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AKC: Health

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Amantadine for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Amantadine was initially formulated as an antiviral medication intended to treat influenza and combat infections. However, it’s also used off-label to treat chronic pain in dogs. In conjunction with other medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), amantadine can help dogs struggling with nerve pain or degenerative joint disease to live comfortably. While amantadine is one of many drugs both humans and dogs can take, you should only administer the drug when prescribed

July 19

0

Does Your Dog Need a Massage? Benefits of the Canine Massage

Canine massage may sound like an activity for pampered dogs. But it’s not just a day at the spa. A dog massage is an effective way of dealing with pain, aiding recovery from injuries or surgery, and providing psychological relief. Learn about the important benefits of canine massage, whether your dog is a good candidate, and how to choose a canine massage therapist. What Is a Dog Massage? As with people, a dog massage involves manipulation of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, fascia, and lig

July 5

0

Esophagitis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Have you ever drank a hot beverage too quickly or swallowed a pill and felt as though it was stuck in your throat? If yes, then you can imagine what it’s like to have esophagitis (i.e., inflammation of the esophagus). When you eat, food mixes with saliva and passes through the esophagus on the way to the stomach. Esophagitis occurs when this food pipe is inflamed. Esophagitis in dogs has many causes, like chewing foreign materials like toys or sticks, or ingesting chemicals (or drugs) that ir

July 3

0

How to Tell if Your Dog is Underweight

Obesity in dogs is so common that owners may not recognize when their pet is overweight. Often, a healthy dog should be much leaner than many people think. But how do you know if your dog is too lean? Maintaining your dog’s ideal weight and feeding them the appropriate nutrients and calories is essential to your dog’s health. We investigate how to know if your dog might be underweight and, if so, what you can do about it. Is My Dog Underweight? A dog who looks too thin is often actually

July 1

0

Black Fly Bites on Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Ticks aren’t the only external parasites that feed on our canine companions. Black flies also suck dogs’ blood, leaving behind a bullseye-like rash on the feed site. Don’t worry, there’s good news: black flies are nothing more than a common nuisance, and they don’t spread life-threatening diseases like ticks do. Most of the time, black fly bites resolve on their own within a few days, causing nothing more than minor skin irritation and itching. Still, some circumstances may call for a veterin

June 26

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Amitriptyline Hydrochloride for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Amitriptyline, which goes by the brand name Elavil, is a medication that’s used to treat depression in people. When a veterinarian prescribes an antidepressant to a dog, often it’s due to anxiety or a behavioral issue. If your dog seems lethargic or inactive, you might describe them as being depressed. However, it’s not accurate to characterize a dog as having clinical depression. Instead, a veterinarian may prescribe amitriptyline as an off-label treatment for generalized anxiety or separati

June 20

0

Anaphylaxis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, immediate allergic reaction that can occur rapidly in response to exposure to an allergen, usually a medication, insect sting, or food. Without immediate emergency treatment, some affected dogs can die. It’s vital that dog owners learn to recognize its signs so they can get their dog to an emergency veterinarian without delay. What Causes Anaphylaxis in Dogs? Cases of anaphylaxis in dogs are increasing, likely because of the widening range of substances,

June 18

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Hypothyroidism in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

If your dog is rapidly gaining weight, even though you haven’t changed their diet or portion size, their coat is brittle or thinning, and they don’t have their usual get-up-and-go energy, they could have an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism in dogs is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases. Although it can be tricky to diagnose and usually needs lifelong management, this disease is relatively easy to treat. What Is Hypothyroidism in Dogs? The thyroid glands are on either

June 13

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New Study Updates Guidelines When Considering Spaying or Neutering Popular Dog Breeds

A study recently published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science has updated the ideal timeline for choosing to spay or neuter popular dog breeds in an effort to prevent the development of certain joint disorders or cancers. While the original 2013 study included data about 35 popular dog breeds, the newest guidelines add in data for six* additional popular breeds: Siberian Husky, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Newfoundland, and Mastiff. Waiting to Al

June 11

0

Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Does your dog have mushrooms in their diet? These fungi may not be magic, but there’s a reason that ancient and modern health practitioners use them in medicine. Mushrooms have historically been one of the largest groups of herbal remedies. In ancient times, physicians in the Far East, Egypt, Algeria, and Mesoamerica used mushrooms to combat a host of human illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, cancer, asthma, and night sweats. But just because they’ve been used for centuries doesn’t

June 6

0

What Is Health Testing for Dogs?

Every dog owner wants their pet to be healthy and live a long life. Whether you’re new to owning a dog or planning to add another pet to your family, it’s important to know more about the breed you’re considering to make an informed decision. That’s where health testing for dogs comes in. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to certain health issues than others. Health testing can identify genetic or lifestyle factors that increase your dog’s risk of disease. These tests can also help you tak

June 6

0

Acepromazine for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms or experiences motion sickness, your veterinarian might suggest giving them a mild sedative. One option is a drug called acepromazine, which is a common sedative prescribed for dogs. Acepromazine isn’t intended for human use. If a child or adult takes acepromazine by mistake, make sure to call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, as the drug can make them drowsy and cause their breathing to slow down. When given to dogs at the appropriate dose, acepromazine

June 3

0

Renal Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Renal dysplasia (RD), also known as renal malformation, refers to a type of congenital chronic kidney disease. It’s present at birth but usually takes weeks or months for an owner to suspect a problem. The affected kidney or kidneys are usually abnormally small, with a diminished renal cortex and immature glomeruli (the structures that remove waste from the blood.) The nephrons, which are the urine-producing structures, are also malformed. Unfortunately, the condition’s effects are progressive a

