Top Veterinary Articles of the Week: Puddle Precautions, Itchy Dogs and More

Puddle Precautions

Does your dog love puddles? Jasmine did. She had to walk through and sample every single one. She preferred drinking from a puddle or an old tarp to any kind of fresh clean water we would offer. But there are risks associated with playing in and drinking out of puddles or any standing water.

We don't have to worry about puddles right now, having snow and freezing temperatures, but we are always aware of these risks when the weather is warmer. Learn what they are.


Top 5 Vet-Recommended Steps for Itchy Dogs & Cats

Itching and scratching seems to be the modern plague of our dogs. Everywhere you turn you hear people asking for help with their itchy dog. Are there any safe, natural ways to deal with itching? Dr. Patrick Mahaney shares his recommendations.

Why Do Veterinarians Still Take Rectal Temperatures?

If there is one thing all dog really hate, it is the rectal thermometer. When at the vets, Jasmine would plant her butt solid to the ground every time the vet came anywhere near the "horror" drawer. Jasmine knew exactly where the bad stuff was hidden and when it was likely to come out. "Oh no, not again! Stay away with that thing."

Unfortunately, rectal temperature is still the most accurate way of measuring core body temperature. Could ear temperature reading replace the unpopular method?

Not All Seizures Can Be Linked to Tumors in Dogs

The rule of thumb when it comes to seizures in dogs is generally age-based. A young puppy that starts having seizures is likely to suffer from a congenital malformation. A middle aged dog that starts having seizures typically falls into the epileptic category. When a senior dog starts having seizures, the prime suspect is a brain tumor.

A new study in dogs over the age of five, however, seems to show that while majority of these dogs had seizures secondary to another neurologic problem such as cancer, infection or stroke, 23% - 45% actually did have primary epilepsy.

Obesity in Pets – Common Causes & Consequences  

I'm sure that every time you see an article on obesity in pets, you're thinking, "Just give it a rest already." Sorry but I won't. It is such a wide-spread problem and it is so bad for you dog, it needs to be talked about until all our dogs are thin. Just this week hubby went to visit his kids and took some movies. Even though I could just see son's dog's head and neck, I could immediately tell that he's packed on some pounds since I've last seen him. And I thought he of all people understood this stuff.

I believe that the biggest problem is that many people truly don't even realize that their dog is heftier than they should be. So go and refresh your understanding.

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