Archives: Pets

Dog Naturally Magazine And Their Recommendation For Heartworm Prevention Is A Perversion Of The Spirit Of Holistic Veterinary Medicine

A colleague of mine recently pointed out an article put out by an online publication called Dog Naturally Magazine about the “dangers” of heartworm prevention in dogs and the big secret that they have that we veterinarians in league with Big Pharma hide from the dog owning public, that removes the necessity for the use of heartworm preventives to for prevention...

Veterinary Misinformation Strikes Again With Canine/Feline Flea & Tick Preventive Bravecto

Atlanta based “reporter,” Jim Strickland who “broke the story” of Trifexis (his last dose of sensationalist nonsense hurled at our industry) has struck again against an important veterinary product that is even safer than Trifexis and most other preventive in the canine and feline market.  Based on claims from a dog owner whose dog died after his third...

Florida Canine Influenza Outbreak – What Dog Owners Need To Know

As a US Department of Agriculture accredited veterinarian, I received official notification that University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine as of May 26, 2017, had confirmed 7 cases of a new strain of Canine Influenza, H2N2.  Canine Influenza is a serious disease that takes 2-3 weeks to recover from.  Though it is commonly not life threatening, infected dogs can...

Restrain Your Ankle Biter Dog!

Since this just happened to me – again – just yesterday, I am about to vent!  For those of you that do not enjoy my rants, navigate away now, for I am annoyed! As an avid runner, I was in the midst of a 5 K run yesterday as I was about to pass a woman with a Miniature Pinscher on a leash walking toward me with her face in her phone texting (or Facebooking, or...

Allergic Tracheitis -The Ultimate Tickle Cough In Dogs

This could affect any breed of dog but most commonly occurs with our little guys.  They present with a chronic (often hacking cough) yet their temperature is normal, their lymph nodes in their neck are normal size, and their lungs are clear.  Many of these dogs also experience which is commonly referred to as a “reverse sneeze,” although the nerd in me always gets...

Brachycephalic Syndrome – The Bane Of The Pushed In Face Dog’s Existence!

It is a common presentation.  You can hear the dog enter the waiting room from the back treatment area as he/she grunts, coughs, and gags their way in the veterinary clinic.  The mere act of walking from one point to another is excruciating as the dog struggles to get air.  They are usually sweet, purchased for an exorbitant amount of money because of their demand driven by...

The Day I Was A Client At My Own Animal Hospital

I received a call at 6:30 AM from my mother-in-law while I was at a veterinary conference in Destin, Florida, a 6 ½ hour drive away from home.  She was staying at my house watching my kids and pets while my wife and I were away.  She was very concerned that my 11 year old Labrador Retriever, Bernie, awoke unable to get up from a laying position, seemingly paralyzed in the...

Dog’s Or Cat’s Ears Look Infected? Its Not Mites! Really!

I see about 3-5 cases of ear infections per day in veterinary practice.  It is indeed one of the most common ailments that I treat in dogs and cats.  Of those 3-5 cases per day that I treat, about 30% of the pet owners bring the pet in firmly believing that their pet is infected with ear mites.  According to Dr. Google, that is what it must be.  Often they come to me...

Hip dysplasia – do OFA certified parents mean your puppy will have good hips?

As you know, I am a huge proponent of adopting dogs from shelters and rescues. Until the shelters are empty, it makes no sense to buy a dog from someone producing puppies. That said, we do need a few people to breed, properly, in order to maintain the breeds we know and love. Further, some people want a specific niche breed that cannot be found (easily) in a rescue.  With...

My dog just ate ______! How to make your dog vomit

If your dog ate something you know is toxic, what do you do? Making him vomit is in many cases the best next step. Always best to call your veterinarian and make sure. There are some things that should not be vomited up, and also some dogs who are poor candidates for vomiting. Also, if the item in question was consumed more than 90 minutes ago, inducing vomit may not be...