Category: dogs

Everything You Should Know About Yorkies

Yorkies are a popular breed of dog and for good reason. They’re lovable, playful, and make great companions. Yorkies are also known for their high energy levels and love of exercise. If you’re considering adding a Yorkie to your family, there are some things you should know first. In this article, we will discuss the…


Gastropexy Prevents Dog’s Stomach From Twisting

Q: We recently welcomed a Labrador retriever puppy into our family. Our veterinarian recommends that during her spay surgery, the surgeon attach her stomach to her body wall to prevent it from twisting. Is this “gastropexy” procedure safe? A: Gastropexy is a standard, low-risk surgical procedure to prevent GDV, or gastric dilatation volvulus, also called…


Simple Blood Test Detects Heart Disease in Cats

Q: Rambo, my 2-year-old cat, was breathing fast during his annual wellness exam. His veterinarian said his rapid breathing could be due to stress, heart disease or a respiratory condition such as asthma. She did a blood test called NT-proBNP which indicated that he may have heart disease, and she referred me to a cardiologist…


Veterinary Technician Has ‘Never Seen’ So Many Dogs Accidentally Ingesting Meth

SAN JOSE, Calif.—In October 2022, six dogs were brought to a MedVet pet clinic in San Jose for emergency drug treatment after accidentally ingesting methamphetamine while out on walks. “I’ve never seen this amount of cases in such a short time period,” said Terra Schropp, hospital director with MedVet Silicon Valley. She said normally doctors…


The Pros and Cons of Pet Ownership

Getting a pet is a wonderful experience. If you don’t know what you are getting into, on the other hand, it can be a misadventure. There are pros and cons to pet ownership, but the pros will always outweigh the cons. Pet ownership is a wonderful minefield filled with surprises, for better and for worse….


Tail Docking Causes Communication Challenges and Pain

Q: Our Rottweiler has a docked tail, as do many dogs in the U.S. While watching a British dog show on television, I noticed that all the show dogs had natural, undocked tails. Why? A: Many countries ban cosmetic tail docking, or amputation of the tail, because the risks of long-term problems are greater than…


Easy Ways to Cut the High Cost of Pet Care

If the cost to keep your pets fed, healthy, cared for, and looking good has gotten so high, you’re the one coughing up fur balls, take heart. There are many little ways to cut the cost of pet care that will add up to big savings. According to one survey, owning a dog costs an…


10 Signs That You May Need a New Pet

Pets bring companionship, love, and joy into our lives. They provide us with a sense of purpose and can even improve our mental and physical health. But how do you know when it’s time to get a new pet? Here are 10 signs that you may need a new pet. 1. You Have Money to…


Cats and Dogs Don’t Interbreed, But Other Species Do

Q: Can cats and dogs breed with each other? A: No. Their anatomy, physiology and breeding behaviors are too different. However, interspecies breeding does occur in some other animals. Surprisingly, there are more than 40 examples of crosses involving different species of wild cats, such as lions and tigers, or domestic cats and wild cats….


How Do I Know If My Dog Is Smart?

Have you ever wondered just how smart your dog is? Does your four-legged companion seem to get themselves into all kinds of trouble, or do they seem intelligent enough to avoid catastrophe to begin with? In this guide, we’re going to look at the whole topic of dog intelligence, and if you’ve ever thought that…