking with your veterinarian and common cat health terms, explained.

Feline Upper Respiratory Infections

Feline Upper Respiratory : Infections. Runny eyes. Sneezing. Nasal discharge. Loss of appetite. Shelter workers all know the signs.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS : (FIP).

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

Should an FIV Cat Eat Special Food?

Should FIV+ cats eat a special cat food or be given any specific supplements?

Feline Distemper or Panleukopenia

Feline Distemper or Panleukopenia.

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the most feared causes of disease in cats, responsible for almost a third of their cancer deaths.

Feline Panleukopenia Fact Sheet

From the May-June 2001 Issue . Feline Panleukopenia Fact Sheet. What is panleukopenia?.

Overactive Thyroid Disease in Cats

Overactive Thyroid Disease in Cats. In the early 1990s, a client came in with her 12-year-old male cat, Lester.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

Elizabeth is a beautiful one-year-old cat. But although she is now the picture of health, it hasn't always been that way.

What's the Best Diet for IBD Cats?

What is IBD and what kind of cat food diet is best to help treat cats with IBD?

Coping with the Feline Leukemia Virus

Recently, a seven-month-old kitten who had suddenly stopped eating was brought in to see me at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

Plague

In the year 2000, it seems strange to be writing about plague, a disease of antiquity that has periodically decimated the world's human population.

Feline Acne

Cats have small sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles and larger sebaceous glands on the head and tail. These glands secrete oils.

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus.

Canine Self-Mutilating Behavior

Luke looked pitiful when he walked into my office with his owner, Madelon.

Tracheal Collapse

I was a senior in veterinary school, examining one of my hospital cases, when I heard a distinct honk from a nearby cage.

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

In mid-July, I was presented with a seven-year-old cocker spaniel for what I thought would be a routine annual examination.

Renal Transplant in Dogs

North Carolina's renal transplant program saves two lives...sometimes three.. Tobi was down on her luck when she arrived on Judy Benrud's doorstep.

Canine Hip Dysplasia

An Introduction to Canine Hip Dysplasia. By Sally Doyle: owner of mypoordog.com.

Canine Glaucoma

Taffy is a frequent visitor to our veterinary clinic.

Skin Masses: Warts, Cysts, Lumps and Tumors

Skin masses can arise for reasons including infections, tumors, parasites, injury, cysts (clogged or inflamed glands), warts and calluses.

Dog Skin Problems: Introduction

Understanding the skin problems your dog may face will help you treat (and prevent) them effectively.

Causes of Dog Skin Problems

Here are the most common types of skin troubles dogs face, from parasites to allergies and more.

Preventing Your Dog's Skin Problems

Find out how to prevent the most common problems affecting your dog's skin.

My Dog Has a Lump on His Skin. What Should I Do?

Does your dog have a mystery lump? Find out when to call the vet, what questions to ask, what tests your vet may run and more!

Case Study: Fungal Infection

Find out why the cause of the Pit Bull puppy's itching was like "a needle in a haystack."

Conjunctivities in Cats: Introduction

Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is highly prevalent in cats. In fact, it is the eye condition felines most commonly experience.

Causes of Conjunctivities in Cats

Conjunctivitis in cats usually has an infectious cause. A bacterial infection is the second most common cause of pink eye in cats.

Kittens and Conjunctivitis

Kittens are at the highest risk for viral conjunctivitis, and its symptoms can be life-threatening to them.

Treatments for Conjunctivitis in Cats

Try these at-home treatments first; if they don't work, visit your veterinarian, who may prescribe medicated eye drops.

Constipation in Dogs: Signs

Constipation can be uncomfortable, and it may indicate that your dog is suffering from something more critical.

Causes of Constipation in Dogs

Constipation itself is a symptom, not a disease. It's a sign that something's amiss in your dog's system.

Treatments for Constipation in Dogs

Your vet may prescribe medications, dietary changes or both to treat your dog's constipation.

Megacolon and Obstipation

Obstipation is chronic constipation; megacolon also causes chronic constipation.

