The Best Friends Veterinary Care Blog

Cats vomit for many reasons, ranging from hairballs and eating too quickly to serious problems like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, toxin exposure, or an intestinal blockage. If you’re asking, “Why is my cat vomiting?” the frequency, appearance of the vomit, and any other symptoms all help determine whether it’s a minor upset or a reason to…

Your dog may be overweight if you can’t easily feel their ribs, they lack a visible waist, or they tire quickly on walks, and a veterinarian can confirm it with a simple body condition assessment. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Is my dog overweight?” you’re far from alone. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has…

Dogs limp because something is causing pain, weakness, or restricted movement in a leg, paw, joint, or the spine, and common culprits include injuries, arthritis, ligament tears, and infections like Lyme disease. If you’re wondering, “Why is my dog limping?” the answer depends on how suddenly the limp appeared, which leg is affected, and whether…

Bad breath in cats, known medically as feline halitosis, is most often caused by dental disease, and it typically requires a veterinary exam and professional dental care to resolve. A faint fishy scent after mealtime is normal, but a strong, lingering odor usually means something deeper is going on in your cat’s mouth or body.…

Dog panting is usually a normal way for your pet to cool down, release excitement, or recover after exercise, but heavy panting at rest, at night, or alongside other symptoms can signal pain, stress, or a medical problem. Since dogs don’t sweat the way people do, panting serves as their main built-in cooling system. That’s…

An occasional episode of a dog eating grass and throwing up is usually normal behavior, but frequent vomiting, lethargy, or changes in appetite can point to an underlying illness that needs a veterinarian’s attention. Grass grazing ranks among the most common questions pet owners in Nesconset bring to Best Friends Veterinary Care, and it’s easy…

7 Common Causes of Cat Sneezing and How to Help Your Pet Cat sneezing is something every cat owner encounters at some point. An occasional sneeze is perfectly normal and cats sneeze for many of the same reasons people do. But when cat sneezing becomes frequent, persistent, or is accompanied by discharge, congestion, or other…

The Lifelong Shield: Why Cat Vaccinations are the Best Investment in Their Health Cat vaccinations are one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools available for protecting your cat’s long-term health. Vaccines work by preparing your cat’s immune system to recognize and fight off specific infectious diseases before those diseases can cause serious harm. At…

Beyond the Shivers: Recognizing the Subtle, Serious Signs of Dog Frostbite Most dog owners know to watch for shivering when their pet is out in the cold. But dog frostbite is a serious cold-weather injury that can develop quietly, without the obvious trembling that signals a dog is uncomfortable. Frostbite in dogs occurs when tissue…

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? Can dogs eat pumpkin? Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin, and it’s actually one of the most pet-friendly foods you can share with your canine companion. Plain, cooked pumpkin is safe for most dogs and offers a range of digestive and nutritional benefits. But before you start spooning it into your dog’s…