For many people, owning a dog is nearly the equivalent of having a child. If a pet dog is ill, it can be devastating for both the animal and the pet owner. Knowing the causes and symptoms of poisoning, one of the most dangerous problems for pets, can help you to save your dog's life.

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is similar to an X-ray in that it will provide the veterinarian images of the inside of your dog, but it provides more detail and it is safer because it does not use radiation. While an X-ray or an ultrasound scan will show the size and shape of an internal o

Look for signs of good health in your dogsdog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.comThere is a reason dogs have the title, "Mans Best Friend." Many of us have dogs, love dogs and want to ensure that our dogs live a long and healthy life. There are a number of indicators and signs to look...

Floppy ears can contribute to ear infections.dog image by Ramona smiers from Fotolia.comEar issues are serious business, especially in canine companions. If left untreated, a simple ear infection can become quite painful and in severe cases, it can lead to mild or severe hearing loss....

In cats, HCM or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a serious heart disease. Find out what causes feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Rugby the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and his handler, Joseph

It can be scary to witness your dog having a seizure. A dog often will lose consciousness, fall to the floor and thrash around. As a dog owner, it's important to protect your dog by keeping it on the floor and protecting its head against hard surfaces. Become familiar with the signs of an oncoming s

Duramune, or "the puppy shot," is one of the most common vaccinations veterinarians recommend to dog owners. It's actually a combination vaccine that protects dogs against a variety of deadly diseases and is given on a specific schedule.

Have symptoms of a heart murmur checked out by a veterinarian.dog image by veronika from Fotolia.comA heart murmur is caused by the abnormal flow of blood within the valves of the heart, and it can be the first sign of heart disease in dogs. A dog may have a heart murmur due to inherited...

Chronic ear infections are one of many side effects of food allergies in dogs. Caused by yeast, these infections will often reappear until the food allergy is diagnosed and the problem ingredient removed from the dog's diet.

My pets have taught me much about gratitude over the years. Here are a few of those lessons.

Lianne McLeod, former Guide to Exotic Pets at About.com and a veterinarian, has written an extensive "diary" account of her two dogs who suffer from itchy skin and hair loss. Learn what is involved in a veterinary referral work up; how skin diseases are examined and ruled out, the topical

Your dog's eye health is very important. Check your dog's eyes regularly to maintain his eye health. Most of the time, any eye problem, no matter how alarming they can appear, can be corrected fairly easily if taken care of right away.

Kidney failure causes lethargy.dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.comThere are two types of kidney failure, or renal disease, in dogs. They are classified as acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly and is generally very severe. Chronic kidney failure is a slower...

A lethargic dog might be an ill dog.closeup of dog sleeping image by itay uri from Fotolia.comAlkaline phosphatase, also known as serum alkaline phosphatase, is classified as an enzyme, according to Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education. This protein molecule aids in various chemical...

Service Dog Vest - Westminster Show 2010 © Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease that affects almost any breed of dog, large or small. A dog with hip dysplasia will have hip joints that do not grow correctly. This can lead to a deterioration of the hip bones and even arthritis. Many dogs who suffer from this condition are forced to move wi

Canine parathyroid glands are located on the thyroid gland; however, they have no anatomical or physiological connection the the thyroid gland itself. The main purpose of the parathyroid gland is to produce parathyroid hormones that are necessary for the metabolism of calcium in the body.

If a cat that usually enjoys having its ears scratched flinches away when you try to rub its ears, it could have an ear infection. An ear infection can cause pain and congestion of the ears, according to "What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You," by John Simon and Stephanie Pedersen.

What is head voice? Is it really a vocal register? Find your answers to these questions and more.