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Post-Pyometra Surgery: What Kind of Care Does a Dog Need?
Dogs recovering from pyometra surgery often need more attention than a routine spay, especially if hind limb weakness or pain persists.
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63 articles
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Leaving a Lab Outside During Work Hours: Is It Safe in Hot Weather?
JoAnn asks Dr. Mark if her Lab mix can stay outdoors in high heat while she returns to the office two days a week.
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Understanding Why Cytopoint Can Lose Effectiveness in Dogs
Cytopoint works in about 87% of dogs initially, but some may stop responding over time. This article explores potential reasons, such as antibody development, increased allergen exposure, or other underlying conditions, and offers management strategies.
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Postpartum Diarrhea in Dogs: What Owners Should Know
Elize's dog recently gave birth to seven puppies and now has diarrhea. Dr. Mark explains why this can happen and when to seek veterinary care.
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Canine Lymphoma: 7 Non-Chemo Options to Consider
A veterinarian responds to a pet owner's question about treating a dog's lymphoma without chemotherapy, detailing seven alternative approaches such as diet, antiparasitic drugs, mushrooms, CBD, and herbs, while noting the limited evidence and practical considerations for each.
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Rabies Risk After Contact With a Dog That Died: What to Consider
A reader whose dog died after showing vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness worries about rabies because the dog had bitten an unvaccinated puppy and had contact with wildlife. The dog had been vaccinated before the pandemic. This response explains why rabies is unlikely in this situation, describes typical signs, and advises seeking medical advice for possible exposure through a skin crack.
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DIY Dog Biscuits with Peanut Butter and Honey: A Flexible Recipe
Whip up a batch of dog biscuits at home using whole wheat flour, milk, coconut oil, peanut butter, and honey. Since these ingredients include common allergens, check with your vet or confirm your dog tolerates them before baking. The recipe is easy to customize with mix-ins and makes a thoughtful gift for fellow pet owners.
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Rethinking the Daily Walk: When Routine Strolls Become a Source of Canine Stress
Dog trainer Adrienne Farricelli challenges the common belief that walks are a universal fix for behavioral issues, explaining how overstimulating or poorly managed walks can actually worsen problems like reactivity and anxiety, and offers strategies to make walks truly beneficial.
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Can Coconut Oil Relieve Constipation in Dogs? An Overview of Benefits and Safety
Coconut oil may help with canine constipation, but how does it compare to other oils, and what amount is appropriate?
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Could Hot Spots Be Behind Your Dog's Hair Loss?
Desiree writes to Dr. Mark about her Great Pyrenees, who has been losing hair across her back for weeks alongside what appear to be hot spots. She asks what might be causing the spreading and the thinning coat.
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Dog Skin Reaction After Grooming: Understanding Folliculitis and Preventing Lick Granulomas
Mild folliculitis can appear after clipping, often resolving with simple home care. Early intervention to stop licking is crucial to avoid a lick granuloma.
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Dog on Long-Term Benadryl: Managing Congestion and Coughing
Prolonged use of antihistamines such as Benadryl in dogs can thicken nasal secretions and cause drowsiness; strategies include humidification, dose reduction, switching antihistamines, nighttime dosing, and vet-prescribed cough suppressants.
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Understanding the Euthanasia Process: Did My Cat Experience Pain?
A grieving owner asks about the multiple injections used to euthanize her cat. The response explains that the combination of propofol, Euthasol, and possibly potassium chloride ensures a painless passing, and that the third injection is sometimes needed to confirm death.
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Senior Dog Urinating Indoors: Causes and Management Options
A veterinarian outlines potential medical and cognitive reasons for loss of housetraining in older dogs, and emphasizes that euthanasia should only be considered as a final measure after all other avenues have been explored.
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Grazing Rabbits in Your Backyard: Weighing the Dangers and Advantages
Letting rabbits graze outside comes with potential hazards such as pesticides and insect bites, but the overall benefits can be worthwhile if proper precautions are taken.
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The Hidden Trade of Pet Flipping: What Every Owner Should Know
Pet flipping involves stealing or finding pets and reselling them for profit, often on sites like Craigslist. This article explains the practice, its legal ambiguity, personal stories, and steps to protect and recover your pet.
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Post-Cystotomy Urinary Changes in Dogs: When Should Owners Be Concerned?
A Maltipoo owner asks veterinarian Dr. Mark about her pet producing no urine for roughly a day following bladder surgery, and he explains possible causes and next steps.
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Pregnant Dog Refusing Food but Accepting Treats: What's Going On?
A Shih Tzu owner named Evelyn asks veterinarian Dr. Mark about her expecting dog's lack of interest in regular meals, and he explains possible reasons and one way to encourage eating.
