Does your cat’s bad breath keep the two of you from snuggling? Do you wish you could give your dog a breath mint? Contrary to popular belief, “doggy breath” is not normal. In fact, it could be one of the first signs that your furry pal is developing dental disease.
The hardest part of loving a pet is having to say goodbye. For so many of us, pets are more than animals who live in our homes—they’re family. Deciding how to handle a beloved cat or dog’s final life stage—their last hours, days, weeks, or months—can be extremely challenging.
We all know how important water is to living beings—without it, we couldn’t survive. Water in our cells helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, transports oxygen and nutrients (as well as waste), lubricates joints, energizes muscles, and basically keeps our organs functioning.
While your love for your cat may never change, his healthcare plan must continuously evolve to keep up with his growth and lifestyle. Your feline buddy might seem self-sufficient, but he needs you to help uncover any pain and discomfort that he could be hiding. Your veterinary team is trained to spot clues to your cat’s health, so annual or bi-annual checkups are key to staying ahead of potential risks.
One reason dogs are “man’s best friend” is their ability to charm us at any age. From a puppy discovering the joy of chasing a leaf to a golden oldie leaning in for a snuggle on the couch, we share a special relationship with our canine companions.
They say you are what you eat. This is true not just for humans, but also for our pets. Proper nutrition can help treat certain diseases and support our pets as they cope with illness or injury.
“Cancer” is a word no one ever wants to hear from the mouth of a medical professional. Unfortunately, however, the disease is so widespread that most of us have been touched by it at some point in our lives, whether through our own health struggles or those of loved ones.
Because pain management is central to veterinary medical practice—and because there have been rapid advances in the field—AAHA collaborated with the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) to create the AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats .
Most physicians, dentists, and veterinarians agree that regular checkups are vital in keeping clients healthy. After all, early detection and treatment of disease can mean the difference between comfort and pain—even life and death. Yet, too many pet owners aren’t concerned with preventive care; instead, they only take their cat or dog to the animal hospital when they are visibly sick or overdue for a vaccination.
When it comes to our pets, we tend to think “food is love.” Unfortunately, there can definitely be too much of a good thing. In fact, pet obesity is now an epidemic in America— up to 59% of dogs and cats are overweight.
