Toxoplasmosis in Cats
Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) is a single-celled parasite that infects many warm-blooded animals , including cats, dogs, and also humans. It is a parasite that, while a real concern for certain groups in the population, is often misunderstood when it comes to our feline companions. The parasite often doesn't cause any significant symptoms or concerns in a cat unless your pet has a weak immune system .
Diarrhea in Ferrets
Diarrhea in ferrets can result from various causes, including infections, dietary changes, stress, or foreign body ingestion.
Can You Use Dog Flea Control on a Cat?
Never use flea medications labeled for dogs on cats, as they can be toxic and potentially fatal.
Cat Dental Treatments: All You Need to Know
Dental problems in cats are very common, with a 2023 study from the Royal Veterinary College (RCV) found 15.2% of cats are diagnosed [with dental disease] annually," which is an estimated 1.8 million cats a year, not to mention those who go undiagnosed. The risk of a cat developing periodontal disease also increases with age, with 85% of cats over 3 years old diagnosed.
Signs You Should Change Your Dog's Food
Have you been questioning if your dog’s current food is right for them? Or have you noticed some issues with your dog’s digestion that’s making you wonder if they’re getting all the nutrients they need? Maybe you’re just looking to find a new healthy dog food without breaking the bank.
Can I Catch Heartworms From My Dog?
Heartworms are internal parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that primarily affect dogs but can also infect other animals.
Should You Ever Bathe a Cat?
Tabby Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care
Contrary to popular belief, the tabby cat isn't a specific cat breed but rather a cat coat pattern. Tabby cats are characterized by their unique markings and can come in brown, gray, orange, or black, with markings like stripes, spots, whorls, and bands. They usually feature an 'M'-shaped mark on their foreheads.
Pyoderma in Dogs
Pyoderma is an itchy and uncomfortable skin condition, but it generally looks more serious than it is. Dogs with underlying conditions affecting their skin, endocrine system, or immune system are most vulnerable to this type of infection that arises from naturally occurring bacteria and causes red pustules and crusty lesions . Some mild cases will resolve on their own within a couple of weeks; others may require topical or oral antibiotic therapy to heal.
Should You Spay a Cat in Heat?
Spaying a cat while in heat is possible but not ideal due to more complicated surgery and potential risks.
Exotic Pets You Can Own Without a License: State-by-State Laws
Every state has laws that determine what kind of animals can be kept as pets. These laws can change at any time and over the years, many states have added to their list of prohibited animals. Game and fish commissions, departments of fish and wildlife or conservation, and other state divisions dictate these rules that are found in state statutes and regulations. These documents can be difficult for some to discover and decipher because they are written in complicated legal language.
Tea Tree Oil for Fleas: Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness
Tea tree oil should never be given orally to pets as it is toxic if swallowed.
Deworming Your Dog: How Often Is Necessary for Optimal Health?
Puppies should be dewormed regularly for the first few months of life, typically during scheduled vaccination visits.
Hole-in-the-Head Disease in Saltwater Fish
Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH) causes erosive pits in fish and is primarily an aesthetic issue but can lead to secondary infections.
Tapeworms in Dogs
Tapeworms in dogs are rarely serious but can cause irritation, malnutrition, and weight loss if untreated.
Tapeworms in Cats
Tapeworms are a common parasite in cats that live in the intestines. They can be excreted in the feces and passed along to other animals. Some owners may notice tapeworm symptoms in their cat such as vomiting, diarrhea, a bloated belly, changes in appetite, or segments of the worms in the stool, but many cats can have tapeworms and not show any signs. For this reason, regular prevention and screening is important to keep your cat free from tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.
Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs
Ear mites are highly contagious parasites that cause itching, inflammation, and discomfort in pets, requiring prompt treatment.
Velvet: Aquarium Fish Disease Identification and Cure
Velvet disease is a serious condition caused by dinoflagellate parasites, requiring immediate attention to prevent fish mortality.
Anchor Worms in Freshwater Fish: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Anchor worms are crustacean copepod parasites common in freshwater fish such as koi and goldfish, and they are visible to the naked eye.
How to Give Fish a Freshwater Dip or Bath
A quick freshwater dip is an effective first step to treat saltwater fish for parasites before quarantine.
Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Which is better for cats?
We all want the very best for our feline friends, and that starts with their food. Providing your cat with a complete and balanced diet is crucial for their health, but with so much variety in the pet food market, it's hard to know where to start.
What Human Foods Can Cats Eat?
Understanding your cat's nutritional needs is an essential part of pet ownership, and that includes what they can and can’t eat when it comes to human foods. While most cats might not be as bad for scrounging as most dogs, there may still be those that like to sneak food from counters when you’re not looking.
Anxiety in Horses
Anxiety doesn't have a size limit, and horses are just as susceptible to devloping anxiety as any other domesticated animal.
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Certain health problems in dogs have a genetic component. This means the condition can be inherited from the parents, or that certain dogs may be predisposed because of their breeding.
How Often Should You Worm Your Pet?
Ensuring your pet is up to date with their routine healthcare is an essential part of pet ownership, but it can take a lot of work to keep track of flea and worming treatments, especially in multi-pet households. And, what’s more, the frequency with which your pet needs to be treated can vary depending on their lifestyle, who shares your home, and more!
