Do Cats Need Water Fountains?
What’s the idea behind a water fountain? We’ve been told that if water is moving, cats are more likely to drink it. And it’s probably because cats find it entertaining to watch the water move. (Especially after eating catnip.) The bubbling water also introduces...
How Many Times a Day Should I Feed My Puppy/Kitten?
Common guidance says three times a day. There’s even some guidance for the really tiny little teacup type dogs that they need to be fed every two hours. Let’s really look at this. And let’s also look at when we should stop feeding our puppies like puppies and...
Vitamin D, Pets, and the Sun
It’s good common knowledge in humans that exposure to the sun helps our bodies make vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed for proper calcium metabolism, thus bone density and bone growth. Hormone production and fights depression. May fight cancer. There’s a good long list,...
Why Are Dogs so Fr54$ing Itchy?
These days, more and more dogs, younger and younger, are presenting with itch. It’s soooo frustrating. Pet owners want to know why. Let’s explore a few facets of this condition. First, a little history: What we learned in vet school (understand that I...
Hotspots in All of Their Glory
You know what a hotspot looks like right? It’s red, and probably wet because your dog has been chewing at it. And if you put your hand on it, it’s warm. Thus, it’s called a hotspot. But if you go to the regular Veterinarian, they’re going to say “oh my gosh there’s...
Why Cage Rest Makes Me Crazy
Let's picture this scenario: your dog hurt something...whether he’s limping or holding up a leg or not walking. The advice from the regular vet is no exercise. No movement. Sit in a cage for six weeks. And yes, I’m sure they prescribed something, allegedly for pain....
Should I Buy an Elevated Dish for My Dog?
You’ve seen these right? They come in really pretty stands? Very well decorated. Gives you the idea that it’s going to help you keep the floor clean. And the company selling them want you to think that it’s going to reduce your risk of bloat in your dog. Or maybe it...
I Want to Do Titers
Great! Obviously, you’ve been doing a little bit of research on vaccinating your pets and perhaps vaccine alternatives for pets. You’ve discovered that there’s a blood test that measures antibody levels which can demonstrate to the world that your dog has...
What Does a Dog in Heat Look Like?
Let's talk female pets in heat. We have some pretty heavy duty misconceptions in the United States, and a lot of it because the grand majority of our dogs and cats are all surgically altered (sterilized or spayed). Castrated in the case of males. Also called neutered....
How Often Should I Get Blood Work Done on My Pet?
This is a trick question! And to answer it, there are several other questions you should ask yourself first. Let’s start with the purpose of blood work. If you’re trying to identify problems before they happen, bloodwork actually is not the way to do it. Bloodwork...