A limping dog or a cat who stops jumping are the kinds of things owners often watch for a week or two before deciding it's time to make an appointment. Sometimes that makes sense. Other times, the underlying cause is an orthopedic problem that gets worse with waiting, and what looked like a minor limp [...]

A dog who chews through a couch cushion while left alone for two hours is not making a statement about interior design preferences. Destructive chewing is almost always communicating something: boredom, anxiety, excess energy with nowhere to go, or a lack of appropriate outlets that make the couch the next best option. The approach that [...]

Why Is There an Extra Tooth in My Pet's Mouth? If you have ever peeked inside your puppy's or kitten's mouth and noticed what looks like a double row of teeth, you are not imagining things. Sometimes baby teeth (also called deciduous teeth) do not fall out on their own when the adult teeth come [...]

Your cat has been vomiting for two days. Your dog suddenly will not put weight on his back leg. Your pet seems tired, is breathing faster than usual, and you cannot figure out why. In moments like these, a physical examination can tell your veterinarian a lot, but it cannot show what is happening inside [...]

The Hidden Pain of Misaligned Teeth: Why Malocclusions Matter Misaligned jaws affect more than appearance. Severe overbites can let lower canine teeth puncture the roof of the mouth. Underbites may cause uneven wear that exposes sensitive tooth layers. Crowded or crooked teeth trap food, raising the risk of gum disease. While not every misalignment needs [...]

Helping Your Anxious Dog Feel Safe: A Guide to Recognition and Relief Watching your dog tremble during a thunderstorm, pace endlessly when you're getting ready to leave, or bark frantically at passing strangers can feel helpless. Anxiety affects dogs in many ways: panting, shaking, hiding, destructive chewing, constant barking, or escape attempts. Once you understand [...]

Your dog has been shaking his head and itching his ears all week- and today, his head is tilted with one ear hanging low and swollen. This sudden change can be alarming for any dog owner. That swelling could be a painful pocket of blood, known as an aural hematoma, and often forms after vigorous [...]

Why Your Dog Snores: The Truth About Brachycephalic Airway Issues You're curled up on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening, when you hear it: the adorable, rumbling snore coming from your dog asleep beside you. Every pet owner loves those little noises, but have you ever worried if that cute snort is more than just [...]

Many common household items, like chocolate, grapes, onions, and certain medications, can be toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts may cause serious illness. Knowing what is dangerous and acting fast in case of exposure can mean the difference between a scare and an emergency. At Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic in Elgin, we [...]

Looking Beneath the Surface: How Lab Testing Uncovers Hidden Pet Illnesses Your dog seems a little more tired lately. Your cat is drinking more water than usual. These small changes might feel insignificant, but they can signal serious problems brewing beneath the surface. By the time pets show obvious symptoms, disease may already be advanced. [...]