We often hear of the obesity epidemic plaguing the U.S., and unfortunately, the issue extends beyond humans. According to the American Kennel Club, 56 percent of dogs are overweight or obese, and fueling this canine health issue is the fact that many dog owners don’t even realize their pet is overweight.

Dogs are among the most social pets, in stark contrast to cats which typically prefer quiet solitude. Dogs thrive in environments that nurture their need for activity and companionship and develop deep connections with owners who return their affection and match their playfulness.

The past few years have seen an alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, notably in areas such as the Western United States, Australia, and parts of Europe. While the devastating effects of these fires on human life and the environment are widely discussed, an often-underestimated issue is the impact they have on our beloved pets and their health.

The good news is that many of the precautions we take for ourselves will also apply to our pets!
 

The last Friday of May is dedicated to National Heat Awareness Day, which spotlights heat-induced medical emergencies in humans and pets. Recognized on May 26 this year, we’re taking this opportunity to educate pet owners about the risks and signs associated with excessive heat, and preventative measures to ensure every pet can avoid potentially fatal heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. As we transition from cool months to hot summer days, it’s critical to know the warning signs to avoid an unnecessary trip to the emergency veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia is most common in large breed dogs. Most people have heard of hip dysplasia but don't necessarily know exactly what it is. Hip dysplasia occurs when there is abnormal development or growth of the hips. It essentially means that there is a poor fit between the "ball and socket" of a hip. This occurs when a puppy is growing. The head of the femur (thigh bone) is the ball, and the acetabulum is the socket part of the pelvis.

If you were to meet Howie with his cute bow tie and his wagging tail, you would never know that one fateful day last spring his mother thought he was on death’s doorstep. When Howie arrived at my clinic he was painful to the touch, had a high fever, had no appetite, and was very lethargic. He had no desire to walk around and we could barely touch him without him yelping in pain. After carefully examining him, my top two differentials were a back issue or Lyme disease.

As veterinarians, one of the most common concerns we hear from animal owners is how to protect their furry friends from fleas and ticks. These parasites not only cause discomfort and itching, but they can also transmit diseases and infest your home. Without proper treatment, they can make your four-legged family members (and other members of your family) downright miserable.

The ultimate goal of pet ownership is a well-trained pet that follows commands easily, can be trusted to stay home alone, and engages with humans of all ages without incident. However, obedience to this degree isn’t instinctual for most pets. When pets are young, proper training is essential to teach basic commands to make your life easier. In addition, pets adopted from shelters sometimes come from unfortunate circumstances and must be retrained due to neglect or abuse.