• posted: Mar. 31, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Dogs’ lifespans vary based on size, breed, genetics, and care, with smaller dogs generally living longer. At Oak Park Animal Hospital, individualized care plans focus on adding healthy, comfortable years, not just time. Read More

• posted: Mar. 26, 2026

Cats typically sleep 12–18 hours a day due to natural instincts, age, and environment, and this is usually normal. However, noticeable changes in sleep patterns—especially when paired with lethargy, appetite loss, or behavior changes—can signal underlying health issues. Monitoring your cat’s normal habits and addressing changes early helps support long-term health and early disease detection. Read More

• posted: Mar. 24, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

There is no single “best” dog food—nutrition should be tailored to each dog’s age, size, activity level, and health needs. Proper nutrition supports overall health, prevents disease, and improves longevity, while poor diets can lead to inflammation and chronic illness. Veterinarians recommend focusing on balanced, evidence-based diets and making individualized choices based on each dog’s lifestyle and medical history. Read More

• posted: Mar. 19, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Frequent vomiting in cats is not normal—even when hairballs are involved—and is often an early sign of underlying disease. Causes range from dietary intolerance and parasites to gastrointestinal or systemic illnesses like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Early veterinary evaluation is essential to identify the root cause, prevent complications, and support long-term health. Read More

• posted: Mar. 17, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Frequent or intense itching in dogs is a sign of an underlying issue—most commonly allergies, parasites, infections, or hormonal imbalances—not just normal behavior. Chronic itching damages the skin barrier, leading to recurring infections, discomfort, and even broader health effects. A thorough veterinary approach focuses on identifying and treating the root cause to improve long-term comfort and overall health. Read More

• posted: Mar. 12, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Cats knead (“making biscuits”) because the behavior starts in kittenhood when they press their paws to stimulate their mother’s milk, and it remains associated with comfort, safety, and bonding in adulthood. Adult cats often knead when relaxed, self-soothing, or marking territory with scent glands in their paws. Changes in kneading habits can signal emotional or physical health changes, so veterinarians may consider it an important behavioral indicator of a cat’s overall well-being. Read More

• posted: Mar. 10, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Dogs often hide pain, so subtle changes in behavior, mobility, appetite, sleep, grooming, or vocalization may be the first signs something is wrong. Recognizing these signs early is important because untreated pain can lead to inflammation, reduced mobility, muscle loss, and a lower quality of life. At Oak Park Animal Hospital, Dina Bascharon, DVM, uses a comprehensive approach to evaluate pain and create personalized treatment plans that help keep dogs comfortable and healthy throughout every stage of life. Read More

• posted: Mar. 05, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Cats need a diet primarily made from animal-based protein because their bodies depend on nutrients found in meat to stay healthy. Providing food that meets AAFCO standards and fits a cat’s age and health needs can help maintain wellness and reduce the risk of disease Read More

• posted: Mar. 03, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Vomiting in dogs can range from mild stomach upset or dietary indiscretion to more serious issues like infection, parasites, or systemic disease, and repeated or persistent episodes should never be ignored. Early veterinary evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and protect your dog’s long-term health and comfort. Read More

• posted: Feb. 26, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Since cats age rapidly and often conceal early signs of illness, twice-yearly exams are essential for detecting disease sooner and preserving quality of life. Through Pawsitive Longevity®, the focus is on extending not just years of life, but years of vitality, comfort, and connection. Read More

• posted: Feb. 24, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Reverse sneezing (paroxysmal respiration) is a dramatic but usually harmless episode in which a dog rapidly pulls air inward due to irritation of the soft palate, causing loud snorting or honking sounds. It is commonly triggered by allergies, nasal congestion, excitement, or anatomical factors, especially in small breeds. Veterinary evaluation is recommended if episodes increase in frequency, last longer, or occur with other symptoms, as early management supports long-term respiratory health and overall well-being. Read More

• posted: Feb. 17, 2026

Hiding is a natural feline instinct that helps cats feel safe, but an increase in hiding can be one of the earliest signs of stress, pain, or illness. While common triggers include environmental changes, fear, or anxiety, sudden or excessive hiding—especially with symptoms like appetite loss, vomiting, lethargy, or behavior changes—warrants veterinary attention. At Oak Park Animal Hospital, Dr. Dina Bascharon emphasizes that recognizing these behavior changes early supports better diagnosis, treatment, and long-term wellbeing. Read More

• posted: Feb. 10, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Coprophagia is common in puppies but abnormal in adult dogs and often points to nutritional, digestive, or stress-related issues rather than bad behavior. Because it can expose dogs to parasites and toxins, ongoing poop-eating should be evaluated medically, not punished. Read More

• posted: Feb. 03, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Litter box problems are never due to spite and are often an early warning sign of medical issues, stress, or environmental discomfort. Common causes include urinary or digestive disease, pain, arthritis, stress, or dissatisfaction with the litter box setup. Because some signs can signal life-threatening emergencies, prompt veterinary evaluation is essential to protect a cat’s long-term health and comfort. Read More

• posted: Jan. 27, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Dog licking is a natural form of communication, but it can sometimes signal stress or underlying health concerns. This article explores why dogs lick, when the behavior is normal, and when it may be time to seek veterinary guidance—helping pet parents support comfort, well-being, and lifelong quality of life. Read More

• posted: Jan. 20, 2026
• Dr. Dina Bascharon, DVM

Purring is one of the most familiar feline behaviors, yet it carries a wide range of meanings beyond simple contentment. Cats may purr to bond, self-soothe, manage pain, or cope with illness, making changes in purring patterns an important behavioral health signal. Because cats instinctively hide discomfort, subtle shifts in behavior—such as excessive or unusual purring—can be early indicators of underlying medical concerns. Understanding these signals, combined with regular preventive veterinary care, supports early intervention and long-term wellness. At Oak Park Animal Hospital, feline behavior is evaluated as part of a comprehensive, individualized approach to care that promotes comfort, health, and Pawsitive Longevity®. Read More