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Crystals in dog urine can mean nothing, or they can be the first warning of bladder stones. Here’s how vets tell the difference, what causes each type, and how to treat and prevent them in 2026.
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We know it by many names and fear it by them all. Cancer. The word alone has the power to conjure up deep and dark feelings in those of us whose lives have been impacted by it, which is most of us. Statistics show that the majority of American families have relatives who have been diagnosed with … Read more
Cushing’s disease is a condition affecting a dog’s endocrine system, the glands that produce and secrete hormones throughout the body. One of those hormones, cortisol, is responsible for stress management and balancing the immune system. Cortisol is essential for healthy body function, but too much or too little can cause problems. A dog dealing with increased levels of cortisol has hyperadrenocorticism, more commonly known as Cushing’s disease, but the condition can be difficult to diagnose. Causes of Cushing’s Disease There … Read more
The word “cancer” might be one of the scariest words in the English language, especially when it’s aimed at your beloved fur child. Unfortunately, cancer is responsible for the deaths of about half of all dogs over the age of 10. The good news is that many types of cancer, if they are caught early enough, are highly treatable. Your dog’s overall well-being is the primary concern during treatment, so the process is not quite as grueling as what humans … Read more
People often look forward to the warm weather of summer, but dogs are not always excited about it. That’s because heat stroke in dogs is more common for them than it is for humans. Even with all the warnings about hot temperatures, many dog parents still don’t take extra precautions. Going for a long walk or playing in the yard could cause health problems for your dog if the sun is blazing down on them. So, it’s important to be … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We hear all the time about the dangers of obesity in humans, but have you ever stopped to think about how those same dangers apply to your dog? You may love how happy your dog becomes when you give him a treat, or maybe you’re a sucker for hungry eyes, but either way, you may be shortening … Read more
Watching your dog limp around the house, reluctant to get up from their bed, is one of the harder parts of being a dog parent. You want to help, and your medicine cabinet is right there. Aspirin feels like an obvious fix. But before you hand over a tablet, there are some real risks you need to know about. Aspirin can be used in dogs, but it’s not as straightforward as it is for people. The dosage matters a lot, … Read more
Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is caused by the salmonella bacteria. It can be found in raw meat and eggs, but can also be transferred from an infected animal’s poop or saliva. If your dog is vomiting or has bloody diarrhea, he could have a salmonella infection. Keep him hydrated, wash your hands with soap and water after handling your dog, and let your vet know. Symptoms of Salmonella Infection in Dogs Dogs who have salmonellosis may be totally asymptomatic, giving no … Read more
Did you know that growths on the skin are the most common type of tumor in dogs? While not all of them are cancerous, the ones that are can be quite aggressive. It’s essential to understand the risk factors, symptoms, and protective measures related to dog skin cancer so you can better safeguard your pup. What Are The Types Of Dog Skin Cancer? There are three types of skin cancer commonly seen in dogs: Malignant Melanoma This type of cancer … Read more
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 54% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. That means over half of our dogs are suffering from a very preventable condition – enough that there is an entire organization dedicated to counter its prevalence. This is because obesity contributes to, or even directly causes, so many health conditions. The best way to stay healthy is to prevent disease and illness, so making sure our dogs are … Read more
Strokes are not as common in dogs as they are in humans, but they can be equally serious and frightening. Unfortunately, recognizing the signs of stroke in dogs can be difficult. Our pups are quite stoic, and without the gift of speech to tell us how they are feeling, diagnosis is challenging. Below we will discuss the types of stroke, how to recognize the signs in your dog, and what you can do to help them beat the odds. What … Read more
