DrBarchas.com is a free resource for people with pets. Searchable articles are available on diseases, behavior, symptoms, and medical treatments for dogs and cats.
Dogs
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to circulate blood throughout the body in a normal fashion. In dogs, two types of heart disease may lead to heart failure. The most common type of heart disease in dogs is caused by a malfunctioning (or leaky) valve in the heart. Another form of heart disease, called cardiomyopathy, is caused by a defect in the muscles of the heart. Although these two syndromes develop in different fashions, both often lead to the same result: heart failure.
Dogs
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), is a contagious disease of dogs. A large number of organisms are believed to play a role in the syndrome. Kennel cough most often is caused by simultaneous infection with a mild respiratory virus (there are many such viruses) in combination with a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. The infection usually is limited to the windpipe (trachea) and major air passages in the lungs.
Adult cats and dogs
Dental disease is by far the most common major health problem of cats and dogs. Despite its name, dental disease does not merely affect the teeth and mouth. Dental disease impacts the entire body, with serious consequences for health, longevity, and well-being.
Dogs
Obesity is a syndrome in which the amount of excess body fat an individual carries is great enough to cause harm to health and well-being. Obesity is a debilitating syndrome that is linked to a number of serious health consequences for dogs.
A number of factors play a role in the development of obesity in dogs. However, the root cause of obesity is the consumption of more calories than the body needs.
Primarily dogs; rarely cats
Marijuana intoxication may occur in pets that have access to marijuana plants, dried portions of the plants, or foodstuffs containing marijuana.
Cats and dogs of any age.
Ear infections are common and painful problems for pets. In cats and dogs, ear infections typically are opportunistic and not contagious. They often occur when the ear’s immune system is disrupted by allergies, moisture, poor air circulation, or diseases such as feline AIDS. Under these conditions, bacteria and yeast that normally live harmlessly in the ear are able to proliferate to the point of infection.
Cats and dogs.
Carsickness is a common problem in cats and dogs. Pets suffering from carsickness show symptoms including salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Two factors play a role in carsickness. The first is true motion sickness. The second is anxiety or stress related to being in a car.
Fleas can infest dogs, cats, rodents, and other mammals. People can be bitten by fleas as well.
Fleas are a parasitic pest of dogs, cats, and other animals. They are blood sucking insects. Minor flea infestations can lead to severe skin and health problems in dogs and cats. Major infestations can be life-threatening.
Primarily dogs; very rarely cats.
Chocolate contains two compounds, caffeine and theobromine, that are poisonous to dogs. Caffeine and theobromine are related compounds, and have similar effects on dogs.
Consumption of small or moderate quantities of caffeine and theobromine leads to mild symptoms of agitation and nervousness. Dogs that ingest large quantities of the two toxins may suffer irregular heartbeats and even death.