Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
What if your dog is TOO hungry? It is a common belief that a hungry dog is a healthy dog. While things are not quite this simple, it is true that a decrease in appetite is an important symptom that should be taken seriously. A ravenous appetite, particularly when combined with weight loss, can be just as important to note.…
Spinal surgery—laminectomy—is a costly but life-changing treatment for dogs with disc injuries. Many dogs recover with conservative treatment but for some, surgery is the best way to give them their lives back. Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that relieves compression on the spinal cord. Thank you, Laura Potts, for sharing Lincoln’s story. Lincoln’s story The first few years of Lincoln’s…
Urinary incontinence describes involuntary pee leakage. Common causes of urinary incontinence include: urinary tract infections (UTIs) excessive drinking weak bladder sphincter spinal cord disease The above issues are those your veterinarian should look at first. But what happens when they are ruled out and a solution is lacking? Then it is time to investigate less common causes, such as ectopic…
The canine elbow quite a complicated joint. Various problems in the elbow are all categorized as elbow dysplasia. Unlike the hip, the elbow joint is made up of three bones. Not unlike with hip dysplasia, when the bones don’t fit together perfectly, it leads to pain, lameness, and arthritis. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease but usually involves…
Can acupuncture treat arthritis in dogs? Acupuncture improves blood flow. This leads to increased oxygenation of tissues, and the reduction of accumulated waste products. Acupuncture also relaxes muscles and relieves pain. Source: VCA Animal Hospital If you don’t remember the original story, check out Canine Spondylosis: The Many Faces Of Arthritis—Viva’s Story article. When Viva was adopted she was…