The Call the Vet Show - a longer, happier life for your dog and cat: Recent Episodes

Dr Alex Avery

Pets are family, and knowing the best way to care for your dog or cat can be a real challenge for even the most experienced pet parent. Join veterinarian Dr. Alex Avery, and his expert guests, as he shares his years of pet health experience with you, while also diving into the topics you really need to know about to ensure your pet is living their best life! From preventing disease and daily healthcare tips, all the way through to understanding the best options for treatment if sickness or injury strikes. Be confident that you are making the best choices possible so that your dog and cat can live the full and happy life you want for them. This podcast is a must-listen for every dog and cat owner who wants the very best for their pet!

Are you worried about what goes into your pet’s food bowl? Overwhelmed by conflicting advice online about kibble, raw, and fresh diets?

In this episode, we unravel the truth behind ultra-processed pet food—cutting through the marketing buzzwords, viral social media claims, and heated arguments.

Discover what “ultra-processed” really means, whether kibble lives up to its bad reputation, and how you can confidently choose the best diet for your furry family member.

Tune in for evidence-based insights and practical tips that will help you make the healthiest, safest, and most realistic choices for your pet—without the guilt trip.

Don’t miss this honest, myth-busting conversation every pet owner needs to hear!

Then dive into more detail at https://ourpetshealth.com/info/ultraprocessed-kibble

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Are you worried about your young pet's health? Confused by all the advice swirling online about kibble, vaccines, and vet care?

In this eye-opening episode of "Call the Vet," Dr. Alex shares some tough love about the three biggest causes of poor health in young pets—issues often overlooked until it's too late.

Learn how to spot weight problems, tackle dental disease before it leads to pain, and what no one tells you about breed-related risks.

Armed with practical tips and expert insights, you’ll feel empowered to give your furry friend their healthiest, happiest life. Hit play and discover how you can prevent problems before they begin!

Dive into more detail over in the show notes

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Is your dog struggling with epileptic seizures? Wondering about the best treatment options to help them live a full and happy life?

In this episode of the Call the Vet podcast, Dr. Alex breaks down everything you need to know about seizure treatments—from trusted medications like phenobarbitone and Pexion, to alternative therapies including medium-chain fatty acids, omega-3s, and CBD oil.

Discover which options may work best for your dog, learn about side effects, costs, and practical tips for managing epilepsy, and find out how most dogs with epilepsy can still enjoy a fantastic quality of life.

For more information check out the show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-seizure-treatment

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Making medical decisions for your pet isn’t always straightforward—especially when budgets, emotions, and complex treatment options all collide.

In this episode, Dr. Alex breaks down how to think clearly and confidently about recommended blood tests, long-term medications, and the tough choices that come with chronic conditions like arthritis, allergies, and more.

You’ll learn how vets use monitoring tests, when they genuinely influence treatment decisions, and when it might be reasonable to delay or decline certain diagnostics.

We explore risk tolerance, affordability, and how to prioritise what’s essential for your pet’s wellbeing without feeling overwhelmed or guilty.

Most importantly, you’ll gain practical questions to ask your vet so you can make fully informed decisions that work for your pet, your situation, and your budget.

If you’re struggling with a difficult care decision or just want a clearer framework to follow, be sure to check out the Treatment Decision Toolkit. It includes step-by-step guidance, videos, and an interactive pet-health decision wizard to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more confident.

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

What happens when your beloved pet gets diagnosed with cancer? In this episode of the Call the Vet podcast, Dr. Alex sits down with board-certified veterinary oncologist Dr. Nicole Leibman for a candid, myth-busting conversation about cancer in our furry family members.

From the most common warning signs and why early detection matters, to breakthroughs in treatment (including cutting-edge immunotherapies!), Dr. Nicole shares insider expertise and heartwarming stories from her work in New York City.

Whether you’re worried about a lump on your pet, curious about chemotherapy side effects in animals (hint: it’s not like in humans!), or just want to understand how specialists and general vets work together, this episode is packed with practical insights and empathy.

Plus, you'll hear about a revolutionary in-home nursing service that's changing the way pet care is delivered.

If you love your pets and want the best for them—don’t miss this heartfelt and eye-opening chat!

Dive deeper into the topic over in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/pet-cancer

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😮 Just because we can do more tests or treatments for our pets, doesn’t mean we should—sometimes doing everything isn’t the best choice for their quality of life!

🐾 Recently, my own cat Molly faced a life-threatening illness, forcing me to ask the same tough questions I ask clients every day:

• Diagnose first! Without accurate diagnosis, you risk the wrong treatment and a poor prognosis.

• Ask if additional tests will really change your treatment plan—or simply add expense and stress. • Weigh every treatment option from “gold standard” to practical compromises, considering outcomes, costs, and the impact on daily life.

• Always balance the risks and benefits, including the stress of medications, procedures, and hospital visits.

• Remember: what’s right for one family or pet may not be right for another—your gut feeling matters, too!

💡 The real takeaway? Making decisions for your sick pet isn’t just about medicine—it’s about honestly weighing options, understanding what will improve (or hinder) their quality of life, and recognizing when doing less might actually be the kinder choice.

Check out the decision making toolkit here

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🚨 Did you know there’s NO national blood bank for pets? When a dog or cat needs a life-saving transfusion, it’s down to local donor animals—often the pets of clinic staff or friends—to save the day!

1️⃣ The most common reason pets need transfusions is rat bait poisoning, stopping blood from clotting and causing deadly internal bleeding.

2️⃣ Severe anemia from immune disease or parasites is another top cause requiring urgent intervention.

3️⃣ Trauma from accidents or fights can lead to catastrophic blood loss, making rapid transfusions essential.

4️⃣ Most vet clinics rely on a “call list” of animal donors—meaning if you have a healthy, calm dog between 1-8 years old and over 25kg, your pet could literally save lives!

5️⃣ Unlike humans, dogs can safely receive a single unmatched transfusion, while cats need a perfect blood type match—making donations even more precious.

💡 The biggest takeaway? Every donor counts. In an emergency, having pet blood available can mean the difference between life and death. Talking to your local clinic about joining their donor list might be the most important thing you ever do for a pet in need.

💭 Would you consider having your dog or cat become a blood donor?

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Can you believe that one common dog disease is misdiagnosed 50% of the time! So then, how can we trust the accuracy of a diagnosis if our beloved pets are suffering?

1️⃣ Sensitivity and specificity are crucial in diagnostic tests but often involve a trade-off. A highly sensitive test reduces false negatives, while a highly specific one cuts down false positives.

2️⃣ Misdiagnosis can result from running inappropriate tests, lack of funds, incorrect history interpretation, and limited vet knowledge.

3️⃣ Skin allergies, heart failure, mild lameness, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism are frequently misdiagnosed in dogs, often leading to unnecessary treatments.

4️⃣ The case of hypothyroidism reveals up to fifty-nine percent of dogs diagnosed might not actually need treatment according to recent studies.

💡Understanding the complexities of diagnostic accuracy and the factors contributing to misdiagnosis can save you thousands and spare your pet unnecessary discomfort. Knowing the challenges can ensure you ask the right questions and give your pet the information and tools they need to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.

Dive into more details in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-misdiagnosis

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🛑 Is Your Pet's Pain Relief Doing More Harm Than Good?

🧑‍⚕️In this compelling episode of the Call the Vet podcast, veterinarian Dr. Alex Avery uncovers the painkiller side effect that no one is talking about— and it’s not what you’d expect! 🤯 From busting myths about medication risks to highlighting the dangers of inaction, this episode is a must-listen for every pet parent.

