Latest news with #ThrivePetHealthcare
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The 5 Biggest Early Warning Signs Of Cancer In Dogs
It's estimated that one out of every four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and half of dogs over 10 will die from it. The disease, which occurs when some of the body's cells grow uncontrollably and destroy healthy tissue, is becoming more common in our four-legged pals. Scientists suspect this is due to a mix of factors, including their longer lifespan, selective breeding, environmental factors and improved diagnostic testing. Early detection can improve your dog's chances of beating the disease and living a long, happy life. However, because our pups can't outright tell us if they're in pain or feel off, most dogs aren't diagnosed until the cancer's in an advanced stage. There are several clues that might indicate your dog has cancer ― and the sooner you spot them, the sooner they can be addressed. 'As in humans, cancer is best treated when detected early,' Dr. Julie Bulman-Fleming, a veterinary oncologist and medical director of Veterinary Cancer Group, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, told HuffPost. We asked three vets what the earliest signs of cancer are in dogs. Here's what they said: Your dog is behaving oddly According to Bulman-Fleming, many dogs will start acting out of the ordinary. This is, she says, typically the very clue that a dog has cancer. The behavior change can be so slight that it's only noticeable to someone in the family. Your dog, for example, might suddenly stop begging for a treat when you prepare your coffee. 'It could be as subtle as no longer asking for breakfast, or sleeping in, or it can be more noticeable like avoiding their family or stopping on walks,' Bulman-Fleming said. They may also seem more lethargic than usual. 'This can be mild or severe and may happen quickly or progress over days to weeks,' Rebhun said. These types of routine or behavioral changes could indicate your dog is in pain. Most cancers cause systemic inflammation in the body and that inflammation can make your dog feel unwell. Bulman-Fleming likens it to the flu in humans ― you might be more tired than usual, lose your appetite or feel less enthusiastic about doing your daily activities. 'Basically, it makes you feel 'blah,'' Bulman-Fleming said. Your pup has new lumps This might seem obvious, but it's crucial to keep an eye out for new bumps and lumps, said Dr. Robert B. Rebhun, a professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Older dogs frequently develop benign skin lesions and fatty growths, and many owners assume new masses are more of the same, he said. But new bumps that are firm, irregularly shaped, or quickly changing in size, texture or color may be cancerous, according to the American Kennel Club. Rebhun's advice: Get any and all masses checked out. 'It is essential to have new lumps and bumps investigated by a veterinarian early to confirm whether they are benign or malignant since early intervention offers the best chance for a cure,' Rebhun said. They're suddenly super thirsty ― and peeing a lot Some dogs with cancer incessantly lap up water. Their owners typically don't pick up on the fact that something is amiss until their dog begs to go outside to pee every hour or two, or starts having accidents in the house, Bulman-Fleming said. Or, they may notice the dog's water bowl constantly needs to be filled up. The reason for this, according to Bulman-Fleming, is that some cancers increase calcium levels in the body, which can make your dog extra thirsty. Other types of cancers impact the kidneys, making your dog to pee more. Cancer can also cause internal bleeding, and loss of blood can make your dog feel thirstier than usual. Your dog is limping around the house Rebhun said some dogs, particularly large and giant breeds, can develop bone or joint tumors in their legs. These tumors can make it more difficult for dogs to get up and move around. 'This can present as acute or progressive limping, reluctance to bear weight, and possibly swelling, usually occurring in just one leg,' he said. If your dog is limping, your vet can order X-rays to determine if your dog has bone or joint cancer, or a benign issue such as a soft-tissue injury. Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite If your dog suddenly dropped weight without changing anything about their diet, appetite or physical activity levels, cancer could be the cause. This 'may indicate that their body is using more energy to fight off disease or that they are experiencing metabolic changes associated with cancer,' Dr. Nick Dervisis, an oncologist at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, told HuffPost. Tumors in the digestive tract can also interfere with nutrient absorption and cause your dog to become skinnier, he added. In addition, many dog owners report that their dog suddenly became uninterested in their food. According to Dervisis, those metabolic changes can also lower your dog's hunger levels. Furthermore, tumors in their mouth, throat or stomach can make it painful or uncomfortable to eat. This can lead to a noticeable decrease in how much food they consume, he said. While all of the above signs can be related to other health conditions, like diabetes, an injury or infection, or kidney disease, your vet can conduct a physical exam to provide an accurate diagnosis and get them started on treatment. According to Dervisis, the very best thing you can do for your dog is to monitor any changes in their behavior and have them checked out as soon as anything seems different. 'Regular check-ups with your primary care veterinarian and being vigilant about any changes in your dog's health are key to catching cancer early,' Dervisis said. Related... 6 Signs Your Dog Is Happy This 1 Thing Will Make Trimming Your Dog's Nails So Much Easier The 1 Thing Every Dog Owner Should Do With Their Pet On A Walk
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?
