Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Parvoviruses are a species-specific single-stranded, non-enveloped DNA virus. The canine virus appeared by a mutation in the early 1970s. Subsequent mutations brought about the epidemics of canine parvovirus disease in 1978 – 1979. Since this was a new virus, the pet population did not have immunity to it. Most exposed dogs became very ill and many died. The virus invades…
Watching your dog collapse is scary, and, unfortunately, the potential causes are all serious. The reason for a collapse is a sudden loss of strength, similarly to fainting or passing out. You dog might appear weak, disoriented, or showing other symptoms of distress prior a collapse. Potential causes of a collapse include: heatstroke anaphylaxis syncope seizures poisoning blood loss heart…
What do you think is the most common cause of facial swelling in dogs? What if it is asymmetrical in the form of a bump? If you suspect an insect sting, spider, or snake bite, you could be right; such things do happen. Speed of onset might help narrow things down. A swelling for one of these reasons may or…
When your dog develops severe neck pain, the first obvious suspect is a mechanical issue in the spine, such as intervertebral disc disease or trauma. But what if it is not that? The common causes of neck pain in dogs include: congenital malformations intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) degenerative disease muscle strain trauma tumors inflammatory disease Further information: Neck and Back…
Allergies are quite common in dogs and might be the culprit behind your dog’s itchiness. You’re relaxing at home with your dog at your feet when suddenly they begin to scratch an itch. They fold themselves almost entirely in half and stretch way out to reach the itchy spot. It’s usually kind of cute. But your dog has been itching…