Join us as we explore:

The real risks vs. perceived dangers of pet painkillers 🐾
The hidden consequences of untreated arthritis and chronic pain 😿
Why anecdotal internet stories might be misleading you 🌐
A veterinarian’s candid insights after 18 years in practice 🩺

Hit play to ensure you’re making the best, informed decisions for your furry family members. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow the Call the Vet podcast for more expert advice on optimizing your pet’s health and happiness! 🐶❤️🐱

Tune in now—your pet’s well-being might just depend on it! 🎧✨

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😡 The cost of a new veterinary drug for hypertension in cats is skyrocketing by 1200%, and it's not even a new active ingredient!

1️⃣ Amlodipine, a drug we've used safely and effectively for years, is now also available in a veterinary-specific version—but at what cost?
2️⃣ The new version costs $94 a month for a standard-sized cat, whereas the human equivalent only costs $27 for a four-month supply.
3️⃣ Veterinary professionals are legally bound to use these more expensive animal versions due to prescribing regulations, without considering cost.
4️⃣ This isn't a lone example; similar price hikes exist for other drugs like furosemide and clomipramine, increasing costs by 400% or more.
5️⃣ The lack of affordable options could price many pet parents out of the ability to treat their pets' chronic conditions, which is simply unacceptable.

💡 Understanding these industry practices can help you navigate your pet's healthcare choices more informedly. It's crucial that we, as pet parents, advocate for fair pricing and transparency in the medications our pets need 🐱

Find out more in the show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/new-pet-drugs Jump into episode #162 to find out the other ways the pet healthcare industry is broken

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This is one of the most common diseases to affect middle-aged and elderly cats.

Is your furry friend losing weight despite a ravenous appetite? Are they jittery, with a coat that's lost its shine? They might be battling hyperthyroidism!

And because untreated hyperthyroidism in cats can lead to severe consequences like sudden blindness or heart failure, recognizing the early signs is crucial.

In this episode you'll learn how early detection and proper care can make all the difference. We'll unravel the 4 main options available when it comes to treating this disease, and how monitoring post treatment plays an important role.

💡Recognizing and treating hyperthyroidism early can ensure your feline friend enjoys a long, healthy life. By knowing the symptoms and treatment options, you can make informed decisions that best suit your cat’s needs 🐱

Find out more over in the full show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/hyperthyroid-cat

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🔍 "The improvement in pet health care may not be the best thing for you and your pet." What?! Before you get the wrong idea, let me explain what's behind this statement.

1️⃣ First off, veterinary advancements like Apoquel and Cytopoint for itchy dogs are amazing but come with higher costs—sometimes prohibitively so for many pet parents. 2️⃣ Consider cruciate ligament disease: while TPLO surgeries have outshined older methods like lateral sutures, the cost difference can be staggering. 3️⃣ Oncology advancements have significantly improved, but at a huge financial burden with relatively smaller life expectancy gains for pets. 4️⃣ Overall, the low-hanging fruit in veterinary medicine is gone, leaving behind improvements that are costlier and less impactful. 5️⃣ Reflect on your own circumstances. Is spending thousands for an additional month or two with your pet worth it for you?

💡The key takeaway here is to balance the benefits and costs of advanced veterinary treatments with your pet's quality of life and your financial situation. Not all interventions, even the latest and greatest, guarantee what you would consider significant benefits.

Head over to the full show notes to learn more - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/diminishing-returns

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Are you tired of shelling out big bucks for your pet's medications while knowing their human counterparts cost a fraction?

Tune in to this eye-opening episode where Dr. Alex Avery exposes the secrets of the pharmaceutical industry, reveals how stringent regulations handcuff your vet's prescribing options, and offers savvy tips to save on your furry friend's medical bills. 🐶💊🐱

From the shocking reality of the 'prescribing cascade' to legal minefields that could land your vet in hot water, we're pulling back the curtain on a topic every pet parent needs to know. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a new fur parent, this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.

📢 Highlights:

The dramatic price hikes in pet-specific medications
Why your vet's options are more limited than you think
Five actionable steps to get the best value on pet meds

Don't let high medication costs catch you off guard. Discover the secrets and save! 🌟

We took the notes for you at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/cheaper-pet-meds

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Deciding the best age to spay your dog can be a pivotal choice in ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet.

With various factors to consider, such as breed size, potential health risks, and behavioral benefits, understanding when to spay your dog can significantly influence their overall well-being.

This guide aims to provide you with insightful information and expert recommendations to help you determine the optimal timing for spaying, supported by veterinary expertise and current research. By choosing the right time to spay, you can help prevent serious health issues and enhance your dog's quality of life.

For full details head over to the show notes at - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/when-to-spay-a-female-dog

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😲 Are you concerned about the rising costs of vet care? You're not alone and this episode dives deep into the issues plaguing the pet health care space, affecting your pets, you, and those within the veterinary industry.

It's easy to vilify veterinary professionals as money grabbing (and many do) but the truth is very different - Did you know that in the last 12 months, 25% of veterinary staff in the UK received absolutely NO pay raise? The preconception that vets are "only in it for the money" couldn't be more misplaced!

📉 Yet this is on the back of record vet bill rises. We're facing serious global challenges in pet healthcare:

Inflation is skyrocketing, yet vet pay isn't keeping up, making it tougher for veterinary professionals worldwide.
Costs are on the rise, not just for pet owners but for the clinics too, due to increased prices for drugs and necessary medical equipment.
There's a trend of corporatization where shareholder returns are driving business decisions and the staff in your clinic may have zero say in pricing and service provisions.

🧐 Importantly, we need to consider the advanced level of care provided today compared to decades ago. Practices now are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to offer the best care, which significantly drives up the costs.

But is this also part of the problem?

This episode covers so much more, and while I don't claim to have all the answers these topics are vital for you to be aware of so we can work towards a future that works for everyone.

Learn more over in the show notes at: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/broken-pet-healthcare

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 "Elbow dysplasia in young dogs can start affecting them not just when they're old, but potentially very early in their life!" 🐶

🩺 Today on Call the Vet, we dive deep into managing chronic conditions like elbow dysplasia and arthritis:

1️⃣ Multimodal approach is key—combining dietary changes, weight management, and environmental modifications to tackle the issue comprehensively.

2️⃣ Therapeutic diets and supplements (especially omega-3 fatty acids) can significantly enhance comfort.

3️⃣ Regular, gentle exercise and use of ramps can prevent worsening of the condition.

4️⃣ Complementary therapies like hydrotherapy and physiotherapy are crucial for maintaining joint mobility and muscle mass.

💡 Early intervention plays a pivotal role in managing conditions like elbow dysplasia effectively. Starting treatment when symptoms are mild can drastically improve quality of life. This proactive approach can decrease the need for continuous medication and help manage pain more effectively.

For some dogs, surgery may be an option, and this episode also covers what you need to know if you think this may be the path for you and your dog.

Check out all the info and dive into all the related topics over in the full show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-elbow-dysplasia

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Increasing age can bring increasing health complexity and in this episode, we unpack a complex listener-submitted scenario about a 14-year-old Chihuahua battling congestive heart failure and mysterious seizures.

This episode is packed with invaluable insights, from understanding heart murmurs to dissecting the causes behind seizures in older dogs, with insights for all pet parents with older animals.

🚨 Did you know? A heart murmur isn’t always an indicator of overt heart failure in dogs! 🐶

1️⃣ Dr. Alex explains that a heart murmur simply indicates turbulent blood flow, which could be due to a leaky valve but doesn't necessarily mean that heart failure is present.

2️⃣ Seizures in older dogs are rarely due to epilepsy; the causes are often much more complex, ranging from organ disease to brain lesions.

