If your dog has ever experienced sudden vomiting, abdominal pain, or lethargy, you may have heard your veterinarian mention pancreatitis. This condition, which involves inflammation of the pancreas, has been appearing more frequently in dogs in recent years. One of the surprising culprits? Human food. At Norgate Animal Hospital, we often see cases where a… Continue reading Why Pancreatitis Is on the Rise in Dogs (and the Link to Human Foods)
If you’ve ever heard someone say, “That breed is aggressive” or “This breed is always gentle,” you’ve run into breed stereotypes. While certain breeds may have tendencies shaped by genetics, labeling an entire breed as aggressive or dangerous oversimplifies the truth. A dog’s (or cat’s) behavior is influenced by a mix of factors—genetics, environment, training,… Continue reading Do Breed Stereotypes Hold True? (Aggressive Breeds vs. Nurturing Environments)
It’s a scenario most pet owners have faced: your dog or cat suddenly starts limping, and you’re left wondering whether it’s just a small sprain from playtime or a sign of something more serious. Limping can be caused by many things, ranging from temporary soreness to underlying conditions that need immediate attention. Knowing how to… Continue reading How to Tell If Your Pet’s Limp Is Serious or Just Minor
As our pets age, we usually expect to see some physical changes—slower walks, longer naps, or perhaps a little stiffness in the mornings. But what many owners don’t realize is that pets, like people, can also experience cognitive decline as they grow older. This condition, often compared to dementia in humans, is more common than… Continue reading Signs of Cognitive Decline in Older Dogs and Cats (And What Can Help)
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
