One of the frustrations associated with being a veterinarian is the all-too-common request for free advice. My problem isn’t really with the "free" aspect of it; I just know that chances are I’m not going to be able to tell you anything definitive about your pet’s...

I seem to have genetics on the brain lately. I’ve written a couple of posts about the evolution of the domestic dog, and now I just have to tell you about a paper outlining the genetic origins of Thoroughbred race horses that I came across today.   First,...

One of the things I hear most frequently from cat owners is how much their pets hate visiting the veterinary hospital. Certainly, some dogs feel this way too (I try not to take it personally), but I’m constantly amazed by many dogs' "glass half full" approach to life.   "Sure,...

For years, preoccupation with achieving a certain weight has been the goal of weight loss programs. But weight has proven to be an inaccurate measure of fitness.   In humans, the Body Mass Index, or BMI, has replaced weight. The BMI compares weight...

Last week, we provided Pet Poison Helpline’s top 10 most frequently reported poison dangers that dogs get into. Well, with that list comes the companion top 10 most common breeds...

quot;Should I get health insurance for my pet?" "How do the benefits compare to the cost?" "Which company and plan are best for my pet and me?" These are some common questions I get from clients who are seeking a means of ensuring (Ha! Puns.) that their cats...

There is a lot of controversy nowadays about vaccinations. Which vaccinations should your puppy get? How often does your puppy need to be vaccinated? Do you really have to go back every three weeks for another vaccine? How important is all this anyway?   Times...

When I was in veterinary school, a good friend of mine got a new Ibizan Hound puppy that she named Noah. I remember some days when she would just sit down and cry because he was so unruly.   He turned out to be the most wonderful dog, and my own dog’s...

It’s a beautiful evening at your house. You’re having a lovely barbecue in the cool spring air, your dog is happily visiting with your guests, but there is one guest in particular who has become the recipient of your adolescent pup’s love — as is evidenced by...

Last week, we considered this question about the younger, healthy pet. I’ve seen a number of references in the comments to this blog about having older pets and wondering if they were insurable or not.   There are several pet insurance companies...

This week’s post is a follow-up to last week’s post. One of my favorite quotes is a proverb that says: When is the best time to plant a tree? Answer: 20 years ago When is the next best time to plant a tree?

If you listen to consumer watch groups or read publications like Consumer Reports, you might decide that pet insurance just isn’t worth it.   In their

A dog is a dog is a dog, right? Not quite – at least when we’re talking nutrition. While dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes do have similar nutritional needs, there are some subtle but important differences that owners should be aware of.   I’ve...

I’ve talked before about the wealth of information that, by law, has to be printed on all pet food labels. Today, I want to touch upon something that isn’t listed … the quality of the ingredients that make up the food.   Ingredient...

I recently sat in on a short lecture on nutrigenomics as it applies to the development of new pet foods. My initial response was probably the same as the one you are having right now … nutro-g-what?   Nutrigenomics is the study of how nutrients...