If you are going to vaccinate your puppy at home, there are several things you need to be aware of. Here's what you need to know and how to give the vaccines yourself.
Ivermectin can be used to kill ear mites in cats. Learn the proper dosage as well as other products and natural alternatives that can be effective.
Birds usually sleep when it gets dark unless something upsets them. Learn the most common reasons they wake up at night and how you can help soothe them back to sleep.
There are many things that can cause collapse in senior dogs but thanks to your excellent description of the clinical signs, the most likely cause of your dog's event was a vascular event—a stroke. Her's what you can do.
A ketogenic diet may reduce the frequency and severity of a dog's seizures. There is not a lot of research to support dietary treatments for epilepsy, but available evidence and anecdotes do support this strategy. Here are the components of a keto diet for dogs.
Some ewes just do not have a desire to take care of some lambs. This happens a few times a year in my small flock, and it is usually ewes with their first lamb or when a ewe has twins and is only willing to care for one of her offspring. Here is what you can do to save your lamb.
Dogs who are overly excitable can benefit from increased daily exercise. Let's look at the reasons physical activity helps to improve a dog's behavior and ways you can keep your canine companion in motion.
Diagnosing tick-borne diseases is important in determining the course of treatment. In a case where the diagnosis is unclear, antibiotics are the best first-line treatment option and may help save your dog's life.
Howling at the door may be a symptom of cognitive decline in older cats. Learn how to rule out other problems and make changes that will keep your cat more comfortable.
When a dog licks one area repeatedly, it can cause a brown stain on the hair. Often, flea bites are to blame for the itchiness that makes dogs lick the hair near their tails. Learn how to repel fleas and fix the stain.
You probably can already tell if your dog is depressed. He may be eating less (or a lot more), is reluctant to play or go for walks, is sleeping more, or maybe barking excessively. Can diet be to blame? Here's what you can do to determine the cause and lift your pup's spirits.
Some cats have higher levels of stress. It does not mean that there is anything wrong with them. Your cat may need medical therapy to get over her fear and anxiety, but there are things you can do at home.
Moxidectin is a great alternative to protect dogs in areas plagued by ivermectin-resistant heartworm disease, which may include where you live. The sheep drench moxidectin is the best alternative.
One of the common causes of IBS in cats is dietary intolerance or food allergies. Learn how to identify food allergies and feed your cat a healthier diet.
While ruptured abdominal incisions are not common, they do happen. If your dog has these symptoms after the surgery, it is an emergency and he should be taken in for an exam immediately.
Many plastic toys can be toxic to dogs, but in this case, you also need to address resource guarding with several strategies. I'll give you tips to help with the behavior and ideas for safer toys.
If a deaf mother dog rolls on her puppies, then a whelping box may be the best option to keep them safe. We must also consider the ethics of breeding deaf dogs and propagating this disabling trait.
Your dog may have an acquired heart disease or another disease that leads to syncope, which is a loss of consciousness from a rapid fall of oxygen to the brain. Several other things, however, could cause an old dog to collapse.
Hormonal aggression is common in young rats, especially males who are reaching maturity. Here's what you can do.
If you have ruled out medical reasons for an old dog's anxiety, then there are several medications, herbs, and environmental strategies to help your pup relax.
If selamectin and fipronil have not worked for lice, then sheep drench ivermectin is a viable option. Here are dosing details and additional natural treatments you can try.
Some aggressive cats just never learn to get along. If you have exhausted all other options, it may be time to consider rehoming.
PFAs are pervasive, toxic chemicals linked to numerous health problems in pets and people. Learn how to reduce your pet's exposure to these "forever" chemicals with a few simple steps at home.
There are several canine skin diseases that look similar, and you may not be able to identify or treat them from home. Here is a list of possible causes of skin irritation and hair loss in an adult dog. Your veterinarian may need to help determine the problem so that it can be properly treated.
The most common cause for a goose to be "front-heavy" is a blocked or impacted crop, which can be serious and make him feel unwell. Here is how to treat the problem at home.
Leg wounds can take a long time to heal, and sutures don't always help. Here are some tips for proper wound care during the process.
Cats do not need heartworm tests unless they show symptoms of infection. Does your vet require unnecessary testing? If so, how can you buy preventative without testing?
