Preventive Care
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Can Dogs Eat Garlic or Onions? A Veterinarian’s Complete Safety Guide
Can dogs eat garlic or onions? No. Dogs should not be fed garlic, onions, or foods that contain them. Onion, garlic, chives, and leeks are Allium plants. Their sulfur-containing compounds can damage red blood cells and may lead to hemolytic anemia. That answer applies whether the ingredient is raw, cooked, dried, granulated, or powdered. Cooking…
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Patellar Luxation in Dogs: Complete Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment.
A dog that suddenly carries a back leg for a few steps, then walks normally again, may have a luxating patella—a kneecap that slips out of its normal track. That skip is a classic sign, but it isn’t a diagnosis on its own. A veterinary exam can determine whether the knee is unstable and rule…
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Cat Dental Disease: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed. An estimated 50–90% of cats over 4 years old have dental disease, and about 70% of cats develop periodontal disease by age three. Many affected cats keep eating and hide mouth pain, so owners often…
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Cat Diabetes: Complete Guide to Feline Diabetes Mellitus Management
Introduction Cat diabetes affects an estimated 1 in 100 cats during their lifetime, making feline diabetes the second most common endocrine disease in cats. This comprehensive guide to diabetes mellitus in cats covers everything from recognizing the earliest clinical signs of cat diabetes to achieving long-term glycemic control and even potential remission. This guide focuses…
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Cat Hyperthyroidism: Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Feline hyperthyroidism, or cat hyperthyroidism, is the most common endocrine disease in older cats, occurring when the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and nearly every organ system. If your senior cat is losing weight despite eating more than ever, hyperthyroidism should be near the top of the list of possible…
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Cat Chronic Kidney Disease: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
Introduction Chronic kidney disease in cats, also known as cat chronic kidney disease, is one of the most common medical problems affecting senior cats, with CKD affecting 30% to 40% of cats over 10 years old. For many cats, cat chronic kidney disease develops silently, making early detection essential to preserving quality of life and…
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Old Cat Health Problems: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Senior Feline Care
Introduction Old cats face a predictable set of health problems, commonly referred to as old cat health problems, that become significantly more common once they cross into their senior years. Chronic kidney disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, dental disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer represent the six conditions veterinarians diagnose most frequently in aging cats. Cats are considered…
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Cat Throwing Up White Foam: Veterinary Guide to Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Emergency Care
Reviewed by Dr. Roger Hart, DVM Introduction One common trigger is dietary indiscretion. If your cat has eaten something it shouldn’t have, the resulting stomach upset can lead to this same foamy vomiting. When your cat is vomiting white foam, you’re typically seeing a mixture of stomach acid, mucus, and saliva expelled from an empty…
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Dog Cries When Picked Up: Veterinary Guide to Causes and Solutions
Introduction When your dog cries when picked up, it almost always signals pain or discomfort rather than simple moodiness. Dogs are remarkably skilled at masking suffering, and the act of lifting often exposes underlying conditions – spinal issues, muscle injuries, or internal disease – that remain hidden while the dog rests quietly. A dog whimpering…
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Best Food for a Vomiting Dog: Bland Diet and Feeding Schedule
Bland, easily digestible foods like boiled chicken and white rice are the safest options for dogs recovering from acute vomiting. These gentle foods minimize irritation to an already inflamed digestive system while providing the calories and nutrients your pet needs to heal. This article covers which foods to offer, when to start feeding, portion sizes…