If you were to meet Howie with his cute bow tie and his wagging tail, you would never know that one fateful day last spring his mother thought he was on death’s doorstep. When Howie arrived at my clinic he was painful to the touch, had a high fever, had no appetite, and was very lethargic. He had no desire to walk around and we could barely touch him without him yelping in pain. After carefully examining him, my top two differentials were a back issue or Lyme disease.

Anyone who has been blessed with a pet that has made it into the golden years of life knows that as time progresses, things can become more difficult for our beloved furry friends. One thing that some dog owners may see with their dog is a disease called degenerative myelopathy.

Dog heartworm is a dreaded diagnosis that can mean extreme discomfort for your dog, but it’s also a disease that is highly preventable. Thanks to effective monthly preventatives, dogs are suffering from heartworm disease far less frequently and enjoying a high quality of life. However, no preventative measure is 100 percent effective; therefore, dog owners must know the signs and symptoms of heartworm so quick action can be taken when suspected.

Ahh do you smell that sweet scent in the air? The First Day of Spring is almost here! With the warmer weather and seasonal blooms, there are many wonderful things that come with the season. However, there are also a variety of Spring toxins that can pose a risk for your precious canine. Here are the top Spring toxins, from plants to food to cleaning products, your dog needs to avoid.

While owning a dog means plenty of cuddles, playtime, and neighborhood walks, it also comes with immense responsibility. From staying up-to-date on vaccines and clipping nails to brushing teeth and grooming, they require regular care to ensure good health and happiness. Cleaning your dog’s ears is one task that falls under the not-so-fun category but should be high on your priority list to avoid infection or irritation.

When a dog is taken to their veterinarian because they’re not feeling well or acting out of character, the first course of action is a physical examination and lab work. Tests can include blood work, urinalysis, fecal test, or skin sample depending on what your veterinarian suspects is wrong from the physical exam. While no dog owner wants to subject their pet to any discomfort, lab tests can provide critical information that will help identify the issue and provide a course of action.

Valentine's Day is a holiday meant to celebrate the love in your life! From a husband or wife to a best friend, furry or not, but some classic Valentine's Day treats can cause some serious harm to our four-legged valentines. Check out the list of the top 5 Valentine's Day toxins. 

As we make New Year's Resolutions for ourselves, why not include our four-legged family? Here are our Top 5 Resolutions for Pets- let's make the new year a great year!