Did you know that dogs can see more colors and not just black and white? Research studies have been able to establish what shades of colors dogs actually see. Basically, dogs view the world in hues of blue, yellow, and gray.

Humans possess special light receptors in the eye. These are called cones. Cones enable humans to differentiate the entire visual spectrum. Humans are able to see all the colors of the rainbow because our eyes have three types of cones. Dogs have only two cones, which can significantly reduce the number of pigments they are able to perceive.

One study trained dogs to receive a treat as a reward when they are shown 4 different pieces of colored paper—dark and light yellow, dark and light blue. They then showed the dogs dark and light shades of colors that have not been introduced to the dogs. Most of the dogs in the study chose the 4 pieces of colored pape ... Read more »

One in 100 dogs that that reaches 12 years old develops diabetes mellitus. It is a hormonal problem brought about by the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, the hormone that helps facilitate the movement of sugar into the cells of the body. This can cause the body‘s cells to starve for sugar which, in turn can stimulate the body to produce more and more sugar in an attempt to meet the needs of the body cells. This is the reason why blood sugar levels are abnormally high (hyperglycemia) when tested.

Severe cases of diabetes in dogs are treated with insulin every day to ensure sugar gets into the cells. Twice-a-day insulin and frequent visits to the vet can certainly put a dent on the pet owner’s budget.

Your Orangevale, CA veterinarian may recommend routine blood work as your dog gets older. These tests can help rule out diabetes mellitus. ... Read more »