Switching to a diet that does not feed the tumor may keep it from growing and may even help it to go away. Feeding your dog in that way, however, is going to take more of your time and it is not as simple as just opening a bag and dumping a cup of food in a bowl.
The cause of death of a 2-week-old kitten, with or without any signs, is considered fading kitten syndrome. We know that fading kitten syndrome can be caused by several things.
Let's look at 5 reasons a swelling may suddenly occur on the top of a dog's head.
Many animal shelters require spaying as a condition of adoption. Should you be forced to spay your female dog who suffers from anxiety? And how will spaying affect her behavior?
Dogs only shed the parvovirus in their feces for about 2 weeks after the infection starts, so the puppy really only needs to be isolated for about 3 or 4 weeks. Learn more about recovery and vaccination after a parvo diagnosis.
If your dog is experiencing lameness or pain after pyometra surgery, she may require special care.
There is no proof available at this time showing that an improved diet will cure a diabetic dog. Most of the canine nutritional studies are sponsored by large corporations that produce high-carb, processed dog food. Let's discuss better dietary options for diabetic dogs.
If your dog is suffering from myositis or even polymyositis, why is the prednisone no longer taking care of it? There are several possibilities.
An abdominal lump in a dog's belly may be caused by a hernia or a tumor. Learn how to tell the difference and what your vet can do to help.
Vomiting may be a sign of an underlying disease that causes excessive water consumption. Learn about potential causes and how your vet can help diagnose the issue.
Find out why cats chase and attack their tails—and what you can do to help them break the habit.
Post-surgical pain and depression sometimes have overlapping symptoms. Learn to recognize the signs of pain in dogs and how you can help.
There can be many reasons for painful eyes in cats, from swelling, ulcers on the surface, or diseases of the eyeball itself.
The moxi-doxy method takes several months and should not be used for dogs who already have symptoms of heartworm disease.
If your dog is refusing to eat their kibble, switching to a different type of food entirely may be the best move.
Chasing down and capturing a stray dog can put your health at risk, and there are certain cases where it should not be attempted.
While distemper is rare in many places, it isn't unheard of, and the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.
Think carefully before trying to trap and relocate a spay. In addition to potentially being dangerous, in some places, it's actually illegal.
There are pros and cons to giving your dog raw bones, so it comes down to whether you feel the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
For most dogs showing no signs of poisoning, fasting prior to feeding a bland diet is the best way to combat diarrhea and vomiting.
There are several serious reasons a puppy might lose weight even if they are eating a lot of food. Sadly, some can be fatal.
Enriching your cat's environment can help promote good behavior and reduce boredom.
From illness or pain to stress, sudden behavioral changes in kittens can be a sign that something is wrong.
Sick birds should always be taken to an avian veterinarian, but there are things you can try at home if that is impossible (rural area, etc.).
If it is absolutely impossible for you to seek veterinary care for your hamster, there are measures you can take to combat wet tail at home.
From obesity to GI upset and skin issues, ultra-processed dry foods present numerous health issues for dogs. So what are the alternatives?
Heartworm antigens take 5–7 months to show up on tests. Unfortunately, some vets try to bully clients into paying for unnecessary tests.
From coconut oil to colloidal oatmeal "dry shampoo," there are many ways to soothe your cat's miliary dermatitis skin lesions at home.
Hyperthyroidism is not an easy thing to treat, and herbal remedies have not been proven effective for this condition. Medication is the best option for hyperthyroid cats.
Depending on where you live, whether you board your dog, and a couple of other factors, your dog may not need every booster vaccine.
There are many possible reasons your dog might be scooting, from constipation and inflammation to anal gland issues.
If your tortoise's head has been drawn in for an unusually long period of time, it's time to reevaluate his diet and living conditions.
If your dog has missed the window in which to get stitches, keeping your dog's wound clean is critical to helping it heal.
Erythema multiforme can cause a thick and painful crust to develop on your dog's ears and face. Treatment is possible, but may be lifelong.
Stress is one of the most common reasons for spraying in cats, but there are other possibilities. Thankfully, there are many solutions for this behavior.
An aural hematoma is not the diagnosis of the problem—it is a side effect secondary to itching from allergies or an infection.
