You’ll find tutorials, practical advice, and insights on trending topics—all designed to help you provide the best care for your pet.
One of the most common questions I get as a veterinarian is, “Which breed of dog or cat should I buy?” It’s an understandable question. People want to find a pet that suits their lifestyle and will live a long, healthy life. However, my answer often surprises them: adopting a mixed-breed pet is the best…
Read more
If your dog has been scratching its ears a lot or you’ve noticed an unpleasant smell coming from them, they may have an ear infection. Ear infections are common in dogs, especially those with floppy ears or allergies. Left untreated, these infections can cause discomfort, pain, and even long-term damage. The good news is that…
Read more
Snoring in pets may seem harmless or even endearing, but for certain breeds, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition known as Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome (BRS). This condition primarily affects brachycephalic breeds, which are dogs and cats with short skulls and “pushed-in” faces. Common breeds prone to BRS include: If your pet…
Read more
Pets are incredibly intuitive when it comes to sensing human emotions, often offering comfort when they detect distress. However, when it comes to their own pain, they are far less expressive. Unlike humans, who can verbally communicate pain, pets instinctively hide discomfort. This can make it challenging for pet owners to recognize when their dog…
Read more
When legal disputes involve animals, determining the right course of action can be challenging. Whether addressing cases of neglect, abuse, or veterinary malpractice, courts often rely on expert opinions to reach fair decisions. This is where a veterinary expert witness plays a crucial role. These professionals bring their veterinary knowledge and experience into legal proceedings,…
Read more
Choosing the right veterinarian is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your pet. Just like finding a doctor for yourself, you want a vet who is knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate. A great veterinarian will not only provide quality medical care but also help guide you through preventive care, nutrition, and any health…
Read more
Cats are naturally curious creatures, and many pet owners are tempted to share their meals with their feline friends. However, what may seem harmless to humans can be dangerous—or even fatal—to cats. Certain foods contain toxins that can cause severe health issues, from digestive problems to organ failure. Even small amounts of some foods can…
Read more
Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine and the dedication of pet owners, our dogs and cats are living longer than ever. However, with longer lives come age-related health challenges, including arthritis. Just like humans, pets experience joint degeneration over time, leading to pain and mobility issues. Arthritis commonly develops in dogs around age five or…
Read more
Holistic pet care is an approach that considers the overall well-being of an animal rather than just treating symptoms. It integrates natural remedies, proper nutrition, and emotional well-being to support long-term health. For cat and dog owners, holistic care offers alternative and complementary solutions that align with their pets’ natural needs. Whether it’s improving diet,…
Read more
Megaesophagus is a condition that affects a dog’s ability to swallow and digest food properly. This disorder occurs when the muscles of the esophagus become weak and fail to push food into the stomach efficiently. As a result, food can become trapped in the esophagus, leading to regurgitation and potential complications like aspiration pneumonia. For…
Read more
Obesity isn’t just a human health crisis; it’s also a growing problem for our canine companions. Studies show that more than half of all pet dogs are overweight or obese, leading to serious health complications, including diabetes. Just like in people, excess weight in dogs often results from consuming too many calories and not getting…
Read more
Water is essential for keeping your cat healthy, but unlike dogs, cats don’t always drink enough on their own. Since cats evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors, they have a naturally low thirst drive and get much of their hydration from food. However, modern diets, especially dry kibble, require cats to drink more water to stay properly…
Read more
Dogs are known for their loyalty, companionship, and ability to bring joy to our lives. Whether you’re petting a dog at home, meeting a therapy dog, or interacting with service dogs for anxiety, one of the most common ways humans express affection toward dogs is through petting. But do dogs like being petted? While most dogs…
Read more
A dog coughing can have many causes, ranging from mild infections to serious health conditions. Some causes are more common in young dogs, while others tend to affect older dogs. Understanding the type of cough and associated symptoms can help determine when veterinary care is needed. Common Causes of Coughing in Dogs Coughing in dogs…
Read more
Dogs can vomit for all sorts of reasons, from scarfing down something they shouldn’t to serious underlying health issues. Unlike in humans, a dog vomiting can be a sign of something urgent. So, when is it okay to monitor at home, and when should you get your vet involved? When Vomiting Is an Emergency Contact…
Read more
I was living on the Big Island of Hawaii, taking care of two of the greatest dogs I’ve ever met. Maui, a 12-year-old rotund Jack Russell Terrier, and his companion Thao, a gray mix breed that looks like a basenji cross. Unfortunately, they have no clue that lurking in their yard is a cane toad…
Read more
My technician and I just got back from a wonderful veterinary ophthalmology conference and would like to share some things we learned. Cats and Dogs are susceptible to several disease states of the eye. Most of these problems are best handled by Veterinary Ophthalmologists- specialists that have an additional 4- 5 years of training and…
Read more
Few things are as frustrating for cat owners as discovering their feline friend has been peeing outside the litter box. Whether it’s on furniture, clothing, or the floor, inappropriate urination is a common but serious issue that can stem from medical, behavioral, or environmental factors. If your cat is suddenly peeing on your belongings, it’s…
Read more
