ask a vet

Everywhere you look are scary stories and threats. The threat of the Kissing Bug and the disease it carries is no different. Here is what you should know: Chagas Disease is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The parasite lives inside an insect vector called “kissing bug”. These insects are biting bugs, so named because they like to bite people around the mouth and eyes. The parasite can infect people and dogs. Chagas Disease is much more prevalent in … 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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