Light-brown stools in mice may be indicative of dietary imbalances or liver disease. Here's what to do about it.
As long as temps in your area are above 65˚F at night, feathered chicks are fine to live outside without supplemental heat.
The Immiticide injection won't make a dog's cough worse, but it is not without risks.
Bumblefoot is often caused by poor diet or injury. Learn about other causes and what you can do to treat it.
Seizures in puppies can indicate a contagious disease or parasite. If this is the case, the issue needs to be addressed immediately.
Feliway doesn't work for all cats. If this is the case for yours, environmental enrichment is the best way to prevent fighting.
From food poisoning and constipation to a twisted stomach, there are numerous possible reasons for bloating.
The slow-kill method can be risky, but it is often the only alternative if finances are an issue or other treatments are unavailable in your location.
Retained puppy teeth should be removed ASAP to avoid crowding and other dental issues, but when is the best time to do it?
Hernias are rare in adult dogs, whereas skin infections are very prevalent. Luckily, most mild skin infections can be treated at home.
There are many possible reasons for a cat to bite unprovoked, pain being one of them. So what can you do about it?
Regularly giving antihistamines like Benadryl to your dog over long periods of time can lead to health issues like chronic congestion.
Unfortunately, many injured baby birds do not survive, as the shock of the injury is often fatal.
There are several acceptable reasons to rehome a dog, but it's key to do so responsibly and consider the consequences.
While processed dry dog foods are better than they used to be, they're still linked to numerous health issues.
There are many reasons that a dog may whine or hide, but pain is the only one they have in common.
Although Cytopoint is 87% effective for most dogs when it is started (2), the rate of response sometimes goes down with continued use. Here's why.
It is not uncommon for dogs to experience mild folliculitis after clipping, but providing relief before a lick granuloma develops is key.
Oral cancer can spread throughout the lymph system before the oral tumor is even found, but this does not lead to skin tumors.
Making raw cat food at home is easy and has many health benefits, especially for cats with hyperthyroidism or other illnesses.
There are many reasons for brown, runny vomit in dogs, from obstruction or garbage gut to serious medical conditions like pancreatitis.
There are many reasons for limping in dogs, from injury and neurological diseases to attention-seeking.
Feeding a low-pH diet and encouraging your cat to drink more water will help prevent struvite crystals.
Baby lovebirds need to be kept in a warm environment and fed carefully until they're fully feathered.
Geriatric dogs should be examined by a vet at least every six months, but if something seems off, you should take your dog in sooner.
There are several advantages to letting your puppies nurse from their mother, even if she is not producing enough milk for all of them.
Topical therapy without the use of oral antibiotics is recommended for cases of mild pyoderma. Learn what topicals to use (and how).
From coconut oil and pumpkin puree to OTC dewormers, there are many ways to help a dog with postpartum constipation.
Cats are desert animals and evolved to consume moist prey and not drink a lot of water. Cats did not evolve to eat a dry carbohydrate-based diet.
Puppy strangles and immune-mediated polyarthritis are both immune dysfunction diseases. IMPA is still a rare diagnosis, but it may be more common than we realize.
If traditional medical therapies and home remedies do not work to treat your dog's lick wounds, there are some alternatives you may not have tried yet.
Fostering ducklings is a very good idea if you eventually want to place them on a pond where there are predators present.
Does your dog still need to be vaccinated even if they are taking ivermectin? Yes, especially if you are boarding them.
Since all toxicities are dose-related, the garlic mustard plant (Alliaria petiolata) is very unlikely to poison a cat.
From Frontline spray to baths, there are many ways to deal with fleas in very young puppies.
From using double-sided tape to programming an automatic feeder, here are a few ways to keep your cat from scratching the bed at night.
Birds are more likely to become ill and die when stressed, and boarding outside the normal environment and away from the family is going to cause stress.
Some states in the US will not allow an exemption for a sick dog, but others require regular rabies vaccines in order to register your dog.
There are many reasons for hair loss in dogs, most of them inflammatory diseases, but hair loss can also be caused by trauma or a lack of vitamins.
There are as many failures in treating demodectic mange as there are success stories. What are the best treatment options to try?
When separated from their flock or living alone, guinea fowl may develop strange and undesirable behaviors.
