Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
False pregnancy is a common problem in dogs. During the estrus or “heat” cycle: in an intact female dog estrogen levels increase the vulva swells and produces a bloody or straw-colored discharge The hormone changes ensure willingness to accept a male for breeding. Toward the end of the heat cycle, progesterone levels increase, preparing the uterus for an anticipated pregnancy.…
Despite its name, ringworm (also known as dermatophytosis) is caused by a fungus, not by worms. Fungi, known as dermatophytes, can infect your dog’s hair and dead skin, leading to bald, scaly areas with broken hairs. These areas can show up simply as patches or as rings. What does it look like Ringworm shows up most often on the feet,…
Intestinal worms in dogs are parasites that live in the digestive tract. They cause damage and rob your dog of needed nutrients. The amount of damage they cause depends on both the type and number of worms involved. In general, the adult worms that infect dogs cannot live in people. However, in rare cases, immature forms of these parasites can…
Dogs often develop an upper respiratory infection after a stay at the kennel or any place where they come into contact with a lot of other dogs. The term “kennel cough” is a sort of a catchall phrase. It stands for any infectious cough that can spread rapidly from dog to dog. What causes kennel cough Kennel cough can result…
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large, elongated gland that sits transversely behind the stomach. The pancreas is an amazing organ that performs two vital functions: producing hormones such as insulin producing enzymes that help in digestion of food Dogs of any age, sex, or breed, and occasionally cats, can get pancreatitis. There is a…