According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop periodontal (gum) disease by the age of three years. This is a serious concern because the dental disease affects more than just the mouth. Left unchecked, the tartar slowly building up on your pet's teeth can [...]

A key component of any wellness plan for an older pet should be annual, and even better, biannual bloodwork and laboratory screening tests. These tests typically include several components. A complete blood count (CBC), which can detect anemia, infection, chronic inflammatory conditions, blood clotting problems, and even some cancers. A serum chemistry panel screens for [...]

Wellness Care and your pet In human medicine, the value of preventative care is well established. A healthy diet, regular dental care, exercise, stress reduction, etc. can save us money on medical bills and greatly increase our quality of life. It's no different in the case of a well loved pet. Many pet owners still [...]

The Northwest’s cold and wet weather can make everyday life a little tougher on your aging pets. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that is common in older dogs and cats – and it can be more painful in the winter months. As joint cartilage wears away with age, bone is exposed. When two [...]