Most pet owners can easily recognize when their dog is excited or when their cat is content. But stress in pets is often less obvious. Unlike people, pets don’t talk about their worries, and instead, their stress shows up in subtle changes in behavior, appetite, or health. At Norgate Animal Hospital, we see many cases… Continue reading The Silent Impact Of Stress On Pets (And How To Spot It At Home)
Most pet owners have seen their dog or cat deal with an upset stomach at some point. Maybe it’s a day of loose stools, a skipped meal, or a bit of vomiting. In many cases, these episodes are short-lived and resolve on their own. But sometimes, what looks like a minor tummy issue can actually… Continue reading Gastrointestinal Issues in Pets: When “Just an Upset Stomach” Isn’t Simple
One of the hardest parts of being a pet parent is knowing our furry friends won’t live as long as we do. But here’s something that often surprises owners: a dog’s or cat’s size can play a big role in how long they live. You might expect a bigger body to mean a longer life,… Continue reading The Surprising Link Between Breed Size and Lifespan (What Owners Should Expect)
When you bring a cat into your life, you want to give them the happiest, healthiest years possible. But just like people, certain cat breeds are more likely to develop specific genetic conditions. Understanding these risks isn’t meant to scare you—it helps you stay one step ahead. With the right care, attention, and veterinary support,… Continue reading Cat Breeds That Are Prone to Genetic Conditions
Some illnesses in dogs are loud and obvious. Addison’s disease is not one of them. Often called “The Great Pretender,”Addison’s disease can mimic a wide range of more common conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis and unnecessary suffering. At Norgate Animal Hospital, we’ve seen how tricky this condition can be to identify—especially because the symptoms are… Continue reading Addison’s Disease in Dogs: The Great Pretender of Pet Illnesses
Occasional digestive issues in pets are common—a bout of vomiting here, a soft stool there—but what happens when it becomes the norm rather than the exception? If your dog or cat has frequent tummy troubles, they could be dealing with something more serious: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). At Norgate Animal Hospital, we often see pets… Continue reading What Is IBD in Dogs and Cats? When a Sensitive Stomach Is Something More
Miniature Schnauzers have a reputation for being smart, alert, and full of personality. But behind those expressive eyes and bushy beards, there’s a health concern that catches many owners off guard: a predisposition to pancreatitis. Pancreatitis, the inflammation of the pancreas, is a serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, and even… Continue reading Why Miniature Schnauzers Are Prone to Pancreatitis
There’s nothing like a peaceful walk through the forest with your dog trotting happily beside you. The fresh air, the greenery, the quiet—it’s a dream outing for many pet owners. But while these walks may seem wholesome, they can expose your dog to some unwanted microscopic trouble: Giardia. Giardia is a parasite that thrives in… Continue reading How Forest Walks Can Put Your Dog at Risk for Giardia
French Bulldogs may be charming with their squishy faces and bat-like ears, but they’re not built for sunbathing. Unlike some breeds that can handle a bit of summer sun, Frenchies have a hard time regulating their body temperature—especially when the weather gets hot and humid. The problem lies in their adorable but compact facial structure.… Continue reading Do French Bulldogs Really Struggle in Hot Weather?
If you’ve ever stepped on a warm, squishy pile of regurgitated fur at 3 a.m., congratulations—you’re officially a cat parent. Hairballs are often dismissed as “just a cat thing,” but is that really the whole story? Cats are meticulous groomers. Their tongues are covered in tiny, hook-like structures called papillae that help them clean themselves.… Continue reading Are Cat Hairballs Normal? When You Should Worry
