Health Problems

If your dog hasn't pooped for several days, most likely you are worried. Just like us, dogs can suffer from the occasional bout of constipation, although it's not as common as in humans. Veterinarian Dr. Ivana shares several reasons why dogs don't poop regularly and what you can do about it.

Exercise-induced collapse is the most common reason Labrador Retrievers and some other breeds collapse during exercise, but there are other possibilities. They are discussed here with how to diagnose and treat.

Although bulldogs are more easily constipated than other breeds, there is a lot you can do at home to avoid the problem.

There is a shortage of veterinary professionals worldwide. This is making it more difficult to schedule appointments and even be seen at an emergency facility. Understanding what is a true emergency will help you determine when to seek immediate care for your pet.

Having a dog or cat with allergies can be frustrating. In addition to the treatment recommended by your veterinarian, there are some additional measures you can make to help ensure they are comfortable and prevent flare-ups.

If your dog has black diarrhea, you're likely wondering what can cause it to be such a color. Dogs can eat the oddest things, and some things can certainly result in a different color poop, but black diarrhea requires investigation. Veterinarian Dr. Ivana shares the causes of black diarrhea in dogs.

In recent years a new disease has been affecting dogs in the UK and US. Called Alabama Rot, this serious illness causes skin lesions and can be fatal. Knowing the signs is the first step to protecting your pet.

Anal glands are typically expressed when your pet passes stool, but they can be prone to impaction. Here's what anal glands are and what to do if you think your pet is suffering from an impaction.

A dog vomiting white foam is something that can be concerning to witness. Veterinarian Dr. Ivana shares 13 causes for white-foam vomiting in dogs and what you should do about it.

Here are three things dog owners should be aware of to keep their pups happy and healthy.

Kennel Cough is a common canine illness that can affect any dog at any age. Most cases of Kennel Cough are simple to treat at home, but some dogs can become extremely ill with the condition, and it can even prove fatal.

Bumps on a dog's surgery incision are always a scary sight for dog owners. After surgery, the last thing one would want to see is local swelling that appears as a lump or bump or even a hernia. Seromas in dogs are fortunately benign and likely to disappear rather quickly.

Have you noticed your dog biting and scratching itself lately? Has it become consistent or constant? If so, Dr. Ivana Cmec discusses common causes so that you may find relief.

Meningitis is a life-threatening but fortunately rare condition in dogs. It can affect any breed, though some breeds such as beagles and German Pointers are more likely to be affected. Its consequences can be serious, which is why all owners should know the symptoms of this condition.

From benign and easily fixable causes like plaque buildup to more serious issues like cancer or dental disease, there are many reasons your dog might have stinky breath.

Spotting blood in your dog's urine can be scary. It is not something that normally happens without a cause and often requires a vet visit. This article explores the varied conditions that can cause your dog to pass blood when they urinate.

Making a dog comfortable before a euthanasia appointment is the last gift dog owners can provide to their beloved canine companions. Those last moments should be peaceful so as to allow a calm setting for that final farewell. Dr. Ivana shares tips on how to make a dog comfortable before euthanasia.

Hip dysplasia is, unfortunately, a common condition found in dogs that can be life-limiting. Dogs with hip dysplasia suffer chronic pain and in severe cases, they may need an operation. Understanding what hip dysplasia is will help you to find the right treatment plan for your pet.

You may have noticed that your dog's front paws are turning out and wonder whether this is something to be concerned about. Standing 'toe-out' can indicate a range of potential problems, but many can be easily treated, and most dogs will live a healthy life even if their feet are wonky.

Lumps on dogs can be worrisome, but fatty tumors or lipomas are pretty common. Find out what causes them, if they are dangerous, and what to do.

Find out about Sundowners Syndrome (also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction) which is a common degenerative and progressive dementia experienced by aging dogs that impairs a pup’s awareness and responsiveness to their once-normal setting.

Flea infestations are one of the most challenging things that a dog owner has to deal with. This article lists the three treatments that I've found to be most effective in my own experience. I explain my reasoning and give some tips that I've picked up over the years.

Arthritis is a common problem for older dogs. It can be a crippling condition, that detracts from a dog's quality of life and may even shorten it, but there are several things owners can do to manage arthritis and keep their pets happy and active.

Diarrhea in German Shepherds is one of the more common and annoying health problems. Let's look at the causes and treatments.