Before heading outside with your dog, you likely grab poop bags and perhaps some fresh water without thinking twice. Sunscreen for your pup isn't usually on that list—but protecting your dog's skin from sun damage is just as important as protecting your own. The best dog sunscreens are formulated specifically for pets, meaning they safely shield dogs from UV exposure without harmful ingredients commonly found in human sunscreens, like zinc or salicylates. After thoroughly researching available options and consulting veterinary dermatologists, our pick for the best dog sunscreen overall is Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen, which is currently the only FDA-compliant sunscreen made for dogs. The best dog sunscreens include options from Epi-Pet, Sit Stay Forever and Warren London. Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailers Even if dog sunscreen is new to you, veterinary dermatologists stress that regular sun protection is essential, especially for certain breeds. "Dogs can get skin cancer from sun exposure, just like we can,' says Dr. Anthea Schick, veterinary dermatologist at Thrive Pet Healthcare. 'Many dog breeds with a short, sparse hair coat are prone to sun damage." Breeds particularly vulnerable include pit bulls, whippets, Boston terriers, bull terriers and short-coated Chihuahuas—but all dogs can benefit from protection, especially on sensitive areas like their nose, ears or anywhere with exposed skin. Ahead, you'll find vet-approved sunscreen options for different situations, including an easy-to-apply sunscreen stick, a soothing aloe-based formula for pups with sensitive skin and an organic balm that makes it easy to protect noses. Our Top Recommendations Active ingredients: Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, homosalate, benzophenone-3 | Application type: Spray | Size: 4 ounces What you'll love: Only FDA-compliant dog sunscreen available Easy spray application, even upside down Water-resistant and quick-drying formula Keep in mind: Spray application requires careful use around dog's face Not suitable for use on cats If you want veterinarian-backed sun protection for your pup, Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen is currently the only dog sunscreen that meets FDA standards, making it a trustworthy pick. Most dog sunscreens aren't officially regulated, but Epi-Pet's formula has been thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness. It provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays (equivalent to SPF 30+ for humans) without ingredients that could harm dogs, like zinc oxide or certain salicylates found in human sunscreens. The spray-on format is easy to apply quickly, even if you have a wiggly pup who's eager to get outside. You can spray it from any angle, including upside down, which makes it easier to coat bellies or other hard-to-reach areas. And once applied, the formula dries quickly without leaving behind a greasy or sticky residue. Epi-Pet K-9 Care Sunscreen also holds up well to water and sweat, but you'll still want to reapply every two to four hours if your dog spends extended time outdoors or swimming. While the spray is safe once dried, Schick notes it's wise to follow general safety guidelines for spray sunscreens around your dog's face to minimize the risk of inhalation. For sensitive areas like the nose, ears or around the eyes, spray the product onto your hand first and gently rub it in manually. Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide | Application type: Stick | Size: 0.5 ounces What you'll love: Stick format applies neatly Compact enough to keep in your pocket Non-greasy; won't leave fur oily Keep in mind: Lower SPF equivalent isn't ideal for intense sun Scented with coconut and vanilla Contains titanium dioxide This compact stick is probably the easiest way to quickly apply sunscreen onto your dog. Its active ingredient is titanium dioxide, a mineral sunscreen that physically blocks UV rays to protect sensitive areas prone to sun damage. Because it's solid, you can swipe it directly onto exposed spots without getting liquid sunscreen all over your hands or leaving your dog's fur sticky. And since it's small enough to toss in your pocket or keep in the car, it's convenient if you stay outside longer than expected. Because this stick offers the equivalent of SPF 15, it's best for shorter trips or situations where you can reapply frequently. While our veterinary expert