Taking care of a dog is typically pretty straight forward. You have to make sure that they eat every day, that they have a safe place to sleep at night, and that they get the love and attention they deserve as a furry member of your family. But dealing with a sick dog may become tricky -- not to mention stressful.

A kidney breakdown is a frightening thing. As you may remember from biology class, kidneys filter out substances the body can’t use and release it as urine. They also help control blood pressure and maintain healthy levels of hydration, salts, and acids in the body.

Basically, having at least one healthy kidney is essential to having a healthy and well-functioning body.

It’s possible you’re not familiar with this nasty parasite or think it’s limited to foreign countries. However, giardia is a common intestinal parasite throughout the U.S. as well as abroad. Mud puddles, unclean rivers, even contaminated grass can all spread this infection.

That sound can even wake you in the middle of the night -- there is just something about a dog licking his paw or leg that immediately grabs your attention. You know something is wrong, but what is it? You don’t necessarily see any obvious signs of a problem...until you find a raw, pink area of skin. It can seem like this “boo-boo” crops up all of the sudden, and while the actual sore or wound could be caused by any number of issues, one common issue is a lick granuloma.

Is it a simple stomachache—or something more serious?

Thanksgiving has a way of leaving the entire family feeling stuffed and sluggish, but if your dog or cat is also experiencing these signs (or others, such as vomiting or diarrhea) this holiday season, don’t ignore it.

What Is Cushing’s Disease?

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when the adrenal gland produces too much of the naturally occurring steroid hormones, primarily cortisol. It is one of the most commonly occurring hormonal disorders in dogs. Excessive levels of cortisol can have widespread effects on the body, including the skin, kidneys, bladder, immune system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system.

When your pet suddenly loses his appetite, it can be concerning—particularly if you’ve got a regular chowhound on your hands.