Health Topic

To most pet owners, the return of spring is a joyous occasion. The opportunity to spend quality time with your pet outdoors can be an exhilarating experience. Just be sure to watch out for some sneaky critters waiting to feast on your pet’s blood!

Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. Approximately 80% of all dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the time they are only two years old. Dental disease affects much more than fresh breath.

Many of us enjoy snuggling close to our pets and despite misguided news reports detailing health risks, most of us will continue to do so.

But, there is a risk of sleeping with pets and it has to do with diseases carried by our old enemy, the flea. So, what’s the best way to shut down this annual pest? Fleas may be one of our pets’ worst enemies, but they don’t have to conquer your pet or your home.

Retro is a word usually bringing warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia. But for the more than 80 million cats living in North America, the word retro is anything but warm and fuzzy. Retroviruses like Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can be devastating to your cat.

For almost two decades, safe, effective flea medications from your veterinarian have helped pet owners battle these blood-sucking parasites. Now, several “generic” flea medications are flooding the market, showing up in big box stores and grocery stores across the country. Will these cheaper medications help more pets or do they have the potential for failure?

Most dog owners would admit a lack of knowledge or perhaps even a lack of concern about canine hypertension, or high blood pressure in dogs. After all, since they don’t have the same vices as we do, they shouldn’t be at risk, right? Well, the answer may be a little more complex than just life style choices.

It’s a common occurrence: Pet owners expressing feelings of frustration, helplessness and even despair from a single symptom. Their pets itch and scratch, itch and scratch — and it is not a flea problem!

Pets are living longer thanks to advances in veterinary care, diagnostics, and earlier intervention. But the key to enjoying our “senior” pets lies not only in extending their life span, but in helping them enjoy their later years to the fullest.

It’s been said that “eyes are the windows to the soul” and certainly when you look into the eyes of your beloved pets, you can see the affection and loyalty reflected there. Unfortunately,