Everyone loves their pets. They’re fun, cuddly, cute and always full of love. Through all the excitement of having a pet, it is important to remember that sometimes pets get sick too. Pets are as prone to disease as humans are and a sick pet can break your heart the same way that a sick child can. Since pet disease is a reality, it is important that you are prepared for your pet if they become sick.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a dog skin disorder in which the outer layer of the skin and hair follicles are over productive. The disorder starts on the areas of the dog where the oil glands are the largest - including the scalp, face, and behind the ears. Caused by yeast called pityrosporum ovale,  the signs are an inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, and red skin rashes. At first, the symptoms can be similar to that of dandruff, but they will progress gradually to include additional symptoms.

Heartworms are parasites that attack an animal’s heart and cause congenital heart problems if not detected. They are transmitted from animal to animal, after one is bit by an infected mosquito. Heartworms normally live in the right ventricle of the heart and in the nearby blood vessels.

Osteoarthritis affects over 20 million people in the United States alone. But we’re not the only ones at risk! Our pets can also develop this crippling form of arthritis. Below I will answer a few questions about osteoarthritis and what you can do to help your pet.