notes titanium dioxide can be harmful if ingested in large amounts, she says the risk is minimal in the case of a rub-on sunscreen like this. But if you're applying sunscreen to spots your pup tends to lick repeatedly, like their nose, an organic balm like our pick from Sit Stay Forever might be a better choice. Active ingredients: Benzophenone-4, aloe vera | Application type: Spray | Size: 4 ounces What you'll love: Aloe vera moisturizes skin and helps soothe irritation Lightweight, quick-drying mist doesn't leave fur oily or sticky Safe if your dog licks it once it dries Keep in mind: May not offer enough protection for extended sun exposure Spray requires careful application around the face If your dog has sensitive skin or tends to get itchy or dry after sun exposure, an aloe-infused sunscreen can help. This lightweight spray combines natural moisturizing ingredients, including aloe vera, panthenol and grapefruit oil, to gently hydrate and soothe your pup's skin while protecting against harmful UV rays. It's also formulated to dry quickly without leaving behind oily residue, so you won't have to worry about your dog's coat feeling greasy or attracting dirt after application. Unlike our top pick overall, this option uses fewer synthetic sunscreen ingredients, relying mostly on gentle, plant-based moisturizers. While that makes it ideal for pups prone to skin sensitivity, it may not offer the strongest protection during extended sun exposure. You'll also need to reapply often if your dog spends a lot of time swimming or outdoors. As with all spray sunscreens, carefully apply it by hand around sensitive areas like the face, eyes and ears to avoid irritation or accidental inhalation. Active ingredients: Red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, coconut oil, shea butter | Application type: Balm | Size: 2 ounces What you'll love: Completely safe if licked Gentle, moisturizing formula ideal for sensitive skin Compact, pocket-friendly tin Keep in mind: Best for small areas, not full-body coverage Requires frequent reapplication Since dogs inevitably lick their noses, it's important to choose a sunscreen that's completely safe if swallowed. This organic balm from Sit Stay Forever uses gentle, plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and red raspberry seed oil; it protects against sun damage without zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or harsh chemicals, so it won't harm your pup if they lick it off. The balm works best on small areas like noses or the sensitive flaps of ears, rather than for full-body coverage. To apply, just warm a small amount between your fingers and rub gently onto exposed skin. It's especially beneficial for dogs with dry or sensitive skin, since it soothes irritation from sun exposure. The tin is compact enough to stash in your pocket, though you might go through it quickly with regular use. Reapply every two to three hours if your pup spends extended time outdoors. Material: Lightweight, breathable fabric | Sizes: S to XXL | Colors: Multiple | UPF: 30 | Machine Washable: Yes What you'll love: Breathable fabric won't trap heat Comfortable, stretchy fit Keeps allergens and dirt off sensitive skin Keep in mind: Doesn't cover face or ears Pair with balm or sunscreen stick for full protection Some dogs simply don't tolerate sunscreen, or maybe your pup has particularly sensitive skin or thin fur that needs more coverage than a spray or balm can offer. This lightweight sun shirt from Spark Paws is a great alternative because it provides consistent UPF 30 protection across your dog's chest, back and belly. Unlike creams and sprays, there's nothing messy to apply or rub in. Just slip it over your dog's head and you're good to go. Since the shirt is made from a soft and breathable fabric, it's comfortable enough for your dog to wear all day outside, whether they're swimming, hiking or just relaxing in the yard. The coverage also helps protect against dirt, allergens and grass irritation. It doesn't cover your dog's face or ears, though, so pair it with a balm or stick sunscreen for noses and other exposed areas. Forbes Vetted's experienced home and kitchen editors have thoroughly researched and published dozens of expert-driven roundups on pet care products, including detailed guides to the best dog shoes, dog harnesses and orthopedic dog beds. This article was written by home and kitchen editor Kelly O'Sullivan, who regularly covers