Can my dog or cat get coronavirus COVID-19?
With all the concern about coronavirus now, I often get asked whether dogs or cats can get coronavirus or COVID-19. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, we veterinarians were really only familiar with the coronavirus in cats that causes severe, potentially life-threatening Feline Infectious Peritonitis. (You can read more about that here or listen to the podcast I did on this with Pet Life Radio on #ERVet. But this is a different type – specifically alpha-coronavirus.) In dogs, coronavirus...
Read MoreA new food that reduces how allergic you may be to your cat?
Purina® Pro Plan® Announces Imminent Product Breakthrough in Management of Cat Allergens Pro Plan LiveClear™ is first cat food shown to neutralize Fel d 1, the most common cat allergen ST. LOUIS — Veterinarians can soon recommend a feline-friendly option in the management of cat allergens: Purina Pro Plan LiveClear, the first and only cat food that reduces the allergens in cat hair and dander. This breakthrough diet, available in April 2020, is the culmination of more than a...
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How to care for young puppies and kittens
If you just found a very young kitten or happened to rescue a litter of newborn puppies, this article is a must read! Taking care of neonates or pediatric puppies and kittens is very different from taking care of adult animals, as it requires a lot of energy, time, and commitment. That’s because it’s almost an hourly job. First, let’s clarify a few definitions in animals: Neonate: Defined as 0-2 weeks of ageInfant: Defined as 2-6 weeks of ageJuvenile: Defined as 6-12 weeks of...
Read MoreWhat not to do if you can’t afford your veterinary bill…
Recently, I learned of a man who faces criminal charges after he set fire to an emergency veterinary hospital in Oregon after “a billing disagreement involving his cat.” Yes, set fire to a veterinary hospital! WTH? The Springfield Police arrested this man on January 30 for suspicion of Arson 1, Criminal Mischief 1, and 10 counts of Reckless Endangering. Thankfully, no veterinary staff were hurt, and firefighters risked their life (Thank you!) to respond to the...
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Cholecalciferol poisoning in dogs and cats
Cholecalciferol is the chemical name for Vitamin D3, and is commonly found in many household products. Sources of Vitamin D3 – or even the less potent form D2 – include the following: Vitamin D3 multivitaminsConcentrated Baby Vitamin D DropsOver-the-counter supplementsPrescription strength supplements or vitaminsOmega Fatty Acid Vitamin D3 GummiesTopical psoriasis cream (commonly called “Dovonex” and fond in the form of calcipotriene)Mouse and D-con Rat Poison Despite having...
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Mushroom I’m-Yunity for dogs with cancer
December 2019 If your dog was just diagnosed with one of my most hated cancers: hemangiosarcoma (typically of the spleen, liver and right atrium of the heart), read on. I’ve previously written about hemangiosarcoma here. While surgery and chemotherapy are invasive, there are a few newer options out there. Including a few holistic medications like turkey tail mushroom and yunnan baiyao. I’ve also written about some up and coming research about newer drugs (called...
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