If you’ve ever had a dog or cat who has lived with you for many years, you know that they undoubtedly become a member of your family. So when you notice them slowing down or, worse, showing signs of pain, you might wonder whether your precious pet is nearing the end. And while we know this is the last thing you want to face as a pet owner, we all also realize that it’s an inevitable part of opening our hearts and homes to these wonderful animals.

As the beaches, lakes, and other recreational areas begin to reopen, many of us will be venturing into the outdoors as the summer season approaches. However, reports of increasing occurrences of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in bodies of water across the United States pose a great risk for both you and your pet.

When the current outbreak of novel coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, first came to light in December 2019, researchers indicated that animals were the likely source of the virus. So people are naturally asking, "Can my pet contract and transmit this virus?" That question has become even more valid after one dog - the pet of an infected owner in Hong Kong - recently tested "weak positive" for the virus.

Winter is in full swing, and that means colder temperatures, sometimes in the extreme. It can be fun playing in the cool, crisp air (and even snow for some parts of the country!) with your dog, but the cold weather also has some potential health risks to your pup. Just as you have to take precautions for your dog in the

When your dog or cat visits the veterinarian, the doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the heart.

Bloat in dogs is an extremely serious and dangerous medical condition that should be treated as a medical emergency. Even mild cases of bloat can turn fatal. Although the causes of bloat are still not clear, the symptoms that occur are fairly consistent and are a sign that you should seek immediate medical attention.

Rabies. The word conjures an image of an angry animal frothing at the mouth and running wild ready to sink its teeth into anything that moves. While that’s unpleasant to consider, what’s worse is that such a bite is often fatal.

CNN recently reported on cases of Brucella canis (a bacterial disease) picked up in Marion County, Iowa by the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.