My cat has all but stopped using the litter box, and has accidents at night. What can I do to re-train him?
We should ask a few questions to get to the underlying problem here. First, it is advisable to rule-out a bladder infection. A urine sample and visit to your veterinarian will help do that. Another biological cause of missing the box is difficulty pooping. Really,...
What’s the big deal about “RAW” anyway?
Opponents of feeding raw food come in a few different types: the disgusted, the cost and time “conscious,”and the “evidence-based medicine” group. Those who are disgusted are often vegetarian and just can’t stand the raw meat idea. I do have a few clients who will...
What are the top illnesses most quickly reversed by proper nutrition?
Bladder infection Ear infections Skin infections Anal glands Shedding Feline diabetes Constipation/diarrhea Allergies (with a caveat – some are this easy, some are quite difficult, and some are in the middle) Dental disease (after a professional dental cleaning so you...
Should I give my dog heart worm preventative all year round?
This depends on where you live. In order for the heartworm microfilariae (baby worms) to survive in the mosquito, temperatures have to be over 67F for 2 weeks. This could be most of the year in the south. In the north, not as much of the year. Heartworm disease is...
My veterinarian requires blood work to be redone before each surgery. What are my risks if I refuse it?
Just as we do in human hospitals, requiring pre-surgical bloodwork is an attempt to find subclinical problems before they cause problems during surgery. In pets, a pre-anesthetic blood screen usually looks at blood glucose, and a few tests to evaluate liver and kidney...
I have a mixed breed dog (a mutt!). How long should I expect her to live?
My dog has cherry eye. Do you recommend we operate to remove it.
Cherry eye is prolapse of the third eyelid. Dogs have an extra eyelid compared to humans – it helps protect their eye and keep it moist. The third eyelid also makes 60-70% of the tears in the eye. People don’t like the look of cherry eye – and they worry that their...
What’s the most common preventable health problem you see in pets in your clinic?
Lyme and pancreatitis. Because my clinics are located in a rural setting, ticks (and lyme) are a problem for us. Some of my clients live in what I un-affectionately call, tick central. Even though they use monthly tick prevention, it has become less effective....
What’s the most common training mistake people make with a new puppy?
This one’s easy: Not starting training right away. It’s as easy as saying good sit when the puppy sits anyway. Say, good potty when potty comes out in the right place. Say good puppy when the puppy chews on a toy. Catch the pup doing things right from the very...
I’m looking at all of the pet food choices and know that homemade is best. But are there any bag foods you recommend? And what ingredients should be WARNING signs of a pet food to avoid?
You have no idea the difficulty of the question you are asking! 🙂 I have a heck of a time suggesting any dry kibble. Here’s the truth: Dry food makes dry pets. 75-90% of the moisture is removed from the food to make it dry. But, if you have to go dry, here are some...