Preventive Care
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How Do You Tell If a Cat Is in Pain? (Vet-Reviewed Guide)
Cats are experts at hiding pain to protect themselves from predators, making it difficult to tell if your cat is hurting. This guide walks you through the signs of pain in cats, including when a cat is in pain, so you can act quickly and help your cat feel better. When you notice any signs,…
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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: Complete Guide to Feline Oral Health Problems
Introduction 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. These numbers reveal a quiet epidemic unfolding inside the mouths of…
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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: Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care.
Introduction 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, cat hyperthyroidism should be at the top of your list…
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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 that Dr. Roger Hart, DVM, diagnoses most frequently in aging…
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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 Another common reason for cat throwing up white foam is dietary indiscretion. If your cat has eaten something it shouldn’t have, it may lead to upset stomach and the subsequent vomiting of cat throwing up white foam. When your cat is throwing up white foam, you’re typically seeing…
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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 when lifted often indicates…