Veterinary Blog from Hershire Animal Hospital
Pet care questions can come up at any time, whether your dog is acting a little off, your cat’s habits have changed, or you are planning ahead for their next stage of life. Our blog is here to give you clear, practical guidance from the Hershire Animal Hospital team. Explore helpful articles about dog and cat wellness, dental care, vaccines, parasite prevention, allergies, senior comfort, diagnostics, surgery, and everyday health concerns.
A dog losing weight but still eating usually has an underlying health issue that prevents the body from absorbing or using nutrients properly. Intestinal parasites, diabetes, digestive disorders, dental pain, and other conditions can all be responsible, and most of them will not resolve without veterinary care. Many pet owners notice the change slowly. The…
Removal of a lump on a dog makes sense when the lump grows fast, changes shape or color, hurts, interferes with movement, or tests as cancerous or potentially harmful. Because harmless and dangerous lumps often look alike, only a veterinary exam and testing can settle the question. Most people find a lump on a dog by…
When does a dog or cat need an abdominal ultrasound? Usually when symptoms like ongoing vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, urinary changes, or unexplained weight loss continue without a clear cause, or when bloodwork points to trouble in an organ. The scan lets your veterinarian see inside the belly in real time, with no surgery required.…
Pet preventative care stops many infections and parasites before they start, catches disease while it is still manageable, and gives your veterinarian a baseline for spotting small changes over time. Vaccines, parasite control, dental care, and regular exams often prevent or soften conditions that become harder and costlier to treat once they advance. Pets age…
What health conditions should be screened for during senior dog and cat wellness exams? Veterinarians look for kidney disease, arthritis, dental disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, heart disease, cognitive decline, and cancer, along with changes in vision and hearing. Many of these develop silently, so a hands-on exam paired with lab work is the best way…
Early signs of osteoarthritis in dogs include stiffness after rest, hesitation before jumping or climbing stairs, shorter walks, and licking or favoring a joint. Schedule a veterinary visit when these changes last more than a few days, because osteoarthritis in dogs is progressive and earlier care usually means more comfortable years. Your retriever once beat…