Chronic Hepatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Astra, the 6-year-old Cocker Spaniel exhibited several vague clinical signs like not eating every few days and occasional vomiting. Blood tests showed significantly elevated liver enzymes. Many conditions can cause an increase in these values, but one enzyme caught my attention: ALT. ALT stands for alanine transaminase and is usually part of routine screening blood chemistries. Whenever a dog has a high ALT and no other liver enzyme elevations, it indicates chronic hepatitis could be the cause. Because Astra’s other liver tests were...
What Can Your Cat’s Poop Tell You About Her Health?
As a cat parent, you know scooping the litter box is an important part of caring for your kitty. And while it may sound unpleasant, it’s also important to pay attention to what’s happening inside the box. It gets you acquainted with your cat’s normal elimination patterns, giving you a useful indicator of her overall health — and alerting you when something might be going wrong. This article takes a closer look at cat poop, and what it may be telling you about your feline friend’s health. PERFECTLY NORMAL POOP...
How Probiotics Can Improve Dental Health in Dogs
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Common Beagle Mixes
Beagles are easily identified by their black, tan and white short fur, big brown eyes and floppy ears. Not to mention that howl. They’re also one of the smallest members of the Hound group, broken into two categories: measuring either 13 inches (or less) at the shoulder or between 13 to 15 inches. The Beagle’s cuddly temperament, strong sense of smell and hunter demeanor makes for a great, but often unpredictable, mixer with another dog breed’s amped up drive or feisty personality. Beagle mixes can often be the best of both...
Common Ear Problems in Dogs and Cats
From infections to age-related hearing loss, our canine and feline companions are prone to several common ear problems. Does your dog or cat scratch his ears and shake his head a lot? If so, he may have a problem. Ear issues are among the most frequently seen conditions in veterinary practice. Unlike humans, who commonly have “earaches” involving the middle and inner ear, the majority of problems in animals involve the outer or external ear canal. 1. EAR INFECTIONS In most animals, ear disease takes the form of infections. In...
Don’t Cry This Kitty a River, Adopt Him Instead!
So, you’re looking for a friendly feline to welcome into your home for a forever friendship. One that won’t judge, will always be happy to see you, and looks forward to a good cuddle session when the time is right. Meet River, a 1-year-old domestic medium-hair mix with a gorgeous blue coat. River is currently in foster care through the Southern Arizona Cat Rescue in Tucson. Here’s what staff and his foster caregiver have put together for him. Ready to fall in love? Photo: SACatRescue Adoptable Cats “Are you looking for...
Stray Lingering in Yard Becomes Pet Cat Who Loves Being Leashed for Walks
The following story is a finalist in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through June 1. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! As usual, as most of our pets do, Jasmine came to us. I was sitting outside my southwest winter home in a senior community after my early morning bike ride. I heard a meow and saw a small short-haired white and grey kitty, the kind that looks like a bandit. It had...
Vet Leaves Letter For Heartbroken Family After Putting Their Dog Down
When you welcome a dog into your life, that pet becomes a part of the family. Since most humans outlive their dogs, the sad reality is that at some point or other, we’ll have to say goodbye. Watching a pet cross over the rainbow bridge is heartbreaking and mourning a lost pet can feel like mourning a member of the family. Photo: Pexels/Magda Ehlers Reddit user u/E_Cash knows the sad realities of losing a pet after their 18-year-old dog named Sunny passed away. They shared on Reddit that they received a letter from the vet following the...
Woman Rescues Kitten Dangerously Close to the River on a Roadside
The following story is a finalist in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers will receive $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Voting runs through June 1. To read more stories and cast your vote, click here! It began on a busy traffic bridge over the Fox River on a Labor Day weekend. My husband was driving us to a dance with fireworks left over from the rained-out 4th of July. While waiting for a light to turn left to go over the bridge, we saw a tiny grey and white...
Unchain Django by Giving Him a Forever Home
Okay, so he’s not exactly chained, but he doesn’t have the liberty of leaving the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson until a forever person comes along. After all, we can’t have him wandering the streets again. This is what the shelter staff at PACC had to say about this sweet boy. Django has a backstory that will really surprise you…just kidding. He was a stray like so many of our other wonderful PACC pups. Where do they all come from?? We wish Django could tell us his story, but we haven’t bridged the human/dog...
