Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:
When we domesticated dogs we assumed the responsibility of giving them an environment in which they can flourish. Dogs have been modified from wild animals to living in a more limited existence in which we humans are sometimes the only entertainment. Your dog wants to be a part of everything you do because you are his family group. He is built to function in a group. If you think of a day in the life of wild canids, you can … Read more
It is that time of year again and from now until after New Year’s, there will be goodies galore. Our dogs see us eat them and smell them. Many dogs have a sweet tooth and the fat content in chocolate is enticing to boot! Chocolate contains two compounds that are dangerous for dogs, theobromine and caffeine. The caffeine can cause tremors, increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and other potentially lethal cardiovascular side effects, but theobromine is the more toxic … Read more
Halloween is a fun and festive occasion, but there are parts of any holiday that cause stress and even risk to your dog. Some of the Halloween traditions include parties and door traffic. We often have music or scary noises with candles or spooky decorations. So much is going on that a dog can become frightened or could easily be overlooked or just get into trouble from being nosy. Halloween decorations and candy may pose a hazard to a curious … Read more
Mounting is a brain pattern that is normal for dogs. Dogs do not have any emotional feeling about it nor do they feel any embarrassment, but people do. When it is driven by hormones, as in an intact male, it is more likely to be intended as a mating behavior, but neutered males and females can engage in this conduct as well, and almost all puppies do. There can be many reasons for mounting. It can be a play behavior … Read more
Heartworm testing has become very routine in a veterinary clinic. There are in-house test kits and we can have results quickly. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) is a group that helps veterinarians make unified recommendations to promote eradication of this damaging parasite. AHS recommends at least once yearly testing. But when the veterinary staff member says there will be blood drawn for a heartworm test, do you really know what he/she means? What does a heartworm test really test for? … Read more
We are all used to running to the drug store to buy over the counter medications for ourselves before we call our doctor. Is the same tendency wise for your dog? Don’t forget that most dogs are not human size and animals have a very different way of metabolizing things. Medications that are tested safe for humans may not have been tested at all for other species. There are quirks about them that your vet will know. If you are … Read more
Dog ownership is fun, but not always easy. Make sure that you have these simple things taken care of so that your dog is happy and healthy…and so are you. #1 – Leashes All dog owners should have several leashes of different lengths. Forget retractable leashes. They are confusing for dogs. Dogs cannot fathom why the leash is long one minute and short the next. They have no chance of adjusting their behavior when the rules constantly change. Have a long … Read more
Nutrition is vitally important to the health, happiness and longevity of your pet. The old adage “You are what you eat” still applies whether human, dog, or cat. The impact of proper nutrition at all stages of life both in health and sickness has been proven by many studies. When choosing a pet food, be sure that you read the label. Any product that is not labeled “complete and balanced” for your pet’s life stage should surely be avoided. Labels … Read more
Dogs can get a lot of types of cancer, but we typically think of breast cancer as only for female humans. There are breast cancers for dogs too and we do have effective methods to diagnose and treat them. There are even ways to reduce your dog’s risk for breast cancer. Canines and other litter bearing mothers have multiple nipples (or teats) with which to nourish groups of offspring, so when you examine your dog for the possibility of breast … Read more
Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are not extremely common among our pet dogs. When you do notice a nosebleed in your dog, it is wise to be alert. The following list includes some of the things that I consider when I see a canine patient for a bloody nose. Epistaxis can range from blood tinged fluid coming from the nose to outright drops of blood actively bleeding from the nostrils. Foreign bodies Foreign bodies can become lodged in the nasal cavity. Pieces of … Read more
Dog breath is fodder for jokes, but not really… especially if you have a dog who likes to be in your face, like I do. When our dog friends have bad breath, it damages our bonding time and after all, that is what we enjoy most about having a dog. These 6 tips might make a difference for you and your dog. Assess what you are up against. If there is visible brown calculus on the teeth anywhere in the … Read more
Have you ever wondered why animals, dogs especially, like to sniff other animals’ butts? Or even seem to like to sniff people’s crotches? We all know that some dogs really like certain smells, sometimes rolling in feces or smelly mud. You might be surprised to know that there is a different reason for this invasion of personal space behavior. The answer lies in your dog’s anatomy and his ability to gain information from olfactory (scent based) clues. There are glands … Read more
We all know how much we love our dogs, and having a pet is a choice (and a luxury), but have you ever considered that once you have a pet, you cannot live as well without one? I know I love my dog. She makes me happy. I feel good when I see her face. Even a photo of her makes me smile. Love is one of the most desired human experiences. Love manifests itself in a variety of forms, … Read more
