Archives: Pets

Did you know that, for the majority of pets, you CAN give turkey on Thanksgiving!?!?

I know I know I know.  Many vets tell you NO table food. They say to NEVER give your pet any turkey on Thanksgiving. Why do they say that? It’s just easy. People tend to want to over-indulge their pet, and if you tell them NO table scraps, it reduces the likelihood of a sick pet on Black Friday. Those owners 20 years ago who fed the entire turkey carcass to their dogs (and...

What I learned from my blind dog (AKA Aggression often has an explanation)

Last year, I came in contact with a dog who was pulled from animal control by a rescue group, and needed a foster home. Of course, I can’t turn down a homeless fluffy face, so agreed to foster him. When we first met, Linus was more interested in sniffing his new surroundings than in meeting people or dogs.  Throughout the first week, we would all be playing ball in the...

Anal glands! Dogs have them, Cats have them…Humans, thank God, DON’T have them!

Some dogs have a lifetime of trouble with them, and need them expressed (emptied out) often. Other dogs act like they don’t even have them. What gives? (photocredit: http://drdvmd.com/scootthatbooty/) First off, a little anatomy. Anal glands produce a stinky, almost fishy smelling fluid, that is contained in the anal sac. Dogs and cats have two anal sacs. If you look at...

Powerful Anti-Oxidant Astaxanthin for Dogs and Cats for Prevention and Disease Management

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of compounds called carotenoids.  It is naturally occurring in certain algae and is responsible for the red color found in lobster, shrimp, salmon, trout, and other seafood (photocredit: http://jarretmorrow.com).  A powerful anti-oxidant, with anti-oxidant strength up to 6000 times more potent than Vitamin C, it is...

A Greenie a Day Keeps the Veterinary Dentist Away

Let’s face it, not every dog is amenable to daily tooth brushing.  Some are downright combative about it, making the experience miserable for both dog owner and dog alike.  For most cats, it is a foregone conclusion that tooth brushing is going to be a non-starter for your feline companion, possibly risky to one’s own personal safety. Before I go on, if you are lucky...

Breeders Are Not a Credible Source For Vaccine Protocol Recommendations!

Check Out Pets Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Roger Welton DVM on BlogTalkRadio A dear client of mine was in the market for an uncommon breed called a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  Since these dogs are not easy to come by, he finally found a breeder in Washington state that seemed to have a quality and healthy line and puppies available for sale, albeit with some...

Breeders Are Not Veterinarians!

Check Out Pets Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Roger Welton DVM on BlogTalkRadio I saw a joke some time ago in a Facebook meme a veterinarian friend and colleague posted stating, “Taking pet health advice from a breeder is like going to a pimp for gynecology advice.”  While my vet friends and I all got a good laugh at this, the comparison was little more than a funny...

Be Careful Not To Ignore Subtle Signs Pets Exhibit That May Indicate They Are Sick

I have beat this drum time and again, but I still rarely fail to get reminded on a daily basis of the fact that pets hide signs of illness far more effectively than we do.  It is part of their natural instinct as animals to resist showing weakness.   That is why as pet owners, subtle changes in our pets’ demeanor or out of the ordinary behavior should be taken as...

Dog or Cat Having a Tumor Removed? Don’t Make the Mistake of Refusing to Send it off for Analysis.

Check Out Pets Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Roger Welton DVM on BlogTalkRadio I diagnose tumors almost daily, some which I determine to likely be benign (not cancerous), some which I determine to likely be malignant (cancerous). For cases that I recommend surgical removal of the tumor, as I hand the client the treatment plan (which also itemizes cost), I am commonly...

Calm Stressed Out Dogs and Cats with Pheromone Therapy

photocredit: https://www.pinterest.com/soozq418/posts/ Just like people, not all dogs and cats are naturally laid back and as calm as cucumbers.  For some dogs and cats, certain events trigger stress, such as fireworks, storms, travel in the car or airplane, or trips to the veterinarian or groomer.  For others, life itself is stressful and they suffer from general anxiety,...