Hidden Hazards: Everyday Poisons That Can Harm Pets 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 [...]

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. [...]

The Importance of Socialization and Training: Preventing Behavior Problems Your puppy hides under the table when guests arrive. Your cat hisses when the new dog walks by. Maybe your once-calm dog has started barking nonstop when left alone. These behaviors don’t mean your pet is “bad”- they’re signs of confusion, fear, or uncertainty. The good [...]

Why Dogs Vomit: What Owners Should Know and Do Next You notice your dog pacing, licking their lips, and making that telltale heaving motion- and suddenly, there’s vomit on the floor. It’s a moment every dog owner knows too well, and it always brings the same question: should I worry? Sometimes vomiting is a simple [...]

Lumps, Bumps, and Sudden Swellings: When Your Elgin Pet Needs Emergency Care One minute you’re scratching behind your dog’s ears, the next your fingers stop on a lump you’ve never noticed before. Panic sets in fast: Is it harmless? Is it painful? Could it be cancer? Not every lump means trouble, but some can progress [...]

The Mystery of the Meow: Medical and Behavioral Causes of Cat Vocalization A cat’s meow is one of the most familiar sounds in a home. From soft trills to insistent cries, vocalizing is a normal way cats communicate with their families. But when the meows grow louder, longer, or more frequent than usual, it often [...]

Advanced Blood Work and Urine Tests: Uncovering What You Can’t See At Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic in Elgin, Illinois, we know your pet isn’t just a companion—they’re family. Your biggest goal as a pet owner is to keep them healthy, happy, and by your side for as many years as possible. That’s why routine [...]

Is Your Dog Scared of Thunder and Fireworks? Understanding and Managing Noise Aversion Thunderstorms. Fireworks. Construction. For many of us, these are passing sounds in the background. But for our dogs, these noises can be terrifying. At Cobb & Co. Veterinary Clinic, we understand how heartbreaking it can be to see your dog trembling, pacing, [...]

Understanding Seizures in Pets: What to Do and How to Help Watching your pet have a seizure is terrifying—especially if it happens for the first time. Whether it’s a full-body convulsion or a moment of strange behavior, seizures can look dramatically different depending on the cause. As overwhelming as it is in the moment, knowing [...]

For many dogs, summer isn’t just about long walks and sunshine. It’s also the season of thunderstorms and fireworks—two common causes of intense stress. Whether it’s the distant rumble of thunder or a sudden explosion of fireworks, loud noises can spark fear-driven behaviors, from hiding under beds to destructive escapes. Understanding noise aversion—and knowing how [...]