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in humans is characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors that cause stress. The thoughts are the obsessions and the behaviors are the compulsions. The thoughts are often unreasonable and the compulsions interfere with one’s normal life. The cause for people is believed to be multi-factorial and new advances are being made. Because dogs’ thoughts are difficult to define, the canine version of this disorder is simply referred to as Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD). CCD has been … Read more
The truth is that heartworm disease is a very serious disease that is better prevented than treated. There is only one drug that is approved to kill adult heartworms and it is called Immiticide™ (melarsomine). Immiticide™ is a patented medication. It is expensive and difficult to manufacture. There are frequently shortages. It stands to reason that a drug that is patented, difficult to manufacture and in short supply will be expensive no matter who you are. There is nothing that … Read more
Dogs do some truly amusing things. Most of their antics are harmless and fun, but there are a few that we, as humans, perceive as laughable that can actually signify a health related issue. Here are some that might raise red flags: #1 – Scooting People laugh at a dog dragging his rear on the floor and there is even a carpet cleaner commercial that highlights it, but actually scooting is not normal if it happens more than occasionally. … Read more
A pet’s weight is about BALANCE. It is worth the trouble to make sure that your dog is not overweight. Purina’s Life Span Study showed that normal-weight dogs lived an extra 1.8 years longer than their overweight counterparts. Think of your pet’s weight as a balancing act between input and output. When she takes in more, she has to burn off more. Summertime is great for this juggling act because her output is higher and you are so busy that … Read more
Have you ever taken your lame dog to the vet and when you arrived she was not limping anymore? Or not even acting like she felt bad, even though she was lying around at home? You are not alone. This phenomenon happens every day at my hospital. We joke with clients and say that the ramp accessing our front door is “magic”. It may seem like your dog is just trying to make you look crazy for bringing her to the … Read more
Dogs get ear infections. In fact, according to pet insurance claims, ear infections (otitis externa) are one of the top 10 most common claims. We also get a lot of phone calls about adult dogs with brown discharge coming from their ears. Most people say that they have treated him/her for ear mites with something that they got over the counter and it did not seem to work. I have even seen products at pet and sporting goods stores labeled … Read more
On July 24, Washington was the eighteenth state to enact a law allowing law enforcement to remove an animal from a car without liability if they are in danger – whether that be excessive heat or cold, or lack of ventilation or water. Under the new law, police officers will have the authority to rescue dogs and cats from unattended vehicles and will not be liable for damages caused. Prior to Washington, just 17 states have passed laws protecting dogs … Read more
There are two types of mange in dogs, Demodectic mange and Sarcoptic mange and because one type is contagious between dogs and people as well as other dogs, it is important to be aware of the differences. Both can appear as hair loss and redness of the skin, and/or itching. Demodectic mange Demodectic mange in dogs is caused by a skin mite known as Demodex Canis (and other Demodex species). Demodex mites can live on normal skin, but in cases … Read more
We hopefully all know how important heartworm preventative is, and I often get questions about my recommendation for yearly testing for heartworms. Heartworms kill dogs. But people wonder why they need to test every year and it seems like there are those on the internet that want to make veterinarians into the villains, making ridiculous and unnecessary suggestions. The American Heartworm Society is a group that helps veterinarians make unified recommendations to promote eradication of this damaging parasite and they recommend … Read more
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see your dog scratching? Allergies? Fleas? Mange? Any of these could be reasons your dog is having constant scratch-fests, and figuring out the source of his itchiness is the first step in providing relief. Below are some of the most common reasons dog owners bring their pets to see me when the scratching starts. Inhalant allergy (atopy) Atophy is a very common cause of pruritus (itching). I see patients … Read more
Dog owners tell me often that their dog was “mad” at them and acted out. I have clients that post video and photos of their pet’s destruction on social media and then everyone comments. Many of the comments reflect this exact sentiment- “He must have been mad at you for leaving him”. Dogs feel emotions (See Does My Dog Feel Jealousy?), but if your dog is extremely destructive or urinating when you are away, it’s probably not anger. Animals do … Read more
Whether you notice it as it happens or not, hair doesn’t just disappear overnight. Sudden bald patches or thinning fur on your dog’s body may be cause for alarm in a loving owner – but don’t panic! Your dog’s fur didn’t just pack up and walk away – and it’s not going to come back without some attention. Here are 5 common causes of hair loss in dogs that you can discuss with your vet if you notice your dog’s … Read more
