Education CenterBy Dr. Al Townshend The domestic dog and cat we know today have evolved from their ancestors in the wild, the Grey Wolf and African Wild Cat. Their evolution has also been influenced by man for some 20-40 thousand years. Man, through selective breeding, has created the variety we see in both dogs and cats. […]
By Dr. Al Townshend The term Probiotics refers to the live microorganisms (mostly bacteria) that inhabit the digestive tract of all animals. They are the specific microorganisms that can exert benefit when in the proper levels in the digestive tract. Many refer to them as the “Good Bacteria” because they are so important to the […]
By Dr. Al Townshend The canine species has evolved as a predator. As such, they use their powerful jaws to hunt and consume their prey. Chewing keeps their teeth clean and their gums healthy, so they can effectively capture and kill. While the domestic dog of today no longer needs to hunt for its food, […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Having your pet along when you travel can bring even more pleasure to the trip and to the experiences at your destination. That all sounds fine but unless one plans well in advance the experience can be a disaster for the Guardian and for the pet. Even taking your pet on […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Summer is almost here and it’s time to think about getting outside. Depending on where you live, the warmer weather that summer brings can be a welcome relief from the chills of winter, or it can be a potential threat to your pet’s health and safety. In the southern portion of […]
By Dr. Al Townshend It is becoming clear that the environment is one of the biggest concerns when related to pet cancer. Every day our pets can be exposed to a multitude of potential cancer-causing agents. The real challenge is that it is almost impossible to prevent exposure to some of these dangerous substances. Minimizing […]
Dr. Al Townshend As with humans, we are learning that genetics can play a significant role in reducing the risk of your pet developing cancer. Before you even get a pet, it is important to consider genetics in the pet you might consider. We know that certain breeds have a greater incidence of cancer: Rottweilers, […]
Dr. Al Townshend Cancer is one of the major concerns of all Guardians. It has been estimated that 6 million dogs and nearly 6 million cats will be diagnosed this year. The cause of death in 47% of dogs, especially dogs over ten years of age. 32% of cat deaths will be the result of […]
By Dr. Al Townshend There are potential side effects to any treatment and cancer is no exception. The ultimate goal is to always try and maintain the best quality of life for the pet. No matter the treatment, there are some common side effects to consider: pain management, nutritional support and maintaining a positive environment. […]
Dr. Al Townshend The mental and emotional health of your pets is just as important as their physical well-being. Neglecting their needs can create stress and we all know that stress encourages all sorts of both physical and mental issues that will have a significant effect on a pet’s quality of life and even life […]