Sadly, even if they survive the procedure, dogs who undergo surgery for splenic hemangiosarcoma do not hold out for long.
Malnourished puppies with worms almost always catch up to the other puppies after they are dewormed and transitioned to a healthy diet.
Dogs are very good at masking pain and usually do not show symptoms until it is very late. Here are some of the signs to look for.
There are many ways to get a rabbit to stop biting, but with some bunnies, they just don't work. In those cases, rehoming may be the only option.
Huskies are prone to a number of eye problems, from retinal atrophy to cataracts and glaucoma.
Most medium-sized dogs are generally safe from coyotes, but they require more exercise and attention than smaller breeds.
Dogs usually poop inside the house when they have a medical problem and are not able to get outside in time. Dogs may also experience this issue if they are stressed or scared.
If your cats will not consume dewormers or pills to control fleas, there are several good alternatives, from topical medications to collars.
Pica can be caused by anything from dental disease to boredom, and it often progresses into a behavioral problem. Here's what to do about it.
From marginal seborrhea and pinnal alopecia to mange, there are many possible reasons a dog's ears might begin to bald and become curled or scabby.
Spayed dogs have an increased incidence of some types of cancer, but it is not as easy as saying that your dog has cancer because she was spayed.
Pulling or filing a dog's teeth will not stop them from attacking. Instead of removing the teeth, the most important thing to do is teach your dog to stop biting and reduce their aggression.
Whether your teenager wants a cuddly pet or one with scales, these are the best options for first-time pet owners (and their parents, who will likely be left caring for them when their kids move out).
Do stray kittens need to be rescued? Unless it's cold where you live, they're better off staying outside with their mother. Here's how to support mama cat and her kittens in their first weeks of life.
It is not unusual for two males in the household to fight. Figuring out why and responding appropriately will help you to prevent this behavior moving forward.
While puppies may develop stress-related diarrhea from going to daycare, it is also possible—and maybe even likely—for them to contract giardia or another parasite from another dog when at daycare.
If your cat is sneezing or coughing, it may be time for a vet visit. Cats are prone to many serious diseases that often show up first as just a cold.
The symptoms of diarrhea and egg binding in canaries are extremely similar. A veterinary examination is required to determine the reason for your bird's swollen ventrum and change in behavior.
There are a few problems with elastration that make us reluctant to use it even in livestock, and especially not with cats and dogs. What other non-surgical neutering options are out there?
Dogs do not normally close their eyes when they are euthanized. This means that it will look like they are staring at you even after they have passed.
From DES to corn silk, there are several alternatives available if your dog is no longer responding to Proin at a low dose.
Dental additives are solutions that can be added to water to limit tartar buildup, but they come with risks. Is doggy "mouthwash" worth the risk for your pup? It depends.
Dogs that bite more than once, however, have less inhibition to making a second bite. It does not take much to cause them to react once they are a "biter."
Despite what other sites say, turtles are not built to eat kale, romaine lettuce, green beans, and other hard and tasteless grocery-store vegetables.
It is not always easy to tell when a dog is suffering to the point where they no longer have an adequate quality of life.
There are several things that can happen when you take your dog to the groomer, ranging from stress to infection or injury.
Allowing your rabbits to graze has its risks, including pesticide exposure and insect bites. But do the benefits outweigh the risks? Within reason, yes.
From "garbage gut" to a bacterial infection, there are many potential reasons your dog might be throwing up. In some cases, the color of the vomit may be a clue.
When we see vomiting secondary to bones, it is usually within the first day. If the bones were to lodge in the esophagus, it would be even sooner. Raw, soft bones (e.g., from a young chicken or rabbit) are typically easily digestible.
Once a dog has bitten, even if it was provoked the first time, they may have lowered inhibitions and be more likely to bite others later. An animal behaviorist may be able to help reduce this behavior.
Many skin diseases are considered to be a systemic sign of intestinal flora alterations. Another thing that might help dogs with allergic skin is an improvement of the skin flora.
If you have an outdoor enclosure for your pet that allows them to get natural light, they do not need an artificial UV source. If they're confined to a house or apartment, a UV light may be beneficial.
Antihistamines, cold compresses, and saline eye washes are a few at-home remedies for red eyes in dogs, but you should have the cause of the redness diagnosed by a vet before attempting home treatment.
