Articles
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Heart disease refers to any abnormality of the structure or function of the heart. Most dogs display no clinical signs until heart disease is advanced, although it may be detected earlier, if your veterinarian hears a heart murmur during a physical examination. This handout outlines types of heart disease and summarizes signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow. This article explains the common causes of heart murmurs in dogs, how they are diagnosed, and when further testing may be recommended. Learn how the underlying cause influences treatment and prognosis.
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Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite transmitted to dogs by mosquitos. Heartworm larvae migrate through the dog’s bloodstream to the heart and adjacent blood vessels, where they mature into adult heartworms. This handout explains the disease and outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, better known as heartworm. Dogs become infected when they are bitten by an infected mosquito carrying immature heartworms. Heartworm disease often causes little or no illness in its early stages. Annual testing allows detection before serious heart or lung damage develops.
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Treatment usually includes two types of medication: one to kill the heartworm larvae (microfilariae) and one to kill adult heartworms, along with strict exercise restriction during recovery. Many dogs will also be treated with antibiotics to combat potential infection with bacteria. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate treatment approach
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Heat stroke is another term for hyperthermia. Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have varied signs, from high respiratory rate to coma, depending on their temperature. Dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating, as humans do; panting is their primary way of regulating body temperature.
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Phobias related to thunderstorms and fireworks cause dogs to suffer, and they can increase in intensity over time. Behavior modification combined with medication can be used to reduce a dog's level of fear. This handout provides some helpful information for immediate treatment of firework and thunderstorm phobias.
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Age is not a disease, but many changes occur as dogs age that can result in diseases or disabilities. It's important to spend time with your dog to keep their stress low and monitor for changes. Regular veterinary examinations and discussions about your dog's behaviors at home will allow your veterinarian to provide recommendations on how to keep your senior dog healthy.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease that worsens over time. This handout discusses ways you can help your dog deal with OA. In addition to medications that may be prescribed by your veterinarian, other treatment options are outlined, such as weight loss, exercise, and complementary therapies such as chiropractic and physiotherapy.
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When a beloved family member dies, the survivors mourn the loss — including other pets. While dogs and cats may not fully grasp the significance of death, many pets exhibit behavioral patterns that suggest that they have been affected by the loss. This handout provides guidance on how to help your pet through their grief.