This collection of Dog Illness & Disease articles has been curated for you by Valley West and Elk Valley Veterinary Hospitals. If you would like to talk to a veterinarian, please give us a call at 304-915-0944.
Pets and the Novel Coronavirus
When the current outbreak of novel coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, first came to light in December 2019, researchers indicated that animals were the likely source of the virus. So people are naturally asking, "Can my pet contract and transmit this virus?" That question has become even more valid after one dog - the pet of an infected owner in Hong Kong - recently tested "weak positive" for the virus.
Read More
Exploring Bloat in Dogs
Bloat in dogs is an extremely serious and dangerous medical condition that should be treated as a medical emergency. Even mild cases of bloat can turn fatal. Although the causes of bloat are still not clear, the symptoms that occur are fairly consistent and are a sign that you should seek immediate medical attention.
Read More
A Veterinary Guide to Stubborn Tear Stains on Dogs
You're probably a bit frustrated if your dog is prone to tear stains. These stains not only seem uncomfortable for your precious canine companion but they also look like a big mess. You might not need your precious pup to be "Best in Show" by any means, but you likely don't want to see them with a tear-stained face either. And the truth is, this isn't just a cosmetic issue, as we must treat the condition to eradicate it. Read on to learn more about the misinformation that you can find about tear stains on dogs online, why they get it, and how to properly treat this condition.
Read More
How to Know When to Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian For an Ear Infection
Despite what you may think, yeast infections, NOT ear mites, are the primary cause of ear infections in dogs. Dogs love to get yeast infections in their ears. Most veterinarians can likely count the number of dogs with ear mites they’ve seen during their practice career on two hands.
Read More
Dog Diarrhea! It Happens, And Here's What You Need to Know
Diarrhea - let's just agree upfront that this is an unpleasant topic. Unfortunately, it's one that we see in pets at veterinary clinics every day, and while the root cause can be relatively harmless, that's not always the case. This blog post will look at what may be causing your dog's diarrhea and how serious the implications are in each case.
Read More
National Pet Poison Prevention Week: Beware These Common Household Toxins
National Pet Poison Prevention Week takes place this year from March 21st through March 27th. Aimed at educating pet parents about some of the most common things that are poisonous to pets, this week is a fantastic opportunity to brush up on your knowledge and keep your furry family member safe.
Read More
The Secret to Helping Pets with Missing Limbs Live Their Best Lives
As humans, we think of losing a limb as a tragic, worst-case scenario type of event. The loss of an arm or leg is a traumatic experience that has a massive impact on daily life. However, it is not nearly as big a tragedy in the animal kingdom. As veterinarians, we’ve seen countless dogs and cats recover beautifully following limb amputations. With proper care, three-legged pets can live long, healthy, and, most importantly, happy lives.
Read More
Pet Diabetes Month – Warning Signs to Look for in Your Dogs and Cats
While November is known by many as American Diabetes Month®, bringing awareness to the risk factors and management of diabetes in humans, it’s also Pet Diabetes Month. One in every 230 cats and one in every 300 dogs are affected by diabetes, making awareness of the signs and symptoms of this illness in dogs and cats critical for every pet owner to know.
Read More