3️⃣ Monitoring a pet’s sleeping respiratory rate at home can be a simple yet effective way to gauge heart health over time.

4️⃣ Diagnostic steps include full blood testing, urine testing, X-rays, and possibly an echocardiogram or MRI to pinpoint the exact health issues.

Dive into further resources in the full show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-heart-failure-and-seizures

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

😱 Don't gamble with your pet's life. When it comes to your furry friend's surgery, knowing the risks is crucial for their safety!

🩺 Surgery may not be just routine - from a tiny risk of 0.01% for neutering procedures (that's 1 death for every 10,000 surgeries) through to a 16% death rate for the sickest of patients, the risk really does vary hugely by individual.

🏥 Several measures can increase safety: from pre-surgery blood tests, weight management, to advanced monitoring equipment - these are vital!

💡 The takeaway? Proactive health management & choosing a vet with the right skills & equipment is a game-changer. It not only reduces risk but ensures peace of mind.

💬 Have you ever delayed a surgery for your pet due to fear of anesthesia risks? What could have eased your worries? Share your thoughts!

Dive into everything you need to know and more over in the show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/pet-surgery-safety

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 Get ready to tackle this itchy pet mystery with Dr. Alex answering a question sent in by listener Trish that addresses some really key pet-care pearls. From narrowing down the potential causes of any problem, the importance of making a proper diagnosis, through to when to seek the input from your veterinarian. This episode has something for every pet parent!

Check out The Dog Allergy Summit here - https://ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

And the full show notes here - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/multiple-itchy-dogs

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

🐾 Did you know that it used to be common for veterinarians to withhold pain relief for pets with joint injuries or wounds? The thinking was that this was needed to prevent them from overusing the injured area and causing more harm 😱

Some vets and owners still advocate for this approach.

In my latest podcast episode, I dive deep into this shocking practice and why it's time for this outdated thinking to be left in the past. Join me as I discuss the impact of pain on a pet's well-being and the importance of appropriate pain management.

I highlight the negative effects of pain on healing, the body, and the human-animal bond, and why it's crucial to prioritize pain relief whenever pain is present.

While some may have reservations about using pain medication, I emphasize the various options in our arsenal for managing pain, promoting a multimodal approach for the best outcomes. My big takeaway is that we owe it to our pets to ensure they not only have a great chance of recovery but also remain comfortable throughout their healing journey.

Find out more in the show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/no-pain-relief

🐶 Are you aware of the impact of pain on your pet's overall well-being? What are your thoughts on the use of pain medication for pets? Let's start a conversation and ensure our furry family members receive the care they deserve.

PetHealth #AnimalWellbeing #VeterinaryCare #DogPainManagement #PetPainRelief

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

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🐾 Do you know just how effective acupuncture is for our dogs and cats?

In answering one listener question I dive into the placebo effect in both humans and animals, shedding light on the importance of understanding what the evidence says, or doesn't say.

And it's not just acupuncture. Understanding the intricacies of alternative treatments and their impact on our pets' well-being is crucial for making informed decisions as pet parents.

We dive into the multimodal approach to pet care, incorporating proven therapies in all different areas of your pet's life. By optimizing treatment strategies and embracing a holistic approach, we can enhance our pets' long-term comfort and overall well-being.

The key learning from this episode is that as responsible pet parents, it's essential to critically evaluate the treatments we consider for our pets and prioritize evidence-based care.

Have you ever explored alternative therapies for your pets? What are your thoughts on evidence-based treatments versus alternative therapies? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! 🐾

Dive into all the links and related information in the show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-acupuncture

#PetHealth #EvidenceBasedCare #HolisticPetCare #AnimalWellness #dogacupuncture

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Overvaccination of pets is a controversial topic with serious health implications? 🤔

In the latest episode of Call the Vet Show, I delved into the hot potato issue of vaccination, addressing the concerns and risks associated with overvaccination. 🎙️

I talk about the importance of vaccinations as a core strategy to prevent dangerous infectious diseases, like the parvovirus outbreaks currently occurring in various parts of New Zealand. However, I also highlighted the need to avoid overvaccination, explaining the normal vaccination schedules of the essential core vaccines along with assessing the need for "lifestyle" vaccines.

And don't worry, I also address the potential of vaccine side-effects, the risks of overvaccination, and one big vaccine alternative...

The key learning from this episode is to carefully consider the individual risks and benefits of vaccinations for each pet, ensuring they receive necessary protection without being over vaccinated unnecessarily. 🐶

Dive deeper into all of the issues discussed in today's show over in the full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/pet-overvaccination-risks

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Is your furry friend scratching non-stop, leaving open wounds and red, dry skin? Imagine the distress they must be feeling and the worry it brings to you as their loving caregiver.

You've tried home remedies like hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver, and apple cider vinegar, but nothing seems to provide relief.

But what if the root cause of your dog's itch goes beyond just dry skin? Could it be parasites, infections, allergies, or another underlying skin problem? The mystery of your dog's discomfort is like a puzzle waiting to be solved. You're seeking answers and solutions, but barriers like financial constraints and transportation limitations stand in your way.

In this episode of Call the Vet, Dr. Alex addresses a listener's concern about her dog's incessant itching and open wounds.

The listener, Nicole, is based in Jamaica and unable to afford veterinary care or transport her dog to a clinic.

Dr. Alex dives into the possible causes of itch, including parasites, infections, allergies, and other skin problems. He offers practical advice for at-home treatment, specifically highlighting the importance of addressing underlying infections and the potential use of isoxazoline group treatments.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Alex emphasizes the value of seeking veterinary consultation, sharing insights on telemedicine options and the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention.

Dive deeper into these topics over in the full show notes

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Get ready to unleash your cat's full potential! In this episode of Call the Vet, join Dr. Alex and special guest, accredited animal behavior technician Leili from Supakit, as they reveal essential skills to teach your cat.

From harness training to recall and carrier comfort, discover expert tips for fostering a happy, confident feline. Uncover the art of training, understanding your feline friend's body language, and building a strong bond that lasts a lifetime.

Dive into more cat training tips over in the full show notes

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Dive into the purr-fect solution for your cat's bathroom behavior!
In this episode of Call the Vet, Dr. Alex helps out lister Kim who is having issues with her cat pooping in the bath - gross! Bit whether it's problem pooping or peeing outside the litter box, this episode brings you six top tips including insights on cleanliness, litter types, and behavioral changes, to help you uncover the secrets to getting your feline friend back on track and toileting where you want them to.
For more toileting resources be sure to head over to the full show notes

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

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🐾 Get ready to capture your furry friends' most adorable moments as Dr. Alex welcomes pet photography experts Darlene, Kathy, and Bonnie to the Call the Vet podcast!

In this episode, they delve into the magical world of pet photography, exploring how these talented photographers bring out the unique personalities and beauty of dogs and cats through their lenses.

From tips on preparing your pets for a session to finding the perfect pet photographer, this episode is a must-listen for all pet parents who want to preserve their precious moments with their fur babies.

So grab your headphones and join us as we dive into the art of pet photography on this captivating episode of Call the Vet podcast! 📸🎙️

Connect with our guests and dive into more information over in the full show notes

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

You would think that military dogs would be given the best care when it comes time to retire...

In this episode, we dive into a topic that might be new to some of our listeners: the rescue and rehabilitation of military dogs. Our guest, Bob from Mission Canine Rescue, shares his insights on the incredible work they do to provide happy endings for retired military dogs, contractor working dogs, and police dogs who have served humankind.

We discuss the different breeds of military dogs, the work they do, and the unfortunate reality of what their fate can be after retirement. Join us as we shed light on this important issue and learn more about how we can support these amazing animals who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.

