Take-home versions of the guidance our doctors give most often for dogs. These are general guidelines — your veterinarian's advice for your specific dog always comes first.
All guides (27)
Anal Sac Disease in DogsSymptoms of anal sac disease are:Read the guide
Canine AllergiesWhat are allergies and how do they affect dogs? Allergies may be defined as the body’s response to foreign proteins. For our purposes, we will consider...Read the guide
Canine DiarrheaDiarrhea is a symptom, not a disease — most cases resolve quickly with simple care, but knowing which warning signs call for a prompt exam protects your dog from the serious ones.Read the guide
Canine DistemperDistemper is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease of dogs that attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Vaccination has made it rare — but only in vaccinated dogs.Read the guide
Canine Ear InfectionHow common are ear infections in dogs? Infection of the outer ear, or otitis externa, indicates chronic inflammation of the external ear canal. This type...Read the guide
Canine Hookworm InfectionWhat are hookworms? Hookworms are parasites named for the hook-like mouth parts they use to attach to the intestinal wall. They are only about 1/8-inch...Read the guide
Canine HypothyroidismWhat is the thyroid gland and what does it do? The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body. It is located in the neck and is composed...Read the guide
Canine Mast Cell TumorWhat is a mast cell? A normal mast cell is part of the immunologic defense system against invading organisms. These cells help fight against parasites and...Read the guide
Canine Neutering and SpayingWhy should I have my female dog spayed? Spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries. This offers several advantages. Spayed females will no longer...Read the guide
Canine Parvovirus InfectionWhat is parvo? Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a relatively new disease that first struck the canine population in 1978. Because of the severity...Read the guide
Canine Ringworm InfectionOral antifungal medications: Dogs with active lesions should receive the oral medication as prescribed for a course of 4-8 weeks depending on the severity...Read the guide
Canine Roundworm InfectionWhat are roundworms? As the name implies, these are worms that have round bodies. On average, they are about three to five inches long. They live in...Read the guide
Canine Tapeworm InfectionWhat are tapeworms? The most common tapeworm affecting dogs and cats is called dipylidium caninum. This parasite attaches to the small intestinal wall...Read the guide
Canine VomitingMost vomiting in dogs settles on its own within a day or two, but repeated vomiting, blood, or a painful belly can point to something serious. Here's how to tell the difference.Read the guide
Canine Whipworm InfectionWhipworms are hardy intestinal parasites that cause chronic, sometimes bloody diarrhea in dogs — and their eggs can survive in soil for years. Prevention is far easier than cleanup.Read the guide
Ear Cleaning Guidelines for DogsRegular ear cleanings are vital to the long-term management of chronic allergic-based otitis (inflammation). It is recommended that you evaluate the ears...Read the guide
Heart Disease in DogsBriefly, how does the heart work? The heart has four chambers. The upper chambers are called atria (singular: atrium) and the lower chambers are called...Read the guide
Home Dental Care for DogsWhy should I brush my dog's teeth? Daily removal of plaque is the key to an effective oral hygiene program. Unless your dog’s teeth are brushed...Read the guide
Kennel CoughKennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads wherever dogs gather — kennels, daycares, groomers, and dog parks. Most cases are mild, but the cough can linger for weeks.Read the guide
Kidney Disease in DogsWhat is kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure or renal insufficiency, is a progressive loss of kidney function...Read the guide
LeptospirosisLeptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through the urine of rats and wildlife that can cause kidney and liver failure in dogs — and it can infect people, too. Vaccination is the best protection.Read the guide
Lick GranulomaWhat is a lick granuloma? A lick granuloma is an open sore on the skin caused by and perpetuated by constant licking. It is generally located on one of...Read the guide
Obesity in DogsWhat is obesity? Obesity is defined as being overweight by 15 to 20 percent of an ideal body weight. Up to 44 percent of the pet population in North...Read the guide
Puppies: Recommendations for New OwnersCongratulations on your new puppy! Owning a dog can be an extremely rewarding experience, but it also requires a great deal of responsibility. We hope...Read the guide
Recommended Preventative Care for DogsRegular preventative care is essential to promoting the long-term health and well-being of your pet. Here is what we recommend at every life stage: annual exams, parasite screening, vaccines, and more.Read the guide
Seizures in DogsWhat is a seizure? Seizures are one of the most frequently seen neurological problems in dogs. A seizure is also known as a convulsion or fit. It may have...Read the guide
Update Regarding Librela For DogsLibrela (bedinvetmab) is a monthly injectible medication approved by the FDA in May 2023 for treatment of pain associated with arthritis in dogs. This...Read the guide
Questions about anything here? Contact our team — we’re glad to help.