What’s that Spot? Or, a Look at Lick Granulomas

That sound can even wake you in the middle of the night -- there is just something about a dog licking his paw or leg that immediately grabs your attention. You know something is wrong, but what is it? You don’t necessarily see any obvious signs of a problem...until you find a raw, pink area of skin. It can seem like this “boo-boo” crops up all of the sudden, and while the actual sore or wound could be caused by any number of issues, one common issue is a lick granuloma.

What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)?

If you’ve ever owned (or been owned by!) a cat, chances are you’ve heard the acronym “FIV.” You know this is something your veterinary team talks with you about during your cat’s wellness visits and preventive care planning, and it probably helps your understanding to liken the Feline Immun

Can Wildlife Make Your Pet Sick?

If your pet spends time in the great outdoors, you may not give much thought to who he shares that space with—but you should. From deer and coyotes to foxes, skunks, bats, and raccoons, wild animals can pose a serious threat as they carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to pets and people.

Recognizing Signs of Pain in Your Pet

Pain is a clinically significant symptom that can adversely affect an animal’s quality of life—and the first step in treating it is recognizing and acknowledging it.

Our pets share the same anatomical and biochemical pain pathways that we do; therefore, we can expect their level of discomfort with certain conditions to be similar to ours. Unfortunately, they cannot tell us with words how they feel or where they hurt, but they can give us clues about their level of discomfort.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Lumps and Bumps

You’re petting your cat or bathing your dog when—wait, what’s that?

Finding a lump or bump on your pet can be a worrisome experience, but don’t panic. Masses of all kinds, from harmless skin growths to malignant tumors, are fairly common. While most are benign, it’s always better to err on the side of caution by following these steps.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears in 3 Easy Steps

Regular ear cleanings are essential for managing chronic, allergic-based inflammation known as otitis and keeping infections at bay. Before you start, though, be sure to evaluate your dog’s ears for odor, discharge, pain, or redness.

5 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for You and Your Pet

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and who better to spend it with than your pet? Whether it’s a hitting the road for a day hike or staying in and snuggling on the couch, spending some one-on-one time with your pet provides numerous benefits for both of you, including reduced stress and anxiety and increased opportunities for exercise and socialization.

What Are Worms, Anyway?

If you’re a pet owner, you know that deworming is an important step in your dog or cat's preventive care protocol. But what exactly are you preventing?

Typically referred to simply as “worms,” there are four main types of intestinal parasites that are common in pets—and they’re not just creepy, they’re harmful. Here’s what to watch out for.

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