vets

by POPSUGAR Pets

Dogs will eat just about anything (as we saw earlier this week) but what about their kitty cousins? Once again, Veterinary Pet Insurance took a look at the claims they got last year – these top 10 lists account for close to 25 percent of all canine and feline medical claims received in 2008! Unsurprisingly, the more repetitive or chronic illnesses topped the list – after all, continuing care will require continual trips to a doc.

It's important to note that most of the top pet conditions will bring about a noticeable change in the behavior or appearance of a furry friend. Just another reason to take note of any lumps, bumps, sores, cuts, and unusual odors or behaviors in your pets, and react accordingly. Check out the top claims when you read more

by POPSUGAR Pets

Ever since the Gosselins' new puppies made their TV debut, I've been tuning into Jon and Kate Plus 8 to see how the large family adjusts to the growing dogs. Not only can I now ace the fun quiz on lilsugar, but it gave me an idea for a post, too. In case you missed the episode, I've pasted a clip where the family sees just what the pooch ate on an X-ray – check it out below.

Now it's your turn to share – what's the weirdest thing your pet ate and did it require surgery as well?

by POPSUGAR Pets

One of the ickiest, but most important, parts of a dog's annual checkup is the stool sample. Usually we scoop poop several times a day, but it goes straight into the trash without a second thought. However, most vets require and request this very deposit to check for worms and other diseases. For first time visitors, the logistics (How much? How fresh?) can be baffling. Here's a simple how-to for this doodoo must do:

1. Mark a freezer-style resealable plastic bag with your pet's name, your name and collection date.
2. Turn this bag inside out being careful to have the sealing part safely covered.
3. After your dog's most recent meal before the doc's visit, bring this bag along with your normal scooper of choice.
4. Collect a small deposit (like one poop) – they actually don't test much more than a tablespoon – and seal up the bag taking care not to smush it.

It's as easy as that! Labeling helps make certain your pup's sample is correctly matched – remember, less is more, and fresh is best.

Source

by POPSUGAR Pets

When the only time your dog sees the car or crate is come vet time, chances are he'll figure it out! Start those unseasoned travelers sooner-rather-than-later with short drives around town. Instead of walking to a park, visit one a little further away. Take a mini-road trip for playdates or to pet-friendly shops. He'll make new friends while experiencing different settings and adventures that involve more than just the leash.
Word to the wise: don't wait 'til the big day to introduce the carrier. Leave it out in your home, occasionally put toys and treats inside, and open and shut the door to acclimate your pet. Lure him with a long lasting toy (like a frozen PB-filled Kong) when the time comes – chances are he'll be so excited about the extra-special treat, it will be a while before he even cares to escape.

If your pet's already a road warrior, getting him in the crate and car should be no problem – find out how to alleviate stress on the doc's day when you read more

by POPSUGAR Pets

Did you know that cancer accounts for almost half the deaths of pets over 10 years of age? While I didn't realize this (or that dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans, while cats get fewer cancers), I do believe that using animal-friendly products and high-quality food is essential to our pets' well-being. Because of the dangers of household cleaners, environmental toxins, and chemicals in their foods, it's important to know what symptoms to watch out for — with early detection, cancer can be a treatable disease for furry friends.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the 10 common signs of cancer in small animals are:

• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss

See the rest when you read more

by POPSUGAR Pets

You may be wondering why I've been going a tad tick crazy on the site during the Dog Days of Summer. Well, there's a reason. Last week when chatting with a pal in NYC, she shared a scary story about her rescued Rottie mix, Jack.
While he's seen here in sleepier times, my friend woke up one morning a couple weeks ago to find him not only resting, but totally unable to get up. Obviously, she freaked out and called a friend with a car to help carry the dog to his doctor. The vet did some tests but initially asked if her pooch had spent anytime in the country. Countryside? Does Brooklyn count? To learn where and when he contracted the disease, and what's happening now read more

by POPSUGAR Pets

Eeks! Mom to my two favorite kitties, Milo and Minou, just came to me with a recent problem. BellaSugar's felines went in for an annual checkup with a new vet . . . and she left hundreds of dollars later (with more recommended tests possibly to come) wondering if her kitties weren't so healthy after all.

She'd suspected Milo had hairballs because he was vomiting up a long, squiggly grayish thing. The vet insisted on several tests (totaling $500) only to tell her . . . "yup, it's hairballs – brush him more and give him hairball formula food." It doesn't stop there – learn what was recommended for Minou in Bella's own words when you read more