Posts by Bill Lynch

Dangerous Winter Holiday Plants for Pets By PetMD During the holidays, plants play a prominent role in festive decorations. However, there are some types of decorative plants that are toxic to dogs and cats. In some cases, ingesting these plants causes only mild indigestion and discomfort. In other cases, toxicity can lead to more severe health…

Cataracts in Dogs By Barri J. Morrison, DVM Petmd.com What are Cataracts in Dogs? A cataract is an imperfection, an opacity, or a “clouding” of the lens of the eye. The function of the lens is to allow passage of light and images directly to the retina where vision occurs. The lens should be crystal clear,…

Imodium® For Dogs: Can You Give Dogs Imodium? By Stephanie Howe, DVM Petmd.com What Is Imodium®? Imodium® is an anti-diarrheal medication used in dogs to treat diarrhea that is not caused by an infectious agent such as bacteria, viruses, or intestinal parasites. While Imodium® and its active ingredient loperamide are FDA-approved for use in humans, these medications are…

How To Treat Hot Spots on Dogs By Heather Hoffmann, DVM Petmd.com Out of all the possible skin conditions in dogs, hot spots are among the most common. Hot spots can have different underlying causes and treatments based on severity. Here’s everything you need to know about hot spots on dogs—from what they are and what causes…

Why Do Dogs Lick You? By Kasey Stopp, DVM, CVA Petmd.com You may love your dog, but not all of us like slobbery kisses from our furry canine friends. Many pet parents believe their dogs lick them to show affection, and while this may be true some of the time, there are also many other functions…

How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Veterinarian? By Janelle Leeson Petmd.com While vet appointments may not be the most thrilling activity for you and your canine companion, it’s crucial to stay up to date with vaccines and routine wellness visits. Dr. Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian at The Vets, adds that if your pet may…

Caffeine and Dogs: Safety Tips and Considerations By Helen Anne Travis Petmd.com Coffee. Soda. Tea. When it comes to caffeine, many of us humans can’t go a day without our beverage of choice. But what effects, if any, does caffeine have on our pets? It turns out our pets react in much the same way…

Can Dogs Lose Their Voice? By Rhiannon Koehler, DVM Petmd.com Barking, growling, and whimpering are all important components of dog communication. Dogs can lose their voice due to various conditions, some of which may be serious. Knowing the differences in potential causes may help you determine if your pup needs to be seen by a veterinarian.…

How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Dog? By Jennifer Coates, DVM Petmd.com Being outside is great for a dog’s physical and mental health. Walking, running, looking, sniffing, listening, and meeting old or new friends are all activities that help keep dogs happy and healthy. But what should we do when it’s cold outside? When do…

Dog Eye Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment By Matthew Everett Miller, DVM Petmd.com   If you notice that one or both of your dog’s eyes are red, you may be wondering what the cause could be. Dogs with allergies more commonly show symptoms related to the skin or intestinal tract, but it is possible that allergies may be causing the…