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Heartworm disease can have a devastating effect on your pet’s health. National Heartworm Awareness Month, observed annually in April, reminds pet owners about the health dangers this preventable disease poses for pets. What Are Heartworms? Thin, white heartworms look like cooked pieces of spaghetti. Male worms range in length from 4 to 6 inches, but females can grow as long

Gaining just a few extra pounds can cause big health problems for your pet. Although chubby pets may look cute, extra weight increases the risk that your pet will develop several preventable diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis and liver disease. How Does Extra Weight Affect My Pet? Obesity affects pets in many of the same ways it affects

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly two-thirds of pets suffer from dental problems because their owners do not provide dental care for them. Imagine what would happen to your own teeth if they were never brushed or examined by a dentist. The same thing can happen with your pet’s teeth. Just as in humans, not brushing leaves bacteria

As your pet grows older, he or she may develop a range of diseases and conditions associated with aging, such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis and kidney disease. Despite the health problems often associated with aging, your pet can enjoy a full life if you’re familiar with the signs and symptoms of common health problems. By partnering with your pet’s veterinarian,

Years of running, jumping and walking take a toll on your pet’s joints. When your once energetic cat or dog starts to slows down or appears to be in pain, osteoarthritis may be to blame. The disease wears down the cartilage in the joints, causing bones to rub together painfully. Although there’s no way to reverse arthritis, you can do

Do you favor the rapid swoop-and-bag approach to picking up your dog’s stools or scooping cat litter? Although most pet owners would rather not prolong contact with their pet’s feces, sneaking an occasional peak can provide valuable clues about your furry friend’s health and habits. Brown, Green or Yellow: What Stool Colors Mean Normal stools are brown, although stool color

What’s worse than a sick pet? Three of them! Viruses and parasitic infections can quickly spread among your pets, making them feel miserable. Taking these preemptive steps when one of your furry friends shows signs of an illness can help you protect the health of the entire group. Determine Who’s Really Sick Pets don’t always show obvious signs of illness

Your Big Dog May Be More Likely to Develop These Health Problems Are you familiar with the health conditions common in big dogs? Your large breed dog may be at increased risk of developing one or more of these conditions. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia occur due to malformations in the hip or elbow joints. As a

Pet Blood Donors: Helping Other Animals in Need Blood transfusions are just as crucial for sick or injured animals as they are for people. Without a ready supply of donated blood, animals may die unnecessarily. Thanks to the generosity of donor pets and their people, animals with severe health conditions or injuries can receive the blood transfusions they need. When

5 Health Problems That Affect Small Dogs Small dogs usually live longer than larger dogs, but their increased lifespan doesn’t necessarily guarantee good health. In fact, these five conditions and diseases are more likely to occur in smaller dogs. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome Breathing problems can be an issue in small dogs with short noses and muzzles, such as Shih Tzus,