Archives: Pets

Feline Dementia…Where’s my litter box?

You may have noticed some behavior changes in your senior cat. Some of these changes can be symptoms of pain (here’s my article on how to tell if your cat is in pain), but we need to consider dementia in addition. Yes, cats, like people, can become senile as they age – happens to many species! The term “dementia” often brings to mind Alzheimer’s disease in people,...

Halloween costumes for pets should be fun!

Everybody (hopefully) knows the “Halloween pet safety” shpeal: Don’t give your dog chocolate, raisins, or chocolate-covered raisins. Some sugar free foods are toxic (here’s my xylitol article). Keep your pets inside (black cats in particular – some people are freaks). Here are a few things we might not think about in the hustle and excitement of the...

Heart Worm Risk Is Especially High After Big Storms Like Hurricane Matthew!

Any time a storm or other natural disaster leave behind a large amount of standing water, heart worm disease risk increases exponentially in dogs and cats.  This is because the vector for transmission of the disease, the mosquito, breeds in especially high volume with all of that extra water, where it completes its life cycle from egg to adult mosquito. Mosquitoes lay eggs in...

Why Veterinary Hospitals Increasingly Do Not Allow Direct Payment Plans For Veterinary Medical Services

The vast majority of veterinarians I have come across in my life – and as a practicing veterinarian for almost 15 years, there are many – are among the most compassionate and kind hearted people I have had the pleasure to know.  Since the day we met, my wife has told me that I am generous and honest to a fault, a sentiment that I take far more pride in than I view as...

They May Not Be Called “Man’s Best Friend” But Cats Are The Number One House Pet In The World!

Fret not cat people, although I showcased the unique place dogs have among mankind in my most recent article, Dogs Are A Breed Apart From Other Animals, I am an equal opportunity veterinarian/blogger and fully intend to give our precious kitty cats their moment in the sun.  For while dogs have been dubbed “man’s best friend,” it is cats who are the number one house pets...

Chapter 2 in the Game of Snacks (or, Less Food & More Praise)

So, my intrepid pet parents, our last discussion (see The Dog: Con Man Or Opportunist?) revolved around Fido and his coy abilities to earn favors with his family in exchange for treats. So, let’s move onto how we can create a canine champion fit for the throne. Newton’s Third Law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Why did I quote this in a...

Dogs Are a Breed Apart From Other Animals

Dogs have been called “Man’s Best Friend,” and rightly so, as man in large measure created them! The oldest bones of wolves (the dog’s ancient ancestor) that have been found comingled with those of humans (indicating some form of cohabitation with wolves) date back to 400,000 years ago. Anthropologists believe that certain factors made wolf and human symbiosis a...

The best dog exercise happens outside of your yard!

I got such a fabulous response to my article “The Power of Daily Walks” that I feel the need to expand on the topic. Many people asked me if their dog should go on daily walks if they have a large yard to run and play in. The short answer is “yes.” The long answer is “Heck yes!” Having a large fenced yard is nice. And yes, if your dog lives on 20 acres and roams...

Pet Safe Insect Killers

I recently learned how frustrating it is to want to kill problem insects in the yard, but keep my pets safe. I was scouring the small print on the insecticide labels, looking for which I could use around pets. I wanted it to work, and was skeptical of the “natural, organic” ones with only some smelly oils as active ingredients. To boot, some things that are natural are...

What to do if your dog has a seizure

Perhaps nothing is more scary or distressing for an owner than seeing your pet have a seizure. Knowing what to do if it happens can make it not only safer for everyone involved, but also enables you to help your veterinarian do her job by providing accurate information. If your pet starts having a seizure, what do you do? Three things. 1- Clear the space around the pet so...