Hot Spots in Dogs

Also known as acute moist dermatitis, pyotraumatic dermatitis, moist eczema or “summer sores,” hot spots are raised, red, wet and oozing wounds on the skin’s surface that are often self-inflicted by a licking or chewing dog. They can appear and …

Giving cats pills – How do I give my cat medication or a pill – Pet tip 98

It is a simple fact of owning a cat that one day you may need to give your cat some medication in pill form. Giving your cat medication is not likely to be a fun task but some simple preparation …

Tip 81 – Scooting – dog or cat rubs bum on the floor – anal sac problems in dogs and cats

Although more common in dogs than cats, scooting is the action of a pet that drags its bum on the floor. The cat or dog literally moves using its two front paws while its whole backside gets dragged. It may …

Cherry eye in dogs – Pet tip 122

Any owner of a dog who has had “cherry eye” will tell you that it is not a pretty sight. Perhaps you have witnessed it yourself and have seen the large red mass bulging out of the inner corner of a dog’s eye, from which the name ‘cherry eye’ originated. While not the most visually appealing condition (for the owners or the afflicted dog), cherry eye is actually a fairly common and benign occurrence in many breeds of dogs.

Though it may appear somewhat like a tumour or even an awfully big bug bite, the ‘cherry’ on your dog’s eye is actually a prolapsed (or popped out) gland. Known by veterinarians as the nictitans gland, this gland is present in the third eyelid of dogs and aids in the production of tears. Unlike humans, many animals possess this third eyelid which closes horizontally across the eye to provide extra protection and moisture.

Pet Prescriptions

Pet Prescriptions 101

Most of us that have visited a family doctor are familiar with the drill: after taking a careful history and making a working diagnosis, your doctor scribbles down some words on a pad and hands it to …

Pet Loss – Grieving for Pets

Losing a cherished pet can be a very painful experience. Many non-pet owners do not understand the grief that one can go through when losing a pet because they underestimate the magnitude of the human-animal bond. Grieving pet owners often …

Choosing a Veterinarian

When you visit your doctor, your dentist, and even your hairdresser, you place a great deal of trust in the hands of another person. Whether they are responsible for your health, your smile, or your hair, you want that person …

Tip 85 – Dog urine burning grass

Most dog owners are aware that dog urine can damage the grass on their lawns. This happens because dog urine contains concentrated amounts of nitrogen which discolours or ‘burns’ the grass. Although the earth (and possibly fertilizer) under the grass …

Dogs with osteochondritis dissecans

There are many reasons for a dog to have a sore leg. For example, it could have stepped on something sharp. If your dog looks like it is in pain, it is always a good idea to take it to …

Dog Park Etiquette – Pet tip 160

Perhaps one of the most fulfilling moments for a dog owner is to witness the pure joy their pet experiences during a day at the dog park. Whether your dog has his fun romping around with friends, breaking into a …