For all the notes, links and related content head over to the full show notes at ourpetshealth.com/podcast/military-dog-rescue

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Calling all cat lovers! 🐱 Get ready for a heartwarming episode of "Call the Vet" as host Dr. Alex sits down with the amazing Nancy Peterson to delve into the world of raising foster kittens.

🐾 From the importance of caring for feral mother cats to the ins and outs of nurturing scared kittens, this episode is packed with must-know tips and adorable stories.

😻 Discover how to raise these little furballs to not just survive, but thrive, as Dr. Alex and Nancy share their expertise and experiences. Tune in and be prepared for a dose of fuzzy cuteness, enlightening insights, and the joy of making a positive impact on these precious feline lives.

🌟 Don't miss out on this meow-nificent episode of "Call the Vet"! Subscribe now and join the purr-fect conversation. 🎧✨

We took the notes for you! Find all the links, details and more in the blog "Kitten Fostering 101".

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

If you're worried about your furry friend's upset tummy, diarrhea, or blood in their stools, this episode is a must-listen!

Join veterinarian Dr. Alex Avery on another episode of the "Call the Vet Show" as he addresses a common concern among pet parents – colitis in dogs.

Dr. Alex and guest pet parent Jeannine dive into the ins and outs of colitis, exploring different diet options, including the infamous chicken and rice, and whether switching to brown rice is a safe bet. They also discuss the benefits of commercial diets, supplements, and expert consultation for a more nutritionally complete approach.

Don't miss out on valuable insights, practical tips, and real-life stories that are bound to help your furry companion bounce back to health. Subscribe to "Call the Vet Show" for expert guidance and a deeper understanding of your pet's well-being.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your furry family member's health and you can find all the shownotes and related information here!

Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Dive into the fascinating world of pet wearables with our special guest, Guilherme Coelho. In this episode of 'Call the Vet,' Dr. Alex and Guilherme explore the groundbreaking technology that is revolutionizing pet care 🐶🐱.

👨‍⚕️From AI-powered monitors to smartphone integration, discover how pet wearables are keeping our furry friends safe, healthy, and connected!

📈 Join us as we uncover the power of data, early intervention, and the incredible potential of understanding our pets' thoughts and feelings. Don't miss out on this paw-some episode!

Tune in now and be a part of the pet care revolution 💥

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Join veterinarian Dr. Alex as he dives into the often fraught world of itch and allergy diagnosis. In this episode, he is joined by the incredible Dr. Jeff Werber, an award-winning veterinarian with over 38 years of experience.

Together, in this sneak peek into The Dog Allergy Summit, they unravel the complexities of canine allergies and discuss how to make an accurate diagnosis, along with the common pitfalls to avoid.

If you've ever wondered why your furry friend is constantly scratching or suffering from skin-related issues, this episode is for you. Discover the common culprits behind allergic reactions in dogs, whether it's environmental triggers or food sensitivities. Dr. Jeff Werber breaks down the different diagnostic methods and explains how to differentiate between seasonal and year-round allergies.

But it doesn't stop there! Dr. Alex and Dr. Jeff also tackle the complications that can arise from secondary infections and discuss the importance of maintaining healthy skin for your dog's overall well-being.

Whether you're a dedicated pet owner seeking answers for your four-legged companion or simply curious about the world of veterinary medicine, this episode of "Call the Vet" is a must-listen. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to better care for your furry family member.

Check out The Dog Allergy Summit today

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Ready to unlock the secret to your pet's sparkling smile ✨?

Join our host, Dr. Alex Avery, alongside guest pet parent Michelle, as they tackle the age-old challenge of keeping our furry friends' teeth in top shape. Michelle's 14-year-old fur baby, Jerry, might have a heart murmur and can't undergo surgery, but that doesn't mean his dental health can't be improved!

Discover expert tips, practical advice, and innovative solutions to take your pet's dental care to the next level. From in-home brushing techniques and dental treats to special diets and oral gels, Dr. Alex leaves no stone unturned when it comes to finding the perfect dental routine for your four-legged companion.

Did you know that neglecting your pet's dental health is one of the biggest mistakes pet parents make? Don't worry, you're not alone! Tune in to this episode to learn valuable insights that will give your pet something to smile about.

Remember, taking care of your pet's teeth is not just about making their smile shine - it's about ensuring their overall health and happiness. So, grab your toothbrush and join the conversation on "Call the Vet" as we help pet parents become dental care heroes for their furry family members!

🔊 Listen now and don't forget to share this episode with fellow pet parents who want to give their pets the best dental health imaginable. Let's make sure every pet can enjoy a life full of bright smiles and wagging tails! 🐾🦷

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Are pets a privilege or a necessity?

When sickness or injury strikes, sometimes the most expensive treatments are affordable and at other times those at the cheaper end of the spectrum are completely out of reach.

So, if you can’t afford their care, should you have a pet?

For all the notes, related links, and discussion head over to the full show notes

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Are you guilty of focusing on the physical health of your pet, while neglecting their mental and emotional wellbeing? Most pet parents (including myself) are to some degree.
Today this comes to an end as we discuss what emotional disease is, how you can spot your pet dog or cat may be struggling, before diving into some cutting-edge treatment options…

For further information and all the links discussed in today's episode, be sure to head over to the full show notes

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Stray and feral cats are more than just a neighborhood nuisance. They are a welfare concern for any animal-lover, a menace to any conservationist, and a potential threat to your pet cat.

In this conversation with cat-advocate Bryan Kortis from Neighbourhood Cats, we discuss the impact that feral cats have in your community, how conservationists may have the wrong approach, and the best way to implement trapping and population control.

For more information and all the links discussed in the show, be sure to head over to the full show notes.

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

When you hear the word “bacteria” you probably picture some disease-causing monster found in filthy places like the toilet or garbage.

But, what if I were to say that without bacteria your pet’s health would really suffer? Or that purposefully feeding your dog or cat live bacteria, or even poop from another animal, could be the key to treating and preventing all manner of health complaints!

Dive deeper over in the full show notes

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

As humans, we have an innate desire to connect with other living beings, and animals have always been a part of this connection. Whether it's the loyal wag of your dog's tail or the comforting purr of your cat as they kneed your lap, there is something about animals that draws us in and makes us feel connected.

But what is it about the human-animal bond that makes it so special? What are the actual benefits they bring to our lives? And is there a downside and price we have to pay…

For deeper insight and all the links discussed, head over to the full show notes on the human-animal bond

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Supplements can play a vital role in maintaining health and treating or disease BUT choosing the best supplement (one that is safe and actually works!) can be fraught with difficulty.

In this listener question we answer if green-lipped muscle extract is the ultimate supplement for dogs (and cats) with arthritis and dive into some top tips for choosing any supplement for your furry family...

Head over to the full show notes for more information and all the links from today's episode.

Get your question answered here

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!), or consider becoming a patron

You want your pet to be as happy and healthy as possible. But while this sounds simple, the number of decisions that need to be made to best care for them can quickly become overwhelming.
The 10 most common "mistakes" discussed in this episode can be made by anyone but, with a little planning and action, you can soon be well on the way to providing everything your furry family member needs so they can live the life they deserve.

Dive into the action steps needed and grab your free download over in the full show notes

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!), or consider becoming a patron

Listen back to these clips taken from the most popular episodes of the last 12 months. A teaser for each full episode you may not have heard in full, and a valuable reminder for those you did!

