In almost all these routine cases your pet will itch uncontrollably and cause some type of secondary skin infection. The best treatment is prevention.

Keep your pet’s hair trimmed very short in the summer for both dogs and cats. They will be substantially more comfortable and will get less hot spots and hairballs. Contrary to popular belief, they will be cooler even in the thickly coated dogs and cats.

Bathe approximately once per week with a high quality shampoo made for pets. Use a rinse afterwards to prevent drying of the coats. Its is advantageous to rinse your dog’s feet off before coming indoors to remove grass pollens that are the source of allergies. Check for ticks daily if they are in your locale, and any time your pet goes walking with you in woods, etc.

Always keep your pet on topical flea and tick prevention medication. These products are highly effective, convenient, and safe. Many of them also treat parasites and prevent heartworm.

This is a prevalent disease as pets age, especially the larger breed dogs. The signs can be subtle and easily missed early in the course of the disease. This is especially true in the larger breed dogs that can be stoic and not show overt signs of pain even though the pain is present.

Signs to watch for a slow rising in the rear quarters after resting, slowing down after a period of time on routine walks, limping on any leg, and lethargy after returning from a walk.

Cats get this problem also, commonly manifested as reluctance or inability to jump routinely, and sensitivity when petting the spine along the lower back.

There have been tremendous advances in recent years for the treatment of this painful condition. We use a balanced medical approach in our treatment of arthritis, using the body’s natural healing process with judicious use of medications used to directly decrease pain in increase comfort for your pet.

Signs that your pet may have arthritis include:

• Favoring a limb
• Difficulty sitting or standing
• Sleeping more
• Seeming to have stiff or sore joints
• Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs
• Weight gain
• Decreased activity or less interest in play
• Attitude or behavior changes
• Being less alert

Shop for Pet Arthritis Medication at the Corner Animal Hospital’s Online Pet Pharmacy here

Some of our pet arthritis medications include:

• Cosequin DS Chewable Tablets for Dogs
• Cosequin for Cats
• Glyco-Flex (GF 600) for Dogs
• Synovi G3

Traditionally this disease only occurred in hot and humid states that were essential to mosquito breeding. The disease occurs throughout our country now, although heatworm preventive medications have had a significant effect in lowering the incidence of heartworms.

Dogs and cats of any breed can be infected, although we tend to see it more in large male dogs. Since it takes at least 6 months from the time a mosquito injects microfilaria into a dog until these microfilaria become adult heartworms, puppies must be at least 6 months of age before adult heartworms are present. Most dogs are diagnosed at middle age. Many dogs do not have any symptoms until heart failure progresses. This emphasizes the need for yearly testing.

Many products are available to prevent heartworm (some of them also treat intestinal worms so they can be of great value). These products are inexpensive, easy to use, and effective. They should not be used routinely unless your dog has a yearly heartworm test to make sure it is negative.

Heartworm infestation can lead to heart failure. Treatment can be hard on a dog, so it is of utmost importance to plan on preventing the problem with the low cost and readily available medications used for prevention, as opposed to taking a chance and treating only if the problem occurs.

At the Corner Animal Hospital, besides providing tests for heartworms, we also carry a full line of heartworm prevention medicine including:

• Interceptor
• Sentinel
• Heartgard

For more information, contact the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals at (212) 252-2350 or info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

For more information, contact the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals at (212) 252-2350 or

Dental care is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of pet ownership, but ignoring it can not only cause major dental disease in pets, it can lead to more serious health problems including heart, kidney and lung disease.  Shockingly, according to the American Veterinarian Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show some signs of gum disease by age 2.

There are many types of dental diseases that dogs and cats can acquire.  The most common are :

• Gingivitis
• Tooth abscess, especially of the carnaissal teeth
• Cavities
• Cracked teeth
• Worn down teeth

So what should a conscientious pet owner do to prevent dental disease in their pet?

It’s essential that dental care in pets, as with people, be preventative.  Your pet’s teeth should have the tarter scraped off of them every 3-6 months, and be professionally cleaned under general anesthesia at least once a year.

The most important thing you can do at home to stave off dental disease is to brush your pet’s teeth.  Brushing regularly will keep gums healthy and prevent tartar build up. Obviously, some pets will be more complacent about having their teeth brushed than others.  Cats especially tend to balk at the idea of human fingers poking around their pearly whites. In these cases, you can slowly get your pet comfortable with tooth brushing by progressing from a finger, to a gauze pad or cotton swab (perhaps dipped in their favorite treat) on the gums, to eventually using a soft bristled toothbrush.  Remember to always properly restrain your pet before brushing their teeth to avoid problems.

If you think these precautions seem over the top or unnecessary, think again: Studies have shown that taking measures to prevent dental disease in your pet may add as much as 5 years to their life. So go ahead and buy Spot that fancy collar and splurge on a new toy for Tabby.  Just don’t forget to pick up that toothbrush while you’re at it!

Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy & LI Veterinary Service

http://www.corneranimal.com

Buy the Medications Your Pet Needs With Confidence. Owned by Ivy League Educated Dr. Dorothy Hayes and Dr. Judith Lombardi Daniels. “We treat your pets as family members. Their health and comfort are our primary concern.”

Visit our Online Pet Pharmacy to shop for your pet’s meds at http://shop.corneranimal.com

1. I have spayed / neutered my cat (s)

2. I always keep the litterbox impeccably clean

3. I am always on time with meals

4. I keep a cat carrier and my veterinarian’s number handy

5. My cat (s) can see out of at least one window without having to behave like a contortionist

6. I take time to play with my cat (s) every day, even on days when I’m in a bad mood or have an important date

7. I always keep the dryer door closed and check for sleeping cats before switching it on

8. I have provided for my cat (s) in case of my death (Find out more online at HelpingAnimals.com)

9. My cat (s) are always correctly attired in detachable break-away neckwear with a current address and phone number tastefully emblazoned on it

10. I give my cat (s) fresh water and scrub out all bowls at least once a day

Shubert Alley, West of Broadway, between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, Manhattan

BROADWAY BARKS 10! will help some of New York City’s shelter animals find permanent homes by informing New Yorkers about the plight of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore will host this star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, and a galaxy of Broadway stars will join them onstage to present animals for adoption from New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. BROADWAY BARKS will also feature an auction of celebrity-autographed memorabilia. Proceeds from the auction and other donations will benefit the attending shelters and organizations. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the BROADWAY BARKS! web site.