The most prominent symptom of cataract in dogs is clouding of the eyes, which may appear whitish or bluish-gray in color. The condition may affect only one or both eyes. Depending on the severity of the problem, dogs with cataracts may suffer from mild to complete loss of vision. Some of the early signs of vision problems include tripping or bumping on objects in the path, failing to recognize familiar people, walking with a hesitant gait, or even walking into walls. In cases when a cataract is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus, the dog may also exhibit increased water intake and consequently increased frequency of urination.

How are cataracts in dogs diagnosed?

In addition to the clinical symptoms, your Frisco, TX veterinarian will perform an eye examination to determine what is causing the opacity of your pet’s eye/s. You may also be referred to ... Read more »

Rhodesian ridgebacks are a very energetic breed of canines. When they don’t have enough opportunities to burn excess energy, they can become bored and they will try to find ways to keep them busy. Unfortunately, they usually end up in mischief and destructive behavior. When they lack exercise, they can become anxious and nervous. A bored ridgeback can be a fertile ground for the development of bad behaviors that can be a challenge to deal with. Enrolling your pet in agility class is one way to keep your pet happy, satisfied, and relaxed.

Their independent personality and endless energy make ridgebacks one of the more challenging canine breeds to train. Their strong hunter dog’s instincts also add to their very strong personality. In order to keep a tight rein on your ridgeback, you should try to learn as much as you can about the breed and its temperament. You should also have the right attitude when deali ... Read more »

Coprophagy is when a dog seems to find everything edible including non-food items like toys, stones, wood, paper, shoes, soil, and even poop. Here are some simple ways to prevent coprophagy in dogs:

• Give your pet a nutritionally balanced diet so he won’t suffer from specific nutritional deficiencies that can cause him to instinctively look for other potential sources of the deficient nutrient to compensate what is lacking in his diet.
• Your pet should have plenty of opportunities to derive physical and mental stimulation.
• Correct your pet’s behavior by keeping a close eye on his behavior and being quick to correct him once you see him approaching and/or starting to eat any item that catches his fancy.

If your pet has been exhibiting the behavior frequently, it is best to have him ... Read more »

Without a good home dental regimen and regular dental checks, pet dogs have higher risks of developing tooth and gum problems that can adversely affect their quality of life. Here are some common dental problems in dogs that pet owners should be familiar with:

Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is often associated with an infection that can occur when a crack in the tooth or periodontal disease exposes the root of the tooth to bacteria. Facial swelling may occur as the abscess increases in size; when this happens, some pet owners may think that their dog’s eye is inflamed because of the roots of the tooth is very close to the eyes. After a thorough exam, your veterinarian may recommend a root canal or tooth extraction.

Broken tooth

Dogs can break or crack a tooth when chewing on hard objects o ... Read more »

Making sure your pets have plenty of water during the warmer months is an important part of their care. Birds especially can get dehydrated if they are not drinking plenty of water on a regular basis. That’s why it’s important to check your Bourke’s water and replace it regularly to keep it cool and fresh. Your bird may not want to drink stagnant water. The same goes for the winter months. They drier temperatures cause animals of all species to drink more. Your Bourke will need fresh water daily, but check it to make sure it’s not too cold. Try to give him room temperature water only during the colder months. If he’s not drinking very well, give your pet clinic Cherry Hill, NJ a call to find out other ways to encourage ... Read more »