Seizures In Goldendoodles: How Common Are They & What To Do
Canine seizures are life threatening and frightening. Here’s what to do if your dog has one.
Seizures In Goldendoodles: How Common Are They & What To Do Read More »
Canine seizures are life threatening and frightening. Here’s what to do if your dog has one.
Seizures In Goldendoodles: How Common Are They & What To Do Read More »
The decision to euthanize a dog is the hardest decision that one ever will face as a dog owner. Deciding whether to be present for a dog’s final moments can be almost as difficult.
Dog Euthanasia: When Is the Right Time? Should You Be Present? Read More »
A few weeks ago, my family (which consists of Denise, Buster, and me) was sleeping in together. Denise and I both had the day off, and Buster is retired, so we were taking advantage of the opportunity to laze around. I was awakened by a horrible noise. The window was open, and I assumed that
Borborygmi In Dogs: Causes, Reasons & What To Do Read More »
They’re unpleasant, but they’re a fact of life. Here’s what happens when they don’t function properly.
Dog Anal Glands: Everything You Need to Know (Ask a Vet) Read More »
My editor at Dogster recently forwarded some promotional materials to me. The materials were from a company that makes dog beds, blankets, car seat protectors, furniture such as cots, and clothing. The products have a twist: They are impregnated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide. It also is an insect repellant. It is an ingredient
Is Permethrin Safe For Dogs? Facts & FAQ Read More »
Dogs and humans share many similarities in medicine and physiology; the similarities are far more numerous than the differences. But the devil is in the details, and when it comes to xylitol, the details make all the difference. Look up xylitol for humans and you will see long lists of uses and benefits. Look up
Xylitol Poisoning In Dogs: Signs, Treatments & Prevention Read More »
I recently received a letter from Donna. In the letter, she raises a few interesting points. I would like to know if my dog will be OK. She was at the vet and had a good checkup, but before the appointment this lady came in and placed her dog right beside my dog, then proceeded
Will My Dog Catch a Disease or Fleas at the Vet’s Office? Keep Your Pup Safe Read More »
When I was in my final, clinical year of veterinary school, I rotated through the oncology department. My first oncology patient was a Golden Retriever. Several days before coming to the Davis teaching hospital, the owner had noticed that the dog had developed several lumps. The dog had gone to his family veterinarian, who identified
Lymphoma In Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatment Read More »
Horses are said to grow long in the tooth as they age. I sometimes quip that dogs do the opposite. As they chew and play with balls (especially abrasive tennis balls) and toys, their teeth wear down. Elderly dogs often grow short in the tooth. My very good pal Buster is growing metaphorically short in
At Least 34 Beagles Died to Prove the Safety of My Dog’s Arthritis Medicine Read More »
Several months ago, a very nice lady brought her very nice Golden Retriever to my office. The unfortunate dog did not feel well. The well-meaning owner had wanted to give her dog a special treat. She cooked a beef knuckle bone and gave it to the dog. An hour later, the bone was gone. An hour
My Dog Ate A Rib Bone: What Should I Do? Read More »
Not long ago I treated a 3-year-old French Bulldog in the middle of the night. The unfortunate dog had suffered a seizure just before he was taken to my office. It was the dog’s first seizure. As is typical for such a situation, the dog’s owner had a great deal of epinephrine and cortisol running through his
What If My Dog Has A Seizure When I’m Not Home? What To Do Read More »
A reader named Jeannine recently sent me this question through Facebook: I will be bringing home a puppy soon. She will be 8 weeks old and will have had her initial vaccinations/vet visits. When should I next take her to the vet? It is very exciting and inevitably challenging (but very worth it) to have a new puppy
When To Take A Puppy To The Vet For The First Time? Facts & FAQ Read More »
Halloween marked the official start of canine chocolate season, which peaks around Christmas and finally tapers out a short while after Valentine’s Day. Chocolate ingestion, of course, occurs year round, but between these holidays, I note a surge of people who call my office asking for advice on how to make their dog vomit. Decontamination —
How To Make My Dog Vomit Without Hydrogen Peroxide: Safety Facts & FAQ Read More »
