medical Archives - Page 2 of 2 - iHeartDogs.com

Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

What Are Skin Ulcers In Dogs?

There are many things that might cause a skin ulcer, from everyday annoyances like bug bites, or even cancer. Skin ulcers themselves aren’t serious, but the cause for them may be, so you’ll want to have your dog examined by a vet as soon as possible to find out what it may be. A skin ulcer is an open sore that oozes pus, and could be a sign of injury, infection or disease. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying … Read more

What Are Hot Spots In Dogs?

You may have noticed your dog scratching and licking at an ugly, red oozing spot on his skin. A hot spot. Hot spots are a type of skin infection caused by bacteria. The spots will be red, moist, and irritated that started with your dog’s picking at it, and made worse by bacteria. The patch can get bigger in just a few hours and will be very painful for your pet. You’re likely to find them on your dog’s head, … Read more

What is Chronic Leukemia In Dogs?

Chronic leukemia is cancer of the blood, and occurs when an abundance of white blood cells are produced quickly. It usually affects middle aged and older dogs. You may not notice it right away, as it usually begins without any visible symptoms and progresses slowly. Although it isn’t curable, it can be maintained through observation and chemotherapy, allowing your dog to live a happy life perhaps years after being diagnosed. Symptoms of Chronic Leukemia in Dogs Since chronic leukemia develops … Read more

What is Toxoplamosis in Dogs?

Toxoplasmosis is an aggressive disease that can affect both humans and animals, and is caused by a parasitic single celled organism (protozoa). It is dangerous, highly contagious, and can be found all over the world. The protozoa that causes toxoplamosis, Toxoplama gondii, can affect both dogs and humans, and is spread through the feces of infected cats, or by eating undercooked, infected meats. Once they’re consumed, the protozoa invade the lining of the stomach and lower intestine, then spread quickly … Read more

What Does Disorientation Look Like In Dogs?

Your dog’s vestibular system is what’s responsible for maintaining and stabilizing the position of his head, and stabilizing his body and eyes during head movements. Vestibular Disease will interfere with this system, causing disorientation, head tilt, and loss of balance. It’s important to take your dog to the vet to correctly diagnose, since other conditions like a stroke or hyperthyroidism can look similar. Depending on the cause, your dog may experience disorientation only once or twice, or it may develop … Read more

What is Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Toxicity In Dogs?

It’s important to use your dog’s flea and tick medication according to your vet’s directions, but do you know why? Flea and tick control products contain insecticides that can be toxic if not used according to the label. They are meant for external use only, and can be dangerous if they’re swallowed or applied in larger doses than they’re meant to be. Remember, it’s a poison meant to kill the tiny bugs that want to make their homes on your … Read more

What Is Droopy Eye In Dogs?

What is Droopy Eye? Horner’s syndrome refers to a nervous system disorder affecting the eye. The pupils will be small, the eyelid partially closed, and the 3rd eyelid will be elevated and protruding slightly. While not serious on its own, Horner’s syndrome may indicate problems with the nervous system. “Droopy eye” is a condition in which the nerves to a dog’s eye have been inflamed or damaged. This leads to a number of highly identifiable characteristics that veterinarians refer to … Read more

Canine Influenza: Things All Dog Owners Should Know

News of canine influenza has been spreading – much like the the virus itself. It’s causing quite the stir among dog owners, but is the illness really as big as all the hype? Are we panicking over nothing? Should we panic MORE? Dr. Kathryn Primm is a trusted veterinarian and owner of Applebrook Animal Hospital in Ootelwah, Tennesee. She has contributed hundreds of articles to iHeartDogs and iHeartCats answering common (and not so common) questions about our pets and has … Read more

Bloat Kills Nearly Half The Dogs It Affects; Here’s What You Can Do About It

You may have heard of dogs getting “bloat,” but do you know what it actually is? How about it’s mortality rate? What about warning signs and ways to prevent it? We hate thinking about our dogs getting sick, but in life, some things are inevitable. All we can do is try our best to prevent certain conditions and know warning signs for early detection and treatment. We are our dogs’ advocates, and when it comes to keeping them healthy, knowledge is power! Read … Read more

7 Dog Breeds That Are More Prone To Cancer

Cancer. It’s one of the scariest words any pet owner could hear in relation to their beloved fur child. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are far more likely to get cancer than others. Any dog owner should be vigilant about their dog’s health, but owners of dog breeds on this list should be aware of any symptoms that could point to cancer, since early detection is crucial for any hope of successful treatment. Here are 7 dog breeds that are more … Read more

From A Vet: 10 Early Warning Signs Of Canine Cancer

#1 – Unusual Odors While “dog breath” is common, if you notice unusually foul odors coming from the mouth, nose or rectal area, it may be due to a tumor. #2 – Bumps or Lumps On or Under the Skin Get into the habit of checking your pet’s skin monthly. Don’t forget to check behind ears and around the face. Even if you find a very tiny lump or bump, cancer can grow very quickly. Any new lumps or bumps … Read more

From A Vet: 10 Early Warning Signs Of Canine Cancer

We hate the thought of our pups becoming ill, but being educated is key to keeping our dogs as healthy as possible. Everyone knows that the quicker cancer is found and diagnosed, the better the chances are of fighting it off and prolonging your dog’s life. While annual check-ups at the vet are important, a year between visits is just too long when it comes to fighting cancer. Canines are susceptible to the same types of cancers as humans, but they can metastasize at a … Read more