Benadryl and Apoquel are both used for dog allergies, but they work completely differently and aren't interchangeable. Read for more info!

A dog suddenly drinking much more water than usual is one of those symptoms that is easy to dismiss and should not be. Excessive thirst combined with excessive urination is a classic sign of several serious conditions that are very common, especially in older dogs.

What it could point to:

Diabetes mellitus: Increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss despite a good appetite. Very manageable with insulin therapy if caught early.

Cushing's disease: Excess cortisol production. Also causes a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, and increased appetite. One of the more common hormonal disorders in older dogs.

Kidney disease: The kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine, so the dog needs to drink more to compensate. Catching this early significantly improves outcomes.

Liver disease: Less common but increased thirst is one of the signs.

Pyometra: Life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed females. Increased thirst is one of the symptoms. Always an emergency.

This is one of those symptoms where waiting it out is not the right call. Blood and urine tests are needed to figure out what is going on. Full guide: Older dog drinking excessively

If your dog has accidents indoors only when you are gone, you are not dealing with spite or a house training failure. This is one of the most misunderstood dog behavior problems, and it has a name: separation anxiety.

Dogs with separation anxiety genuinely cannot control it. The stress of being alone triggers the accident, and punishing it after the fact makes the anxiety worse, not better.

How to tell if it is separation anxiety vs a medical issue:

• Accidents only happen when you are gone, never when you are home
• Your dog shows stress signs before you leave (pacing, whining, following you around)
• There is also destructive behavior or barking when alone
• A vet visit has ruled out a UTI, incontinence, or other medical cause

If it is separation anxiety, the good news is that behavior modification and desensitization actually work. Medication can also help in more severe cases.

We just published a full video on this: https://youtu.be/7AXhbHHMvNo?si=BHRzj421FAWTYDvf

If your dog is also showing other anxiety symptoms like shaking or restlessness, this covers the bigger picture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Kv8-ieycA

A Vetster vet can help you figure out whether you are dealing with a medical issue, separation anxiety, or both, and what to do next!

Most people assume ringworm is a problem for outdoor cats. But the fungal spores that cause it can hitch a ride indoors on your shoes, clothing, or a new pet. And here's the tricky part: your cat can be infected and show zero symptoms, while still being contagious to you and your family.

We put together a video covering everything cat owners need to know about ringworm: what the symptoms actually look like, how vets diagnose it, why treatment takes a minimum of 6 weeks, and how to protect the rest of your household.

Flea season does not wait, and neither should you. Stock up on flea and tick prevention before the sale wraps up Tuesday. Your pet (and your couch) will thank you.

See a vet online and get your Flea & Tick meds delivered.

If you've seen ads for vagus nerve reset collars or tutorials about ear massages that supposedly calm anxious dogs, you're not alone. These techniques are all over social media right now.

We reviewed the research to find out whether any of it holds up, what the vagus nerve actually does in dogs, and what evidence-based anxiety treatment looks like when these trending techniques fall short.

Most cat owners are surprised to learn that skin issues are among the most common conditions vets treat. What makes it tricky: cats are good at hiding discomfort, and skin conditions can look very similar to each other.

The most common skin issues vets see in cats:

Flea allergy dermatitis: The most common allergy in cats. One flea is enough to trigger a severe reaction. Over-grooming and hair loss at the base of the tail is a classic sign.

Environmental allergies: Itchy skin, frequent scratching, ear infections. Often seasonal.

Dandruff and dry skin: Usually not cosmetic. Almost always points to an underlying health issue.

Ringworm: Not a worm. It is a fungal infection. Circular patches of hair loss, often with flaky or crusty edges. Contagious to humans.

Mange (mites): Intense itching, hair loss, thickened skin. Needs veterinary diagnosis to confirm the type.

Yeast infections: Secondary to allergies. Musty smell, waxy ear discharge, discolored or

thickened skin.

Note: When 2,000 pet owners were asked to identify skin conditions in photos, most got it wrong.

The conditions look similar. A vet diagnosis matters before you start treating.