And then you can find each full episode and a whole lot more here:

Holistic allergy treatment in dogs
The true benefit of CBD
How to eliminate anxiety in your pet
Veterinary telemedicine 101
The best veterinary care is killing pets

Love the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!), or consider becoming a patron

Leaving your dog at home alone all day is typically not the best way to ensure they are mentally stimulated or living their best life and can even result in some challenging or destructive behaviors.

But, is sending them to a dog daycare really the answer? And how can you tell if your dog is suited to daycare and that your local doggie daycare is a safe environment for your furry family?

Thankfully Robin Bennett, the person who trains dog daycare owners and staff, is on hand to help answer all these questions and more!

Here are her top tips for safely sending your dog to daycare…

Find out more in the full show notes

Love the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

Veterinarians are no longer the gatekeepers of knowledge about the best way to care for or treat our pet dogs and cats. Good information is out there for every single pet parent to educate themselves.

But so much information is either very oversimplified or actually factually incorrect (and even misleading).

It even may not be human-produced!

All of this is why I am so passionate about increasing the accessibility of high-quality, evidence-based pet health information so that every pet parent just like you can make the best choices possible, no matter where you are in the world and no matter what challenges you are facing.

Learn more in the full show notes about veterinary information accessibility

Love the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

The diet you choose to feed your cat is critical in maintaining their health and the last thing any pet parent wants is to give them a diet that is harmful.

But, there is a lot of confusion (and misinformation) about what is healthy and what is harmful with some of the most common diet choices said to cause obesity, cancer, kidney failure and more.

This conversation with an expert veterinary nutritionist, Dr. Dottie LaFlamme, will help answer the most common cat feeding questions:

Are carbohydrates bad for cats
Does dry kibble cause kidney failure
How many meals should you feed your cat

And so much more! Check out the full show notes

Love the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

This has to be the most common preventable disease affecting dogs and cats across the globe. It can shorten life by over 2 years, and increase the likelihood of your pet suffering from a significant reduction in quality of life during their shorter life.

Can you guess what the cause of this pandemic is?

Its weight! A favorite topic of mine due to how common it is coupled with the impact it has on your furry family.

Thankfully, help is at hand as I dive into the world of weight loss with Dr. Carolyn Taylor, The Slim Pet Vet, where we talk about:

Why being too heavy matters
The source of the problem (and how to prevent it)
The role of exercise in weight loss
Breaking down the diet options for weight loss
Even more top weight loss tips

For even more resources and all the links mentioned in the show head over to the full show notes

Love the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

Does this sound familiar to you (I know it does to me!)? You’re sitting on the sofa for 2 seconds and your cat starts meowing for food. Or you walk in the vague direction of their food and instantly they are under your feet, hounding you to be fed.

Not only does this drive you crazy, but it also leads to over-feeding and results in your cat becoming overweight or even obese, damaging their long-term health.

In this episode I discuss 4 simple tips to get your cat or dog to stop begging for food constantly. head over to the full show notes for all the links discussed in today's show.

Get your free guide to optimizing your pet's health over in the Our Pet's Health Academy.

Just how common are genetic diseases, and can breeders do anything to ensure the health of your furry family member before they are even born?

This topic is one that all pet parents need to consider, especially those bringing a new dog or cat into their family...

For all the links discussed and further information head over to the full show notes

You know that your pet is not 100% and that your veterinarian is the best person to help but finding the time to go to the vet clinic is hard and then there’s the cost.

Today I’m exploring the world of remote visits and telehealth and diving into:

What is telehealth? Is it new?
What different telehealth options are out there?
What are the benefits of telehealth?
What are the limitations? Can drugs be prescribed? Won't I just get told to go and see the vet in person?
What does a telehealth consultation look like? Do I need to be tech-savvy?
Tips for getting the most out of a telehealth consultation
And much more…

For all the links and more details of everything discussed in today's episode, head over to the full show notes on veterinary telehealth

You want your pet to be content and enjoy their life but anxiety levels are on the rise, resulting from a growing number of causes.

Today's episode breaks down everything you need to know to help reduce and ultimately eliminate anxiety, both in the home and at the vet clinic, so that they are living the confident life you want for them!

Dive deeper into making vet visits fun.

Check out the full show notes for more information and links to eliminating anxiety in dogs and cats.

Get your free ticket to the Dog Anxiety Summit here

This is the podcast for dedicated pet parents, just like you, who want to know the best way to care for your furry family members!

Through expert interviews, discussions, and deep dives into the topics that really matter, I want to help you understand and optimize the health of your dog or cat so that they can live the full, happy, and comfortable life you want for them.

Check out the latest episode and if you like what you hear be sure to subscribe, follow, and listen for free anywhere else you listen to podcasts, or head over to callthevet.org where you can dive into all the previous episodes, free resources, and so much more.

With a whole range of supplements on the market claiming to both help optimize your pet’s everyday health as well as treat all manner of different diseases, it can be impossible to know where to start.

Unfortunately many (or even most) fail to live up to their marketing hype.

Today though, we’re diving into the world of mushrooms and exploring how they could play a crucial role in keeping your dog and cat as healthy as possible.
Topics covered include:

What are mushrooms and how are they different from other herbs and supplements?
Can mushrooms be used to maintain optimal health or treat certain diseases (or both)?
What is the evidence to support their use?
What are the main active ingredients of medicinal mushrooms?
Are there any side effects to be aware of or any individuals where mushrooms would not be appropriate?
What makes a high quality mushroom product?
How to integrate mushrooms into your pet’s wellness care

Head to the show notes to find out more about mushroom supplements and their health benefits for pets

When it comes to treating an allergic dog it is vital that you employ all of the available options so that they not only become itch-free and live their best life, but so that you can also reduce their reliance (or even need) on pharmaceuticals.

Complete holistic control is within your reach, and these are the treatment options you need to employ along with common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid…

Dive deeper in the full show notes on holistic dog allergy treatment

Register for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

There is a lot of misconception about what dogs are really allergic to, and without knowing the true cause of allergies it can be a real struggle to settle their skin and get their itch under control.

In this episode I break down the most common causes of both food allergies and atopy (or environmental allergies), so you can do your best to limit your dog's exposure to the most common causes of allergic itch.

Dive deeper in the full show notes on dog allergy causes

Register for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

Allergies are the most common cause of long-term scratching in dogs and can be due to a number of different allergy types, but it can be challenging to identify the exact cause of an individual dog’s allergies which compromises your ability to treat them successfully.

In this episode I discuss

The 3 main different types of dog allergy
How they can be similar but also different
Clues as to which allergy your dog is suffering from
Whether bee stings need to be treated as an emergency or not

Dive into greater detail in the full show notes

Get your copy of Dog Allergy First Aid - the complete guide to identifying allergy causes, eliminating itch, and gaining long-term, holistic control of your dog’s allergies (and get 10% off using the code podcast)

Register for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

Is your dog scratching more than normal? Any increase in your dog's itch deserves your prompt attention, but before you rush off to the veterinarian be sure the simple problem of fleas is not to blame!

In this episode I discuss:

How scratch and pain are closely linked
Why scratching only makes your dog's skin worse
How to know fleas are present even when you can't see them

Check out more information over in the full show notes

Click here to check out Dog Allergy First Aid, my guide to the rapid holistic treatment of allergies, and use the code "podcast" to get 10% off.

Register for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

Heat stroke kills, and your dog can overheat really quickly.

Rather than rushing them to the ER after this happens, it’s better to avoid this problem completely and in this episode, I discuss exactly how to keep your dog cool when the sun shines and the mercury begins to climb.

