Influenza Strains in Dogs
Just like people, dogs can be affected by different strains of influenza, a highly contagious respiratory infection. There are two strains of canine influenza known to affect dogs internationally. H3N8 broke out around 2004 in Florida and continues to cause sporadic disease; H3N2, a milder strain first seen in Chicago in 2015, is closely related […]
Halloween Hazards for Pets
Halloween may be a barrel of laughs for people who love to dress up in costumes and party, but most pets aren’t quite as fond of the holiday as people are. The doorbell rings far too often and is usually accompanied by loud children; and there’s enough candy to make a pack of wolves sick; Pets with […]
WHY VACCINATING FOR RABIES IS IMPORTANT
Many owners feel that vaccinating their pet for something that he or she is not likely to come into contact with is not important. While in many cases this may be true, there are serious consequences when not vaccinating for a fatal disease like Rabies. Rabies is the major virus almost every country regulates and […]
Neutering the Male Tom Cat
Neutering a male cat is a good way to help your young male feline become a loving, well-adapted household animal companion. The main reason to neuter a male cat is to reduce the objectionable behaviors like spraying, mounting objects and as reduce the likelihood of roaming in search of a mate. Neutering involves removing the […]
Neutering The Male Dog
Why Should I Neuter my Dog? Aside from helping control the current overpopulation of dogs, neutering a pet dog generally makes for a healthier dog and a better pet. Neutered dogs tend to live longer and have fewer behavior problems (see below). They are less likely to be relinquished to the shelter and do not […]
Skin Conditions Caused by Sun or Actinic (Solar) Dermatitis
Most of us know that sun exposure can be damaging to a person’s skin. We get wrinkles, sunburn, and even sun-induced skin cancers. Dogs have similar issues. Pets like to sunbathe just like people do. Many like to lie happily on their backs and soak up the damaging UVB light. While it may feel nice, […]
Urinary Tract Infection in Dogs and Cats
The urinary tract infection is one of the most common ailments in small animal practice yet many pet owners are confused about the medical approach. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine to the bladder for storage), the urinary bladder, and the urethra that conducts urine outside the body. A […]
Celebrate Veterinary Technicians During Vet Tech Week, October 13-19, 2019
Veterinary technicians are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices, and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. National Veterinary Technician Week provides an opportunity to recognize veterinary technicians’ contributions. Urban Animal values our veterinary technicians every day of the year and thank them for all they do. During National Veterinary Technician Week, […]
Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
What Is The Trachea Anyway? Trachea is the scientific name for the windpipe, the tube that connects the nose, mouth, and throat to the lungs. The trachea is meant to be a fairly rigid tube. It consists of muscle connecting a group of cartilage rings. The rings are actually not complete circles; they form a […]
Bacterial Diarrheas in Puppies and Kittens
Bacterial diarrheas are generally a nuisance for the adult animal but can be lethal to a small puppy, kitten, or even a human baby. Most of these problems stem from contaminated food or fecal contaminated environment. Raw food diets for pets dramatically increase the risk of human exposure. Since these conditions are also human diseases, […]