Posts in Category: For The Dogs

When your dog displays signs of respiratory distress, what do you do? With the latest outbreak of canine influenza around Chicago earlier this year, and the spread of the same strain in our own backyards in 2011, it’s natural to conclude that your dog caught the nasty, contagious flu. However, while some symptoms (such as nasal discharge and the tell-tale coughing) are similarly unfortunate, your dog could actually be infected with common kennel cough. Continue…

We all have at least one “bad dog” story to share at parties or around the water cooler. True, the behaviors of some dogs may drive you absolutely bonkers. From incessant barking at the resident backyard squirrel, to gnawing open the cushions of a brand new leather sectional, have you reached the point of… bewildered frustration?

This critical mass may lead you to finally consider training your dog, and we applaud your decision. After all, dog training is a fantastic common denominator for the ultimate in dog health and happiness (not to mention preserving your sanity!). Continue…

First, let’s dispel with the common crate training myths right away; crates are not cruel, and are not a punishment. Instead, crates are modern dens for modern dogs. And, as most of us know, it is inherent to a dog’s nature to live in dens.

There are a lot of great reasons to encourage crate training. Most importantly, perhaps, is that a properly crate-trained dog is a happy and confident dog. The crate can be your pup’s happy place, ideal for bone chewing, comfort, and security. Not only is the crate a safe way to travel, but a safe place to be out of the way, too.   Continue…

You may have heard of parvo before, but do you really know what it is?

Parvo (also known as parvovirus) is a deadly virus that strikes dogs (mostly puppies), primarily during the summer months. The disease was not recognized prior to the 1970s, but since then veterinary hospitals across the country have become all too familiar with this terrible condition.

The good news is, parvovirus in dogs is completely preventable. However, in order to protect your pet, it is essential to understand what parvo is and where it comes from.

What Parvo Does

When an animal is infected with parvo, the virus invades the bone marrow where the cells that fight infection are produced. This causes the body to be unable to fight off the infection effectively. The virus also invades cells in the intestine and causing severe Continue…