Pet health guide

Vomiting is one of the most common reasons dogs and cats see the vet, with causes ranging from dietary indiscretion and motion sickness to parasites or underlying illness. Most isolated episodes are mild and resolve within a day or two, but vomiting can become chronic or incurable when driven by a persistent underlying disease process, and frequent or ongoing episodes warrant veterinary attention.

Hot spots are painful, inflamed patches of skin that develop quickly when a dog or cat licks or scratches at an itchy or irritated area, often triggered by allergies. They're usually mild and clear up within days of treatment, though the underlying itch needs to be addressed to prevent them from coming back. However, the condition can become incurable or chronic when associated with an underlying disease process.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic and developmental condition in which the hip joint doesn't form properly, most common in young, large-breed dogs and worsened by rapid growth, diet, and weight. It's a progressive, lifelong condition leading to lameness and arthritis, though weight management, medication, and sometimes surgery can significantly ease symptoms.