Just as in a chiropractic session for humans, a dog chiropractor will palpate the dog’s spine, limbs, and even the skull to detect abnormalities in how the bones come together. Even small misalignments (called “subluxations”) can impact how that joint functions, your dog’s comfort level, and nerve function. The dog chiropractor then uses specific motions to adjust the subluxated joint and move the bones back into place. The spine is a common focus. Does My Dog Need an Animal Chiropractor? Most dog lovers seek animal chiropractors when they notice their dog experiencing a chronic limp or sorene ..read more

Parasites that affect dogs can be broadly classified as one of two types—internal and external parasites. Internal parasites reside inside your dog’s body and are rarely seen. External parasites are found on or in your dog’s skin, ears, or nose. Fleas and ticks can be seen with the naked eye. Lice and some mites can be seen with the naked eye but visualizing them with a low-powered microscope helps aid diagnosis. Dog Internal Parasites Internal parasites in dogs include intestinal parasites like worms and other microorganisms (such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm, threadworm, giardi ..read more

It’s the middle of the night and something is not quite right with your dog. You’re concerned but don’t know if your dog needs to see a veterinarian right away. You call the local veterinary emergency hospital but learn that the wait time to be seen by a veterinarian is at least five hours if your dog is not experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Do you take your dog to the emergency hospital? Or do you risk it and wait until the morning when your primary care veterinary hospital opens? Now there’s a third option—consulting with a veterinarian online about your dog’s situation. Telemedicin ..read more

DNA research has documented the importance of gut microbes in human and canine health, immunity, and longevity. A healthy microbiome—an umbrella term used to describe communities of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in the body—destroys harmful pathogens, including disease-causing viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. Most reside in the intestines, where they are known as the “gut microbiome.” In a healthy gut, “friendly” or beneficial microbes secrete chemicals that destroy harmful bacteria and, if they are present in sufficient numbers, colonies of beneficial bacteria starve harmful mic ..read more

Approximately 100 grams – about a half cup – of onion can be toxic to a 45-lb. dog. Onion powder is more concentrated, and therefore worse, but most dogs only get powder in small amounts in cooked foods. A dog who ate an onion may vomit or have diarrhea, refuse to eat, and may have oral or gastric pain. You may notice difficulty breathing, lethargy, and/or feel a rapid heartbeat. Be aware, however: “Signs may not occur until several days after ingestion,” according to the American College of Apothecaries. The toxic compound in onions is N-propyl disulphide. This substance destroys red blood ce ..read more

Babesiosis is a tickborne disease that can affect dogs. Although the disease is seen worldwide, including in the United States, much of the what we know about babesiosis is from Europe. Babesiosis is primarily transmitted through a tick bite but can infect puppies in utero and be spread by dog bites through saliva. The tiny parasite that causes babesiosis attacks and destroys red blood cell, causing anemia. While most dogs develop a slowly progressing illness with minimal symptoms, some dogs show an acute, aggressive illness. An important consideration with babesiosis is that infected dogs nev ..read more

Dogs who spend a lot of time licking near the base of his tail are often suffering from anal gland issues, allergies, or both. Allergies, especially a food allergy, can cause inflammation of the anal glands, which is irritating to the dog. Other potential causes of a dog licking the base of the tail include fleas in the area, hot spots, perianal fistulas, and perianal tumors. If your dog is licking back there a lot, take a good look at the general area yourself. The dog’s licking implies something is uncomfortable. The sooner you get a veterinary diagnosis and appropriate treatment the sooner ..read more

Cerenia is a lovely little wonder drug for vomiting in dogs. It works by blocking a neurotransmitter in the brain that triggers the vomiting reflex, and it works really well. Cerenia is FDA-approved to treat uncomplicated, acute vomiting (in dogs and puppies 8 weeks or older) as well as to prevent motion sickness (in dogs and puppies 16 weeks or older). The Cerenia injection for dogs is a particularly fabulous therapeutic modality for acutely vomiting dogs. Sometimes when dogs are vomiting, they can’t hold anything down, including the medications that could help them. When your veterinarian gi ..read more

Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria Leptospira. Several species of mammals can become ill with leptospirosis, including dogs and humans. Leptospira bacteria are found worldwide. Leptospirosis in dogs can be prevented through proper vaccination. The initial series is two vaccines given three to four weeks apart. After the initial series, the leptospirosis vaccine is administered once a year. As with any vaccine, your dog may experience lethargy, reduced appetite, and soreness after receiving the leptospirosis vaccine. In rare circumstances, dogs that receive the leptospirosis vaccine may ex ..read more

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick-borne disease that can infect dogs. A variety of ticks can carry the rickettsial bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs, which means the illness has a wide range and is not limited to the Rocky Mountain area. The first case I ever dealt with was on Long Island, N.Y. Signs of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Symptoms that a dog has Rocky Mountain spotted fever are initially similar to many illnesses, including other tick-borne diseases. Joint pain, a drop in appetite, and fever are common. Some dogs will show gastrointestinal signs. A sign m ..read more