Find out more in the full show notes

Get your free dog summer survival guide here

Register for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

Spotting the signs of heat stroke early and then taking the right action to quickly cool your dog is proven to save lives. In this episode we run through:

The 5 main signs of heatstroke in dogs
The biggest risk periods for overheating
How to effectively and quickly cool your dog

Find out more in the show notes

Download your free copy of the Sog Summer Survival Guide at https://OurPetsHealth.com/summerdogcare

We love to get our cats and dogs new toys and tasty treats to show how much they mean to us, and subscription boxes are a super-convenient option to make sure your pet is never left wanting.

But it’s not all harmless fun as they can cause all kinds of problems, and even compromise their health…

In this episode I talk all about:

The health and environmental problems that subscription boxes contribute to
Spending prioritizing and planning for the unexpected
Alternatives your dog and cat will love

For all the links and more information head over to the full show notes here

Do you want to feed our dogs the safest, and healthiest food possible? Do you worry about their environmental impact?

One thing is certain. The largest study to date looking into the health of vegan diets for dogs and comparing those fed a raw or conventional cooked meat diet has caused some serious waves.

I spoke to Dr. Andrew Knight, the study author, to find out more. Including:

The environmental impact of pet food
Dog food trends that are making the situation worse
A dog’s need for meat
Is vegan dog food healthy and safe
Addressing the limitations of our knowledge
How to assess vegan dog food quality

Dive into more detail in the full show notes

It's just been World Veterinary Day and I wanted to highlight some of the amazing work my colleagues across the world do every single day but then I read a report detailing the staggering level of abuse vets are being subjected to.

Believe me, this affects every pet parent and compromises the care of every pet...

Find out more in the full show notes

Are you thinking about adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue charity? Do you know all the steps to take to make sure the process is a success from start to finish?

Today I’m talking to registered veterinary technician Bethany Muir all about how to adopt a dog so that you not only get through the new pet parent screening but also so that you make all the right decisions to have a strong and loving relationship with your new furry family member.

Get this wrong and they could end up back in the shelter where they may not get another chance…

Listen to hear all about:

The availability of dogs in need of adoption
The truth about the health and behavior of rescue dogs
Personal considerations when choosing a dog
Is your desired breed right for you - what do they really need?
The varying costs of dog ownership
Where to find the rescue dog of your dreams
How to pass the screening test

Connect with Bethany:

pawdoptionguide.com
Listen to my appearance on the pawdoption guide podcast

Check out all the links and more information over in the full show notes

I bet you thought that the increasing level of veterinary healthcare available to your pet is a good thing. The reality is that for many dogs and cats, it is actually resulting in worse care, and even early death.

Let me explain…

In this episode we explore:

The change in the level of veterinary care available
How increasing care standards can actually result in a reduction in care
How insurance helps but is also impacted
How options B or C may not be as much of a compromise as you might think
Practical steps to provide the best care possible

Head over to the full show notes for more information and links mentioned in today's show.

Cannabis Marijuana, CBD oil, hemp products…unless you've been living under a rock you're going to have come across some really wild claims about how amazing and revolutionary these products are.

But it can be really difficult to separate fact from fiction.

To know who you can believe, who you can trust, and what the actual hard evidence is.

Well, today I have got the wonderful Dr. Casara Andre, who is absolutely passionate about getting excellent information out to everyone so that cannabis products can be used appropriately and correctly so that our pets can get the best possible benefit from them without unwittingly compromising their health.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:

The difference between cannabis, marijuana, and hemp
Considerations into the use of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids
How to ensure product quality and safety
Toxicity and drug reactions
The endocannabinoid system
Which conditions respond to cannabis treatment
How to talk to your vet about CBD treatment
Common mistakes to avoid
And so much more…

If you’ve ever wondered if you should try using CBD oil in your dog or cat, or you’re already using it but want to know how to get the most out of these exciting products, then this conversation is for you!

Check out more details and all the links discussed in the full show notes

It's so easy to put a huge amount of time, effort, and energy into tinkering with your dog or cat's diet. But rather than worrying about making small changes that in all likelihood will have a negligible effect on their health, you need to concentrate on these instead to truly impact their health and happiness.

To dive deeper into this topic and for all the links mentioned in the show, head over to callthevet.org

The fact that our pets age faster than we do is an inevitability and we want to ensure they remain as happy and comfortable for as long as possible. But knowing what different options are open to you that will actually make a difference can be really confusing, not to mention expensive.

Today we are diving deep into the world of senior care, palliative treatment, and end of life decisions to ensure your gray-muzzled dog and senior cat has the golden years they deserve.

Veterinarian Dr. Mary Gardner is my expert guest today as we discuss:

The barriers to good healthcare for older dogs and cats
The fact that old age alone is not a disease
Tips on how to know your pet needs extra help
Your relationship with your vet to ensure a holistic approach
Focusing on quality of life, not just quantity
End of life options

For more information and to check out the links discussed head over to callthevet.org

Has your pet always eaten kibble but now they only want to eat wet food? Are you wondering if this is OK or a sign of something more serious?

It might not seem like much to worry about if your pet still enjoys their wet food but has stopped eating their kibble or any other harder foods. In fact, it can be a sign of something more serious that, if not picked up and addressed early, can lead to serious pain and poor health.

For more information and related posts head over to the full show notes

Get your free Healthy Pet Checklist at ourpetshealth.com/healthchecklist

Even though vaccines are a fundamental step in having the healthiest dog (and cat) possible, confusion about which vaccines a dog actually needs, and how often, is all too common. It is really important to only vaccinate against diseases that actually pose a threat to your dog. Otherwise, the risk of side effects outweigh the potential benefits.

Vaccinations is just one of the 5 topics I discuss in my free guide Dog Health Essentials

Although vaccines are very safe, you do need to be aware of potential side effects, and deciding on the type of vaccine and frequency of administration is very much based on a risk - benefit assessment performed in conversation with your veterinarian.

Head over to the full show notes

How often do you give your dog or cat treats, extra helpings, or reserving a little bit of your main meal for them as an expression of your love? This could be harming both their physical and mental wellbeing!

In this episode, veterinarian Dr Alex Avery talks about the best ways to show love to your pets. He shares some insights into the effects of giving our pets extra food and treats, the best way to feed them, how to actually make them happy, and also improve your relationship with your furry family.

Timestamps:

[03:36] How we show and express love for our pets
[04:30] The effects of giving our pets extra food and treats
[06:10] Changing our thinking about pets
[07:11] How to feed our pets
[08:35] How to make our pets happy and improve our relationship with them

Notable quotes

A lot of the time, we forget about the mental health of our cats and dogs.
Carrying extra weight has a lot of impact on our pets.
Expressing our love through giving our pets food and extra treats is not good. We are actually shortening their lives.
Obesity affects over 60% of our pets.
Give your dog and cat attention because that is the most valuable thing they treasure.

Resources

Check out all the details and related information at callthevet.org

On this episode, I chat with dog trainer Niki French of Pup Talk who has a surprising answer to the question ‘how often should I walk my dog?’.

Niki is an experienced dog trainer who tells owners that not every dog should be walked every day. In fact, in some cases, it’s not only better to stop walking your dog completely. This will actually make them happier!

For many dogs and their owners a walk can be a real source of stress. Instead, Niki says that you should focus on your dog’s mental stimulation, which can be more beneficial for dogs than walking.

Niki and I have a detailed discussion about how you can start to mentally stimulate your dog at home, in an environment where the dog is safe and not confronted by things that they are afraid of.

Niki emphasizes the importance of learning to read your dog’s body language so that you can tell their moods, and she also encourages dog owners to keep working on their dog’s confidence at every stage of their life, to keep them ready for any challenges they may face.

She also suggests games that you can play with your dog on a walk to keep them mentally and physically active, all of which are quick and easy to do and don’t require expensive toys.