pet-related topics like the best cooling dog beds, dog leashes and raw dog food. This piece was overseen by Forbes Vetted managing editor and resident pet expert Emmy Favilla , who lives with two bully-breed dogs. She regularly covers pet content for Forbes Vetted, has a monthly column called 'Pet Peeves' and maintains an active network of veterinary professionals. , who lives with two bully-breed dogs. She regularly covers pet content for Forbes Vetted, has a monthly column called 'Pet Peeves' and maintains an active network of veterinary professionals. We consulted Dr. Anthea Schick, veterinary dermatologist and senior national specialty director of dermatology at Thrive Pet Healthcare, for guidance on dog-specific sun protection, ingredient safety and best practices for sunscreen application. We regularly review and update this story to ensure accuracy; it was last updated in July 2025 by Kelly O'Sullivan. To find the best dog sunscreens, we carefully considered popular pet sunscreens from trusted brands like Epi-Pet, Petkin, Warren London and Sit Stay Forever. Our editorial team paid close attention to important details like the active ingredients in each sunscreen, how easy they are to apply, their SPF ratings, water resistance and how gentle they are on sensitive areas like noses and ears. We consulted a board-certified veterinary dermatologist for expert advice on safe, effective sun protection, specifically around avoiding harmful ingredients commonly found in human sunscreens. We prioritized dog sunscreens formulated without zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or other potentially toxic chemicals, selecting products specifically designed to be pet-safe and lick-safe. We combed through customer reviews and paid close attention to what pet parents loved and any recurring issues or concerns. Every sunscreen on this list has at least a 4-star average rating. The best dog sunscreens should be easy to apply, gentle on sensitive areas and, of course, effective. Here's what veterinary dermatologists recommend looking for when choosing sunscreen for your pup. Ingredients Dog-specific sunscreens are formulated without common human sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide, which can be toxic if your dog licks it. According to Schick, it's also important to avoid chemical sunscreens containing salicylates, as these can cause skin irritation or other reactions. Stick to pet-safe products clearly labeled as safe if ingested. Application Choose sunscreen that's easy to apply, especially if your dog gets anxious or prefers not to be handled. Schick recommends following the "two-hour rule," reapplying sunscreen roughly every two hours when outside. She also advises caution with spray sunscreens around your dog's face to avoid accidental inhalation; it's safer to spray onto your hand first, then gently rub onto sensitive areas like ears and noses. Coverage And Protection Dogs need sunscreen most on sparsely haired areas like the nose, ears, belly, underarms and groin. Breeds with short, thin coats—including pit bulls, whippets and Chihuahuas—as well as hairless breeds and dogs with very light coats need broader coverage. In these cases, Schick suggests pairing sunscreen with a protective sun shirt or suit for the best protection.
South China Morning Post
04-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Does your dog or cat have allergies? Common symptoms and what you can do to help
About five years ago, Gail Friedman noticed her Parson Russell Terrier was constantly licking his paws and seemed extremely uncomfortable. 'The poor dog. I would put baby socks on his feet so that he wouldn't lick them or bite at them,' said Friedman, who lives in Oak Brook, in the US state of Illinois. 'I was constantly changing the socks, washing his feet a lot. Nothing worked.' It turned out her canine companion, Mr Friedman, had allergies. Allergies are a common and tricky problem in pets. They are caused by various things such as pollen, dust, mould, chemicals and food. But veterinarians say there are several ways to ease animals' suffering. Various shampoos and cleansing products for treating allergies in pets sit on a shelf at Thrive Pet Healthcare – Elmhurst, in the US state of Illinois. Photo: AP What sorts of allergies do dogs and cats get? Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. Cats and dogs react to many of the same things that people do, as well as pests like fleas.
