Are You Allergic To Dogs?

Humans in general are not allergic to animals; however, some with hypersensitive immune system can become allergic to animals. Since most of us have cats, or dogs in our homes, any allergy due to animals is most likely to be caused by dog, or cat. Causes of dog allergies People can be allergic to dog’s dander, saliva, or urine. As most dogs urinate at outside places, the most common causes of allergies due to dog is saliva, or dander. Dander is the dead skin shed by dog. Many times, pollen... Read more »

New Canine Obesity Drug Launched!

The FDA in the USA approved a drug on 5th January 2007 that claims to be a useful weapon in the fight against canine obesity. Slentrol (dirlotapide), manufactured by Pfizer, is aimed at dogs that are clinically obese rather than those that are just slightly overweight. Could your dog be a candidate for this new drug? Here we look at what Slentrol is and how it works. Indications Slentrol Oral Solution is indicated for the management of canine obesity. With canine obesity on the increase globally,... Read more »

How To Be a Dog Whisperer

Plenty of people call themselves a dog whisperer, usually for commercial gain. Since the success of Monty Roberts, the Horse Whisperer, it seems to be a title almost anyone can brand themselves with - so long as they are not Horse Whisperers (that one is owned and trademarked by Monty Roberts). I’m yet to see anyone “whisper” to a dog (or a horse) and have the animal magically do anything that it wasn’t trained to do. I remember one occassion where some people had bought a... Read more »

Does Your Cat Have A Healthy Diet?

They say we are what we eat. This applies to your pet as much as it applies to yourself. A good diet means less health problems, less trips to the vet and lower veterinary bills. But how much thought have you given to what your cat should be eating to maintain optimum health? Ask yourself the following questions. 1) How many times a day do you feed your cat? Since cats cannot be exercised like dogs can, the only way you can influence your cats weight is by controlling the amount and type of food... Read more »

Determine How Much Your Pet Is Worth

Has the cost of caring for your pet become too much? Exactly how much is too much to spend on a pet? The human society reported last year that there are over 73 million dogs in America, and 90 million cats. And this is only the ones that are known about and documented. A whopping 40 percent of all households have at least one dog, and 35 percent of all households have at least one cat. Let’s assume for a moment that you bought your pet. For an average purebred dog, you might expect to pay... Read more »

A Correct Diet is Vital for Rabbits

Many people keep rabbits rather than dogs and cats because rabbits can be happily left at home alone all day while their owners are out at work. Though often happy on their own, they are by nature social creatures that enjoy the company of their owners and other animals in the household. They are best kept in pairs because they form strong bonds with each other. They will play with toys, seek out and follow humans, and enjoy being stroked. Most rabbits will use a litter tray and so can live indoors... Read more »

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Despite many years of selective breeding, hip dysplasia remains one of the commonest orthopaedic diseases of dogs. It is often confused with osteoarthritis of the hips in older dogs which is incorrect; hip dysplasia is a developmental disease that can start within the first few weeks of life, whereas osteoarthritis is the consequence. Dogs with hip dysplasia usually fall into two categories when first being presented to the veterinarian for this condition: 1. When they are less than 12 months old,... Read more »

Certified Dog Trainer Qualities

All dog lovers know just how much company these four-legged friends can be. They are special pets that can provide so much love and entertainment. It seems like they can predict when you feel good and when you don’t. They are loyal to the very end. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t run into problems with these adorable pets once in awhile. That is when you need the expertise of a certified dog trainer to step in and help you get or keep control over your pet. So what are... Read more »

Post Hibernation Anorexia (PHA) in Tortoises

Post hibernation anorexia (PHA) is a very common problem in pet tortoises at this time of the year, and can be frustrating to treat. Prevention is much preferable to treatment, and with the correct husbandry, dietary practices and hibernation preparation, this is easily achievable. Sadly, post hibernation problems recur each year. Many pet tortoises are still kept by owners who are ignorant of their requirements regarding heat and UVb light provision, and the fact that many tortoises can cope with... Read more »

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats

Chronic cases of diarrhea in cats are a familiar headache for many veterinarians. Symptoms can wax and wane over a period of time, which can complicate the veterinarians assessment of the response to treatment in some cases. Many, though not all of these cats, will have inflammatory bowel disease (IDB). This article will focus on how a veterinarian is able to diagnose IBD, and what the treatment options are. There are many possible underlying causes when a cat presents with vomiting, diarrhea or... Read more »