Canine Diabetes: Introduction

Diabetes in American dogs has increased 32 percent since 2006. Learn more about this health threat.

Is Your Dog at Risk for Diabetes?

Canine diabetes is a common condition. However, certain dogs are more prone to it than others.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Discovering and treating the disease in its early stages can prevent it from becoming worse.

Treatments for Diabetes in Dogs

Once your dog's diabetes is confirmed, your vet will likely recommend a treatment approach that involves these things.

Diabetes: In Case of Emergency

If your dog is given too much insulin, it can result in low blood glucose, which can cause disorientation, weakness and seizures.

What Is Canine Distemper?

Distemper is a dangerous and highly contagious virus that attacks dogs. It's incurable and was once the leading cause of death in puppies.

How Distemper Is Spread

Dogs are most likely to catch the distemper virus through direct contact with an infected dog's saliva, blood or urine.

Symptoms and Complications of Distemper in Dogs

Early symptoms may include loss of appetite, persistent coughing, vomiting or diarrhea, or a fever of 102 degrees F or higher.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Distemper in Dogs

The best path a veterinarian and pet parent can follow is to try to ease as many of the dog's symptoms as possible.

Preventing Distemper in Dogs

You can prevent canine distemper by vaccinating your dog.

What Are Cat Allergy Symptoms?

Find out what the typical symptoms of cat skin allergies are and how to combat them

Why Is My Cat Scratching Himself?

Find out what cat skin allergies look like and how to tell if the problem is behavioral.

Does My Pet Have Allergies?

When pets have allergies, their skin becomes irritated. Find out what causes allergies and how they are treated.

How Do I Know if My Dog Has Allergies?

Dog skin allergies can generally be broken down into two main categories. Find out what they are and how to treat them.

How Do Pets Get Allergies?

Learn more about how pets develop allergies and how they are diagnosed and treated.

Pet Food Allergies: What Are Food Elimination Diets?

Does you vet think your pet has a food allergy? Then a food-elimination diet might be in order. Get the scoop on what these diets are and why they're important.

Why Does My Dog Chew Her Paws?

Find out the most common reasons a dog chews his paws and what you can do to stop him from chewing

Why Does My Dog Lick Constantly?

Find out why your dog won't stop licking and how to treat the problem

The Chihuahua with Conjunctivitis from Allergies

A small dog's swollen, weepy eyes were due to seasonal allergies, just like a human's.

Quiz: Urgent Care for Canines

Are you able to recognize a canine health crisis? Here are some common emergency scenarios. Choose the answers you think are most correct.

Developmental Stages of a Dog's Life - Chart

What changes in pet care will you need throughout your dog's lifetime? Find out here.

Dog Depression: Causes and Cures

Do dogs really suffer from depression? Find out what studies suggest and how you can help if you think your dog is depressed.

Epilepsy in Dogs: Causes and Symptoms

Epilepsy is a term used to describe recurring seizures. Learn the symptoms of a seizure and some possible causes.

What to do If Your Dog has a Seizure

Find out what to do if your dog has a seizure and whether he needs emergency medical treatment.

Treating Epilepsy in Dogs

There are several medications to manage epilepsy, but their side effects are undesirable. Find out what dogs need medication.

Eye Infections in Dogs: Introduction

Here's how to recognize an eye infection in your dog and what breeds are prone to eye problems.

Conjunctivitis in Dogs

One common eye problem is conjunctivitis. Learn about the different kinds of conjunctivitis and their causes.

Preventing and Treating Eye Infections in Dogs

Find out how to prevent eye infections, and how to treat them if your dog has one.

Feline Intestinal Lymphoma: Introduction

Lymphomas represent about a third of all feline cancers, and the intestinal system is the most common site of lymphoma in cats.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Feline Intestinal Lymphoma

The symptoms of intestinal lymphoma are also present with a number of other feline disorders, so a clinical diagnosis is necessary.