Do Cats Drink Water?
Water is one of the foundations of life, and very few living things can survive for long without it, including cats. This can make it concerning if it looks like your cat isn’t drinking, but it’s important to remember that cats do drink water and should always have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
How to Save Money on Pet Care
Having a pet is a gift, but it’s also a responsibility, one that comes with some financial considerations. When you take on a pet, you are responsible for their diet, enrichment, and health, all of which can become costly if you don’t shop smart.
Can Dogs Catch a Cold?
We all feel a little under the weather sometimes, and it's no different for our pets. Whether they're affected by environmental factors or contract an illness from being around other dogs, there are many illnesses that your dog can face during their lifetime.
How to Treat Roundworms in Dogs & Cats
Parasites are never good for pets. If not treated, they can cause discomfort or even health complications. Here, we explain roundworms, what to do if you think your pet has them, and what the best roundworm treatment is for your pet.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food
It is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer variety of dog food available today, especially when you want to ensure that your dog has the best!
How To Keep Your Cat Warm in Winter
As the temperature continues to drop and the winter weather creeps in, we all find ourselves reaching for that extra jumper or warm drink to help stave off the chill. But what about our feline friends?
Tendon Care in Horses
Any horse owner knows that the most important aspect of a horse's care is ensuring the strength and health of their legs. Due to their size, horses need all four of their legs to distribute their weight evenly. Without even one of their legs, a horse is open to a vast range of health issues, some of which can be fatal.
How to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder
There’s something wildly fulfilling about raising a little puppy into a full-grown healthy dog, which is one of the reasons why owners across the board would rather welcome a new puppy into their home rather than a grown dog.
What to Do if Your Dog is Stung by a Bee
Summer is here, and it’s time for us to enjoy the longer days and warmer weather. But we’re not the only ones excited to be back outside and enjoying the sunshine. From spring through to autumn, critters are hard at work, and you’ve undoubtedly had one buzz by your ear already. And if you’re particularly unlucky, you may have even been stung. And if not you, then perhaps your pet.
Common Christmas Dangers for Pets
Christmas is a time of joy and cheer for everyone in the family, including our pets. However, what we as people take for a tasty Christmas treat or a beautiful piece of decor, can pose a risk to our furry friends.
Should You Neuter Your Dog?
One of the key decisions you need to make when raising a puppy is whether or not you’re going to have them neutered if they’re male or spayed if they’re female. This is a procedure that many dogs go through when they’re old enough that prevents them from being able to reproduce, helping to avoid unwanted puppies.
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Probiotics for Dogs and Cats
We all need to take care of our gut. For humans, it’s as easy as picking up a pack of Yakult in the weekly shop, but what are the options for pets? In this article, we’re going to delve into the world of pre- and probiotics for pets and how they can help improve your pet’s gut health.
The Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Fleas
Finding out your pet has a flea problem can be a real nuisance, but if left for too long, one flea can quickly become an infestation.
What is FIV in Cats?
There is a lot of confusion around FIV in cats, with many owners believing it to be the feline equivalent of AIDs in humans. This, however, is a myth. In this blog, we’re going to explain what FIV is, how you can spot it, and what you can do to care for cats positive for FIV.
Toxic Spring Plants for Pets
Spring is the time of rebirth, and as the world comes back to life after a long winter, we can once again see a wealth of beautiful flowers gracing our gardens and countryside once again. However, not all of these plants are pet-friendly, and many (if ingested) can cause a severe reaction in your pet and even poisoning.
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Lara Hew 27 articlesLara is a photography major at UArts in Philly! In her free time, she likes to walk dogs and, of course, take photos. She also loves reading and movies, hiking, kayaking, and just anything that involves being outdoors. She has grown up with animals since she was little and currently has two dogs and a cat of her own.
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Peyton Shine 26 articlesPeyton originally from Michigan, but have lived in Philadelphia for 10 years. She grew up surrounded by animals, both at home and on her grandparent's farm. She now has one dog, a golden retriever-boxer mix named Cooper.
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Tiffany Salmon 47 articlesI focus on empowering my team through collaboration, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose. I believe in leading by example, maintaining a mindset of continuous learning, and encouraging others to think creatively and take calculated risks.
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Dana Minacapelli 47 articlesDana started her journey in the veterinary field in 2004 at an animal shelter in Corpus Christi, Texas. She immediately fell in love with the profession and nurtured her passion for helping animals that were in desperate need of a second chance. Here, she began implementing improved policies that mitigated disease control, managed a low cost spay/neuter program for the community, and made recommendations to the Board of Directors on best practices for the clinic as well as the shelter as a whole.
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Lizzie Youens 50 articlesLizzie has over ten years of experience as a veterinary surgeon with particular interests in animal behaviour, dermatology, and geriatrics.
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Hannah Clark 25 articlesHannah has worked at Pet Drugs Online for over three years, researching, writing, and publishing all of our blog content. She currently lives in Cardiff with her 5-year-old cat, Margot, and 2-year-old Cavapoo, Merida.