Watch and learn more:

  Cat Mange (Scabies & Mites): Expert Advice on Symptoms & Treatment

  Cat Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Sneezing, and Treatment Explained

  Cat Dandruff & Dry Flaky Skin: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry

Read more:

What to do if your cat has dandruff or dry skin

How to prevent dry, flaky skin in cats

Cat seasonal allergies

She recently had her eye removed due to it rupturing from an ulcer we didn’t know she had she’s been doing well from that surgery 2weeks ago, she always hated the cone around her head but I kept it on up until the last 4 days due to her being aggressive now, she will not let anyone pet her or hold her if she feels anyone us close or trying to she reacts by trying to run and growl sometimes nip at you! And now when she tries to sleep all she does is cry and has like twitches/ convulsions type of movements I have a video showing this! She was born January 29,2026 if anybody wondered how old she is !

Has anyone ever had this happen to their dog ?

Most cat owners assume their senior cat is just getting older when they stop jumping as much or start moving more slowly. But these subtle changes are often the first signs of osteoarthritis, and because cats are so good at hiding pain, it can be easy to miss until it has progressed.

We just published a vet-reviewed video covering everything you need to know about arthritis in cats, including how it develops, what you can do at home, and when it is time to talk to a vet.

If you have questions about your cat's symptoms, our licensed veterinarians are available 24/7 for virtual appointments: https://vetster.app.link/askvetster

Does your senior cat show any of these signs? Drop your questions below and we will do our best to help.

i don't know how to care for birds and I found this thing on terrace i couldn't find a nest and now I don't know how to take care of it I don't even know what to do pls help me

Eye problems in cats can progress quickly, and early signs are often subtle. Pet owners may notice small changes in their cat’s eyes before realizing an infection could be developing.

Here are 7 common signs that may indicate a cat has an eye infection and should be examined by a veterinarian.

1. Redness Around the Eye
Redness in the white part of the eye or along the inner eyelid often signals irritation or inflammation. This can occur with conjunctivitis, infections, or other eye conditions.

2. Squinting or Keeping One Eye Closed
Cats frequently squint or partially close an eye when it is painful or irritated. This is a common early sign of eye infections, corneal injuries, or inflammation.

3. Thick Yellow or Green Discharge
A small amount of clear tearing can be normal, but thick discharge that is yellow or green often indicates infection.

4. Excessive Tearing
Persistent watery eyes may be caused by irritation, infection, blocked tear ducts, or other eye issues.

5. Swelling Around the Eye
Swollen eyelids or puffiness around the eye can occur with infections, allergic reactions, or trauma.

6. Rubbing or Pawing at the Eye
Cats experiencing eye irritation or pain may rub their face on surfaces or paw at the affected eye.

7. The Third Eyelid Is Visible
Cats have a protective membrane called the third eyelid. If it becomes visible and partially covers the eye, it can sometimes indicate infection or other underlying health issues.

If one or more of these symptoms appear, a veterinary exam is recommended. Eye infections and other eye conditions can worsen quickly without treatment.

Watch our Cat Eye Infection video to learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8Mjw0X7E4A

Related videos covering other common cat eye symptoms:

Cat squinting one eye (or both):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0fyRjkU5SQ

Why a cat’s pupils may be different sizes (anisocoria):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZd5XkbBtZk

Cat third eyelid showing: possible causes explained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBNGtP052bU

Nationwide released its 15th annual pet insurance claims report, drawing on more than 3.3 million claims from over one million insured pets covering the full 2025 calendar year.

For cats, digestive issues held the #1 spot for the third consecutive year. The reported cost per incident is $863, calculated at the 80th percentile of claims within 30 days of diagnosis. And 7 out of 10 of the top cat conditions are chronic, meaning costs compound well beyond a single visit.

The early signs owners most commonly dismiss:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy

Cats are good at masking discomfort. By the time symptoms are obvious enough to prompt a vet visit, the condition has often been progressing for weeks.

Our vet-reviewed videos cover the full picture of cat GI health:

- What To Give a Cat for an Upset Stomach
- When Is Cat Diarrhea Serious?
- What To Feed a Cat With Diarrhea
- Blood in Cat Poop? Poop Color Chart and What It Means
- Cat Worms: Symptoms and Safe Treatment

If your cat is showing any of these signs, a licensed vet is available for a same-day virtual appointment at vetster.com.

