Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.
Unexplained weight gain can be just that–weight gain. Can a veterinarian misdiagnose weight gain in a dog? Suki was a 7 years old spayed female Labrador/Beagle Mix. Rescued dogs can teach us many valuable lessons but this one was unexpected. The first thing that stood out about Suki when she was adopted was a low-hanging belly. It was the first…
An obvious diagnosis might not be the right diagnosis. Don’t let your vet insist on a diagnosis based on the first thing they might stumble upon when trying to figure out what’s wrong with your dog. Even if it might make sense at first. If your dog isn’t getting better with treatment, either the diagnosis or the treatment is wrong.…
How should you work out your dog’s treatment problems with your veterinarian before seeking a second opinion? Don’t leave until satisfied When I come back from the vet I like to feel reasonably confident both about the [working] diagnosis and the treatment. This can be easier said than done. Not every diagnosis can be achieved by one listen with a…
In dogs, the main way allergies manifest is through the skin and chronic ear infections. A dog can, however, have [sometimes serious] respiratory symptoms. Thank you, Krystn Janisse, for sharing Shadow’s story. Shadow’s story Shadow was a healthy active 5-year-old Labrador Retriever. He found his forever home with my family in the fall of 2003 at the age of 4.…
Infectious bronchitis, Kennel Cough, can sometimes progress to life-threatening bronchopneumonia or chronic bronchitis. A dog sick with Kennel Cough may or may not need medical treatment depending on how hard the infection hits them. And sometimes things can get complicated. Thank you, Jodi Chick, for sharing Kol’s story. Kolchak’s story Looking back, I wish I had just trusted my gut.…