Building a nest and laying eggs are very energy-intensive acts, and in general, birds are unlikely to abandon their hatchlings after all that. Carolina Wrens are also known to be accepting of human movement.
Grass is more nutritious than hay and has more antioxidants and other nutrients too. A grass-heavy diet may actually be healthier for guinea pigs.
Plecos are sensitive to water changes, which can cause behavior similar to the "zoomies" we see in puppies.
Obesity has several health effects, including arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, and increased rates of cancer.
Bored donkeys kept in small spaces often develop behavioral problems, such as inappropriate mounting. From giving them more space to making sure they have a job, here are a few ways to curb this behavior.
Most of the OTC medications available for pain are NSAIDs, which all have risks when given to dogs. Certain natural supplements may be helpful.
A lot of research still needs to be done in this area, but we do know that cancer rates have risen dramatically in dogs since the introduction of processed foods.
Pneumonia sometimes leaves some scarring changes in the lungs after a puppy has recovered. There is no way to predict whether a dog will have pneumonia-related health repercussions down the line.
79% of dogs affected by idiopathic polymyopathy present with regurgitation. Symptoms include sialorrhea, dysphagia, temporal muscle atrophy, and elevated serum creatinine kinase activity.
According to the American Heartworm Society, dogs should be started on preventative at 8 weeks old and then be kept on the medication year-round for the rest of their lives.
Many websites still claim that joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are important for the ultimate health status of your pet. The research, however, does not back that up.
From infectious diseases and trauma to epilepsy, there are many neurological issues that cats can be born with or that can show up later.
A lick granuloma may start out as a spider bite or other small wound, but once a dog starts licking it, the lesion grows. There are several things you can try at home to remedy this issue, but a vet visit is preferable and may be necessary if at-home remedies do not work.
Millions of doses of ivermectin are given every month with no reports of toxicity in pregnant dogs. If there was an issue with pregnant dogs being poisoned with ivermectin, drug companies would label this medication appropriately so as not to be sued.
A total hip replacement is more likely to allow your dog to return to a high level of activity than a femoral head ostectomy, but but procedures have their pros and cons.
Many pet birds suffer from subclinical malnutrition. It may never be a problem until the bird is stressed out with illness or breeding. But some lovebirds may also develop behavioral issues when laying eggs.
It is not impossible for osteosarcoma to metastasize to the intestine, but the most common locations for metastasis are the lungs, liver, and spleen.
Bee pollen is a safe supplement for parrots. There is no proof that it will do any good for a parrot, but also no proof that it won't. Funding for this type of research is unlikely, so we may never know for sure.
Female dogs will refuse a male for many reasons, but there are ways that you can help encourage her to breed.
Straining to urinate, urinating frequently (usually without success), peeing blood, and peeing outside of the litterbox are all common signs of a UTI in cats.
While the best way to take care of an abscess is to take your cat to your local veterinarian, there are things you can to at home to help an abscess drain and heal.
From parasites and infections to stress, there are many reasons a puppy may be experiencing diarrhea. Sudden food intolerance is unlikely to be one of them.
There are no laws requiring that you test your dog for heartworm, but veterinarians do require a veterinarian-client-patient relationship before prescribing prescription medications.
We cannot say that because a certain medicine works in humans, it is going to work in cats. In most cases, there is no research into how human medications affect cats.
Small dogs often suffer from collapsing trachea. A dry, "goose honk" cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are just a few signs of this common condition. It is not an emergency but should still be addressed ASAP.
Car sickness is quite common in dogs, but luckily it can be treated with over-the-counter medications, training, and prescription medications.
From changing your dog's diet to teaching the "leave it" command, there are many ways to help your dog stop eating poop.
Cloacitis is a common inflammation of the cloaca we see in snakes and other herps. It has various causes and remedies.
Unfortunately, in some cases, the xylitol can cause damage that takes longer to heal, and in other cases, the dog may even die of liver failure.
Guinea pigs can be fed up to 30 or 40 percent of soybeans in their diet to meet their protein requirements.
Many vets will refuse to perform surgery on mice, but veterinary colleges are usually more willing to do so.
Cats with mild cases of cerebellar hypoplasia may be a little clumsy, but they can still live long and happy lives.
