Category: Dog Care

At Norgate Animal Hospital, we often see pet owners focus on vaccinations, nutrition, and exercise while overlooking dental care. Skipping regular dental cleanings may seem harmless, but it can have serious consequences for your dog’s overall health. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps can keep your dog happy, healthy, and pain-free. Why Dental Health… Continue reading The Hidden Dangers of Skipping Your Dog’s Dental Cleanings

Vaccinations are one of the most important aspects of preventive care for dogs. While puppy vaccinations get a lot of attention, adult dogs also require regular immunizations to stay protected against serious diseases. Understanding which vaccines are necessary and when to administer them helps keep your dog healthy throughout their life. Core Vaccines for Adult… Continue reading Vaccinations for Adult Dogs: What’s Necessary?

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)

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)

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)

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

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?

As pet owners, we’re always on the lookout for anything unusual in our dogs — a limp, a scratch, a skipped meal. But what happens when the signs are a little more subtle or seem like “just getting older”? That’s often the case with Cushing’s disease in dogs — a condition we see regularly here… Continue reading What Is Cushing’s Disease in Dogs and How Is It Treated?