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Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a life-threatening condition in dogs. The stomach greatly distends with air, then rotates on its long axis, trapping air, food, or fluid in the stomach.

A bladder stone, or urolith, develops when mineral salts present in urine combine and harden. Most stones occur in the bladder and urethra, but occasionally stones form in the kidneys and ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Dogs may develop one or multiple large or small stones. The five main types that affect dogs are struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, and silicate.

Many owners say that they will never leave their dog in a boarding kennel. However, situations may occur in which you are unable to take your dog with you.

Primary vaccination is essential in order to prevent the once-common puppyhood diseases that caused high levels of fatality from returning. However, recent research indicates that all vaccines may not require yearly booster vaccines.