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 Know When Your Dog or Cat Needs More Quality of Life
Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart

Know When Your Dog or Cat Needs More Quality of Life

As dogs and cats age, changes in comfort, appetite, mobility, grooming, behavior, and daily routine can become harder to interpret. Some slowing down is part of aging, but chronic pain, illness, weakness, and decline in quality of life are not things to ignore. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains how to evaluate quality of life in senior pets, what warning signs to watch for, and when it may be time for more medical support or difficult decisions.

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Senior Cat Weight Loss: Common Causes and When to Worry
Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart

Senior Cat Weight Loss: Common Causes and When to Worry

Weight loss in an older cat should never be ignored. While many owners assume a senior cat is simply getting thinner with age, unplanned weight loss often points to an underlying medical problem such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, dental pain, cancer, intestinal disease, or chronic inflammation. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains the common causes of weight loss in senior cats and when veterinary evaluation is important.

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How to Tell if My Cat Is Slowing Down From Age or Illness
Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart

How to Tell if My Cat Is Slowing Down From Age or Illness

As cats get older, many owners notice changes in energy, appetite, grooming, sleep, litter box habits, and social behavior. Some slowing down can be part of normal aging, but other changes may signal pain, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, cognitive decline, or another medical problem. Understanding the difference between normal aging and illness can help cat owners seek veterinary care earlier and support a better quality of life. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains what to watch for in senior cats and when slowing down should be taken seriously.

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How to Tell if My Dog Is Slowing Down From Age or Illness
Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart Cancer & Chronic Illness Roger Hart

How to Tell if My Dog Is Slowing Down From Age or Illness

As dogs get older, many pet owners begin to notice changes in energy, mobility, appetite, sleep, and behavior. Some slowing down can be a normal part of aging, but other changes may signal pain, arthritis, dental disease, kidney disease, cancer, or another medical problem. Knowing the difference between normal aging and illness can help dog owners seek veterinary care sooner and support a better quality of life. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains what to watch for in senior dogs and when slowing down should be taken seriously.

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Anal Gland Abscess in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart

Anal Gland Abscess in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Anal gland abscesses are a painful and common problem in dogs. They usually begin when an anal gland becomes blocked, irritated, and infected. Dogs with an anal gland abscess may scoot, lick under the tail, strain, or suddenly develop swelling and drainage near the anus. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains the signs of anal gland abscesses in dogs, what causes them, and how they are treated.

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Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs: Signs and Treatment
Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart

Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs: Signs and Treatment

Flea allergy dermatitis is one of the most common causes of severe itching in dogs. Dogs with this condition are not just bothered by fleas themselves — they are allergic to flea saliva. Even a small number of flea bites can trigger intense scratching, chewing, and skin inflammation. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains how flea allergy dermatitis affects dogs, what signs owners should watch for, and how it is treated.

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Hot Spots in Dogs: Causes, Treatment, and When to See the Veterinarian
Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart

Hot Spots in Dogs: Causes, Treatment, and When to See the Veterinarian

Hot spots are one of the most common skin problems seen in dogs, especially in warm and humid weather. These painful, moist, inflamed skin lesions can appear quickly and become much worse within a day or two. Dogs with hot spots often lick, chew, or scratch the area constantly, making the skin red, raw, and infected. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains what hot spots are, what causes them, and when veterinary care is needed.

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Dog Ear Infection: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart

Dog Ear Infection: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Dog ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs shake their heads or scratch at their ears. Early signs may include odor, redness, discharge, pain, and repeated head shaking. Some infections are mild at first, but they can become much more painful if left untreated. Understanding the signs of a dog ear infection can help owners seek veterinary care early and keep their dogs more comfortable.

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Dog Hair Loss: Common Causes and When to See the Veterinarian
Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart

Dog Hair Loss: Common Causes and When to See the Veterinarian

Hair loss in dogs can happen for many reasons. Some dogs lose hair because of allergies, fleas, skin infections, or licking and scratching, while others develop bald areas from parasites, endocrine disease, or chronic skin inflammation. Hair loss may be mild and localized or widespread and persistent. Dr. Roger Hart at Bushnell Animal Clinic explains the common causes of dog hair loss, what signs to watch for, and when veterinary care is needed.

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Why Is My Dog Licking Its Paws? When To Call The Vet.
Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart Skin and Wound Problems Roger Hart

Why Is My Dog Licking Its Paws? When To Call The Vet.

Frequent paw licking in dogs is often a sign that something is bothering the feet. Common causes include allergies, yeast infections, irritation, nail problems, injury, or something stuck between the toes. While occasional licking may be normal grooming, repeated licking can lead to redness, swelling, and skin infection. Understanding why dogs lick their paws can help owners know when veterinary care is needed.

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Why Is My Dog Throwing Up?  When to Call the Vet.
Dog Digestive Health Roger Hart Dog Digestive Health Roger Hart

Why Is My Dog Throwing Up? When to Call the Vet.

Vomiting in dogs is a common symptom, but it can have many different causes. Some dogs throw up because of mild stomach irritation, while others may be dealing with pancreatitis, infection, intestinal blockage, or another more serious medical problem. Understanding why dogs vomit and knowing when it should be taken seriously can help owners seek veterinary care sooner.

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