If you love a senior dog, you want to make your friend’s life as good as it can get for as long as possible. I treat loads of senior patients and we pride ourselves on the longevity and continuing the good health of a large majority of our patients. Concerned, loving pet parents ask me how healthcare can help their senior dogs, so I have distilled my advice down to the top 5. And here they are (drum roll, please): … Read more
Everyone knows that dogs make great best friends. As a mom of an only child, my son has never known a time when there was not a dog. Anyone who has read my book notes that my Great Dane, Dora has served as his companion and playmate for all of his life. When we were looking for Dora, many of the rescue agencies deemed us as an unfit home because we had a child. But this is silly. Dogs are … Read more
Constipation in dogs is defined by the inability to pass normal stools. The stool itself can be hard and dry when it is passed and sometimes, dogs strain and are unable to produce stool at all. There are many reasons for constipation. To make a normal stool, a dog must be eating, have the ability to digest and concentrate the waste normally, have an open passageway for the stool to proceed through, have the muscle movement to push stool forward, … Read more
We talk all the time about diseases you could catch from your dog, but have you ever thought about diseases that you cannot catch from your dog? There are a handful of diseases that raise eyebrows and sometimes get blamed on pets, and our poor, innocent, pets have been taking the rap for them this whole time! Here’s a list of illnesses that have been blamed on dogs erroneously. #1 – Pinworms Pinworms are a human parasite. They do not … Read more
When I first heard about the idea of making pet treats out of crickets, it caught my attention. I had visions of the smelly little creepy crawlers that my parents fished with when I was a girl. But then I remembered the attentiveness my childhood pets always showed to leftover crickets. They seemed to want those bugs, though I never considered actually offering them back then. But now that I am a pet expert, I am always thinking about natural … Read more
Every dog parent knows that sometimes you need to take your fur friend to the vet. Dogs come in so many sizes that I thought I would explore the top 5 reasons that small breed dogs see me. All purebred dogs can probably trace back to a handful of similar ancient breeds, so there are definitely genetic predispositions in purebred dogs. Some of the problems simply are made more likely by the size, conformation or lifestyle of the patient. In … Read more
Lyme’s disease is a well-known disease that is spread by ticks to both pets and people. Projections indicate that Lyme’s disease is an ongoing risk in endemic areas and appears to be spreading. The causative agent is a bacterium called Borrelia Burgdorferi. The organism is spread from the tick to its host during feeding. Signs of infection may not show for months after the tick bite. Endemic areas include New England, the upper Ohio River Valley and the Pacific Northwest. … Read more
Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) is the most common ectoparasite in North America. He is not exclusive to cats despite his name. He is ubiquitous in environments with higher than 50% humidity. Only one stage (adult) of the flea life cycle is seen on animals and they only stay on the animal long enough to get a blood meal and lay eggs. The other three: eggs, larvae and pupae are an environmental infestation. Eggs are deposited on animals and fall off … Read more
Lyme’s disease is found in the canine species. It is caused by the bacteria, Borrelia Burgdorferi. Some scary things have been in the press about Lyme’s disease recently and clients ask me about it frequently. It is important to know the facts, so you are frightened about truly frightening things and confident about others. I have listed some things that help me gauge my level of concern about Lyme’s disease in my own dogs. According to the CDC, the disease … Read more
If you give your dog bottled water, you need to read this! Yesterday Niagara Spring bottled water issued a voluntary recall because of possible contamination of two of their Pennsylvania springs with E. Coli. The company says, “Even if it (E. coli) had been present in the incoming spring water, we utilize quality systems and disinfection technology that would ensure that our product is free from contamination. Despite this, once we were informed of the potential presence of E. coli … Read more
Does your vet speak to you in Pig Latin? Actually it is really Latin and Greek mostly. Here are some terms that I use that have gotten some questionable looks and I think that understanding what your vet is saying is the best way to have a pet health care team for your pets’ best lives. This is your crash mini course in Medical Terminology! #1 – Neoplasia The word neoplasia roughly translated from the Greek root word neo– new, … Read more
In my practice, I see large breed dogs every day. Dogs come in so many sizes that I thought I would explore the top 5 reasons that large breed dogs see me. All large breed dogs can probably trace back to a handful of similar ancient breeds, so there are definitely genetic predispositions in large and giant breeds. Some of the problems simply are made more likely by the size of the patient. #1 – Ear Infections Otitis Externa is … Read more
We all love our dogs and want the best for them. In my years as a small animal vet, I have learned a few things about keeping pets healthy and happy. Most of these points may seem intuitive, but you would be surprised how often clients seem surprised at this info. Nothing shows our pets how much they mean to us more than making their care a priority in our lives. Here’s a few hints to help if you’d like … Read more