In the past, many people did not accept that rabbits were in pain. Since that time, a rabbit grimace pain scale has been developed that will allow you to look at your rabbit and determine if he is in pain.
already had a mild respiratory disease when you purchased them. Bringing a bird to a new environment is stressful, which can cause subclinical diseases to become active.
Dogs with pica eat things they shouldn't, including dirt. Puppies with pica typically experience vomiting, diarrhea, straining to defecate, drooling, and choking.
It is not normal for dogs to have a bright pink discharge after the bleeding has stopped, but it doesn't necessarily indicate a miscarriage.
Dogs are social animals, and it is probably a lot more common than most of us think for them to mourn the loss of a close companion.
A veterinary examination is key to determining the cause of a cat's abdominal swelling. If your cat has CHF and you are treating her for constipation, it is not going to help.
Arthritis pain can cause dogs to become more fearful when walking, especially on slippery floors. An examination for arthritis (and even thyroid changes) may help.
CHF is not something that is going to get better, but your dog may have several great years ahead of him if his treatment is modified as-needed on an ongoing basis.
Chronically snotty noses in dogs may be caused by chronic inflammatory rhinitis or, less commonly, Leishmania.
Bumps on a dog's paw may be due to an abscess, nail bed infection, paronychia, or even an autoimmune condition.
Inflammation of the lining of the rectum, internal parasites, a flea allergy, a tumor, or even perianal fistulas can cause pain in this area, but the most common reason is infected anal glands.
Avocado pits can cause dangerous intestinal blockages in dogs. Collecting the fruit, removing the skin and pit, and feeding only the fleshy part of the fruit as a treat is a safer option.
Unless your cat is showing true bullying behavior, it is best to avoid separating her from your kitten. Separating cats can end up causing more aggression.
There are many ways you can try to protect your dog and yourself while on walks, but the most effective method—pepper spray—may not be legal in your area.
Allowing a female dog to breed as many times as she will tolerate during a heat cycle will increase the chances that she gets pregnant and may increase the size of the litter.
The most common cause of vomiting in 8-month-old puppies is "garbage gut," but an intestinal blockage or parvovirus may also be to blame.
Most flying squirrels are able to get all of the vitamins they need from a healthy diet and do not need supplementation, but vitamin D may be an exception.
There are several reasons a dog may suddenly act distant. If pain or another medical issue isn't to blame, your dog may be suffering from clinical depression.
Corn silk and saw palmetto may help dogs with DM to strengthen their bladders for a time, but as the disease progresses, frequent catheterization will be necessary.
From calming pheromones to special treats and anxiety medication, there are several ways you can help a cat that is afraid of just about everything.
Equine-strength ivermectin should not be used in dogs of any size. Even though a drop of medication should be significantly less than is usually needed to show toxicity, the risk isn't worth it.
Researchers who have looked at this issue state that it takes approximately 50–80 seconds for a dog to ejaculate after breeding, but slip breedings can still be fertile.
There is not much you can do to avoid all of a cat's potential triggers, but there are things you can try to reduce aggressive outbursts.
Date pits can cause blockages and gastritis in dogs, but their high sugar content can pose a different health risk entirely.
Cerenia—like so many other medications that have been approved by the FDA—may not be safe for all dogs. But going up against a pharmaceutical company is a huge endeavor. Here's what to know if you aim to try.
Due to increased health and behavioral issues associated with cryptorchidism, veterinarians recommend that dogs carrying the HMGA2 gene be neutered and removed from the breeding population.
All bones have some risk involved, but dehydrated bones (especially those that are heat-dried) are more dangerous than some of the others.
An underlying cause (food allergy, dust mite allergy, etc.) may be preventing your dog from recovering from his yeast infection. A veterinary dermatologist may be able to help.
There is a type of tapeworm carried by foxes (Echinococcus multilocularis) that can be spread to dogs through rodents and eating carrion. It can also spread to people and cause cysts to develop throughout the body.
There are numerous medical issues that can cause weight loss in older dogs, but sometimes it's just a question of modifying your dog's diet.
Cattle-strength ivermectin is far too strong for use on cats, and even sheep drench is unnecessarily strong. OTC medications are a better bet.