Heart attacks in any breed of dog are considered very rare, very dangerous, and should be taken very seriously. When a heart attack occurs the heart is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, and could die. The affected chamber of the heart will no longer effectively pump blood to the body. If your dog has a congenital heart abnormality, heart disease, or genetic predisposition, he’s at a higher risk for a heart attack. A heart attack requires emergency medical attention … Read more
Hip dyplasia is a serious skeletal condition affecting a high percentage of large breed dogs and occasionally small dogs. It’s diagnosed as a malformation of a dog’s hip joint that makes moving painful, and in extreme cases, walking normally is impossible. Owners of large dogs need to be aware of the risks and symptoms to provide their pets with the happiest and healthiest futures. Related: Best Hip Dysplasia Supplements for Dogs Like humans, dogs have what’s called a ball and … Read more
Whether their child is furry or not, many parents are in denial about their child’s weight. This can lead to a host of health problems related to obesity, some of which may be permanent. Obesity can also reduce your dog’s life span by up to two years. That’s why it’s so important to take an honest look at your dog’s figure and decide if they need to lose some weight. Somewhere between 22 and 40% of the dogs in the … Read more
Any pup parent knows that gazing into their dog’s eyes will give them a glimpse of the undying love and loyalty that he has for his favorite humans. Dogs’ very lives revolve around us, and we’ll do anything to extend the number of healthy days we get to spend with them. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that different breeds are prone to different health issues, just like people. Below are 7 dog breeds that are predisposed to eye problems (although, … Read more
The word brachycephalic refers to animals whose skulls are stubbier than what is typical for their species. In dogs, the result is a short muzzle and flattened face. Brachycephalic dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekingese often suffer from respiratory problems as a result of their facial structure. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) refers to the various upper airway problems short-muzzled dogs are prone to, including narrowed nostrils (Stenotic Nares), an overly long soft palate, abnormally small or collapsing trachea, and collapse … Read more
Gastrointestinal obstructions in dogs can be located anywhere along the digestive tract from the stomach to the colon. They occur when the natural flow of ingested materials becomes stopped up, making it difficult for the dog to pass stool or gas. Bowel obstructions are fairly common in dogs due to their habit of ingesting non-food items. Who is at risk for a gastrointestinal obstruction? While any dog can potentially suffer from a gastrointestinal obstruction, puppies are especially susceptible as they … Read more
Dogs can react to any type of pet product, including dog food, grooming items, and preventatives. But there’s a difference between a few allergic reactions and thousands of incident reports. Seresto Flea and Tick Collars are getting a lot of heat for that reason. Numerous customers are reporting illnesses and even death related to the collar, and it seems like more than just some coincidences. But despite everything, Elanco Animal Health has refused to recall the products. So, a congressional … Read more
Why is it so important to know what the functions of the pancreas are? Well, the pancreas is a very important organ that does several things for the body to run smoothly. This is especially true if your dog is diabetic. Let’s take a look at what it does. ENDOCRINE CELLS Endocrine cells produce hormones that regulate blood sugar levels; insulin and glucagon. When blood glucose levels increase, the pancreas releases insulin to bring down glucose. When BG is too … Read more
You’ve likely heard about Coronavirus by now. It can be more than a little scary when a virus like this seems to spread so quickly, but as dog lovers, many of us immediately turn our thoughts to our pups at times like these. Especially if you’re familiar with the phrase, “Canine Coronavirus.” “Can my dog get Coronavirus?” Or worse, “Can I give my dog Coronavirus?” First and foremost: don’t panic. What is Coronavirus? Though people are largely referring to the … Read more
You’ve likely heard about Coronavirus by now. It can be more than a little scary when a virus like this seems to spread so quickly, but as dog lovers, many of us immediately turn our thoughts to our pups at times like these. Especially if you’re familiar with the phrase, “Canine Coronavirus.” “Can my dog get Coronavirus?” Or worse, “Can I give my dog Coronavirus?” First and foremost: don’t panic. What is Coronavirus? Though people are largely referring to the … Read more
