Where you and your pet are family
Dog Allergies / Dermatology
How do you know if my dog has allergies?
If your dog is experiencing persistent itching, scratching, hair loss, red bumps, broken skin, or crusts, these may be indicators of allergies. Additionally, red, dirty, painful, or itchy ears can also signal an allergic reaction.
What causes dogs to have allergies?
Allergies generally fall into three main categories. The first is parasitic allergies, with flea allergy being the most common. Some dogs are allergic to the saliva left behind by flea bites, triggering irritation and discomfort. The second category is food allergies, which typically stem from a reaction to proteins in food, though carbohydrates can also be a culprit. Lastly, environmental allergies encompass a wide range of triggers, including grasses, trees, pollen, mold, and even household dust mites.
Can you cure dog allergies?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergies. The best approach is symptom management, and there are many tools available to help. Finding the right solution for you and your pet often involves trial and error, as different methods work for different cases. Effective allergy management focuses on preventing itching and reducing the risk of secondary infections, ensuring your pet stays as comfortable as possible.
Are there any home remedies for dog allergies?
There are several steps you can take to help manage your dog's allergies at home. Regularly changing your furnace filter and vacuuming frequently can reduce allergens inside your home, while keeping windows closed helps limit exposure to outdoor irritants. After outdoor activities, wiping your dog down and giving them more frequent baths can help minimize allergy symptoms. Additionally, ensuring your dog stays up to date on veterinary-recommended flea and tick prevention is crucial—since flea allergies can significantly worsen other allergy symptoms, this is one area that’s relatively easy to control.
How do you know if your dog's allergies are serious enough to bring to the veterinarian?
If your dog is experiencing persistent itching, hair loss, red bumps, scabs, bleeding, or if the ears are red, painful, stinky, itchy, those are all signs that the allergies have gotten out of control and we need to work on getting that infection back under control.
Thunderstorm Phobia
How can I tell if my dog is afraid of thunderstorms?
Many dogs can sense an approaching storm, and their anxiety may manifest through pacing, panting, clinginess, or restlessness. Some may shake, tremble, hide, or lose interest in food—common signs of fear triggered by loud noises. Thunderstorms and fireworks often cause similar distress, as the booming sounds can be overwhelming for some dogs.
How can I help my dog if they're afraid of thunderstorms?
The first step in helping your dog cope with anxiety is to provide a safe space, such as a bathroom or an interior room that offers insulation from outside noise. Playing calming music, like Through a Dog’s Ear, which is specifically designed to soothe dogs, can be beneficial. Additionally, conditioning them to associate relaxation with a ThunderShirt is key—start by having them wear it during peaceful moments, and once they’re comfortable, use it during thunderstorms to help them stay calm.
What can I do to prevent thunderstorm phobia in my dog?
Thunderstorm phobia isn’t always preventable, as genetics and inherited traits play a role. However, desensitization can help. Using sound apps that simulate thunderstorms at a low volume while pairing the experience with treats and positive reinforcement can gradually acclimate your dog to the noise. Over time, increasing the volume in small increments can help them develop a more relaxed and positive association with storm sounds.
When should I talk to my vet about my dog's thunderstorm phobia?
If your dog regularly experiences anxiety during thunderstorms, we're here to help. We don’t want your dog to suffer through the stress—or for you to struggle with their distress. There are effective medications and training techniques available that can make these situations easier, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Dog Dentistry
How many teeth do dogs have?
Adult dogs typically have 42 teeth, though some may have variations in tooth count due to genetic anomalies. As puppies, they begin with 28 baby teeth, which they gradually lose. By six months of age, all their adult teeth have emerged, replacing the temporary set.
What kind of dental diseases do dogs tend to get?
The most common dental issue in dogs is a broken tooth, often caused by chewing. When a tooth fractures, the exposed pulp can lead to an abscess, causing pain and potential infection. Periodontal disease is another frequent concern, as dogs don't brush their teeth regularly like humans do. This allows bacteria to accumulate in the periodontal space—the area between the tooth and the surrounding bone—leading to infection, bone loss, tooth mobility, and discomfort. Additionally, tumors or growths can develop in the mouth. While some are benign and linked to periodontal disease and inflammation, others can be cancerous and require further evaluation
How do I keep my dog's teeth healthy?
The best way to maintain your dog's dental health is daily tooth brushing. Plaque naturally builds up throughout the day, and within 24 hours, it hardens into calculus. By brushing your dog's teeth every day, you disrupt this cycle, preventing plaque from turning into stubborn tartar and reducing the risk of dental issues.
How can I tell if my dog has dental disease?
One of the earliest signs of dental issues in dogs is bad breath—while "doggy breath" is often joked about, persistent odor is not normal. Other warning signs include red or swollen gums, fractured teeth, and unusual growths. In advanced stages, more serious symptoms like difficulty chewing or excessive drooling may appear, signaling a need for attention.
What are the benefits and risks of having my dog's teeth cleaned?
While dental cleanings do require anesthesia, the risks are minimal compared to the benefits, and we'd be happy to discuss any concerns you may have. To ensure safety, we closely monitor your pet using a multi-parameter system, with a dedicated technician overseeing their well-being. They remain comfortable on a heated water bed, and because dental procedures don’t require deep anesthesia, they only need to be lightly sedated to stay still—nothing we do is overly painful.
The real advantage of professional cleanings is the ability to perform X-rays and a thorough oral exam, allowing us to detect hidden issues beneath the gum line. Many abscesses and infections appear completely normal on the surface, making routine dental care essential for identifying and addressing problems your pet can’t communicate. Regular dentistry helps catch these concerns early, preventing unnecessary pain and ensuring their long-term health.