May 31

0

What to Know About Dog Fecal Tests

Dealing with dog poop isn’t the best part of being a dog owner. But a veterinarian might ask you to bring a sample of your dog’s poop to the office for a dog fecal exam. If they do, it’s helpful to understand the purpose of a dog fecal test and why your vet is asking you to bring it in. What Is a Fecal Test For Dogs? During a dog fecal test, a vet examines a canine stool sample under a microscope. This can help the vet determine if a dog has intestinal parasites like worms (such as hookwor

May 30

0

How Cognitive Traits Vary Breed by Breed

When an American Hairless Terrier stands next to a Newfoundland, the physical differences between the breeds are obvious. It’s hard to believe that all the many shapes and sizes of dogs are members of a single species (Canis familiaris). But when you compare the genetic makeup of different dog breeds, they are actually very similar. So why do cognitive traits vary by breed? Some dogs more sociable, better problem solvers, or easier to train than others, but why? To a certain extent, knowing t

May 29

0

NSAIDs For Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aim to reduce pain and inflammation in dogs struggling with chronic conditions and acute injuries. When prescribed by a veterinarian, these drugs can help a dog live comfortably and continue their regular activities. As with all drugs, there are side effects, some of which can be life-threatening. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian and learn about NSAIDs and whether they’re right for your dog. What Are NSAIDs for Dogs? Dr. Jerry Kl

May 23

0

Aggression in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Dog aggression is a serious and potentially dangerous behavior. The snapping, snarling, lunging, and barking are impossible to ignore and the last thing you want to see in your dog. It’s extremely stressful to own a dog that exhibits these behaviors. Aggression can also erode the dog-human bond, and often leads to isolating the dog from people and other animals. But although aggression can be easy to recognize, it can be harder to define. What is dog aggression exactly, and what is the motivatio

May 22

0

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

If you’re seeing your senior dog slowing down and stiffening up, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that one in two dogs over 10 years old has osteoarthritis, a common joint disease. While canine arthritis isn’t curable, there are medications and management techniques that can help improve your dog’s quality of life. One treatment option is platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) for dogs. Understanding more about PRP for dogs and its potential benefits can help you decide if it might be worth trying.

May 10

0

Diazepam (Valium) for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

When our dogs have a health problem, it’s tempting to go into our medicine cabinets and look for a solution. After all, our dogs can take and benefit from many of the same medications we do. But this isn’t something you should do without consulting your vet. One of those medications is diazepam, also known as Valium. Available only by prescription, this medication can treat seizures, anxiety disorders, and other health conditions. However, as with all medications, it should only be used under

May 10

0

Study Busts the Myth That Purebred Dogs Have More Health Problems

Do purebred dogs suffer more health problems and diseases than mixed-breed dogs? Findings published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science suggest the answer is no. In a study involving 27,541 companion dogs, data showed that mixed-breed dogs are just as likely to experience common health conditions as their purebred counterparts. A smaller gene pool doesn’t make a purebred dog more likely to have common dog diseases when compared to a mixed-breed dog. This study, led by the Dog Aging Project, he

May 9

0

Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas in Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Fleas are parasites that carry disease and feed on the blood of the host animal. The saliva from a flea bite contains proteins and enzymes that can cause dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Some flea-borne diseases can spread to humans and other pets, so prevention is the best strategy for keeping everyone safe, including knowing when it’s flea-and-tick season in your state. There are many flea preventatives on the market that vary in effectiveness and the type of parasite they treat. For instan

May 6

0

Pythiosis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

A rare but emerging infectious disease is sparking concern for dog owners. Pythiosis, a disease caused by an algae-like fungal organism called Pythium insidosum, can make dogs extremely sick. There are two types of pythiosis that can occur in dogs, one more common than the other. Being aware of where, why, and how pythiosis can be contracted can help you keep your pet safe and healthy. Pythium insidiosum thrives in ponds, swamps, wetlands, and bayous. It’s most prominent in the fall and early

May 2

0

From Walks to Dog Sports: Three Canaan Dogs’ AKC FIT DOG Journey

Jennie LaPrade makes sure that her Canaan Dogs are trained in an active lifestyle from the moment they come home with her. Her AKC FIT Dog trio consists of 5 and 10-year-old males, “Kuma” and “Argos,” and her 8-year-old female “Jessie.” When each puppy initially came home, LaPrade laced up her athletic shoes, clipped a leash to the puppy’s collar, and headed out for a walk. “By the time Argos, Jessie, and Kuma were four months old, they were leash trained and walked nicely beside me,” says La

April 30

0

Blastomycosis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Leo was the picture of health until one day, one of his eyes seemed to bulge and cloud over. Suspecting glaucoma, his owner, Rachel Rehberg, raced the 4-year-old Saluki to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, where the ophthalmologist confirmed the eye was already blind. As is usually the case at teaching hospitals, a veterinary student performed a head-to-toe exam on Leo. The student pointed out a small sore between his foot pads. “We were wondering why the ophthalmologi

April 30

0

Intestinal Blockage in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Dogs put everything in their mouths, and all too often, they swallow something they shouldn’t. Blockages caused by ingesting foreign objects account for a large percentage of the gastrointestinal problems seen by veterinarians, and gastrointestinal problems are second only to skin problems when it comes to causes for dog insurance claims. AKC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein spent 35 years as an emergency veterinarian. “Trips to the vet and especially the emergency vet, due to vomiting, are

April 24

0

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