Featured Articles
Dog Ear Infections
Ear Infections in Canines
How common are ear infections in dogs?
Infections of the external ear canal (outer ear) by bacteria or yeast, are one of the most common types of infections seen in dogs. This is called otitis externa.…
Limber tail in dogs – Pet tip 140
Limber Tail Syndrome (AKA cold tail, dead tail, broken wag) is quite common among some breeds of hunting dogs, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Pointers, Setters, and Beagles. It is a condition in which the tail becomes limp and sometimes painful after exertion, particularly during inclement weather, swimming, or in an under-conditioned dog. It is a condition well-known to hunting dog owners and trainers, but not commonly seen by veterinarians. The syndrome is characterized by the swelling of the muscles at the base of the tail (the wagging muscles, which are also used heavily during swimming when the tail may serve as a rudder). These muscles are bound to the tail by a tight ring of connective tissue. As the muscles swell and expand, the connective tissue begins to serve as a tourniquet – cutting off normal blood flow.
When increased pressure within a confined space results in reduced blood flow, it is known as a ‘compartment syndrome’.
Tip – 36 – Howling dogs – why dogs howl
Howling is a form of communication in dogs. It is a way for dogs to signal their presence to other dogs that are often located far away. It is common in wolves and coyotes, both relatives of today’s domestic dog.…
Seizures or Convulsions in Animals
What is a seizure?
A condition where neurons in the cerebral cortex of the brain fire with an uncontrollable but synchronous fashion that never occurs during normal behavior. It’s kind of like a mini electrical shock occurring in a localized …
Tip – 31 – Dog has ear mites – cat has ear mites – itchy ears
If your cat or dog is scratching a lot around the ear or neck, along with repeated head shaking, and a possible bad smell coming from the ear(s), a common cause might be ear mites. Ear mites are tiny parasites …
Controlling Barking
Barking dogs – Dog barks too much – Why dogs bark – Getting your dog to stop barking
Dr. Stanley Coren
… To a dog, loud short words like “no!”, “shut up!”, “don’t bark!” sound just like barks. Think of …
Issue 9: November 2003
Welcome to our ninth issue of the Pets.ca newsletter. This issue starts off the Christmas season (yes it has started) with a story on buying a new puppy. Thousands of people get pets as gifts for Christmas, and within a …
How Dogs See – Pet tip 117
Through a dog’s eyes, the world is a very different place: every fire hydrant is a toilet, every shoe is a chew toy, and every person is a ticket to kibble and treats. Though this is perhaps a bit of …
Cat Socialization – Pet tip 225
In order for cats to become great trouble-free pets, one of the key elements is socialization.
Socialization is a huge topic when it comes to dogs, but is often (and unfortunately) sadly neglected when it comes to cats. When we …
