Featured Articles
Large – Giant Dog Breeds – Pet tip 164
There are a lot of reasons why people choose large and giant breed dogs as pets. They are beautiful, gentle, playful, and in addition to loyal companionship, they also provide many owners with a sense of security that just can’t …
Cherry eye in dogs – Pet tip 122
Any owner of a dog who has had “cherry eye” will tell you that it is not a pretty sight. Perhaps you have witnessed it yourself and have seen the large red mass bulging out of the inner corner of a dog’s eye, from which the name ‘cherry eye’ originated. While not the most visually appealing condition (for the owners or the afflicted dog), cherry eye is actually a fairly common and benign occurrence in many breeds of dogs.
Though it may appear somewhat like a tumour or even an awfully big bug bite, the ‘cherry’ on your dog’s eye is actually a prolapsed (or popped out) gland. Known by veterinarians as the nictitans gland, this gland is present in the third eyelid of dogs and aids in the production of tears. Unlike humans, many animals possess this third eyelid which closes horizontally across the eye to provide extra protection and moisture.
Cataract Surgery in Dogs
Have you ever wondered how cataract surgery is actually performed? If so, read on as it really is a very interesting procedure! Cataract surgery is formally known as phacoemulsification. “Phaco” stands for lens, and to ‘emulsify’ means to break down. This is a great name for this procedure, because this is exactly what it is!
Normally the lens in the eye is a clear soft structure that allows light to easily pass through it. If there is any opacity on the lens, it is known as a cataract. A cataract occurs when proteins in the eye leak into the lens, and start to harden. A general rule of thumb is that if you cannot see into an animal’s eyes clearly, then it can’t see out at you clearly! Thus in a cataract, if the entire lens is opaque due to the protein that has leaked out, then the animal’s vision is reduced.
Cataract surgery involves two main tools; one to break up the cataract into smaller pieces, and the other to vacuum the pieces out of the eye. To begin, the animal is placed under general anesthesia so that it is completely unconscious during the procedure.
Dog clothing is essential
If you walk into a room full of dog owners and you want to start some arguments, start talking about clothing for dogs. Everyone seems to have a strong opinion about people ‘dressing up their dogs’. Regardless, dog clothing does have its purpose.
Why do humans in Canada wear coats, gloves, scarves, and winter boots? It’s because for many months of the year, it is too cold to walk around in tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops. We are a species with very little hair, and therefore have very little protection against the cold. Anyone who has braved the snow in bare feet can attest to that fact!
Tip 48 – Scary dog situations
Sometimes we encounter dogs that we don’t know in friendly circumstances, and sometimes dogs aren’t so happy with our company. This can happen for example, when we go to an acquaintance’s house, stumble upon their dog in a room or …
Large Parrots
If you’re a bird enthusiast who has done research into owning a parrot, you may have decided that you’d like to get a large parrot. It could be for the talking ability, the bonding and interaction, or the shear beauty …
Vomit – Cat Vomiting – Dog Vomiting
When should you be concerned about a dog that vomits? You should be concerned if a). there has been any known exposure to toxins, garbage, perhaps a bone, plants, antifreeze, drugs etc. If there is repeated vomiting and retching, perhaps …
Expecting Kittens
Pregnancy signs in cats – cat is pregnant
Expecting kittens – Dr. Bruce Fogle DVM
Early on, there are few outward signs of pregnancy.
The cat may adopt a more serene disposition.
Sensible nesting activity begins.
Pregnancy in cats lasts …
Music and cats and dogs – Pet tip 129
Sound can have a stunning effect on the brain. Specific types of sound can create brain waves that make us concentrate and relax. Music composed by Bach and Mozart, among others, often possess the ability to achieve this favourable state. …
