Ringworm is one of the most deceptively named conditions that pets – and people – can encounter. It’s not a worm at all – it’s a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair follicles, and nails of many species of animals. Additionally, although it often appears as a circular lesion, it is not always a…
Wounds in horses, cattle, and other large animals can be as minor as a scratch from a wayward branch or as major as being impaled on a fence post. Knowing what kind of wound you’re looking at can be helpful to you in deciding what to do next, including applying over-the-counter wound care products. The…
Encountering insects and arachnids when you have animals may seem inevitable. But beyond being nuisances, these creatures can be hosts to parasites and diseases that can make your beloved furry family members itchy, uncomfortable, or worse – sick. So, keeping them away from your animals is an essential step to take as a responsible owner.…
It’s a classic summertime activity for dog owners – heading to the nearest body of water to beat the heat! Whether a lake, ocean, stream, or river, that cool water can help take the edge off a hot day. Many dogs love to splash in the surf or shallows, and some adventurous pups even go…
Spring and summer bring colorful gardens, lush pastures, and long sun-filled days. Unfortunately, for many of us, it also brings plenty of rain and humidity, which means rain rot season. Dermatophilosis – commonly called rain rot or rain scald – is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection in horses and cattle (and even dogs, where…
It’s a familiar tale for pet owners. You’re trying to trim your dog’s nails and you clip a bit too much off. Suddenly, there’s blood on the floor. Then your dog jumps away, then runs away, and before you know it, your room looks like a crime scene. Dogs’ toenails are composed of two parts…
The great outdoors can be fun for cats, but it’s also the home to many creatures that can wreak havoc on their health. Insects and arachnids can be hosts to parasites and diseases that can make your beloved furry family members sick or, at the very least, itchy and uncomfortable. Whether your cat lives primarily…
Knowing the signs of a highly contagious infection like pink eye (conjunctivitis) can make all the difference to keeping your herd in optimal health. A pink eye outbreak can significantly decrease weight gain and milk production and result in loss of value in sale or show animals (in cases that result in disfiguration and/or blindness).…
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness month, making it the perfect time to review your family’s plan for veterinary emergencies. That way, you’ll be prepared if your dog or cat ends up with a laceration or bleeding wound, broken limb, burn, bite, or sting. First and foremost, make sure you have a pet first…
Do you own horses? Or are you thinking about getting your first horse soon? Horses are fun and fascinating companions, but they have many unique health needs that have to be met. They are also prone to developing health issues related to their hygiene and living conditions. One of these problems is known as rain…