Archives: Pets

Caring for Geriatric Pets

Find Additional Pets Podcasts with Roger Welton DVM on BlogTalkRadio Geriatric pets are pets that have an advanced age where the body tends to begin to break down, making them more susceptible to injury and disease.  In dogs, this age is generally considered to be between 8-12 years, for cats, 10-12 years.   Please bear in mind that these are general age ranges that all...

The 4 Most Important Health Concerns in Dogs

Popular Pets Internet Radio with Roger Welton DVM on BlogTalkRadio Dogs are susceptible to any number of diseases, many of which they share in common with humans.  While a lot of these diseases have their roots in genetic inheritance as the result of inbreeding, unethical breeding, and in some cases just bad luck, the 4 health concerns below are the most prevalent and...

The 4 Most Important Health Concerns in Cats

Popular Pets Internet Radio with Roger Welton DVM on BlogTalkRadio While cats can be susceptible to any number of diseases, many shared in common with dogs and people, there are 4 specific health issues that every feline owner must be aware of and be proactive in promoting preventive screening and early detection measures. 1.)    Blood pressure: Many felines suffer from...

4 Reasons why it is best to Purchase Pet Medications from your Veterinarian

There has been a long established online pet medication retail market for over a decade, but in the last few years, Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, and even grocery store chains have gotten in on the multibillion dollar a year industry.  The latter have introduced programs like $4 prescriptions, and other tactics that their large purchasing power and mass storage...

Adopt a Service Dog

I competed in a local triathlon this past Sunday, and the day before was race packet pick up at a local running apparel store.  When I arrived at the store, I could not help but notice the 7 yellow Labrador retrievers in front on the entrance, each one wearing a service dog smock and sitting regally next to his/her own handler.   When I inquired about why all these dogs...

They Suffer Silently

Last week, a veterinary colleague of mine shared a case with me that he came across running clinical trials for a pharmaceutical company.  In the research and development phase of new medications, pharmacies often rely on private practitioners to conduct trials of new medicines, with all expenses paid by the pharmaceutical company.  In order to draw cases, pharmaceuticals...

Preventing kidney failure in dogs and cats

Preventing Kidney Failure in Dogs and Cats Kidney failure is the most common cause of death in cats, and the second most common cause of death in dogs.  While there is often a genetic predilection to kidney failure that leads to its occurrence in certain individual canines and felines, there are some lifestyle tips that you can follow to decrease its incidence. Good dental...

Autoimmune Disease in Dogs and Cats Explained

Autoimmune Disease in Dogs and Cats A normal immune system functions to remove foreign or invading substances such as bacteria or viruses, by targeting them for destruction and systematically removing them.  The immune system is comprised of a complex network of tissues specialized to create and mobilize white blood cells and other complex immune cells in concert with...

Dogs Are Omnivores and Should be Fed as Such

Somehow the notion that dogs are pure carnivores has permeated through internet chat forums, among some non-medically trained people working in the pet industry (groomers, trainers, etc.), and those that take their information seriously.  This notion is based by in large on the multiply erroneous notion that dogs are essentially wolves, and since wolves are pure carnivores,...

Gus, Iconic Central Park Zoo Polar Bear, Dies at 27

One of New York City’s renowned icons, Gus the Central Park Zoo polar bear, died this week at the age of 27.  Apparently, Gus was exhibiting odd feeding behavior having difficulty eating and swallowing his food.  Zoo veterinarians later discovered that Gus suffered from an inoperable thyroid tumor and made the decision to have him humanely euthanized. According to Jim...