Pet Health Conditions

If you suspect your dog’s stomach is upset, the concern can be paralyzing. What do I do? How can I help? Should I call the vet now, or wait until I can schedule a regular appointment? They’re all reasonable thoughts to run through your mind, but as a team of pet health (and gut health) experts, we’ve had plenty of experience with upset stomachs. The best thing you can do in instances of suspected stomach illness is to slow down, take stock and look for a few key indicators.

If you’re noticing certain changes in your cat’s behavior, demeanor and all-around wellbeing, you can bet your intuition is telling you something. With all that said, it always helps to have a few defined markers of illness in the case that we’re debating a phone call to the vet. While hardly comprehensive, here’s a quick-and-dirty checklist to give you a better clue as to whether your cat’s stomach is upset.

Parasites are part and parcel to a dog’s life. Over the course of your dog’s years, they’re likely to become infected at one point or another. Many (if not most) will go undiagnosed, unacknowledged and untreated. That’s a good thing: Large numbers of canine parasites are relatively benign, and may come to pass as quickly as they arrived.

If your cat has experienced a seizure, you know how startling the experience can be. Seizures in cats often spring up from seemingly nowhere, overtaking their nervous systems and motor function before you’re even aware something’s off.

Seeing your dog experience a seizure can be a startling moment. Though for some pet parents, the signs can be so subtle and instant that the seizure may come and go before they know it. Knowing what to look for, what to do and who to call when your dog has a seizure can make all the difference in getting them the necessary help.

We compiled a list of 15 common ailments affecting dogs using data from pet organizations and veterinarians including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). We’ve covered everything from the relatively new illness to hit canines, one that humans have been battling forever, and another that represents one of the most common and preventable afflictions. We touch on many of the health concerns that affect dog owners and their loving furry pals and provide a description of the ailment, a list of symptoms, and what you should do to prevent and/or treat the most common ailments affecting dogs.

Is your dog’s eye red and swollen, or is there green discharge coming from their eyes? This could be an eye infection, inflammation, or something more serious going on. With a dog’s eyes, a simple eye infection can become very serious very quickly. Dogs do not know not to scratch their eyes or rub their face on the carpet. As soon as you notice anything wrong with your dog’s eye, it would be best for your vet to see your dog.

If you have a dog, you’re probably familiar with the scene: your furry friend is intently licking his paws as if they’re covered with cake batter. Much like licking cake batter, paw licking is a natural impulse and totally okay in moderation. But if your dog is licking his or her paws excessively, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

A sprain or strain is a soft tissue injury that causes damage to the muscle or tendon. This is common in very active dogs. When your dog is running or jumping around, the sudden change in direction can cause them to pull or strain and muscle.

Has your dog been prescribed amoxicillin? This is a common antibiotic that many vets use in dogs and cats. It is very effective at treating multiple conditions and is a very safe and inexpensive choice for treating an infection in your dog.