Kennel cough, also called tracheobronchitis, is a highly infectious form of bronchitis which is characterized by a harsh, hacking cough. A dog suffering from Kennel cough may appear to have something stuck in his throat. While the coughing sounds made by your dog appears to be quite alarming, kennel cough is not really a serious problem, and usually resolves on its own, just like the common cold in humans. Unfortunately, it may take days to weeks, which can be unfortunate for pet owners. In most cases, affected dogs have normal appetites and play normally.

The causative agent is highly contagious and can be transmitted via aerosols or by contact with contaminated surfaces. Dogs can easily be infected when they are in close proximity with other dogs, such as in doggy day care, dog parks, and boarding facilities. Puppies and younger dogs are more susceptible to contracting the disease; however older dogs can also get th ... Read more »

Flystrike, also called myiasis, occurs when flies lay eggs in the fur of rabbits, usually around their bottom; these eggs eventually hatch and mature into maggots causing an illness that is potentially fatal to affected rabbits. The maggots eat into the flesh of the rabbit. With some species of flies, the development from egg to maggots can happen very quickly within a period of 24 hours. There is a high incidence of flystrike during the warmer months of the year when flies are most active.

There are several important factors that can increase a rabbit’s risk of flystrike—

• Obesity lessens a rabbit’s flexibility; the animal will have difficulty reaching its behind and cleaning it properly
• An incorrect diet or obesity can lead to a sticky or dirty bottom
• Living in unhygienic conditi ... Read more »

Sarcoptic mange is a very contagious disease caused by microscopic mites known as Sarcoptes scabei. The parasite can affect both animals and humans. Sarcoptic mange is characterized by intense itching. Small red bumps are usually observed on the cat’s elbows, chest, abdomen, ear margins, and ankles. Without treatment, the lesions may become generalized; the animal may suffer from hair loss, increased skin pigmentation, skin wrinkling, ulceration, and draining tracts. Self-trauma due to intense itching can pave the way for secondary bacterial infections.

Sarcoptic mange is more common in young cats, although cats of all ages may be affected. Cats can get the disease not only from affected cats but also from infected dogs.

The mode of treatment will depend on the severity of the problem, as well as the individual cat. Generally sarcoptic mange is treated with ivermecti ... Read more »

Snakes, particularly venomous ones can thrive in nearly all of 50 states. While they don’t generally attack unless provoked, it is estimated that about 300,000 dogs and cats are bitten by venomous snakes each year.

Here are some tips to prevent your pet from being bitten by a snake:

• Always keep your pet on a leash when taking him outside your home or away from the yard.
• Snakes can hide in tall grasses or thick shrubs, so don’t let your pooch wander in areas where these plants thrive.
• Exercise caution when walking with your dog along streams and rivers, because snakes love staying in tall grasses near bodies of water.
• If you spot a rattlesnake, make sure to steer clear of the snake; walk around the area or take another path.
• ... Read more »

Hamsters can make great pets, but they aren’t perfect pets. Unfortunately, some hamsters bite. Here are a few reasons why.

First, a hamster may bite simply because he isn’t properly socialized. Just imagine if someone 100 times bigger than you came up to your cage and tried to lift you up! Hamsters have to get used to human contact before they feel comfortable being handled.

Even with the right socialization, a hamster can still bite. They are prey animals, so they are prone to being easily startled. If your pet feels scared, he’s likely to lash out by biting. When you want to take your hamster out of the cage, approach the cage slowly and speak to him so you don’t startle him.

Biting behavior could also have a medical cause. To make sure that this isn’t the case, schedule ... Read more »

Do you own a Smartphone? If so, did you know there are apps that can track your position and help guide you from destination to destination? Did you know this same technology exists in a tracking device designed for dogs like the Chocolate lab? Companies have developed a GPS tracking device for your dog. One of the biggest fears for dog owners is their dog getting lost. Even though some dogs are equipped with microchips, it’s not always accessible to those who don’t have specially designed tracking scanners to read the microchip. Instead, you may be interested in learning more about the GPS tracker. The GPS device fits on your dog’s collar. If your Chocolate Lab goes missing, just log in to your GPS tracker and find his location. Make a visit to your veterinary clinic Hinesville, GA to find out if he has any experience using technology like this.

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Kennel training your dog can keep him out of trouble, and it can keep him from going potty in your home while you’re away, but making sure your dog is comfortable while he’s in his kennel is important. Dogs should always have access to water, so does that mean your dog should have water in his kennel?

It’s not usually a good idea to put water in your dog’s kennel. First, your dog’s kennel shouldn’t be very large. It should be just large enough for him to stand up and turn around. In such small quarters, your dog is likely to knock his bowl over, which means he’ll have to sit in a wet kennel all day.

Second, allowing your dog to drink water while he’s in his kennel will only make him have to go to the bathroom, which will ultimately make him more uncomfortable.

Your veterinarian Livonia, MI can ... Read more »

The tail is one of the defining features of the feline, but not all cats have them. For example, the Manx is bred without the tail. If cats don’t have to have a tail, what exactly are they for?

Although a cat doesn’t have to have a tail to live a happy life, it does help. The tail is often used for balance, which makes climbing and walking in treacherous areas much easier. Without a tail, a cat is less likely to try jumping up high and walking on the top of a fence, for example.

Cat tails can also be used to communicate. A fast flick of the tail means your cat is alloyed and ready to pounce, while an erect tail can accompany a happy greeting.

To learn more about the amazing cat tail, plan a visit with your vet Livonia, MI.

... Read more »