If your kitty vomits up a hairball, the vomiting might have been caused by the hairball. But most vomiting in cats has nothing to do with hairballs. More importantly, a cat vomiting is never “normal”. Let’s look at what causes vomiting in cats and the treatment options available. What Causes Vomiting in Cats? A cat Vomiting is…
Read more
Bringing home new animals can be stressful to all parties involved. Pre-planning makes life easier for everybody. In today’s article, let’s take the stress out of animal introductions by looking at the best way to introduce a new kitty into a household. Bringing a Kitty Home If you don’t have any other animals, introducing a…
Read more
We all know obesity is an epidemic in our society today, and our cats are no exception to this rule. Roughly 70% of the cats I see in my practice are obese. The cause is generally human in nature. Leaving the cat food dish out all the time, poor diet or too many calories in and…
Read more
A cat’s sense of smell is incredibly sharp and plays a vital role in how they interact with their environment. With an olfactory system far more sensitive than that of humans, cats can detect scents from great distances, guiding their behaviors, safety, and social interactions. From finding food to marking territory, their sense of smell…
Read more
Tuna is a popular treat for many cats, but is it really safe for them to eat regularly? While many pet owners assume that fish is a natural and healthy choice for felines, an unusual case involving an 11-year-old Burmese cat named Nikita revealed the hidden dangers of a tuna-heavy diet. When Nikita suddenly developed…
Read more
Bad breath in our pets is exactly like it is in humans. Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease (tartar and gingivitis) generally cause bad breath in pets. In the “old days,” our dogs and cats often didn’t live long enough to be concerned with the health of their teeth. Now, our dogs and cats are…
Read more
Why can’t my dog hear anymore? Is there any way I can help? If your dog is aging, dogs can experience “normal” hearing loss that is not a cause for alarm. However, you might need to change your communication style with a dog that has experienced hearing loss. Dogs can understand hand signals like people…
Read more
If you’ve noticed your cat scratching its ears excessively or finding small scratches on its head near the ears, it’s natural to wonder what might be causing the irritation. Ear issues in cats can stem from several conditions, the most common being ear mites or an ear infection. Understanding the symptoms and differences between these…
Read more
My dogs and I have spent many wonderful days hiking within an hour of Seattle. Bodhi (the amputee) has managed up to 10 miles, and Reina (the rat terrier) is a mountain goat. She seems to be able to go forever, or at least, farther than I can. She made it up Mailbox peak recently…
Read more
In the Spring and Fall, veterinarians see an increasing number of itching dogs. In this article, I will address why dogs itch and what can be done about it. Most allergens in dogs are expressed through their skin and ears and sometimes as anal gland issues. Dogs are allergic to many things, but the top…
Read more
If your pet struggles with anxiety, you’re not alone. Many pet owners deal with behavioral issues like excessive barking, destructive chewing, or trembling during thunderstorms. Whether it’s separation anxiety, noise phobias, or stress from new environments, managing pet anxiety can be challenging—especially when a trip to the vet is enough to make things worse. That’s…
Read more
Thanks to advances in veterinary care, high-quality diets, and increased awareness of pet safety, our dogs are living longer than ever. Some even reach their late teens or beyond. But with longer lifespans comes a higher likelihood of age-related health issues, including bone cancer. When I first started practicing veterinary medicine 20 years ago, cancer…
Read more
Finding lumps or bumps on your dog or cat can be alarming. Is it something harmless, like a lipoma (benign fatty tumor), or could it be something more serious? Many pet owners face this question, and while not every lump is cause for concern, it’s always best to have it checked by a veterinarian. Early…
Read more
Veterinary care costs have skyrocketed due to increased demand and rising expenses for equipment, medications, and skilled staff. Routine checkups, emergency treatments, and specialized procedures can add up quickly, leaving pet owners with hefty bills. Without a dedicated savings fund, unexpected veterinary expenses can become overwhelming. Pet insurance provides financial security, allowing you to focus…
Read more
Unconditional love, eternal gratitude, and joy are expressed in wagging tails and purrs. A warm, soft body to cuddle with. A simple lifestyle. Facial expressions that reflect our every mood. Kisses whenever we want them. These are but a few of the wonderful things our pet companions bring into our lives. It’s Spring for us and…
Read more
Marijuana legalization has brought a host of changes, but one that’s often overlooked is its impact on pet safety. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand how marijuana toxicity in dogs has become an alarming issue. When a pet owner says “My dog got into my pot,” there is always cause for alarm as the substance…
Read more
The relationship between pets and their owners is built on trust, love, and shared experiences. Whether you’ve had your pet for years or just welcomed a new furry friend into your home, the way you live your daily life plays a huge role in shaping your bond between pet and owner. From daily routines to…
Read more
Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety, which may affect their behavior, health, and overall quality of life. Whether it’s separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or stress from changes in routine, many dogs struggle with anxious feelings. That often leads to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and even physical symptoms like panting, pacing, and drooling.…
Read more
Many of us take care of our kitties by providing food and water every day. Keeping your cat active is also essential for their overall health and happiness. While many people assume that cats are naturally independent and don’t require much exercise, the reality is that regular physical activity is just as important for them…
Read more
As dogs age, their nutritional needs also change. Just like humans, they experience shifts in metabolism, energy levels, and overall health, so getting your senior dog proper nutrition is important. A tailored diet can help support healthy weight, joint function, and manage conditions like arthritis and kidney disease. In this guide, I’ll share expert tips…
Read more