What Causes Bad Breath in Dogs? 6 Causes and Treatment Options

vet prepares to brush golden retriever dog's teeth

That unmistakable wave of odor when your dog leans in for a kiss is usually the first clue that something’s off, and what causes bad breath in dogs most often comes down to dental disease, meaning plaque, tartar, and gum infection; though diet and underlying illness can play a role too. One day your dog’s…

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Cat Drooling: Is It Normal or a Sign of a Problem?

white cat laying on owner's bed while drooling

A little cat drooling can be completely normal, especially when it happens during purring, kneading, or a deep state of relaxation. However, sudden, frequent, or heavy cat drooling can also signal an underlying issue that’s worth looking into. At Ashby Animal Clinic in Harrisonburg, we often hear from pet owners wondering whether their cat’s drooling…

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5 Steps for How to Spot a Tick on a Dog

female owner using a tool to remove a tick from dog's head

How to spot a tick on a dog comes down to one simple habit: running your hands slowly over every part of your dog’s body, feeling for small bumps while parting the fur to look closely at the skin underneath. Ticks are small, often no bigger than a sesame seed before they feed, which makes…

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What Every Pet Owner Needs To Know About Cat Vaccinations

orange cat watching as vet prepares vaccination

Cat vaccinations protect your feline companion from serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases, including rabies, feline leukemia, and feline distemper. At Ashby Animal Clinic in Harrisonburg, we build a personalized cat vaccination schedule around your cat’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors, so their immune system stays strong for years to come. Whether you’ve just brought home…

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When Is The Best Time To Neuter A Dog?

Most dogs can be neutered starting around six months of age, but answering, “When can you neuter a dog?” really depends on breed, size, and overall health. Knowing when you can neuter a dog isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, which is why our veterinary team at Ashby Animal Clinic in Harrisonburg works with each pet owner…

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Treatment for Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery

beagle dog with a towel over it's head coughing

Treatment for kennel cough in dogs typically involves rest, supportive care, and, in some cases, prescription medication to address secondary infection or inflammation. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily wherever dogs gather closely together, such as boarding facilities, dog parks, or grooming salons. Our veterinary team at Ashby Animal Clinic…

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Throwing Up 101: Causes of Cat Vomiting and How to Help Your Pet

cat vomiting in the grass while two other cats watch

Cat vomiting is one of the most common concerns that brings cat owners to the veterinarian, and it is easy to understand why. Watching your cat throw up is never pleasant, and figuring out whether it is something minor or a sign of a serious health problem can feel overwhelming. Cat vomiting is defined as…

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Is it Normal that My Cat Keeps Sneezing?

close up of orange cat getting ready to sneeze

A sneeze here and there from your cat is generally nothing to worry about. But when the sneezing becomes frequent, persistent, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is natural to start wondering whether something is wrong. Cat sneezing is one of the most common reasons pet owners reach out to their veterinarian, and it…

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Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

bully breed puppy climbing out of a bucket surrounded by marshmallows against a pink background

Your dog is staring at you with those irresistible eyes while you reach into the bag of marshmallows, and the question pops into your head: can dogs eat marshmallows? It is a fair question, and the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. The short answer is that marshmallows are not recommended…

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