Several weeks ago, a gentleman came to my clinic with his English Bulldog. The first thing the man said was, “I think he has a dental abscess.” Dental abscesses are one of the many unpleasant and unhealthy end results of untreated dental disease. In dogs, a primary feature of dental disease is infection. It is
French Bulldog Teeth Problems: Common Issues, Prevention & Treatments Read More »
If your dog, like mine, enjoys fetching and retrieving, I have a recommendation: Buy a Chuckit. What a genius invention — there is no need to get your hand slimy with dog drool, and the device allows for superhuman throwing distances. Heck, with a Chuckit you don’t even need to bend over to pick up
My Dog’s Tooth is Turning Purple, What’s Wrong? Facts & FAQ Read More »
I will never forget the first time I witnessed a seizure. I was about 12 years old, and I was in my childhood kitchen with my mother and my cat (yes, this article is about dogs, but bear with me). The cat walked into the middle of the room, and then adopted a distant, disoriented
Seizures In Older Dogs: Why Do Older Dogs Have Seizures? Read More »
In January, I wrote about a dog who swallowed a penny. The dog suffered a number of complications, including anemia, due to the toxicity of the penny’s zinc. Acute (sudden onset) anemia can occur as a complication of zinc toxicity. However, zinc toxicity is not the only cause of acute anemia in dogs. There is
Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) In Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatments Read More »
Recently I have noted another uptick in the number of people contacting me about marijuana intoxication in dogs. For the record, I am not a veterinary toxicologist. I am, however, a veterinarian who practices in a part of the country where marijuana, although not technically legal, might as well be. One of my first memories
My Dog Ate An Edible, What Should I Do! Read More »
Several years ago I signed up for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s so-called “Clinician’s Outreach” mailing list. Members of the list receive updates from CDC about emergent disease threats. Obviously, one needn’t be a physician to subscribe. Anyone who is interested can sign up. Over the years I have observed CDC’s response to a
Ask a Vet: Is a Dog’s Voice Changing a Symptom of Rabies? Read More »
A puppy came to the emergency vet with frightening symptoms. Were they caused by a vaccine or was something more serious going on?
Ask a Vet: What’s the Strangest Vaccine Reaction You’ve Ever Seen? Read More »
Foxtails hurt dogs all over. These stories illustrate the dangers of canine public enemy No. 1.
How To Remove Foxtail From Dog Paw: Simple Steps Read More »
This dog showed symptoms of a uterus infection, but she was supposedly spayed. What happened?
Can A Spayed Dog Get Pyometra? Facts & FAQ Read More »
A TV news report says a common heartworm and flea preventative may be killing dogs — but it has all the hallmarks of an unfounded rumor.
Ask a Vet: Does Trifexis Really Kill Dogs or Is It a Myth? Facts Explained Read More »
People sometimes offer things that dogs can’t safely eat; that can cause problems.
What To Do When People Feed Your Dog Treats? Important Considerations Read More »
I believe the procedure still has big problems — and its renewed push looks like it has more to do with profit than revolutionizing sterilization.
Zinc Neuter for Dogs: What Is It, Safety & Ethics Read More »
It’s dystocia — when a dog can’t deliver puppies — and I hate it largely because of bad owners.
Dystocia In Dogs: Causes, Signs & Diagnosis Read More »
Foxtails hurt dogs all over. These stories illustrate the dangers of canine public enemy No. 1.
Why Are Foxtails Bad For Dogs? Facts & FAQ Read More »
Dr. Barchas, I have a Bulldog. He has a dry hacking cough and some choking. Because I can’t afford to take him to the vet, what can I give him to help with his coughing? Ronald Fort Worth, Texas I think Bulldogs are really cool. They always have big, fun personalities. But humanity has not
How To Help a Bulldog Breathe Better: Tips & Tricks Read More »
Here’s a question I recently received: I went camping with my Chihuahua in Bodega Bay six weeks ago. I noticed some thorns on the nose. I have taken the dog to a vet in Santa Fe and NYC because he violently shakes his head, sneezes, and hits his nose on ground maybe one to three
Is a Foxtail in My Dog’s Nose Making Him Sneeze? What to Watch Out For Read More »
Take heed: Unvaccinated older puppies have needs that are different from their younger counterparts.
Puppy Vaccination Schedule: What & When Do They Need Their Shots Read More »
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