Is your pet itching, scratching, and losing fur? While this may happen all year round, winter is the perfect time to evaluate the cause. In the winter months, with the absence of seasonal allergies, the cause of flare-ups that your pet is experiencing are probably not related to pollens or molds like they may be in the spring, summer, or fall months. If your pet is experiencing allergies in the winter it’s probably caused by cat or dog food allergies. Symptoms of Allergies in Pets Both dogs and cats suffer from food allergies. The symptoms you may observe include: Chronic
Read More
Is It Aging, or Is It Arthritis?
Just like people, pets naturally slow down as they age. However, if you notice that your dog is exhibiting other signs as well, such as difficulty walking, standing up, or lowering their head to eat, this may be more than aging. This could be the sign of painful arthritis or degenerative joint disease! What Is Degenerative Joint Disease? Signs and symptoms associated with degenerative joint disease include: Change in normal behaviors and actions, such as avoidance of stairs or favorite pieces of furniture Difficulty moving Limping Loss of appetite Withdrawal from activities the pet once enjoyed, like playing Worn, inflamed
Read More
Diabetes in Dogs and Cats in Holmdel, NJ
Like their owners, diabetes in dogs and cats is increasing in alarming numbers. Although the official cause of this disease is unknown, there are many known contributing factors, including genetics, obesity, and chronic pancreatitis. Also like humans, dogs and cats can develop both Type 1 (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) and Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) diabetes. Left untreated or neglected, pet diabetes and its complications can shorten pets’ lives and severely erode their quality of life. The good news is that Bayshore Veterinary Hospital in Holmdel, NJ can develop a treatment plan for pets diagnosed with diabetes and work with owners
Read More
Obesity: Don’t Love Your Pet to Death!
Does your pet seem to be putting on some weight? While being a few pounds overweight isn’t typically a reason for concern for humans, for a pet, it is. Dogs and cats obviously weigh much less than a full-grown human, so a cat that’s just two pounds overweight is the equivalent of a grown man being 30 pounds overweight. This extra weight can quickly lead to obesity, putting a pet at risk for a number of potentially serious health problems. Over time, excess weight can even shorten their lifespan. In the U.S., 52% of dogs and 57% of cats are
Read More