The causes of dogs vomiting undigested food may be various, and only your veterinarian can confirm or rule out certain medical conditions. This article offers information I learned when my dog started vomiting undigested food out of the blue as he got older.

Has your dog had a stroke? The medical term 'stroke' conjures up all sorts of negative thoughts. Truth be told, our dog has suffered a stroke, and it was both shocking and frightening. Fortunately, with appropriate care, many dogs recover from a stroke without long-term consequences.

If your dog's ears stink, you may be wondering how to decrease the smell. What are the best ways to make your dog's ears smell better? Consider, though, that the smell can be indicative of a medical problem and therefore it may be best to have your dog's smelly ears checked by your vet.

If your pet needs access to an emergency clinic but there is none available, there are alternatives. Find out now.

Find out what is causing your puppy's diarrhea. From stress to parasites and viruses like parvovirus, knowing what is causing loose stool is the first step to helping your puppy to recover.

Find out five ways to add comfort and quality of life for your senior dog. Older dogs have special needs that we can address—making their lives happier and healthier.

Your dog's carpal pads are not there just for decoration: Mother Nature has a strategically planned use for most of your dog's body parts. The purpose of your dog's carpal pads is a noble one: providing protection.

Dog blackheads may appear on a dog's back or belly or other parts of the body. Learn more about blackheads in dogs.

In order to help your dog sleep at night, you need to first identify why they are having trouble falling asleep. Once you've identified the underlying cause, you can take several steps to make your dog go to sleep almost instantly.

Paw licking is a very common behaviour in dogs. Often it is just the dog cleaning its paws, but when the behaviour becomes obsessive or causes damage, then it is a sign of something being wrong.

If your dog's baby teeth don't fall out, you may just think it's a minor problem. In reality, if left untreated, retained baby teeth in dogs can lead to lifelong dental problems.

We all like our homes to smell fresh and clean, and for that reason, many people use plug-in or spray air fresheners to help their house smell nice. Unfortunately, air fresheners can have a downside – they can make dogs very unwell and can even lead to death.

Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and it is important to know the symptoms to ensure your pet is swiftly and effectively treated.

What are the teeth cleaning costs for your dog? Why do certain charges appear on the bill? Here's a breakdown of the stages of veterinary dental cleaning and the various charges explained.

If your dog's skin is turning yellow, he or she is likely seriously ill and needs to be treated correctly. Learn what exactly is going wrong, how your dog should be treated, and everything you can do at home to help them.

Obesity in pets is on the rise, but sometimes it is easy to overlook when a pet is just a bit overweight. In fact, many people are unsure of what a dog at a healthy weight looks like. Even slight excess weight puts pressure on a dog's heart and joints, so knowing when they need a diet is vital.

Joint issues are common in German Shepherds. Elbow dysplasia is a painful condition, especially when dogs get older, as this can seriously lessen their quality of life.

This article details the side effects that I observed in my 11-year-old lab after she recevied the melanoma vaccine for dogs.

Here's what to expect in the long-term/future if your pet had a canine urethrostomy.

Christmas is a joyous time. We want to share this fun with our dogs but every year, dogs end up at emergency vets due to holiday-related accidents. Learn about the season's dangers to dogs and how to avoid an unhappy Christmas.

Know how to recognize the signs and symptoms of gluten allergies in dogs. Learn how you can adjust to your dog's needs for a gluten-free lifestyle.

If your dog has dandruff, you can usually figure out what is causing it and can treat it at home without even having to visit the vet. Find out the four common causes of dandruff in dogs and how to take care of each type.

Reverse sneezing is when a dog appears to snort backwards repeatedly. It is considered a common issue and is usually nothing to be worried about, but sometimes it can be a symptom of a more serious problem.

Did you know that you can check a dog's immunity to certain diseases via titre testing (or titer testing)? Learn how the procedure works and how it complements standard vaccinations.

Due to the Cockapoo's popularity, some unscrupulous breeders produce 'rare' blue or red merle cockapoos—a colour that does not exist in either Poodles or Cocker Spaniels. Buyer beware.

Have you ever wondered if excessive ear scratching is a sign of a dog ear infection? This article helps you identify the signs and causes, remedies, and what steps to take to keep your dog's ears free of infection. Also included is a helpful video/poll.