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 (31)
Airline Travel with Your DogFlying with a dog: health certificate timing, in-cabin versus cargo rules, breed restrictions, crate requirements, and preparing for the trip.Read the guide
Anal Sac Disease in DogsAnal sac impaction, infection, and abscesses in dogs: signs like scooting and swelling near the tail, treatment, and surgery for recurring cases.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 in dogs clear up quickly with simple care; here are the warning signs that call for an exam.Read the guide
Canine DistemperDistemper is a highly contagious, often fatal virus that attacks a dog's respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Vaccination keeps it rare.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 Heartworm InfectionHow dogs get heartworms from mosquitoes, the signs of infection, annual testing, year-round prevention in Southern California, and treatment.Read the guide
Canine Hookworm InfectionHookworms in dogs: how these blood-feeding intestinal parasites spread, the signs of infection, treatment, prevention, and the risk to people.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 within a day or two, but repeated vomiting, blood, or a painful belly can mean something serious. How to tell.Read the guide
Canine Whipworm InfectionWhipworms cause chronic, sometimes bloody diarrhea in dogs, and their eggs survive in soil for years. The signs, treatment, and prevention.Read the guide
Cystitis in DogsBladder inflammation in dogs, usually a urinary tract infection: the signs, diagnosis with urinalysis and culture, treatment, and repeat cases.Read the guide
Diabetes Mellitus in DogsDiabetes in dogs: the classic signs, diagnosis, daily insulin and diet management, monitoring at home, and the warning signs of low blood sugar.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 DogsHeart disease in dogs, most often valve disease: how the heart works, what a murmur means, signs of congestive heart failure, and treatment.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 contagious respiratory infection that spreads wherever dogs gather. 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 spreads in wildlife urine, can cause kidney and liver failure in dogs, and 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 DogsWhat we recommend for your dog: heartworm testing, Bordetella, leptospirosis, distemper, parvo, and rabies vaccines, and parasite control.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 injectable 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.