Posts Tagged: Pet Health

Most pets enjoy a good neck scratching from time to time, but if your cat or dog is spending more time than usual clawing and gnawing at his own skin, he could be feeling the effects of seasonal allergies. Animals can be sensitive to the same allergens that plague people, but there are plenty of ways to help. 

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we want your pets to be comfortable in their own skin, and that includes finding ways to ease their discomfort from seasonal allergies. Read on to learn more about seasonal allergies and how they impact pet health.

No one likes an unwelcome house guest, and external parasites like fleas and ticks are no exception. Volunteer Veterinary Hospital has the information you need to kick flea and tick issues to the curb, and keep your pet health habits up to par. 

Just as it is with our ever-expanding waistlines, extra pounds on a pet don’t appear overnight. Successive weeks or months of a few extra treats a day, or a little less exercise, create the perfect storm for weight gain. The fact is, pet obesity is on the rise. Knowing what’s at stake for an overweight pet can help turn the tide and with a proactive, consistent approach, pet owners can have a direct impact on a pet’s overall health and longevity. 

Certain dog behaviors can vacillate between alarming and confounding, and it’s not always clear when dog owners need to act. Sometimes, behaviors are temporary and resolve quickly, like a sudden upset tummy after eating something questionable. Other events that affect dogs can be more worrisome, especially if symptoms persist. 

A reverse sneeze, or paroxysmal respiration, is one such episode that can be equally frightening and confusing. But what exactly are we talking about?

It is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month, and what better time to take a minute to learn about this common affliction in both our dog and cat family members? Join Volunteer Veterinary Hospital as we explain everything you need to know about diabetes in pets.

Diabetes in a Nutshell

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the human population in this country, so most of our pet parents have some concept of what this disease is and how it can affect the body. Many people are shocked to find out, though, that our pets can develop this disease, too.

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This is the time of year when we reflect on changes we would like to make to improve our health and general wellbeing. As a pet owner, don’t forget to include your furry companion in your New Year’s resolutions.

Many pets struggle with similar issues of weight gain and age-related conditions, which is why including your pet is a great way to bolster energy, manage weight, and increase overall quality of life. Continue…

At some point or another, you may have had some experience with an itchy, miserable pet. Unlike allergies in people, pet allergies most often result in skin problems, such as red, smelly ears or skin rashes and intense scratching.

Before you can battle allergies in your pet, though, you must understand their cause. Read on to learn what causes pet allergies and what you can do about them.

Flea Allergies in Pets

Flea Allergic Dermatitis (FAD) is the leading cause of allergies in both dogs and cats. Just as some people can an extreme reaction to a mosquito bite, some pets are very allergic to flea saliva.

For these pets, even one flea bite can set off a severe itchy allergic response. In these patients, it is essential to provide comprehensive flea control to prevent flare ups. Continue…