The word “toxic” is applied to many plants. The word itself brings to mind images of horrific consequences and even death, but fortunately, few house plants are so dramatically deadly. Plants have evolved defense mechanisms over time to deter animals from damaging their foliage. It is interesting to note that some of these compounds that have been vilified in the press for harming pets are showing promise in medical research as potential cancer chemotherapeutics and groundbreaking treatments. Some of the … Read more
German Shepherds are as distinctive a breed as any; people instantly recognize these noble dogs. They are historically our soldiers and protectors. They have been police dogs, sporting friends and couch buddies. For all their prized traits, they do suffer from certain breed associated disorders that all Shepherd lovers must be aware of. Some of the issues I see regularly in Shepherds are much less common in any other dog, so the genetic and breed association cannot be refuted. This … Read more
Poison Ivy, sumac, and oak are some of the downsides of summer. They are pretty common in the US and Canada. They belong to the family that also includes cashews – I guess every family has “those” relatives! The plants contain an oil called Urushiol that causes an allergic reaction in 90% of people. It can cause a rash in pets too, especially dogs because they have areas of their bodies that are not thickly covered by hair (like the … Read more
No one is perfect and neither is their dog. But there are things you should know and your vet is probably not going to tell you. They’re not pretty, and you won’t like hearing them at all – which is probably why you will never hear these phrases come out of your vet’s mouth. Still, knowing these things will help your dog live the best life possible, and make you a more responsible pet owner. #1 You are the reason … Read more
An E-collar, short for Elizabethan collar, is a device used to prevent self-mutilation in animal patients. An animal’s instinct drives him to lick and rub in response to the itchy feeling associated with healing and can delay (or prevent) complete recovery. Some people believe that licking wounds is a natural and beneficial reaction, but it actually disrupts the healing process and impregnates the wound with bacteria. People think pets seem emotionally bothered by an Elizabethan collar. It seems cruel to … Read more
Every veterinarian knows that animal patients are driven to lick wounds. We have all seen the destructive force it can be in surgical wound healing. I can recognize a wound that has been licked the instant I see it. Not only does licking potentially introduce infection, but the act of licking can break down tissues and suture. Many people still feel that as a natural response of a dog to a wound, it is a good idea. We also know … Read more
Dog owners all face similar challenges. It is every pet lover’s nightmare to unknowingly give something to our pets that will harm them. We NEED to know if something is potentially dangerous or even outright toxic and we do not trust hearing safety studies directly from the manufacturer or anyone employed by the manufacturer. When the story about Trifexis (a monthly pill labeled to protect dogs from heartworms, intestinal parasites and fleas) broke about the product causing acute death in … Read more
Dogs are active, fun and underfoot. Their proximity to everything we do can put them in harm’s way. I see puppies stepped on and dogs hit by cars and bikes. It happens to everyone. My own dog twisted her leg somehow and fractured it right before my eyes. When I looked at her at first, I never imagined that I would find a fracture on her radiograph (x-ray), but there it was. There are also disease processes that can cause … Read more
Spring brings warm sunshine and colorful flowers… and parasites. Parasites are a real issue in our pets. They come in both internal and external varieties. Some examples of external parasites include fleas, ticks and mites. Internal parasites include heartworms and intestinal worms. External Parasites Fleas are carriers for some diseases, but not many are prevalent for our house pets. Fleas can make pets miserable and flea allergy is a common problem for our pets. Flea saliva is an extremely irritating … Read more
Everyone who has lived with or known a pug knows that they are special. Outgoing and friendly, they make people laugh with their comical antics. People love pugs for their cute smashed faces that seem to always smile. Some of my favorite patients are pugs because they always seem happy to see me, frantically wagging their curly tails and spinning around in delight. Pugs have been crossed with many other breeds and I see these “designer breeds” frequently. One of … Read more
I love animals. They are my life’s work and my passion. So naturally, I feel that no one’s life is complete without the pitter-patter of paws. There may be some nay-sayers, but fortunately, I have some heavy hitting research to back me up. Consider these, and keep these facts in your pocket for the next time you meet someone who doesn’t understand all the great ways dogs benefit the people who love them. 1. Animals Promote Faster Healing and Improved … Read more
Even the thought of worms inside your dog is pretty sickening, but with TV shows like Monsters Inside Me creating alarm, I get questions like “Can my dog give me worms?” a lot. If I go into the exam room with a new puppy and announce the results of my fecal exam to a mom and kids, for example, the mom’s eyes often widen as she glances at her children cuddling the puppy. When I was little, my mother did … Read more
Most people have suffered a stomach bug, also called viral gastroenteritis. Most of these infections in humans are attributed to norovirus. Extremely infectious among humans, it makes most who are exposed ill. According to the CDC, norovirus is responsible for 19-21 million human cases per year. Over 90% of the cruise ship incidents in which large portions of the ship’s crew and passengers fall ill with stomach bugs are attributed to norovirus. (1) In essence, norovirus is not your friend. … Read more
Toledo, United States.