We finish the podcast by discussing how to reintroduce walking back into your dog’s routine in a way that’s safe and satisfying.

I’d love to hear from you if any of these dog mental stimulation tips have worked for you, so please do get in touch on Instagram @ourpetshealth, and be sure to share this important message with any dog parents in your life, to help them give their dog a happier, healthier life.

For all the links mentioned and to dive deeper into this topic be sure to head over to the full show notes

Timestamps

[01:40] The surprising message of today’s show

[03:35] Niki introduces herself and talks about her experience of being a dog trainer

[06:30] Walking nervous dogs

[08:53] The mental shift of not walking your dog

[10:05] Changing your attitude towards walking your dog

[11:13] How to mentally stimulate your dog without walking

[13:45] Telling the difference between an excited dog and a nervous dog

[14:50] What to do if your dog barks at someone during a walk

Written by Sarah Hopkinson for the Call The Vet podcast copyhop.co

[16:30] Keeping your dog calm and confident

[18:51] Keeping your dog mentally stimulated throughout the day

[19:36] Games to play with your dog on a walk

[22:19] Making games for your dog to play in the house

[24:59] Tackling age-related mental decline in dogs

[27:13] Reintroducing walking back into your dog’s routine

[32:13] Stop Walking Your Dog: Niki’s dog training guide

It's all too easy to take antibiotics for granted, but if we are not careful it may be that they become next to useless...

On today’s episode of the Call The Vet podcast, I talk about one of the most serious problems that we may face in the near future, resistance to antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance is an issue for both humans and animals as we’re educating bacteria to adapt themselves to overcome antibiotics, which may mean that simple infections that we used to treat with penicillin or other common antibiotics could once again become deadly.

I would like to encourage you to be wary of overusing antibiotics for your animals, as there are ways that we can treat pets with first-class, evidence-based care that avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Today in my own practice, I have become much more cautious of prescribing antibiotics and try to use other approaches first before reaching for antibiotics.

Listen in to some of my listener questions about antibiotics, such as if one kind of antibiotic is better than another, what else pet owners should do when their animal is prescribed antibiotics, whether transdermal antibiotic options are available, and more.

Please share this episode with anyone who you think would benefit from this important message on appropriate antibiotic usage.

Timestamps:
[02:47] The overuse of antibiotics: One of the biggest risks to our health and that of our animals
[03:25] The history of antibiotics
[04:48] Using the right antibiotic for the right infection
[05:58] A best guess attempt at prescribing antibiotics
[06:43] Why we don’t always run tests to find out what the infection is
[07:19] What’s an inappropriate use of antibiotics?
[08:20] The most common inappropriate usages of antibiotics in dogs
[09:56] Inappropriate antibiotic usage in cats
[11:47] Reduction in the use of antibiotics
[13:13] Talking to pet owners about antibiotic usage
[14:29] Are there any kinds of antibiotics that are better or safer than others?
[16:59] Should cats take probiotics at the same time as antibiotics?
[18:01] What else should a pet owner do when their animal is taking antibiotics?
[19:16] Are there transdermal antibiotic options available?
[20:49] Other methods of administering medication to animals
[23:15] We’re all part of the solution

Head over to the full show notes for more information on safe, responsible antibiotic use in pets

Is your dog limping on their back leg? Have you just found out that they have damaged their cruciate ligament and are wondering what this means and the best treatment to give them?

On this episode of the Call The Vet Show, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Kristen Shaw, a specialist surgeon with a longtime interest in rehabilitation techniques, arthritis and cruciate disease, as well as the founder of Canine Arthritis Resources and Education (CARE), which provides evidence-based resources for vets and pet owners on how to treat arthritis in dogs.

Dr. Kristen and I discuss cruciate ligament disease, also known as an ACL tear, which is by far the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. There have been many developments in the treatment of ACL tears over the years, and Dr. Kristen gives some great expert advice on how you can help your dog recover.

We walked through what an ACL tear is and how they happen, plus a comprehensive run-through of all the different kinds of treatment available. We also discussed some alternative treatments for an ACL tear if surgery isn’t within your budget.

Listen out to learn how you can help your dog to recover from an ACL tear, how you can spot any warning signs of a returning ACL injury, and what to do to manage subsequent arthritis in your dog following this injury including the supplements you can give your dog to help them recover from ACL injuries and keep their joints as healthy as possible long-term.

This is a really detailed episode with a lot of expert knowledge on treating dog ACL tears, so be sure to listen carefully and share the episode with the other pet parents in your life.

Highlights:

[02:36] I invite special guest Dr Kristen Shaw onto the show and she talks about her background in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation

[04:38] What is an ACL injury and how does it happen?

[07:07] What are the treatment options for an ACL injury in dogs?

[10:01] Cheaper treatments for ACL injuries

[11:37] What’s the best kind of surgery to repair an ACL tear?

[14:34] How to help your dog heal after an ACL surgery

[16:51] Supplements to give dogs during their recovery time, and when to give them

[20:38] How to spot the early signs of an ACL injury return post-surgery

[22:13] Dr. Kristen’s thoughts on using braces on dogs

[23:13] Where to go to find out more about Kristen and canine arthritis care

For all the links mentioned and more information head over to the full show notes

Is your cat their healthiest weight? With over 60% of pet cats being classed as overweight or even obese, there's a good chance your cat could do with losing a few pounds. And if left unaddressed this can lead to them suffering from multiple, otherwise preventable health problems.

In this episode we talk about:

Health Risks of Being Overweight for Cats
Perception of Normal Weight for Cats
Keeping Track of Your Cat's Weight
Addressing the Problem of Being Overweight
Seeking Help With Weight Loss
How to Help Cats Lose Weight
Exercise and Diet
Managing More Than One Cat

Links:

Learn about harness training your cat
Discover the world of cat puzzle toys
Check out the supakit collars and harnesses (and get 10% off!)

Find out more cat weight loss tips in the show notes

We love our pets and often express this by giving them extra portions or treats we know they enjoy.

But there is a health crisis sweeping the global pet population, and if we allow our pets to continue to gain weight then their life will be cut short by as much as 2 years.

Meet Edie and her human Kelly, and find out how their weight loss journey could mark the turning point in your pet’s health and happiness.

Pet Obesity Awareness Month

[1:55] The single most important thing you can do for your dog or cat’s future health, happiness, and lifespan is to keep them at a healthy, lean body weight.
[2:56] It can be complicated for many overweight pets to follow through on a weight loss program once they admit there is a weight issue.

Edie and Edna’s Story

[04:33] After Edie was spayed, Kelly noticed a change in her appetite and difficulty feeling satisfied for more extended periods. It ultimately led to an increase in body weight.

Edie’s Weight Loss Journey

[5:15] Kelly was initially confident in her ability to manage the situation on her own. Consuming less food equals losing weight. This approach, unfortunately, did not work.
[6:57] The final straw was a visit to the veterinarian. Edie was at her heaviest weight of 14.4kg. At this stage, a change of diet was suggested and although Kelly was sceptical Edie starting this weight loss diet.
[9:06] Kelly was willing to go to any length once the strategy began to work and showed promising outcomes. Edie lost a large amount of weight, and dropped from 14.4kg to 9.4kg.

Tracking your pet’s food intake

[11:53] The amount of food to be fed can be determined in two ways. Using a scale is best to weigh out each meal. The other is to use a measuring cup.
[12:59] Instead of giving treats, Kelly uses Edie’s food as treats and keeps track of how much she feeds throughout each session.

