Archives: Pets

Alternatives to tooth brushing

In a perfect world, your pet saunters up to you, carrying his toothbrush in his mouth, requesting you brush his teeth while he calmly cooperates. Birds are chirping. The sun is shining. We all know we don’t live in a perfect world. Some pets, no matter how slowly you try to ease them in, will not tolerate tooth brushing. At least not more than once. While tooth brushing...

How to brush your pet’s teeth – it’s not the big deal you think it is!

So your vet has been telling you to start brushing your dog or cat’s teeth. Or maybe you just read a fantastic article about it and are inspired. Sounds a little daunting – where to start? Most action happens on the outside part of the teeth, where the cheek or lips touch. Often you don’t even need to open your pet’s mouth! Simply put a small amount of...

One Big, Ugly, Deadly Reason To Spay Your Dog

Pictured left is the reproductive tract of a 4 year old, 11 pound, female Chihuahua that I removed this morning in an emergency hysterectomy surgery.  Having completed her seasonal estrus cycle (commonly called heat cycle) 3 weeks prior, yesterday, the dog suddenly became depressed, refused food, and was severely lethargic.  When I palpated her abdomen, I knew instantly what...

Dental Disease Is The Most Common Chronic Disease In Cats And Cats – Yet Is The Most Commonly Overlooked!

Dental disease affects more pets than any other diseases (although obesity is moving in for a close second). Dental disease is rarely fatal, but it can cause complications with other systems, as well as cause discomfort and downright pain in the mouth. It often lurks under the radar (especially in cats – how many cats dig having their mouth looked at?) until it becomes...

Can I skip vaccinations on my indoor only cat?

I have many owners whose cats never set foot outside. They are not “flight risks” and have no interest in going outside. Ever. These owners often choose not to continue vaccinating their adult cats. Some vets insist on it, every year. What to do? There are two main vaccines that are generally recommended for all cats by the AAFP (American Association of Feline...

New, BETTER guidelines for rabies exposure in pets

Finally, we have a great example of policy catching up to science! Every year or so, a group of experts in the field convenes and updates the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control. They are the ones making recommendations on what action is required in terms of vaccination against rabies, as well as suspected exposures. Their main job is keeping the American...

How Safe is Ice melt for Pets?

Many businesses use ice melt or salt to keep the walkways safe. Homeowners often use it on the sidewalks in front of their houses. Pet owners often want to use ice melt, but fear harming their pets. What gives? There are “pet-safe” ice melts being sold. Are they really safer, or is it hype? If your dog has sensitive paws, or is known to eat everything on the ground, then...

Getting the Most Out of Your Pet’s Medications

We vets often write instructions on the bottle of medication like “Give three times a day” or “Give once a day.” Seems simple enough, right? (photocredit: ) Did you know that some medications actually work best when given a certain way? As always, check with your vet if you have specific questions. Here are some drugs that, for the vast majority of patients, work best...

Coconut Oil – Glorious or Gimmick?

Coconut oil has gotten some pretty incredible claims associated with it lately. Kinda like New Year’s Eve – supposed to be magic, but in reality, not all that great, and rather overpriced. It will not treat your dog’s parvo. It will not cure your cat’s cancer. It is not a substitute for medical care. No, coconut oil isn’t terrible. There is a...

Why Do a Food Trial For Dogs and Cats? How is a Food Trial Effectively Done?

Your vet might have suggested a food trial for a couple reasons. (photocredit: http://www.bobandlush.com/dog-allergies) If your dog has chronic ear infections and/or an itchy rear end, an allergy to food is top of the suspect list. If your cat has itchy spots, pulls out her hair, or has scabby areas, it could be her food she’s allergic to. Unfortunately, there is no...