Vital Feed

I must admit, I don't like dog collars.  I've had healthy dogs and dogs with orthopedic and neurologic issues and none of them appreciated being tugged around by their neck.  I don't blame them!  In general, harnesses provide better support and control, and definitely help ouchy dogs get around better.  For dogs with injuries or who have trouble getting around, harnesses are...

Dogs with recent physical trauma or limb amputations can experience a variety of sensory abnormalities.   Dogs with neurological injuries can have partial sensory loss (unable to detect touch and feel) as well as odd sensations like burning and tingling (much like the “pins and needles” we get in our leg sometimes when we sit on it awkwardly for a while).  Some injuries can...

Last week, Vital Vet's Product Wizard received this inquiry "My dog has DM (degenerative myelopathy) and now has a sore on his hip bone from lying on it too much.  Is there a product that can protect that area?".  Here's what the Product Wizard had to say. A pressure sore (also known as a decubitus ulcer) can happen when dogs spend too much time lying on a hard...

This awesome article was sent to us by Jeff VerHoef of Canine Mobility who worked with "Leda" the Bouvier. He was interviewed by Kate Poss, the founder and writer for This is Whidbey.  We've talked about how physical therapy, massage, braces, and anti-knuckling devices can help dogs regain mobility.  Now read Leda's story about overcoming severe arthritis and spinal stroke (FCE).  It may "take a...

Some animals have a hard time getting adopted from traditional shelters, particularly if they are handicapped, injured, or have a serious medical condition. That’s where Animal Lifeline in Des Moines, Iowa steps in. As a special needs, no-kill shelter - the only one of its kind in Central Iowa – Animal Lifeline rescues animals who need medical or rehabilitative care before they...