Have you ever heard of leptospirosis? It is a very rare life threatening disease that can infect dogs and humans alike. Vets in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado are seeing significant increases in dogs infected with the disease, many of which have been faced with the awful worst case scenario of having their beloved dog put to sleep. The good news? There is a vaccine for the disease that you may want to get this year. A Recent Case in Colorado: … Read more
Everyone loves looking into the big, sweet eyes of their dog. What we love more though, is forming bonds with our furry pals and learning their personalities. We’d love those good boys and girls with or without their cute eyeballs. In fact, one TikTok-famous dog has no eyeballs and I’m in love with him! He goes by @CaboTheBlindDoggo on TikTok. If you’re not familiar with it, TikTok has brought us some of the best dog videos around. The short-form video app which … Read more
Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) sent out a grave warning yesterday to dog lovers everywhere. In the past week alone, the shelter has seen dozens of dogs at their intake doors infected with canine parvovirus. Canine parvovirus is completely preventable with a routine vaccination. These preventative measures are extremely successful at protecting our pups from dangerous diseases. IACS said on Facebook, Canine parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious, life-threatening disease and it’s only going to continue to spread throughout … Read more
A breeder with a history of troubling accusations recently became the subject of an investigation by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Authorities claim the Double G Kennels were the breeding ground for an extremely contagious canine disease. Even more distressing, the disease can be spread from dogs to humans. An Unsettling History The dismal news stories date back two years. In 2017, authorities found two emaciated dogs at the Double G Kennels, a commercial breeding facility (sometimes … Read more
A new study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases is warning pet owners and pet professionals about a previously uncharted risk. A strain of bacterium that affects dogs called Brucella canis can be spread to humans. The infection referred to as brucellosis is most often spread by livestock, but new research shows dogs that have not been neutered are responsible for passing the bacteria on to humans. In adult dogs, the infection often goes unnoticed. According to VCA Hospitals, … Read more
Have you heard about collapsing trachea before? If you have a small or toy dog breed, your dog may develop a collapsing trachea, so it’s important for you to understand what collapsing trachea is, what the symptoms are, and how it’s treated in order to prevent your dog from suffering needlessly before you take him to the vet for a diagnosis. And while larger dog breeds may also suffer from a collapsing trachea, small and toy breeds are significantly more … Read more
Whether your dog has a diagnosed seizure disorder or is experiencing an episode for the first time, it can be difficult to keep your wits about you. In fact, owners often end up doing more harm than good when trying to help their dog through a seizure. Dr. Pippa Elliott, a veterinarian with 30 years experience, shared her basic rules for protecting your dog and minimizing the effects of a seizure. Related Post: The 5 Things You Need To Know … Read more
Watching your dog have a seizure can be a terrifying experience. But what is a seizure exactly? How concerned should you be if your dog has one? Is there any cure? What should you do if your dog has another seizure, or several? According to Registered Veterinary Technician, Jenna Stregowski: “A seizure is a sudden episode of abnormal brain activity that often involves some loss of body control. Seizures can look like full body convulsions or small, localized spasms. There … Read more
Canine incontinence occurs when an otherwise housetrained dog is no longer able to control its bladder. It is most commonly seem in adult and senior spayed females, but can occur in dogs of any age, sex or breed. This difficult medical issue is heartbreaking to witness and stressful for everyone involved. In order to treat the problem and make your pup more comfortable, you first need to identify the cause. Note: urinary incontinence is not to be confused with frequent, … Read more
Dog flu is making its rounds across the country, and the best thing dog owners can do is be prepared. Outbreaks have already spread through Washington, California, and Colorado, but dogs in every state are at risk of coming down with the flu. K-9 influenza is extremely contagious and cases range from mild to severe. Dogs who frequently spend time at dog parks and other places where they’re around other canines are most at risk. Veterinarians recommend owners be especially … Read more