CTV News
31-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Dogs and cats can also suffer from allergies, but there are ways to help our furry friends
Dr. Karen Woodard check's Gail Friedman's dog, Ms. Roxie, for signs of allergies in Elmhurst, Ill. on May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld) About five years ago, Gail Friedman noticed her Parson Russell Terrier was constantly licking his paws and seemed super uncomfortable. 'The poor dog. I would put baby socks on his feet so that he wouldn't lick them or bite at them,' said Friedman, of Oak Brook, Illinois. 'I was constantly changing the socks, washing his feet a lot. Nothing worked.' It turned out her canine companion, Mr. Friedman, had allergies. It's a common and tricky problem in pets — caused by various things such as pollen, dust, mold, chemicals and food — but veterinarians say there are several ways to ease their suffering. What sorts of allergies do dogs and cats get? Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. Cats and dogs react to many of the same things people do, as well as pests like fleas. There are no definitive recent statistics on how many pets have allergies, but research suggests the problem is growing. 'I probably see allergic dogs and cats every single day, probably multiple times a day,' said Dr. Karen Woodard, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare-Elmhurst in Illinois. About 90 per cent of allergic pets react to environmental triggers, Woodard said, and the rest have food allergies only. Dog breeds that are especially vulnerable include various types of terriers, boxers and bulldogs; in cats, it's Persians, Siamese and Himalayans. Pets can even be allergic to other animals — cats to dogs, dogs to cats and either to another species. 'It's possible for them to be allergic to us, just like we are to them,' said Thrive's Dr. Anthea Elliott Schick of Scottsdale, Arizona, immediate past president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. How can you tell if your pet has allergies? Allergic cats and dogs aren't as likely as humans to sneeze and cough. More often, they scratch and lick themselves, shake their heads and develop ear infections. Woodard said her Yorkie mix, Teddy, had the classic signs — scratching around his shoulders and getting rashes and ear infections starting as a six-month-old puppy. She lived in the South at the time, and he tested positive for allergies to various trees and grasses there. A common sign of allergies in her feline patients is 'overdoing their grooming,' said Woodard, who's on the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association's board of directors. 'Cats shouldn't be pulling their hair out when they groom. So if you start seeing bald patches on your cat, even though the skin underneath it looks normal, that could be a sign of allergies.' Even food allergies, often to chicken, beef, lamb or other protein sources, frequently show up on the skin, although pets can have vomiting or diarrhea, too. Rarely, pets can develop life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, perhaps after being stung by an insect. But most allergies are simply miserable for the animals. 'It breaks my heart because it gets to a point that not only do I have socks on poor Mr. Friedman — which is humiliating for him — he sometimes gets so bad he has to wear the cone of shame,' Gail Friedman said. 'And that's not fair because he can't move around right, he can't sleep right. It's terrible.' How can you help your pet? The first step is to get a diagnosis from the vet. This could involve allergy testing, or in the case of food allergies, an 'elimination diet,' which involves feeding limited ingredients the pet hasn't previously eaten. If the allergy culprit is environmental, there are medications like anti-inflammatory drugs and newer oral and injectable medications for dogs to block chemical signals associated with itchiness. Food allergies may be treated with special diets such as 'hydrolyzed' food, in which proteins are chemically broken down into tiny pieces. All this can get expensive. Friedman estimates she's spent about US$10,000 on testing, medication and care for Mr. Friedman and another allergic dog. But vets say there are also ways to help pets at home by cleaning their bedding frequently, wiping their fur with a wet washcloth and giving them baths. Outdoors, 'they're almost acting like little Swiffers, getting allergens on their skin, and it goes through their skin and actually becomes a problem,' Schick said. 'We say bathe your dog, at a minimum, once a week if they're allergic.' After she's tried nearly everything, Friedman's dogs are still vexed by allergies. But they're doing better. 'I'm going to keep experimenting until we find what stops it completely,' she said. 'All you can do is try.' The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Laura Ungar, The Associated Press