Treatments for Feline Intestinal Lymphoma

Three primary treatments for feline intestinal lymphoma (surgery, prednisone and chemotherapy) are usually combined for the best outcome.

Outlook for Cats with Intestinal Lymphoma

When a cat is diagnosed with early, low-grade lymphoma, his chances of recovery are good if he receives immediate, effective treatment.

Feline Stomatitis: Introduction

Feline stomatitis is a painful, inflammatory disease of a cat's gums and mouth.

Causes of Feline Stomatitis

The cause of feline stomatitis is not known. Veterinarians have proposed a few theories, though.

Symptoms of Feline Stomatitis

Symptoms of feline stomatitis include extreme oral pain, bad breath, inflamed gums, weight loss and behavioral changes.

Diagnosing Feline Stomatitis

Your vet will examine your cat's mouth and will most likely take X-rays to check her teeth and do a tissue biopsy to rule out other conditions.

Treatments for Feline Stomatitis

Treatment of feline stomatitis will include pain management and antibiotics and may include surgical removal of teeth.

The Benefits of Multiple Pets

Multiple pets can enrich each others' lives as well as yours. Here are ways to make the transition successful.

Healthy-Pet Checklist

Fill out this form with your pet's most important health information, then post it on your refrigerator. It could be a lifesaver in an emergency.

Healthy-Pet Checklist: Pet-Care Tips

These tips -- on common poisons and hot- and cold-weather first aid -- could save your pet's life.

Heartgard Plus

HEARTGARD Plus gives dog owners peace of mind because it has nearly a 20-year history of safety and efficacy.

Three Misconceptions About Heartworm

There are many misconceptions about heartworm. Learn the facts.

Heartworm: Introduction

All dogs are at risk for potentially deadly heartworm disease. Learn more about this parasite.

Heartworm Life Cycle

Find out how this potentially deadly parasite lives inside an infected dog.

How Heartworm Is Treated

Heartworm is preventable, and prevention is cheap and easy when compared to the lengthy, stressful and expensive treatment.

Incontinence in Dogs: Introduction

If your adult dog is breaking his regular bathroom protocol, she could have urinary incontinence.

What Dogs Are Prone to Incontinence?

Like us, dogs tend to have less bladder control as they age or are experiencing physical ailments or injuries.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Incontinence in Dogs

Your vet may opt to treat the underlying cause of your dog's incontinence, the symptom itself or both.

Living with an Incontinent Dog

When your dog has bladder leakage, there are things you can do to make both your lives easier.

Roundworm and Your Dog

Experts estimate that 15 percent of dogs have roundworms. Could your dog be one of them? Learn what you need to know about roundworms here.

Hookworm and Your Dog

Hookworms are dangerous intestinal parasites that infect dogs. Find out the hookworm basics here.

Hookworms, Roundworms and People

If your dog has parasites, do you? You could. Learn about hookworms and roundworms in people here.

How to Protect Your Dog from Intestinal Parasites

Don't miss these need-to-know tips for protecting your dog from roundworm and hookworms.

Misconceptions About Intestinal Parasites

Can people get parasitic infections from their dogs? How are parasites transmitted? Find out these answer and more here.

Tips for a Healthy Cat

An ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital veterinarian offers advice to prevent the most common cat complaints. . -- Sneezing.

Subtle Signs Your Cat May Be Sick

Cats are notoriously good at hiding illness. Don't miss these important signs of a sick cat and help keep your cat safe!

Flea Products Dangerous to Cats

Jenny rushes her cat Sasha to the emergency clinic. Sasha, who seemed fine a short time ago, just had a full-blown seizure.

Kidney Failure in Cats: Introduction

There are two types of kidney failure in cats: chronic and acute. Both can be deadly.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Cats

It's highly important that you take your cat to the veterinarian when he or she first starts exhibiting any of these symptoms.

Treatment and Prognosis for Kidney Failure in Cats

If acute kidney failure is addressed immediately, a cat may be regain full kidney function -- which is unlikely with chronic kidney failure.

