Preventive Health

dog outdoors with eyes shut and mouth open

Bad breath in pets is often dismissed as just an unfortunate quirk. But what if that odor is actually a warning sign of something serious? Oral tumors in dogs and cats can drastically impact a…
Read More >

[tabby lying in front of holiday lights]

How to Prevent Holiday Mishaps for Pets

December 02, 2021

Make sure your holiday preparations keep pet safety in mind. Dr. Ashley Mitek, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, offers tips to prevent accidents and injuries that could dampen the…
Read More >

[dog looking guilty]

GI Upset in Cats and Dogs

October 12, 2020

Consistent Diet May Help Prevent the Problem The two most common symptoms seen in a small animal general practice are vomiting and diarrhea, referred to as “GI [gastrointestinal] upset.” These symptoms can range from mild…
Read More >

[Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, right, teaches how to do a physical exam of a dog]

Fat Cats and Heavy Hounds

June 14, 2020

The Problem of Overweight Pets By most estimates, well over half of all cats and dogs in the United States are overweight. Dr. Gene Pavlovsky, a small animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois Veterinary…
Read More >

[cat]

Rabies Vaccination Required for All Cats in Illinois

January 26, 2020

Vaccinated Pets Protect Public Health Dr. Ashley Mitek, assistant teaching professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and small animal Extension veterinarian, compiled the following FAQs about the new cat rabies law,…
Read More >

[pet tarantula]

When Your Pet Has Eight Legs

December 10, 2019

Tarantulas May Live 10 to 30 Years Not all “furry friends” have fur. Some people choose tarantulas as their family companion. Dr. Krista Keller, a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine at the University of Illinois…
Read More >

[outdoor cats can get rabies]

Rabies in Skunks, Bats, and Cats, Oh My!

September 03, 2019

In U.S., More Cats Than Dogs Test Positive for Rabies September 28 is World Rabies Day, a day to raise awareness about rabies virus and promote prevention and control efforts worldwide. But how much do…
Read More >

[two puppies outside]

Parvovirus: It’s Not Just for Puppies

May 27, 2019

Parvovirus Is Everywhere; Vaccinate Your Dog Parvovirus, commonly known as “parvo,” is a contagious virus that can be very serious and even fatal in dogs. Dr. Jennifer Reinhart, a small animal internal medicine specialist at…
Read More >

Bettas Need More Than Bowls

April 15, 2019

It’s Not ‘Just’ a Fish Known for their bright, beautiful coloration and elaborate fin displays, betta fish, more accurately called “Siamese fighting fish,” are a common household pet. These little beauties require specific care to…
Read More >