Noise and Thunder Phobias in Dogs

Are you planning a huge 4th of July party this year complete with all those fireworks? Maybe think twice before shooting off all those noisy firecrackers. Your 4-legged friends may have difficulty handling all the noise. In fact, fear of loud noise and thunder are some of the most commonly seen phobias in dogs. Many dogs will try and outrun the offending noise, injuring themselves (self-inflicted injury) in the process. A fearful animal will tear through fences or walls, clawing, chewing, and going under or over obstacles to escape the source of the fear. Read more...

Cheyletiellosis or Walking Dandruff in the Cat

Is your cat constantly scratching? Does he have scabby areas of hair loss? Does he have dandruff that you think may be moving? Then your cat could be suffering from cheyletiellosis. Cheyletiellosis is a dermatologic condition caused by a mite so large that it is sometimes visible to the naked eye.

Jiminy Crickets! (A Dehydrated Gecko)

It was already late in the day and appointments at the clinic were winding down. The technician Debbie and I had just completed the evening treatments when the receptionist Rebecca burst forth through the swinging door to the treatment area: “Hey doc, will you see a dehydrated gecko?” she asked.

Heat Stroke in Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets

Looking for a cool shady place with a cold drink to escape those warm summer temperatures? Maybe a dip in the pool or the lake will provide some relief. Some of us just hate to go outside the house during the middle of the day when we are fortunate enough to have an air-conditioner in those midsummer months.

Feline Predatory Aggression

Predatory aggression concerns the natural instinct of cats to hunt. Cats in a predatory response may stalk silently crouching or in a slow walk, often followed by a short run.

Feline Fearful or Defensive Aggression

When threatened and afraid, any cat may become aggressive, especially when they cannot escape from the situation. Cats may become afraid of people when being reached for, cornered, or otherwise restrained.

Pets and Flea Prevention

Adult fleas are wingless, blood-sucking, external parasites of warm-blooded animals. The cat flea is the most common in the Southeast.

Top Dog Breeds in the U.S. for 2007

The most popular dog in the US is actually the mixed-breed, sometimes known as "designer dogs". Of the AKC registered breeds, the following were the most popular in 2007.

Feline Play Aggression

Excessively rough and persistent play is called play aggression. Play aggression amongst cats may create a problem when a very vivacious cat pounces on a less playful cat making that cat fearful or aggressive.

Congestive Heart Failure in the Dog

Is your dog sleeping more than usual? Is your small dog suddenly coughing, especially after that nap or following the least bit of exertion? Has your dog had problems with his dental health in the past? Then your pet could be suffering from congestive heart failure which is a leading cause of death in older, especially smaller breeds of dogs. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is traditionally defined as a functional failure of the left side of the heart and the activation of neurologic and hormonal mechanisms that result in pulmonary edema (accumulation of fluid in the lungs).

Cheyletiella or Walking Dandruff in Dogs

Is your dog scratching, does he have bad dandruff, is he rubbing his eyes or sneezing? Does that dandruff appear to be moving? Then Cheyletiella yasquri, a large mite that parasitizes dogs, could be the source of your problem. The Cheyletiella yasquri mite is so large that it may appear visible to the naked eye.

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