Intervertebral Disc Disease – IVDD in Dogs

Do you have a Dachshund, Beagle, Shi Tzu, Lhasa Apso, or Pekingese? These, and other breeds of dogs are at a higher risk of developing a back problem called “intervertebral disc disease” (IVDD). Animals with IVDD show back or neck pain and tend to have trouble walking and doing normal daily activities. The signs of IVDD can be gradual or can be so sudden that your dog may go from being normal to being unable to walk within one day.

When you run your hand over your dog’s back, you should be able to feel the spine which is a long bony structure running from the back of the head all the way to the tip of the tail.

Dog Poops in the House

Dog defecating indoors – Inappropriate Elimination in Dogs

Ask any pet owner – there are few surprises as unpleasant as finding a pile of Rover’s doggie-doo on the living room carpet. The resultant mess and odours are off-putting enough, but …

Fish With Personality

Many people choose an aquarium as an allergen-free, quiet and low-maintenance alternative to other types of pets. In general however, your interaction with the fish is limited to watching them swim around and eat. Fish will even learn to anticipate …

Cat Dental Care

Dental care for your cat can be a good experience, especially when it is started when they are young. The best time to begin dental care is when the kitten is between three and six months old. It is important …

Dog skin – cat skin – skin problems in pets – Pet tip 143

The skin is the largest organ in the body. This is true for all animals. Being the largest organ in the body also means that it is very important to the health of the animal. If the skin and associated …

Health Problems in Small Dogs – Pet tip 154

In general, small dogs live longer than larger dogs. This is partly due to the fact that smaller canine bodies don’t work as hard as larger canine bodies and so their physiological systems and internal organs stay in a better …

Pet Prescriptions

Pet Prescriptions 101

Most of us that have visited a family doctor are familiar with the drill: after taking a careful history and making a working diagnosis, your doctor scribbles down some words on a pad and hands it to …

Pet Degus

Degus have not been on the pet scene for long, but people are falling in love with these affectionate, sociable little animals. Degus come from the foothills of the Andes in South America and were imported into North America in …

Canine Distemper

What is distemper?

Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic dogs. Some other species, including ferrets, skunks, and raccoons, are also affected by this disease.

How is the disease spread?

The virus is spread primarily by direct contact …

Hypothyroid Problems in Pets

If your pet has a problem with excessive shedding or seems too tired to play catch, it may be a sign of a thyroid problem. Dr. Ian explains what causes this disease and how it is treated.

Hypothyroidism usually caused …