The Scoop… about POOP
Yes, we’re talking feces today, and — yes — it’s a big deal. As pet owners, it’s important that we pay attention to the dog’s and cat’s poop. What does it looks like? How does it smell? What is its texture? It’s color, etc. (see post). Answers to these questions...
Holiday Stress and Our Pets
It’s pretty well known that the holidays are a time of stress for humans. Signs of stress may include weight gain, tiredness, or moodiness. Interestingly, we humans aren’t the only ones to experience stress and weight gain over the holidays - so do our pets. It might...
Is $259 a Year Really Enough Money?
According to a recent article, pet food spending is at an all time high. The average annual dog food expense is $259. The average for cats is $225 each year. Plus $127 and $58 a year on dog on cat treats, respectively. Quite a few factors go into this number - let’s...
Pet “Health” – Backwards
I’m going to write this post backwards. First, I’ll list a bunch of symptoms (called clinical signs in animals) and have you go through the list. Tell yourself how many of these clinical signs you have experienced. With your pets, of course. Think of the different...
We are Getting the Impression Dogs and Cats are Dangerous!
It’s a matter of time until dogs and cats need warning labels. I’m not talking breed-ism. This is a new, perceived danger most people are not even aware of. It’s because of food - at least so they say. Have you read the words in some of the recent recall notices? They...
Business must be good-veterinarians are shaming their clients
Remember the days of cat and dog shaming? Really cute pictures on the Internet with signs where the pet was admitting to silly things like destroying the trash? The ante has been upped! Now, when pet owners go to a veterinarian, if the veterinarian doesn’t agree with...
LarPar (Laryngeal Paralysis) – What Do You Need to Know?
Much of what we know about laryngeal paralysis (LarPar or LP) comes from horses. In horses, it’s sometimes called “roaring”; horses on the track will make strange breath sounds when running hard when they have LP such that they sound like they are roaring. But first,...
The Common, but Unexpected, Cause of Ear Infections
Ear infections are common in both cats and dogs. And they are painful! Affected dogs and cats will often rub their head, whimper, hold their head sideways, and flinch when touched. The ear can be hot, swollen, smelly, and sometimes have a discharge. Occasionally, pets...
What Pet U.S. Owners Can Learn From The Europeans (And Vice Versa)
I can’t help it - wherever I go I’m always fascinated by the animals and their care. Regionally, the character of animals changes by location. For example, it’s more common to see small dogs in cities. Big dogs tend to be more common where there is more space. Sure,...
Pets are Dying
Dogs and cats are dying from nutrition related diseases. And it’s insidious. It’s not obvious at all. (Of course, humans are also dying from dietary related diseases but I’m a veterinarian so let’s talk about the species I know best: our pets, dogs and cats. Even...