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• Vulvoplasty (Episioplasty)

  Vulvoplasty, also known as episioplasty, is a surgical procedure that your veterinarian may recommend to correct a conformational issue known as a recessed vulva. Your veterinarian will remove a crescent-shaped piece of tissue from above the vulva, allowing the skin to be pulled upwards into a more normal conformation. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Your pet will be intubated with an endotracheal tube. After surgery, you will need to give pain medications and antibiotics as directed and keep your dog confined/restricted for approximately two weeks. Skin sutures, if used, can typically be removed 10-14 days after surgery.

• Warfarin

  Warfarin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat abnormal clotting in dogs and occasionally horses. Give as directed. The most common side effect is abnormal bleeding, and this should be reported to your veterinarian. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, pets with bleeding diseases, active bleeding, aneurysm, acute kidney disease, brain bleeds, blood cell diseases, uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver disease, certain types of carcinoma, pets about to undergo certain surgical procedures, or pets that are pregnant. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.

• Watching Your Watch Dog: Home Pet Monitoring Systems

  Pet monitoring systems provide peace of mind for pet owners. While away from home, pet parents can monitor the home and pet. Monitors allow observation as well as interaction that benefits both pet and owner. Numerous options are available to accommodate the individual needs of both pet and pet parent. Do a little research to find the one that best fits your needs.

• Weight Management for Pets with Activity Restriction

  Weight-loss programs are not easy, especially when an overweight animal cannot exercise. Veterinary therapeutic diets, automatic feeders, food puzzles, and animal rehabilitation therapy are tools that should be considered for every pet's weight loss program. Pet parents who are motivated to help their overweight dog or cat lose weight should work closely with their veterinary healthcare team to address concerns and discuss ideas for the pet's home environment. The most successful pet owners recruit family and/or friends to support their plans. Patience and persistence are often needed because weight loss doesn't happen quickly.

• What is a compounded medication?

  Compounded medications are not approved by federal authorities. They are medications that have been altered to provide more accurate dosing or easier administration. They have not been tested for safety, stability, potency, or efficacy.

• What Makes a Diet Palatable?

  Palatability refers to how good a pet food or treat tastes, and it is based on the preferences of a dog or cat. Palatability is a combination of how a product smells, tastes, and feels. Pet food companies spend a lot of time and money studying how to improve the palatability of their products. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about the "how", "what", and "why" of making pet foods as tasty as they can be.

• What Your Dog's Cute Behaviors Really Mean

  Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.

• Wheat Gluten + Monosodium Glutamate Combination

  Wheat gluten + monosodium glutamate (brand name For-Bid) is a food additive commonly used to deter coprophagy (eating stool). Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects have not been reported. Do not use concurrently with steroids. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary clinic.

• Why Bones Are Not Safe for Dogs

  Dogs were built to chew. That is a fact. Bones can lead to a number of health problems from minor injuries to severe illness. Our job as pet parents, is to provide them with chewing options that do not put them in jeopardy. Happy chewing!

• Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?

  Burying of toys or food items by dogs goes back thousands of years as a means of preserving food and storing valuable or scarce food resources. Dogs today do it out of ancestral habit and as a means of resource protection. If you notice that your dog seems to be digging compulsively, contact your veterinarian.