What is Twisted Spleen? It may be hard to imagine, but it’s possible for your dog’s spleen to wrap around the blood vessels near it – this is what’s known as splenic torsion, or, more commonly, twisted spleen. The spleen can then become painfully enlarged, cutting off blood flow in the area where it occurs. It’s more common in large dogs, and can be life-threatening. It should be considered an emergency, and the twisted, enlarged spleen will need to be … Read more
Muscle spasms happen when your dog’s muscle contractions are interrupted. This is often caused by intense physical activity or a lack of sufficent fluids. These localized twitches can be a sign of muscle strain or damage, and though they aren’t life-threatening, they can be painful for your pet, especially if he’s been having them for a long period of time. They could point to a more serious condition like physical injury, slipped disc, pinched nerve, or even neurological damage that … Read more
An umbilical hernia occurs when the lining, fat, or organs of the abdomen pass through an opening in the abdominal wall. It’s seen in newborn pups, as it’s caused by a failure of the umbilical ring to close after birth. Genetic conditions are often to blame but there are other causes. They’re often found in Airedale Terriers, Pekinese, and Basenji breeds. Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia in Dogs The hernia will be visible on the dog’s abdomen, and looks like … Read more
Anal gland cancer is fairly uncommon, but is very serious when it occurs as it produces malignant tumors. Should your dog have an issue with his behind, it’s more likely to be a blockage, infection or impaction of his anal sac. Regular yearly check ups with your vet will include a rectal examination, which can detect a tumor early on. Your dog’s anal glands are small sacs that are found on either side of his anus. They produce a little … Read more
Your dog’s stomach contains acid and digestive enzymes to break his food down. Acid reflux is when these enzymes and acid enter the esophagus, which can cause damage to the tissues. It can be caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter, improper emptying of the stomach, or obesity. Some medications, like prednisone can also make a dog more susceptible to acid reflux. If you have acid reflux, you know that it’s uncomfortable and can even be dangerous. The tissues of … Read more
You may notice your dog’s nose running – and whatever is coming out of it could be watery, thin and clear, or may be thicker and contain blood or pus. Whatever it is, it’s a discharge from your dog’s upper respiratory organs, and although runny noses and sneezing are normal for dogs, you should be concerned if it becomes severe or happens frequently, as it could be a sign of a serious health issue. A mild runny nose will be … Read more
Tink is a silver Labrador Retriever suffering from a genetic condition known as megaesophagus. Basically, the tube that delivers food from her mouth to her stomach is enlarged, and the muscular contractions are inefficient, meaning food gets stuck and can be regurgitated. In order to give Tink the most normal life possible, her devoted pawrents feed her four times a day using a special doggy highchair called a Bailey Chair. According to owner Tom Sullivan, outside of mealtimes, Tink is … Read more
Staph infection is caused by the bacteria S. aureus, which can infect almost any part of the body. These infections have been known to be resistant to antibiotics, depending on where they’re located, and can be a serious threat to your dog’s health. The most common infection is that of the skin, where a cut, wound or scratch has let bacteria enter the body. If left untreated, serious Staph infections can progress to blood poisoning and death. Symptoms of … Read more
Your dog has a pelvic floor, same as you do. These are the muscles between his anus and genitals that support the organs in his lower body. A rupture in these muscles can lead to a perineal hernia – this is when the organs protrude through the rupture, appearing as a swollen area between his tail and scrotum. This happens most often in older dogs who weren’t neutered. A perineal hernia can affect your dog’s ability to “go,” and may … Read more
An inflammation of the bone or bone marrow can be caused by bacterial or fungal contamination from a wound or fracture, or spread through the bloodstream from another part of the body. Bone infection is very serious and your dog should be taken to a vet immediately. Symptoms of Bone Infection in Dogs Symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is. Some of the first signs you may notice are: – Pain – Swelling – Fever – Lethargy … Read more
