Dog Anxiety: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Anxious dog hiding from storm.

We don’t always know what is going on inside of our pet’s brains, but we do know that they can experience a range of emotions and even suffer from some mental illnesses, similar to people. 

East Sacramento Veterinary Center has experience treating many pets for problems like anxiety. We know that pet owners being able to recognize dog anxiety is an important part of us being able to help with dog anxiety and other behavioral issues. 

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Why Is My Dog Shaking?

A trembling or shaking dog wrapped up in a blanket because it is cold.

The occasional canine shiver or tremble might have you wondering what is happening. If the shaking or trembling is happening frequently, you are probably starting to feel concerned. Sometimes dogs shake for minor reasons, but other times this behavior can be more serious and indicative of a larger issue. So when do you need to contact your veterinarian for help? East Sacramento Veterinary Center has your answers for what might cause dog shaking and when you need to worry. 

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What is Reverse Sneezing?

Dog sneezing.

Most dog owners have witnessed an occasional bout of reverse sneezing, officially known as paroxysmal respiration. It’s a fairly common phenomenon in dogs, particularly for miniature and brachycephalic breeds. The unmistakable dog honking sound that accompanies a reverse sneeze is far from an ordinary “achoo,” and often catches pet parents off guard. We understand that it can be alarming to hear your dog honking, but most of the time, reverse sneezing is just a normal part of parenting pooches.

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Aging Gracefully: Senior Pet Care and Health

An aging dog with a happy smile.

If you have pets, chances are good that you’ll be taking care of them well into their golden years. Thankfully, pets are living longer and healthier lives these days, in part due to better pet nutrition and advances in veterinary care. But if you’ve noticed a little grey around your pet’s muzzle lately, you may be wondering how to keep your senior pet healthy. 

It’s important to remember that aging pets need a few adjustments to their environment to keep them feeling their best. Still, age is not a disease, and senior pets can and do live active, happy, and pain-free lives well into their late teens and twenties. Your veterinarian can help make this happen. 

Read on to find out how! 

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Leptospirosis: A Real and Present Threat

A dog rolling in the mud and drinking from a puddle.

Although most dog owners have heard of leptospirosis, and many others make sure their pet is vaccinated against it, the disease remains somewhat of a mystery to many pet owners. This contagious disease that affects both pets and people is on the rise in the United States and Canada, and depending on your pet’s lifestyle, he or she may be at risk. 

Understanding leptospirosis, how it’s transmitted, and what you can do to protect your pet, may be an essential part of your dog’s continuing good health and longevity.

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Help! My Old Dog Smells Bad

A smelly old dog is taking a bath to help eliminate the odor.

Even if you don’t live with a dog, or never have, you could probably still identify with their distinct stink. Sure, puppies have that sort of sweet-smelling funk to them, but it often wears off as they grow up. Dogs might not always smell, but they can give off a fetid odor as they paw through old age.

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Good Behavior at the Dog Park

Two dogs wrestling at the park

It can take some time in childhood and adolescence to figure out the right ways to behave in certain situations, and the same is true for dogs. They don’t instinctively know what their owners expect of them. Instead, they need to learn how to act accordingly, and many figure it out the hard way. 

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