Causes of Liver Disease in Cats

Because of its numerous tasks, the liver is prone to damage from a variety of systems within the body.

Symptoms of Liver Disease in Cats

The indicators of liver disease in cats can be a bit ambiguous because they are similar to symptoms of many other diseases.

Treatments for Liver Disease in Cats

When treating liver disease in cats, vets focus on the disease's symptoms and the cat's diet, and often recommend supplements.

Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs: Introduction

In dogs, mast cell tumors don't always indicate a grim prognosis. Here's what they look like and when to see your vet.

Identifying Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs

Mast cell tumors most often appear on the skin. Here's what they look like - but only your vet can diagnose your dog with certainty.

Mast Cell Tumors and Stomach Ulcers

Mast cell tumors can cause an increase in the production of stomach acid, which sometimes result in ulcers.

Dog Breeds at Risk for Mast Cell Tumors

While mast cell tumors are fairly common, they occur at a higher rate in certain breeds.

Diagnosing and Removing Mast Cell Tumors

Here's how your vet will diagnose a mast cell tumor on your dog and remove it.

Grading Mast Cell Tumors

There are three grades of mast cell tumors. Here's how each one is treated.

What Is Mastitis?

Dogs who are nursing their young can develop mastitis, a painful and potentially dangerous bacterial infection of the mammary glands.

Symptoms of Mastitis in Dogs

If your dog has just given birth to a litter, it's natural to focus on the pups. But it's just as important that you monitor the mother, too.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mastitis in Dogs

If you suspect your dog has mastitis, take her to the veterinarian right away. If it goes untreated, it could lead to septic shock.

How to Prevent Mastitis in Dogs

Because mastitis usually occurs in lactating females, the best prevention is to make sure your dog is spayed.

Introduction: Your New Puppy

Your puppy is counting on you to help protect him from parasites and diseases. Here are the ones you need to know about.

Heartworm and Your Puppy

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos, and the worms live in the heart and lungs of the dog.

Worms and Your Puppy

Intestinal parasites, including roundworms and hookworms, can cause serious problems in puppies.

Fleas and Ticks and Your Puppy

Fleas and ticks are insects that feed on the blood of dogs, inflicting misery on them and their households. Here's how to prevent them.

Puppy Vaccination Checklist

See a chart showing the diseases every puppy should be vaccinated against and the problems they can cause.

Taking Extreme Measures to Extend a Pet's Life

Treating Pain in Pets

When nine-year-old Sophie developed a tumor, Karen Daiter's first priority was to relieve the shepherd/collie's discomfort.

Pet Insurance Myths and Rumors

Should you get pet insurance? Read about these common myths and misperceptions first.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips and Costs

What's the typical cost of holiday pet maladies? Find out here:

A Look at Pet Insurance

It was my friend's mom, Joanne, who first told me about insurance for pets.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations . One of the biggest controversies in companion animal medicine today surrounds the use of vaccinations in companion animals.

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

VACCINATIONS Part II:: Side Effects and Adverse Reactions.

Vaccination Guidelines

VACCINATIONS Part III:: Vaccination Guidelines.

Vaccinating Dogs

In the Spring 2000 issue of Animal Watch (Vaccinating Fluffy in the 21st Century), we presented a summary of the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal.

Vaccinating Cats

Vaccinating Fluffy in the 21st Century.

Home Vaccination Hazards

Home Vaccination Hazards.

Vaccine Related Sarcomas

What are vaccines and what do they do?: Vaccines are still the best defense cats have against many common and often fatal diseases.

Why Spay or Neuter?

This document is also available for download in PDF format.: You will need Adobe Reader, which is available for free, to download click here.

Spay-Neuter Glossary of Terms

Spay/Neuter Glossary of Terms.

Benefits of Spaying

Benefits of Spaying . Female dogs in heat may attract male dogs from great distances. This is more than just a nuisance.

Why Neuter Your Dog?

