Are you certain that your dog is protected from heartworm this season?

Although heartworm prevention techniques, including mosquito avoidance and drugs that kill heartworm larvae, have been recommended for years, the number of dogs diagnosed with heartworm continues to increase. One factor that contributes to the persistence of this preventable disease is “prophylactic failure,” which means that animals develop the disease even though they received a prophylactic drug to prevent heartworm for at least 1 year or season.

There is more to caring for a diabetic pet than just administering insulin. Pet owners must also carefully monitor their dog or cat at home, tracking basic data each day, such as amount of food and water consumed, amount of insulin administered and more. In addition, a pet owner must also develop a keen eye and awareness, so he or she can recognize slight changes in a pet’s behavior or habits. These changes may mean the pet is at risk, and the insulin dose needs adjustment.

When it comes to your pet’s food, you spend a lot of time and energy making sure that your pet has a healthy diet. You consider all of the brands, compare labels, debate moist-versus-dry, and consult your veterinarian.

But pets do not live by food alone. An ever-present bowl of clean water may be the most important part of your pet’s diet.

Is your cat grooming half of her hair off, or is your dog licking his paws raw? It may well be that your pet is experiencing allergies, one of the most common health problems for pets. Just like people, animals have allergic reactions because their immune system — the system that protects the body from foreign and potentially infectious substances — overreacts to some material. Almost anything — pollen, dust, an ingredient in pet food, a household chemical, an insect bite — can set off an alarm in the immune system, causing it to pump out large amounts of white blood cells, hormones and other material called histamines into the bloodstream.

Beware: Though a flea is puny, its effects on pets and people can be mighty. Learn more about their bad habits and health consequences--and why you should talk to your veterinarian about keeping your pet flea-free all year long.

You have finally mustered the nerve to carry out the task you’ve been dreading all week. Nail clippers in hand, you hunt for Fido throughout the house. “I got him. He’s over here,” shouts your spouse. The two of you conspire to hold the struggling Cocker Spaniel down to give him a toenail trim, but after just seconds, you both give up.

Did you know dogs and cats can develop diabetes? When a pet is diabetic, it means it lacks the hormone insulin or is unable to use the insulin it has. Without insulin, the pet’s body can’t transport glucose (blood sugar) to cells where it is needed. When this happens, the cells begin to look for new sources of energy, and problems develop. Learn more about the disease and what types of pets are more likely to develop diabetes.

How many times can a flea jump without stopping?

1. 30,000
2. 1,000,000
3. Fleas jump?

How many times can a flea bite in one day?

1. 125 times
2. 40 times
3. 1 time, but really hard

What is the best way to get rid of fleas on my pet?

1. Use a veterinary-grade product to kill adult fleas
2. Use a growth inhibitor to prevent fleas from maturing
3. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum

Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in dogs. The disease rarely occurs in cats.

Dogs with this disease cannot clot blood normally, which results in bleeding, especially after surgery or trauma. While this disease has occurred in more than 50 different dog breeds, the breeds most commonly affected include Doberman pinschers, German shepherds, golden retrievers, poodles, Shetland sheepdogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Does your cat cough frequently? Don’t dismiss it as a harmless hairball — something else could be wrong. Many causes of cats coughing are easily treatable; however, if left alone, they can cause lung damage. Read on to learn the signs and symptoms, and what to do if your kitty is coughing.