The Independent
31-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Dogs and cats can also suffer from allergies, but there are ways to help our furry friends
About five years ago, Gail Friedman noticed her Parson Russell Terrier was constantly licking his paws and seemed super uncomfortable. 'The poor dog. I would put baby socks on his feet so that he wouldn't lick them or bite at them,' said Friedman, of Oak Brook, Illinois. 'I was constantly changing the socks, washing his feet a lot. Nothing worked.' It turned out her canine companion, Mr. Friedman, had allergies. It's a common and tricky problem in pets — caused by various things such as pollen, dust, mold, chemicals and food — but veterinarians say there are several ways to ease their suffering. What sorts of allergies do dogs and cats get? Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance. Cats and dogs react to many of the same things people do, as well as pests like fleas. There are no definitive recent statistics on how many pets have allergies, but research suggests the problem is growing. 'I probably see allergic dogs and cats every single day, probably multiple times a day,' said Dr. Karen Woodard, medical director at Thrive Pet Healthcare-Elmhurst in Illinois. About 90% of allergic pets react to environmental triggers, Woodard said, and the rest have food allergies only. Dog breeds that are especially vulnerable include various types of terriers, boxers and bulldogs; in cats, it's Persians, Siamese and Himalayans. Pets can even be allergic to other animals — cats to dogs, dogs to cats and either to another species. 'It's possible for them to be allergic to us, just like we are to them,' said Thrive's Dr. Anthea Elliott Schick of Scottsdale, Arizona, immediate past president of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. How can you tell if your pet has allergies? Allergic cats and dogs aren't as likely as humans to sneeze and cough. More often, they scratch and lick themselves, shake their heads and develop ear infections. Woodard said her Yorkie mix, Teddy, had the classic signs — scratching around his shoulders and getting rashes and ear infections starting as a six-month-old puppy. She lived in the South at the time, and he tested positive for allergies to various trees and grasses there. A common sign of allergies in her feline patients is 'overdoing their grooming,' said Woodard, who's on the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association's board of directors. 'Cats shouldn't be pulling their hair out when they groom. So if you start seeing bald patches on your cat, even though the skin underneath it looks normal, that could be a sign of allergies.' Even food allergies, often to chicken, beef, lamb or other protein sources, frequently show up on the skin, although pets can have vomiting or diarrhea, too. Rarely, pets can develop life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, perhaps after being stung by an insect. But most allergies are simply miserable for the animals. 'It breaks my heart because it gets to a point that not only do I have socks on poor Mr. Friedman — which is humiliating for him — he sometimes gets so bad he has to wear the cone of shame,' Gail Friedman said. 'And that's not fair because he can't move around right, he can't sleep right. It's terrible.' How can you help your pet? The first step is to get a diagnosis from the vet. This could involve allergy testing, or in the case of food allergies, an 'elimination diet,' which involves feeding limited ingredients the pet hasn't previously eaten. If the allergy culprit is environmental, there are medications like anti-inflammatory drugs and newer oral and injectable medications for dogs to block chemical signals associated with itchiness. Food allergies may be treated with special diets such as 'hydrolyzed' food, in which proteins are chemically broken down into tiny pieces. All this can get expensive. Friedman estimates she's spent about $10,000 on testing, medication and care for Mr. Friedman and another allergic dog. But vets say there are also ways to help pets at home by cleaning their bedding frequently, wiping their fur with a wet washcloth and giving them baths. Outdoors, 'they're almost acting like little Swiffers, getting allergens on their skin, and it goes through their skin and actually becomes a problem,' Schick said. 'We say bathe your dog, at a minimum, once a week if they're allergic.' After she's tried nearly everything, Friedman's dogs are still vexed by allergies. But they're doing better. 'I'm going to keep experimenting until we find what stops it completely,' she said. 'All you can do is try.' ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
