Kidney disease (i.e., renal insufficiency, renal failure) affects many pets, particularly older cats and dogs, and has many contributing causes, including: Breed predisposition Dogs — bull terriers, German shepherds, Alaskan malamutes Cats — Persians, Abyssinians, Siamese, Maine Coons Normal aging changes Toxin ingestion (e.g., antifreeze, grapes, raisins, medications) Metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) Infections (e.g., [...]

The major downfall of cats and dogs is their reduced lifespan compared with their human family members. All too soon, your pet’s body begins to fail them as they age but, with preventive actions and supportive care, you can help your four-legged friend remain comfortable and healthy well into their golden years. To ensure your [...]

Pets instinctively hide pain and illness, so you can’t count on them to let you know when something is wrong. Instead, paying close attention to your pet’s behavior, attitude, habits, and appearance can alert you to the possibility of a problem and prompt you to schedule a veterinary visit. The Fairfax Veterinary Clinic team shares [...]

If your pet is young and apparently healthy, you may consider their annual wellness screenings a waste of time and money, but these visits are an essential part of your four-legged friend’s healthcare plan. Our Fairfax Veterinary Clinic team has uncompromising standards for your pet’s medical care, and we explain the many benefits of regular [...]

Long, sunny summer days make for great outdoor adventures and family memories, but the heat can be dangerous for pets. High temperatures that people find comfortable often are intolerable for pets, who cannot sweat to cool down. Panting helps dogs—but not cats—dissipate heat, but you must be prepared with more strategies to prevent their body [...]

July Fourth, which many consider the highlight of the summer, is a time to come together and celebrate our country’s independence. While parties, fireworks shows, food, family, and friends are a great time for human family members, your pets might disagree. Our Fairfax Veterinary Clinic team understands that pets are exposed to multiple dangers on [...]

Cats are mysterious creatures, and their stoic nature prevents them from expressing when they are in pain. Studies have reported that between 60% and 90% of cats live with arthritis pain, which means your favorite feline could be suffering in silence. Feline arthritis is more common than you think, and to increase awareness and improve [...]

Unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions about heartworm disease continually swirl around, which can lead to deadly consequences for your pet. Our Fairfax Veterinary Clinic team sets the story straight about this parasitic disease, so you can better protect your four-legged friend. Myth: Only pets who live outdoors get heartworm disease. Fact: While pets who live [...]

As a pet owner, you do everything you can to protect your pet, and while you can’t prevent every veterinary emergency, you can take precautions to decrease your furry pal’s poisoning risk. The most common veterinary emergencies involve pets’ accidental ingestion of common medications, foods, plants, and household items. March is National Pet Poison Prevention [...]

Owning a pet is a big responsibility and requires care and attention to all your pet’s health needs. But, some of those needs are more obvious than others, and one component of pet health that even well-meaning pet owners often neglect is right under your nose—or lip, to be more accurate. When was the last [...]