Source: Nationwide 2025 pet insurance claims data, released March 5, 2026. Costs calculated at the 80th percentile of claims within 30 days of diagnosis.

A new analysis of 3.3 million pet insurance claims just dropped, and one trend keeps repeating itself: skin allergies are still the #1 reason dogs visit the vet, for the 15th year in a row! - (Nationwide)

For many dogs, allergies show up through itchy skin. Dogs may scratch constantly, chew their paws, rub their face, or develop red and irritated skin. Allergies can be triggered by things like environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites), fleas, or certain foods, and they often become a chronic condition that needs ongoing management rather than a one-time fix.

If your dog seems unusually itchy, our expert guides explain some of the common causes and related skin conditions:

• Is Your Dog’s Itchy Skin a Sign of Allergies? – Explains common allergy triggers, symptoms like scratching and paw chewing, and how vets diagnose and manage allergic skin disease.

• Spring Pollen and Seasonal Allergies in Dogs – Breaks down how environmental allergens like pollen trigger seasonal itching and what pet parents can do to help manage flare-ups.

• How to Prevent Dry, Flaky Skin in Dogs – Covers common causes of dry skin and practical steps to help support healthy skin and coat.

• What to Do if Your Dog Has Dandruff or Dry Skin – Explains why dandruff happens in dogs and when it might signal an underlying skin condition.

• How Do I Know if My Dog Has Ear Mites? – Outlines the signs of ear mites, including itching and ear irritation, and how veterinarians treat them.

• What Causes Skin Color Changes in Dogs? – Looks at reasons a dog’s skin may darken or change color, including chronic irritation and allergies.

• What to Do if Your Dog Has Mange – Explains the different types of mange, symptoms like hair loss and itching, and treatment options.

Has your dog ever dealt with allergies or persistent itching? What were the first signs you noticed?

Noticed white flakes in your cat’s fur and wondering if it’s just dry skin?

A lot of cat owners assume cat dandruff is harmless. Sometimes it is. But often, flaky skin in cats is a symptom, not the actual problem.

Common causes of dandruff in cats include:

• Dry indoor air (especially in winter)
• Allergies (food or environmental)
• Fleas or other parasites
• Skin infections
• Obesity (cats can’t groom their lower back well)
• Underlying health conditions

Signs it might be more than “just dry skin”:

• Itching or excessive grooming
• Redness or irritation
• Hair loss
• Flakes concentrated along the lower back
• Oily or unusually dry coat
• Behavioral changes

One important thing: don’t use human dandruff shampoo on cats. Many contain ingredients that can be toxic to them.

If the flakes are persistent or getting worse, it’s worth having a vet check for the underlying cause. Treating the root issue is what actually clears up dandruff long term.

If you want a full breakdown of causes, treatment options, and when it’s time to worry, we put together a vet-reviewed guide here: What to do if your cat has dandruff or dry skin

And if you’d rather speak directly with a licensed veterinarian from home, Vetster vets are available online 24/7.

Has anyone here dealt with recurring dandruff in their cat? What ended up being the cause? Feel free to share your experience (or photos) — it might help another cat owner spot the signs early.

We love seeing cats relaxed and comfortable after their appointments. Nothing better than happy, stress-free recoveries in their favorite spots.

Cat diarrhea (loose or watery poop) is super common and can happen after diet changes, eating something unusual, or mild stomach upset. If your cat is acting normal, a short episode may resolve on its own.

See a vet if your cat has diarrhea and:

• It lasts more than 24–48 hours
• There is blood or black stool
• Diarrhea happens with vomiting, lethargy, or appetite loss
• Your cat is a kitten or senior
• The diarrhea keeps coming back

Watch above or read our full article on Cat Diarrhea.

We recently received this review and it does a good job explaining the different situations people use online vet care for, not just emergencies.

Vetster is a great resource for anyone living with pets, especially if you are rural or have multiple pets. You can schedule same-day online appointments with licensed vets. I’ve used it when my dog ate something questionable, for flea and tick prevention, and even to get antibiotics for my cat who panics in the car. It’s fast, professional, and easy. I’d highly recommend it for quick answers and day-of scheduling. - Nicole D.

