Nearly half of dog owners said they would consider euthanizing their pets if they were diagnosed with a condition requiring costly treatment that was financially difficult to pay, according to a new survey by Canine Journal. That is one of the sobering statistics that show “economic euthanasia” — making a medical decision based on finances rather than what is best for the pet — is sadly common. Unnecessary euthanasia is one of the consequences of the ever-increasing cost of veterinary care. When an emergency room visit costs $5,000 or more, it’s no wonder that many pet parents cannot pay ..read more

As pet parents, we want to provide our furry friends with a safe and healthy environment. However, it’s easy to forget that our unhealthy habits can significantly impact their well-being. One of the most common and harmful habits is smoking around our pets. Smoking, especially indoors, creates secondhand smoke, affecting everyone in the home, including pets. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can be just as dangerous for our pets as it is for us. Secondhand smoke from marijuana is also unhealthy and carries some additional risks. We’ll explore the effects of secondhand smoke o ..read more

In honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week, here are some of the top toxins for dogs and cats. The post Infographic: National Animal Poison Prevention Week appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws ..read more

As urban areas become more densely populated, more people are opting to keep pets in the city. While city living can present unique challenges for pets, they can also thrive with proper care and attention. However, there are some special hazards that urban pets might face that pet parents should be aware of. Potential hazards for urban pets Traffic One of the most dangerous risks for urban pets is traffic. With so many cars and buses on the roads, pets can easily be hit by a car if they are not kept on a short leash or in a carrier. It’s essential always to keep your pet under control when you ..read more

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020, there’s been a marked increase in the number of people who are skeptical of vaccinations, primarily due to misinformation. Even some presidential candidates and high-ranking public officials cast doubt on the value of human vaccines.  Health researchers estimate that COVID-19 vaccinations likely saved 2.4 million lives between January and August 2021. Despite this success, an increasing number of people express concerns over the benefits of vaccination. But that wariness does not just impact humans – a study published in the jou ..read more

Diagnosis: Mast cell tumors Cost: $35,981 | Healthy Paws reimbursed: $27,285 Coverage options:  80 percent reimbursement | $250 deductible Rook, a 6-year-old domestic shorthair cat, is an extremely friendly, loving, playful cat who acts a lot like a dog, says his pet parent Cathy. “He goes to the door when the doorbell rings, wants to be in the middle of all the action, gets along well with dogs, loves to be picked up and held, and play fetch. He is a big, strong cat (17 lbs.) and the light of our lives,” she said. Cathy and her husband rescued Rook from a shelter in Calif ..read more

If your pet is a fast eater, has digestion issues, or doesn’t drink enough water, consider a special type of food and water bowl for your dog or cat. Slow feeder bowls for dogs and cats When it comes to mealtime, some dogs are far too eager. They swallow mouthfuls of kibble without chewing and they seem to eat every meal as though it’s their last. It’s a positive sign for your dog to have a healthy appetite, but chowing down too quickly can cause a health issue. Eating too fast puts your dog at risk of: Choking Vomiting Gastrointestinal discomfort Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV or bloat ..read more

It’s probably no surprise that there are numerous parasites cats may encounter during their lives. One that many pet parents may be unfamiliar with causes an infection called toxoplasmosis. It is important that anyone with a cat understands how this parasite is transmitted and how to reduce the risk of infection especially because toxoplasmosis can be passed from cats to humans. What is Toxoplasmosis in Cats? Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Cats may develop toxoplasmosis after ingesting infected rodents or birds or contaminated soil. Once ingested ..read more

Pet parents, understandably, hate to see their furry companions not acting like themselves. They may wonder what is causing their feline friends to feel under the weather. While a cat’s illness can usually be attributed to one organ system, some cats actually experience illness in multiple organ systems all at the same time. This happens in cats diagnosed with triaditis. What is Triaditis in Cats? Triaditis in cats is characterized by three inflammatory conditions affecting the liver, intestines, and pancreas. These conditions are cholangitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis, resp ..read more

Thankfully, cats don’t have seizures very frequently because they can be scary! Sometimes it’s even hard to know if what you are seeing is a seizure, leaving you to wonder what in the world is going on. In this article, we’ll dig into what seizures are, what they look like, what causes seizures in cats, and how they are treated. Read on to learn everything you need to know about seizures and epilepsy in cats. What are Seizures and Epilepsy? A seizure can be defined as a period of involuntary muscular activity and/or a change in mental awareness that is caused by a burst of uncontrollable elect ..read more