Dog Health

Cat kidney disease (chronic kidney disease or CKD) is the number one cause of death in senior cats — affecting 30 percent of cats over 10 years old and 50 percent of cats over 15. It is progressive and incurable, but early detection and management can add 1-3 quality years to your cat’s life. The … Read more

Dog dehydration is a silent killer — by the time most owners notice it, their dog has already lost 5-8 percent of body water, and organ damage is beginning. A dog can survive 5-7 days without food, but only 2-3 days without water. Dehydration happens faster than you think: a dog left without water for … Read more

Cat constipation is often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, but in cats it can be a sign of serious underlying disease — and chronic constipation can progress to a life-threatening condition called megacolon, where the colon becomes permanently stretched and unable to function. The good news: most cat constipation is preventable and treatable for under … Read more

Indoor cats live 12-15 years on average — 5-8 years longer than outdoor cats. But indoor life has a hidden cost: boredom, obesity, stress, and behavioral problems caused by an environment that does not meet a cat’s natural needs. The solution is environmental enrichment — providing the stimulation, exercise, and mental engagement that indoor cats … Read more

Cat diabetes is one of the most expensive chronic conditions in veterinary medicine — costing 300-1,200 dollars per year for insulin, monitoring supplies, and vet visits. But type 2 diabetes in cats (which accounts for 95 percent of feline cases) is both preventable and, in early stages, reversible. The prevention program costs 0-10 dollars per … Read more

Cat eye problems are easy to miss — cats hide pain and discomfort, and subtle changes in the eyes can signal anything from a minor irritation to a sight-threatening infection. The good news: most common cat eye problems are treatable for under 20 dollars when caught early. The bad news: delaying treatment by even a … Read more

Cat dental care costs 400-1,000 dollars for a professional cleaning — but 80 percent of cat owners never brush their cat’s teeth. Cats are not small dogs when it comes to dental care: they are harder to handle, more resistant to having their mouth touched, and their teeth are smaller and more prone to a … Read more

Cat vomiting is one of the most common reasons for vet visits — but unlike dogs, where occasional vomiting is usually dietary, cat vomiting is more often a sign of underlying disease. Many owners dismiss cat vomiting as “just hairballs” or “he ate too fast,” but chronic vomiting in cats is frequently a sign of … Read more

Cat obesity affects 60 percent of indoor cats — and it is even more dangerous for cats than for dogs. An obese cat is 4 times more likely to develop diabetes, 3 times more likely to develop lameness, and 2 times more likely to develop skin problems. The average lifespan of an obese cat is … Read more

Cat urinary tract problems are the number one reason cats are rushed to the emergency vet — and they are among the most expensive conditions to treat. A urinary blockage in a male cat costs 1,500-5,000 dollars to unblock and can kill within 24-48 hours. But most urinary problems are preventable with diet and hydration … Read more