Health

Do dogs feel pain? Veterinarians didn't always think so. Fortunately, now vets know that human medications like NSAIDs (Rimadyl, Metacam) and opiates (Tramadol, Amantadine) work wonders for dogs, too!

There are many potential causes of seizures in dogs – and the cause needs to be identified in each patient in order to treat them successfully.

This pseudo pregnancy is caused by hormones and is not life-threatening.

Just like a good skunking doesnt stop most dogs from going after those black-and-white critters again the next time (darn it!), there are many dogs who seem goaded into more intense bee-chasing behavior after an unfortunate encounter of the stinging kind. Conversely, there are also dogs who become literally phobic about all small, flying creatures after a stinging incident. Then there are those who develop an obsessive-compulsive behavior known as fly-snapping.

To prevent injuries – or even your dog’s accidental death – when driving with your dog, restrain your dog with a safety harness and seat belt or a properly secured crate, and don’t let your dog sit on your lap, or drive with his head out the window.

People don't like the taste, but dogs love cod liver oil. That's convenient, because cod liver oil is inexpensive, easy-to-use canine health insurance. Centuries ago, people in the fishing communities of Scotland, Greenland, Iceland, and Norway thrived despite their intensely cold winters by taking a daily dose of cod liver oil. By the 1800s, folks around the world were taking a tablespoon a day because it relieved aching muscles, stiff joints, and rheumatism in addition to improving overall health.

For several reasons, veterinarians tend to put the most stock in prescription oral or topical flea medications than any other preventatives. In fact, these are the two most effective solutions for killing fleas – but they aren't without potential side effects and they should represent only a part of a dog owner's efforts to control fleas.

Symptoms of a superficial staph infection include hair loss and the presence of pustules. It can worsen into a deep staph infection with fever, pain, and crusting skin.

Researchers are looking at CBD from a variety of angles: Is it effective? How does the canine body absorb, synthesize, and metabolize CBD? What is the recommended dosage for different ailments in canine patients?

Previously in Whole Dog Journal, we discussed the dog's complex immune system. We described what body parts and functions actually comprise the dog's system of immunity" and explained how this system acts to protect the dog from foreign agents including viruses

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Hot spots are localized areas of inflammation and infection of the skin. These raw, inflamed, and sometimes oozing lesions can appear suddenly and worsen quickly if left untreated.