Benefits of neutering: Male dogs and cats mark territory by spraying urine. This is especially true of cats, whose urine has a very strong odor.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs

Locate low-cost spay/neuter programs in your area

Non-Surgical Sterilization

The Magic Pill . By Stephen L. Zawistowski, Ph.D.

Behavioral Problems of Unneutered Male Dogs

A few years ago, Bob and Ginny consulted me because their beagle, Max, was doing embarrassing things.

Por Qu Esterilizar?

Por Qu Esterilizar? . La esterilizacin es una operacin de bajo costo que le ofrece a usted y a su mascota muchas, muchas ventajas.

When is a Puppy or Kitten Old Enough to Neuter?

Pediatric Neutering.

Staph Infection in Dogs: Introduction

Staph infection is caused by a proliferation of a usually-harmless bacterium and can cause pain and itching.

Treatments for Staph Infection in Dogs

Treatment for your dog's staph infection can include oral antibiotics in addition to topical antiseptics or antibiotics.

Staph Infections and Other Skin Problems in Dogs

Your vet will check your dog for other skin problems that can cause symptoms similar to those of a staph infection.

Take Your Cat to the Vet Week 2011

Aug. 22-28, 2011 is Take Your Cat to the Vet Week, dedicated to reminding cat parents to take their cats to the vet for preventive care.

Get Your Cat to Like the Vet

Five must-know tips for making trips to the vet easier for you and your cat

Get Your Cat to Like His Carrier

Does your cat hate his carrier? These tips can help!

Get Your Cat to Like the Car

Find out how to help your cat relax in the car so she can be calm and collected for the vet's office.

Keep Your Cat Calm During a Vet Exam

Get vet-recommended tips to keep your cat calm during exams.

Questions to Ask Your Cat's Vet

Find out what vets wish every cat parent would ask at their pet's checkup.

Banfield's Tips for Low-Stress Vet Visits for Cats

Our friends at Banfield Pet Hospital have some great tips for reducing the stress of your cat's vet visit.

Get the Most Out of Your Cat's Vet Visit

Get tips from the experts on how to prepare for and get the most out of your cat's visit to the vet.

How to Tell if a Cat or Dog May Need Veterinary Care

How to Tell if a Cat or Dog May Need Veterinary Care.

Choosing a Vet

It can be difficult to know what to look for when looking for a Veterinarian for your pet.

Basic, Commmonly Used Drugs

THE BASIC HEALTH EXAMINATION: Some Basic, Commonly Used Drugs Ear miticide Oral antibiotics such as Clavamox, Clindamycin Fluids such as lactated ringers

Making Informed Decisions About Veterinary Care

Making Informed Decisions. You've just been told that your cat has lymphosarcoma, and now you must decide whether or not to treat her with chemotherapy.

Veterinary Specialists

Therapy by Referral . : A veterinarian#146;s average day brings moments of joy and sorrow, satisfaction and frustration.

Can Your Dog Be a Blood Donor?

Giving the Gift of Life:.

Getting the Most Out of Your Pet's Veterinary Visits

When making an appointment with your pet's veterinarian, the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association recommends the following tips to make sure your pe

Holistic Pet Care

One of the most important aspects of being a pet parent is providing for the emotional and physical well-being of your animal companions.

Medical Procedures on Young Animals

The ASPCA recently received the following letter.

Yeast Infection in a Dog's Ears: Introduction

Yeast in your dog's ears is normal, but if it multiplies and leads to an infection, it can cause your dog discomfort.

Dogs at Risk for Yeast Infections in Ears

Yeast might be common in all dogs, but when it comes to ear infections, certain breeds are at higher risk.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections in Dogs' Ears

If your dog has a a yeast infection, you'll probably notice a foul odor emanating from his infected ear.

Treating a Yeast Infection in a Dog's Ears

Your vet may recommend cleaning your dog's ears one to two times a day with a solution containing acetic or boric acid.

Preventing Yeast Infections in a Dog's Ears

Ask your veterinarian which methods and cleaning solutions you should use for healthy ear maintenance.