If your veterinarian’s practice is accredited by AAHA, you can rest assured that its standard of care helps to ensure your pet won’t catch any surprises while visiting the clinic.

http://www.wearethecure.org/Two years ago, for roughly the 15,000th time, I patted our dog Newman on the head. That time my fingers found an unexpected depression half the size of a ping-pong ball above and behind his right eye.http://www.wearethecure.org/

Have you wondered if your dog or cat has diabetes? If your pet is excessively thirsty, has an increased appetite (but is losing weight) and is urinating frequently, it may be diabetic. Learn more about the early warning signs of diabetes, the complications that can arise, and how veterinarians test dogs and cats for the disease. Diabetes is a treatable disease, but early detection is key to helping maintain your pet’s good health.

Unlike most human influenzas, canine flu is not seasonal — it can occur at any time of the year. Canine influenza virus (CIV) was first detected in 2004 in racing greyhounds in Florida. Investigators learned that this new canine influenza developed when an equine influenza virus adapted to infect dogs. This was the first time that an equine influenza virus had been found to “jump” from horses to dogs.

Euthanizing a pet is never easy, but a recent upswing in in-home euthanasia is making the process less painful for pet owners and their beloved companions.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic diseases in dogs. It can be a frustrating and debilitating condition but many dogs are still able to lead happy, healthy lives in spite of it. Understanding exactly what kind of medical care and attention your dog needs can help accomplish that.

True or false?

Diabetes affects more cats than dogs.
Drinking a lot of water is a sign of diabetes.
Diabetes cannot be treated or cured.
A blood test can detect diabetes.

Find the answers.

Parvovirus, a potentially devastating illness that affects dogs, has been widespread since the early 1980s. Dogs that contract the virus and are not properly treated will usually die. Even those that do receive treatment, may not survive. Find out how parvovirus is spread, which dogs are most at risk, and how to keep your pet safe.

Imagine making your living training some of the world’s most stubborn and unruly dogs. Peering over your shoulder each week are millions of viewers in 40 countries wondering if you or the misbehaving pup will win the battle of wits. Victoria Stilwell, star of Animal Planet’s popular television series, “It’s Me or the Dog,” says the challenge isn’t as difficult as it may seem.

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.

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.

Traditionally, vaccination during pregnancy has not been recommended, due largely to the potential that some vaccines can cause fetal damage or death when administered to dogs that are pregnant. Although the preferred recommendation is to avoid vaccinating during pregnancy, there are situations where the risk of maternal, fetal and neonatal infection with a potentially life-threatening virus must be weighed against the risk of vaccination, if the immunity of the dog is unknown.

Weight gain affects both the quality and the length of your dog’s life. Obesity is associated with other serious conditions such as heart and respiratory problems, and diabetes. Overweight pets are also likely to tear ligaments and wear down joints, making them reluctant to exercise, which then adds to their weight problems.