Author: Katie Koschalk

Deworming in dogs uses medications called anthelmintics to target and eliminate parasites, such as hookworms and tapeworms, from a dog’s body.,Jump to section What Is Deworming in Dogs? Which Worms Are Most Common in Dogs? How Do I Deworm My Dog? Types of Deworming Medicine for Dogs Side Effects of Deworming a Dog How Often Should I Deworm My Dog? How Do I Prevent Worms in Dogs?

“Vomiting is generally always abnormal and is a vague sign that can be due to many causes, some of which are more serious than others,” says Samantha Kent, DVM, medical director of VEG ER for Pets in Encinitas, California.  The most common reasons for puppy vomiting include: Eating too fast: When puppies gobble down their food too quickly, it can lead to regurgitation (throwing up undigested food soon after eating).  Dietary indiscretion: Puppies are naturally curious and might eat non-food items, such as poop or garbage, which can upset their stomach, says Joshua Smith, DVM, owner of Pawspital Animal Hospital, in Meridian, Idaho.  Food sensitivities or diet changes: Switching your puppy’s food too quickly or feeding something that doesn’t agree with their stomach (treats, people food) can lead to digestive upset. Intestinal parasites: Roundworms, hookworms, and other parasites are common in puppies and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Infections or illness: “Puppies are still building their immune system and are more vulnerable to viruses or bacteria that can cause nausea and vomiting,” Dr. Smith says. The most serious cause of vomiting in puppies is parvovirus. Foreign object ingestion: If your puppy swallows a toy, sock, or other non-food object, it can cause a bowel obstruction, leading to vomiting. Motion sickness: “Some puppies get carsick just like some people do,” Dr. Smith says. “The motion from a ride can make them feel nauseous, leading to vomiting.” Toxins or poisoning: Ingesting toxic plants, household cleaners, an overdose of supplements or ingestion of medications (veterinary or human, over the counter or prescription), or human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, can lead to vomiting.  Underlying health conditions: Rarely, certain congenital issues (birth defects) such as liver disease or kidney problems can lead to vomiting in puppies.,Jump to section Why Is My Puppy Throwing Up? 9 Possible Causes Puppy Vomit Color Chart How Can I Help My Sick Puppy at Home? When Should I Take My Puppy to the Vet? FAQs About Puppy Vomiting

Crunchy, sweet and brimming with nutrients, apples are a dog-friendly fruit that many pups enjoy. They’re low-calorie and rich in prebiotic fiber, which can help support a dog’s gastrointestinal health. Apples may also freshen your pup’s breath by helping to keep their teeth free of odor-causing plaque and tartar (although apple munching certainly can’t replace daily brushing!). Do not feed your dog the core or the seeds, though. The core is a choking hazard, and the seeds are toxic. Learn more about apples for dogs.,Dogs are loyal companions, so it’s only natural that we want to treat them like part of the family and share some of our favorite human foods with them. Although many human foods are unsafe for dogs, a surprising number are A-OK for dogs to eat and even beneficial for your pup. We spoke with vet experts about 23 human foods dogs can eat—and the nutritional benefits they offer. Plus, we share how to safely feed human foods to your pet. Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.

When shopping for dog food, you’ve probably noticed formulas that have “senior” on the label. While you might assume these foods contain specific nutrients for older dogs, that’s not necessarily the case. According to Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR, DACVIM (Nutrition), professor of clinical nutrition at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, there are no defined nutrient requirements for senior dogs, so manufacturers aren’t required to follow a standardized nutrient list. As a result, senior dog foods can vary significantly in their ingredients and nutritional content, and can be quite similar to adult dog formulas. That said, senior dog foods often differ from adult formulas in a couple of ways: They offer lower calories. They include targeted supplements. Some popular vet-recommended senior diets are Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity 7+ and Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+.,Jump to section What Is a Senior Dog Diet? What Do Senior Dogs Need in Their Diet? Types of Senior Dog Food Dog Food for Common Health Issues in Senior Dogs When To Switch To Senior Dog Food How Much To Feed Senior Dogs Supplements for Senior Dogs

Antibiotics for dogs are medications designed to combat bacterial infections. “These infections can affect various parts of the body, such as the skin, respiratory system, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal system,” says Jessica Apted, DVM, regional medical director for Sploot Veterinary Care‘s Denver metro locations. Antibiotics work by either killing bacteria directly or preventing the bacteria from multiplying, allowing the dog’s immune system to eliminate the remaining bacteria and heal the affected tissues, Dr. Apted explains. Dog antibiotics come in different formulations to suit your pet’s specific medical needs and other considerations, including your ability to administer the medication on a certain schedule. These include: Tablets and capsules: These are the most common formulations, and some antibiotic tablets are even flavored so your dog eats it like a crunchy treat. Not all dogs are fans of swallowing pills or capsules. Hiding tablets and capsules in pill pouches, like Greenies Pill Pockets, can help. Liquid antibiotics: Ideal for dogs who struggle with pills, liquid antibiotics can be given into the mouth via syringe. Topical treatments: Antibiotic creams, ointments, or sprays are used for skin infections, wounds, or hot spots. Ointments that contain multiple ingredients (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, anti-yeast medications) are commonly used for ear infections. Injectable antibiotics: These medications, which are typically administered in a clinic setting by a veterinarian, are often used for severe infections or when oral medications aren’t an option.,Jump to section What Are Antibiotics for Dogs? Common Antibiotics for Dogs What Can Antibiotics Help Treat in Dogs? What Are the Side Effects of Antibiotics for Dogs? How Do I Safely Give My Dog Antibiotics? When Should I Contact My Vet? FAQs About Antibiotics for Dogs

As a dog parent, it’s always concerning to see your four-legged bestie in distress. One particularly alarming symptom is when your dog starts expelling dark brown (or even black or red) vomit. While your dog’s dark brown vomit could be due to something relatively benign (albeit unsavory), like your pup eating another dog’s poop or dirt (yuck!), it could also be a sign of more significant health concerns, such as stomach ulcers or an internal abdominal injury. We spoke with vets to understand the most common causes of dark brown, black and red vomit, and what they could mean for your pet’s health.