All of the sudden, my dog isn’t eating his food. What should I do?
There are many, many possible causes for this. So, let me go through a few of the most possible. First, how long has it been? If everything else seems to be “normal” with your pet, it’s okay to go up to 24 hours without eating. It’s possible he has the flu. Of course,...
My Dog Licks the Furniture Constantly. What is this About?
Oh no! It’s very possible the poor guy has a tummy ache. Maybe his prepared kibble is giving him some acid reflux? But, it could also be a hiatal hernia, which is a weakness of the diaphragm that allows a bubble of stomach to come up into the chest cavity. Humans with...
How Long Does he Have Doc?
This question is understandable when asked by the pet owner - after all, the pet being discussed is a member of the family. The ability to plan for end of life measures gives the pet owner something tangible to hold on to. However, when...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia Origin: France Extraction Method: steam distilled from the flowering tops The name ‘lavender’ is derived from the Latin ‘lavare’ meaning “to wash”. It has been used for thousands of years for its ability to disinfect, soothe...
What Happened to the Diagnostics?
Diagnostic testing is the mainstay of veterinary medicine. Diagnostics are used to determine the underlying cause of illness and suggest the correct path for treatment. Diagnostic testing may include bloodwork, radiographs (x-rays), ultrasound, fecal exams,...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Powdered Cellulose
Recently, clients have asked me to review their food labels and one ingredient has been showing up frequently is powdered cellulose. What the heck it that? This hard to understand definition is put forth by the organization, AAFCO (look on your food bag) that...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Brown Rice
Brown rice provides a quality source of fiber as well as a great source of other nutrients and phytonutrients. Brown rice is lightly processed (removing only the outermost layer—the hull), allowing it to retain high levels of Vitamin B3, B1, B6, manganese, and...
I Just Saw Something on Social Media About Leptospirosis in Dogs. Do I Need to be Worried?
The media, whether it's a social or not, definitely knows how to create hype. A review of the biology of leptospirosis infection as well as the efficacy of the vaccine will help the pet owner debunk the current media-stirred frenzy. First, leptospirosis,...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Aloe Vera
Ingredient Spotlight: Aloe Vera Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis Origin: Northern Africa Texture: Thin, clear liquid (Aloe vera gel has a clear, thick gelatinous consistency) Extraction Method: Scraped from the inner filet of the plant leaves Aloe vera is widely known...
Special Ingredient Saturday – Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a rich source of B-complex vitamins, Vitamin D, A, and C. Animal studies have shown that mushrooms help cancerous tumors and also serve as a cancer preventive.