Your dog’s blood glucose level could change for several reasons – diet, stress, medications, etc. Moderately elevated blood glucose can be indicative of an infection, hormonal imbalances, or inflammatory conditions. Persistent high glucose levels can mean Diabetes Mellitus. The normal blood glucose level for a healthy dog falls between 75 mg to 120 mg. Anything above that is considered hyperglycemia. It could be temporary, stress-induced, or a sign of a serious underlying disease like diabetes. It’s more common in female … Read more
Eye injuries can range from mild to severe, and need a vet’s attention the moment you notice your dog showing symptoms to determine the cause and severity, as they can lead to permanent scarring or blindness if ulcerative lesions develop. Even if you can see what might be bothering your dog, your dog’s eyes are very sensitive and important, and you shouldn’t try to treat the issue at home. Eye injuries include foreign bodies in the eye, scratches, chemical exposure … Read more
Poor dental care can cause plaque to build up on your dog’s teeth. If it’s not removed with regular brushing, the plaque will harden into tartar. Tartar is porous, and can harbor bacteria that can cause pain, inflammation and redness in your dog’s gums – gingivitis. Gingivitis is only the first step down the very painful road that is dental disease. Eventually, toxins and bacteria entering the bloodstream could cause complications with organs like the heart and liver, and more … Read more
Your dog’s renal system removes waste from his blood and helps produce red blood cells. Kidney cancer can lead to acute renal failure, so early detection and treatment is important and will lead to a better prognosis. Kidney tumors are not often found in dogs, but when they are, they’re usually found in middle-aged and older dogs and require the affected kidney to be removed. Malignant renal tumors can be found in one or both kidneys, either developing in the … Read more
No one knows what, exactly, causes ear canal tumors, but some believe that long-term inflammation of the ear canal can lead to abnormal tissue development, and the formation of tumors. They can develop from any of the structures along or supporting the ear canal, including the outer layer of skin, the glands that produce earwax and oil, or any of the bones, connective tissues, or middle layers of skin. If your dog has an inflamed ear that doesn’t respond to … Read more
What’s causing your dog’s eyes to turn red? It could be something as simple and easily remedied as allergies, or it could be much more serious, like in cases of glaucoma. There are several things that might cause the whites of your dog’s eyes to turn red, even cases of disease in other places in the body can lead to an inflammation in the eye. The best way to get a diagnosis is to see your vet, especially if you … Read more
Should something cause the vessels in your dog’s ears to rupture, the bleeding can form fluid-filled sacs called hematomas. Hematomas are common in dogs with floppy ears, but dogs of any breed can get them, regardless of what kind of ears they have. They’re usually pretty easy to see, and a quick trip to your vet can confirm whether or not they’re hematomas. Ear hematomas come in various sizes on the concave (inside) surface of your dog’s ear. Doctors aren’t … Read more
Leukopenia is a drop in the number of circulating white blood cells (leukocytes). This makes a dog more susceptible to infections, as he has fewer white blood cells available to fight it off. Neutropenia is the most common type of leukopenia, which is a condition in which there are low numbers of neutrophils, the most abundant type of leukocyte. Leukopenia usually the result of an underlying cause, such as infection, cancer, or a genetic abnormality. Your dog’s white blood cells … Read more
Normal temperature for a dog is 101 – 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3-39.2º Celsius), but anything above 103F is abnormally high and considered a fever. It can be mild, like in cases where your dog is coming down with a viral infection, but severe fevers can cause seizures or organs to shut down. It can be caused by infection, environment, or excessive exercise. Any temperature of 106ºF (41.1ºC) can be life-threatening and should be considered an emergency. Symptoms of Fever in Dogs … Read more
Your vet may refer to your dog’s unusually low body temperature as “hypothermia.” At a temperature below normal, your dog’s physiologic and metabolic systems will function much slower. He may experience an irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, and impaired consciousness, even to the point of a coma. Because hypothermia is a progressive condition, your dog’s body will have less ability to bring itself back to normal temperatures the longer it persists. Symptoms of Low Body Temperature in Dogs Hypothermia will become … Read more
Toledo, United States.