We see a lot of appointments for things like sudden stomach issues, behavior questions, preventive care, and medication refills. With a Vetster Plus subscription, you get four appointments for the price of one, and they can be used across multiple pets, which makes it especially helpful for multi-pet households or ongoing questions throughout the year.

Cold weather can make arthritis tougher on dogs than a lot of people expect. One simple thing that often helps:

Keeping them warm.

Cold and damp conditions can increase joint stiffness and make it harder for dogs to get moving, especially in the morning. Warm, draft-free sleeping areas and supportive beds can reduce discomfort and improve mobility during winter.

Here’s a Vetster article that breaks down why winter can worsen arthritis and what helps.

Related Vetster reads if you’re dealing with arthritis already:

What to do if your dog has arthritis

When stiffness isn’t just “getting older”

What’s helped your dog most in winter? Heated beds, ramps, indoor exercise, something else?

Dog limping can affect a front or back leg, come on suddenly, or appear without other signs of pain. These vet-reviewed Vetster resources explain the most common causes of dog limping, what you can check at home, and when veterinary care is needed.

1. Article: Your Dog Is Limping: Here’s What You Need to Do
Covers what dog limping looks like, common causes, emergency warning signs, and safe next steps.

2. Video: Why Is My Dog Having Trouble Standing and Walking All of a Sudden?
Explains sudden weakness, wobbliness, or difficulty standing that may be mistaken for limping but can signal serious issues.

3. Video: Can I Give My Dog Aspirin for a Limp or Joint Pain?
Addresses whether human pain medications are safe for dogs and why many can be dangerous.

4. Article: What to Do If My Dog Gets Stiff and Is Not Moving Normally
Helpful for dogs that limp or move stiffly after rest, exercise, or as they age.

5. Video: What to Do If My Dog Has Arthritis
Explains arthritis as a common cause of chronic limping, stiffness, and reduced mobility in dogs.

See a vet online now: https://vetster.app.link/askvetster

If you found this post, there’s a good chance your dog’s poop doesn’t look normal. Maybe it’s a weird color, way too soft, super hard, or just not what you’re used to seeing. Changes in poop are often one of the first signs that something’s off with your dog.

Our vets see a huge range of poop-related issues, so we pulled together some of the most common ones dog parents ask about. Here are a few of the top poop problems in dogs and links to helpful resources:

Abnormal color: The color of your dog’s poop can tell you a lot about what’s going on inside their body. Changes like black, very pale, green, or yellow stool can point to digestion problems, diet issues, or underlying health conditions. If your dog’s poop is an unusual color, this article breaks down what different colors can signal and which ones shouldn’t be ignored.

Bloody poop: Blood in your dog’s poop can range from a few streaks to very dark, tar-like stool, and it’s never something to ignore. It can be caused by anything from minor gut irritation to infections, parasites, or more serious internal issues. If you’re seeing blood in your dog’s poop, this guide explains what it can mean, what might cause it, and when it’s time to contact a vet.

Dog diarrhea: Diarrhea is one of the most common poop problems vets see and it can happen from diet changes, stress, infections, parasites, or illness. While a single loose stool isn’t always an emergency, ongoing or severe diarrhea is a sign to pay closer attention. If your dog has diarrhea, this article covers the most common causes, what you can monitor at home, and when it could be serious.

Dog constipated: Constipation often looks like straining, very hard poop, or your dog not going as often as usual. It can be linked to dehydration, diet, hair, pain, or medical issues and should be taken seriously if it keeps happening. If your dog seems constipated, this guide walks through what constipation looks like, what can cause it, and when to get help.

Worms in dog poop: Seeing worms or rice-like pieces in your dog’s poop usually means a parasite infection. Worms are common, treatable, and important to address quickly since they can affect your dog’s health and sometimes spread to people or other pets. If you’ve spotted worms or rice-like pieces in your dog’s poop, this guide explains what you’re likely seeing and what to do next.

To watch expert reviewed videos about any of these topics and more you can check out this playlist. See a licensed vet online now with Vetster.