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.
Shedding, unkempt hair, and hair loss in pets are extremely common complaints among owners. In many cases, shedding is normal and harmless for the pet. However, hair loss leading to baldness, or hair loss accompanied by itchy, red, scabby, moist, or malodorous skin usually is linked to a medical problem.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Finicky eating behavior and decreased appetite are often related in cats and dogs. Food preferences and minor behavioral issues are responsible for many instances of finicky eating behavior.
However, a very large number of diseases suppress appetite in pets. Pets with suppressed appetites may eat less, or may become more selective (finicky) about what they eat.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
A wide variety of problems may cause a pet to smell bad. They range from simple grooming-related issues to serious medical conditions.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Owners of cats and dogs often find drops or traces of blood on the floors or other surfaces of their home and suspect that their pet is the source of the blood.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Healthy dogs occasionally cough due to transient irritation from environmental contaminants such as dust or fumes. However, persistent coughing at a higher than normal frequency has many potential causes.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Urinating in the house, also known as house soiling, is a common problem. In dogs, house soiling often is triggered by a medical condition.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Normal, healthy animals may sneeze occasionally as a result to dust or other irritants. Persistent, repeated, or violent sneezing has many potential causes.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Foaming at the mouth and drooling have similar causes. Most cases of foaming or frothing at the mouth simply involve drooling combined with panting (cats, dogs) or rapid breathing. Drooling is also known as hypersalivation.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
More common causes are listed first; less common causes are listed later.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.