Archives: Pets

The ONE thing you can do to help your pet live longer

You might feed organic, grain free food. Fluffy might be sleeping on a bed of dye-free organic cotton. You might cook free-range meat with whole grain meals every day for your pet. She drinks filtered water. Her air purifier hums consistently. Hopefully you keep your pet on a routine heartworm preventative. You follow your vet’s advice on dental care, flea control,...

The Curious Case of the Hungry Cat

Kristi from Madison Wisconsin e-mailed the podcast that Dr. Karen Louis and I do called Veterinary Advice, Animal News and Views, about her 3 year old male cat that has an out of control appetite.   This kitty’s appetite is so bad that he resorts to stealing and eating potato peals and on one occasion, he consumed toxic levels of garlic!  I would encourage you to listen...

5 facts about heartworms you didn’t know

About once a month, I get the panicked, guilt-ridden phonecall. “I just realized Fluffy didn’t get her heartworm pill last month! What should I do? Do I need to test her today?!?!” First, you are not a terrible person – it happens to the best of us! As soon as you realize it, give the pill (or apply the liquid, depending on the form). We’ll get through this...

Why I Do Not Think Home Cooked Diets Are A Good Idea For Pets

This article may come to some as a juxtaposition coming from an integrative practitioner that puts a great deal of emphasis on the value of unprocessed real food and a well-balanced diet as a staple for good health.  These are not only the tenants I follow as a veterinarian, but also follow personally for myself and my family.  If that is the case, why in the world would I...

Ear infections in dogs and cats – we need to diagnose before we can treat!

Ear infections can be one of the most frustrating conditions to treat! If your senior pet has never had an ear infection, they probably never will. Other pets, particularly dogs, have a constant, lifelong battle with ear infections. Some dogs it’s just one ear, but always that same ear! What gives? These dogs that seem to be constantly battling ear infections often have a...

My pets eyes are watering – should I worry?

Eye cases are tough. Sometimes it’s a major emergency. Other times it’s simply something that needs time to resolve. When to get your pet seen by a vet ASAP? Of course, not every pet reads the manual, but some general rules may be helpful. Here’s a few scenarios I hear a lot: 1 – Your pet wakes up in the morning with clear or brown “eye boogers.” They seem...

Is Chemotherapy Right For Your Pet’s Cancer Treatment?

If you’ve watched a (human) family member go through chemotherapy, you know it’s usually awful. You’re probably thinking “I would never put a pet I love through that.” Neither would I. But chemotherapy in pets is very different than it is in people. That’s a good thing. There are some similarities as well. Here’s some facts to help decide if chemotherapy is the...

Why I Am Against Trap Neuter/Spay Release (TNR) For Feral Cats

I would like to begin this article by stating unequivocally that my stance on TNR is not necessarily a negative commentary on individuals and rescue groups that promote this.  Their intent is a humane one, to trap wild or feral cats that are so wild that they would not otherwise be adoptable, have them sterilized so that that do not reproduce and contribute to the feral cat...

Make the Most Out of Your Heartworm Prevention Products

Like most pet owners, you probably give your dog a preventative for heartworm every month. Many cats who go outside, live in the south, or both, receive monthly preventatives as well. It is very important to prevent heartworm, that’s for sure! It can be fatal in dogs if not treated. Treating is expensive and downright sucks for your dog. In cats it’s always fatal....

Everything You Need to Know About Fish Oils for Dogs and Cats

The more our field learns about fish oil and omega fatty acids, the more we veterinarians have been recommending them. There’s a good chance your pet, or a pet you know, has been recommended to be on fish oil. It’s great for problem skin (big time!), arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and even can help fight dementia! Have you ever then gone to a store and...