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• What Makes a Diet Palatable?

  Palatability refers to how good a pet food or treat tastes, and it is based on the preferences of a dog or cat. Palatability is a combination of how a product smells, tastes, and feels. Pet food companies spend a lot of time and money studying how to improve the palatability of their products. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about the "how", "what", and "why" of making pet foods as tasty as they can be.

• What You Can Do for a Cat with Misalignment of Teeth (Malocclusion)

  Cats can have misalignment of the teeth much like people. In people, orthodontic care can be used to perfect a pleasing smile or create a functional bite. In cats, the goal is to make the mouth functional and pain free. Often, this involves moving, reducing the height of teeth, or extracting teeth.

• What You Can do for a Dog with Misalignment of Teeth (Malocclusion)

  Dogs can have misalignment of the teeth much like people. In people, orthodontic care can be used to perfect a pleasing smile or create a functional bite. In dogs, the goal is to make the mouth functional and pain free. Often this involves moving teeth, reducing the height of teeth, or extracting teeth.

• What Your Dog's Cute Behaviors Really Mean

  Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.

• Wheat Gluten + Monosodium Glutamate Combination

  Wheat gluten + monosodium glutamate (brand name For-Bid) is a food additive commonly used to deter coprophagy (eating stool). Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects have not been reported. Do not use concurrently with steroids. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary clinic.

• Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats

  Cat grass can be one of many cereal grains such as oat, wheat, barley, alfalfa, or rye. The grass is planted and cultivated indoors and presented to the cat as a supplement to the existing diet. Eating grass targets a cat’s natural instinct to forage and provides entertainment as well as nutritional and digestive value.

• Whipworm Infection in Cats

  Whipworms are intestinal parasites measuring about 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length. They live in the intestinal tract of cats where they can cause severe irritation. Whipworm infection results in watery diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation. Fecal testing will not detect every infection. Whipworm infection in cats is rare in North America but cases appear to be rising.

• Whipworm Infections in Dogs

  Whipworms are intestinal parasites that cause bloody diarrhea. They are diagnosed by finding eggs on microscopic examination of the stool. These eggs, however, are difficult to find. Several medications are effective against whipworms. All medications must be repeated monthly for three months to clear the infection.

• Whistling and Roaring in Horses

  The terms 'whistler' and 'roarer' are used to describe horses that make an abnormal respiratory noise during exercise. The noise is heard during inspiration (i.e., breathing in) and may be anything from a high pitched soft whistle to a harsh 'roar'.

• White Willow Bark

  White willow bark is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat pain and inflammation in cats and dogs. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include stomach upset and skin rash. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or aspirin, or in pets that are pregnant, nursing, or very young. It should be used cautiously in pets with certain medical conditions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.