Kelly’s Advice

[13:29] Don’t be offended when your vet talks about your pet’s weight
[14:52] The result of weight loss was that Edie was more animated, playful, and agile; she moved differently and appeared younger and healthier.
[22:50] Regularly weight your pet and keep a track of their previous weights so you can spot trends, as well as help keep motivated during a weight loss program

For more details, weight loss tips, and all the links mentioned in today's show head over to https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/dog-weight-loss-journey

We all want to be able to keep our dogs and cats as healthy as possible in the first instance, with the aim being to prevent illness and injury whenever possible. A holistic approach considers all aspects of a patient's lifestyle and individual needs and is an absolute requirement in this aim. But does this mean that drugs, or pharmaceuticals, are to be avoided at all costs? Do they actually cause more harm than good? Or are they one part of the toolkit that, when used responsibly, ensure your pet is living their best life?

Join the discussion and check out the show notes here

Not One More Vet. That is the dream…that not one more veterinarian, technician, nurse, or support staff will feel that they have no other option than to end their life by suicide.

This is a silent crisis that has been a part of the veterinary profession for far too long. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes, and exploring:

The statistics of veterinary suicide - it’s not just vets
The reasons behind the struggles of all veterinary staff
The pandemic effect
How you can help your vet

Head to the show notes for all links and further resources

Why do veterinarians recommend the diets they do, rather than a more "natural" raw diet that must surely be better for your pet's health. It can't be because the kibble is better, but instead that they are either ignorant or out to make a fast buck...or is it?

Taking your pet to the veterinarian can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. But you, the pet parent, play a key role in making sure that your pet receives the best care available, and also that you get the most value possible.
These 9 tips, based on my 15 years as a vet working in general practice, will make sure you and your vet make the perfect healthcare team for your dog and cat!
Dive into more details in the show notes

Is your cat really as happy and mentally stimulated as they can be? Can you truly say they are living their best life?

Today's discussion, with the passionate cat behavioral consultant Ingrid Johnson, focuses on what exactly your cat needs to thrive and the simple changes we can all make around the house, and in our feeding habits specifically, that really can make all the difference to your cat's wellbeing.

All too often the mental and emotional needs of cats are ignored. Today is the day to make the change they need!

For more information and all the links discussed head over to the show notes at https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/cat-enrichment

Have you ever considered the impact that the food you choose to feed your pet has on the planet? Like most of us, do you think it's probably pretty negligible?

What if I told you that a quarter of all meat produced in the United States is being fed to dogs and cats and as a result, about 25-30% of all the greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts associated with meat production are due directly to pet food! I’ve spoken before about the importance of sustainable pet ownership, and diet is probably the most important change we could all make.

At the same time though it is important we continue to research and optimize the quality of what we feed our pets, to ensure the best health possible for the dogs and cats that share our life.

Thankfully, the pet food revolution is here...

Discover more in the show notes

There have been huge changes in the world of veterinary medicine over the years, and a rapidly increasing standard of care that our dogs and cats are able to receive.

This has, for the most part, had a really positive impact on the health of our pets.

There are, however, some downsides with the increase in technology, equipment, and skills available meaning that, along with climbing bills, making the decision on what is best for your family has become increasingly more complex.

Having a veterinarian you know and trust has never been more important...

Head over to the show notes for more

Would you be able to afford a large veterinary bill if your pet suddenly became injured or unwell?

The last thing any pet parent wants is to be forced to make medical decisions based on what they can afford rather than what is in their dog or cat’s best interest. Something I come across all too regularly in the veterinary clinic.

Make no mistake, planning for unexpected costs ahead of time could very well be the difference between your pet’s life and death…

In this fantastic interview with Catherine from the pet insurance comparison site Fursure, we discuss everything a pet parent needs to know about to make sure that they are able to choose the best pet insurance policy for their furry family, as well as the other financial options available:

What is pet insurance for?
What is the best age to get insurance?
An explanation of preexisting conditions and exclusions
The different types of pet insurance policies available
How pet insurance policies differ
The excess and copay options that are best to choose
Direct claims vs upfront payment and reimbursement
The benefits of using a pet insurance comparison service
Alternatives to pet insurance

Check out all of the details, links, and more in the companion blog

Are you the “alpha” of your home pack or does your dog dictate the order of the day? Our dogs are part of the family, but is the way we treat them at home actually making them confused, anxious, and unhappy?

The fact is that dogs are dogs. And as obvious as this sounds, so many are treated like children which can lead to a whole range of different behavioral problems that impact the entire family.

When you hear the term “alpha” you may think, like me, about the need to punish, shout, or physically dominate your dog. Actions that are nothing but detrimental to your relationship and your dog’s well-being.

There is another kinder, gentler way of becoming the leader of your home “pack” that ensures your dog really is living their best life both physically AND emotionally.

In today's episode I’m joined by dog trainer Doggy Dan as we discuss:

How to set boundaries for your dog, and why it is important
Why parenting and dog training are very similar
The gentle way to become pack leader
Giving pats, cuddles, and affection value
The dog-owner pecking order
Online dog training resources
How to become a dog trainer

All too often we focus on physical health without recognizing the importance of our dog’s emotional health.

Make the change today!

You can find all the links and resources discussed over at callthevet.org

Have you ever found yourself standing in the pet food aisle utterly confused about what to feed your dog? It can seem almost impossible to decipher all of the marketing terms, ingredients list, and all the small print on the packaging.

And so today we’re going to go on a journey of discovery. To highlight the information that is really important and shed light on the tricks and tactics that pet food manufacturers use to convince you to buy their diet. All so that you can choose the best diet for your furry family.

Head over to the show notes to dive deeper into how to read dog food labels.

And if you think that commercial pet food is not the right choice for your dog, be sure to get your free copy of my guide I'm a Dog, Feed Me Raw - the benefits and risks of feeding rad diets vs kibble

You don't want to hear this but the chances are better than not that your dog or cat will suffer from arthritis during their life. You owe it to them to recognize their pain as early as possible and then take the steps needed to ensure their comfort and quality of life are maintained. Thankfully, there is so much that we can do, and some of the steps that have the biggest impact are completely free!

Every year, the number of animals euthanized in the shelter population is equivalent to twice the population of San Francisco.

Combine this with the fact that only 3% of all charity donations go to help animals and the environment combined and you can see that there is plenty of work to be done.

There is hope, and we can all make a difference. The reality is that the conversation needs to change from helping with people OR animals to people AND animals.

The benefits of bringing a rescue dog or cat (or rabbit or horse…) into our lives can be unbelievably powerful. This simple decision has the potential to be truly life-changing.
Carol Novello, and her organization Mutual Rescue, collect stories of the transformative effect that rescue animals have been proven to have time and again.

And for those of us who don’t have space in our homes for a new furry family member, Carol gives us the language, avenues, and permission needed to support the global pet population in a way that will pay us back and improve the world many times over.

Head over to the show notes for all the links discussed and to dive into the world of rescue animals.

Getting your female dog spayed is something all owners need to consider, and as well as making sure the timing is right, choosing the best surgical technique for your dog is really important if you want the lowest chance of complications and the fastest recovery.

Laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgery is becoming increasingly available, but while it does provide some clear benefits over the traditional surgical technique it is not the right option for every dog.

For a deeper dive into spaying your dog, be sure to head over to the full show notes.

Have you ever considered the impact that your pet dog or cat has on the environment?
Are you wondering how you can reduce their ecological pawprint?
The fact is that, depending on how you are caring for your pet, their carbon footprint due to diet alone could be very similar to yours! Thankfully though, some simple changes you can make today will make a hugely significant difference over the lifetime of your pet.

In this wide-ranging interview we discuss:

How your pet contributes to climate change and their ecological impact
Options you can take to be more green, including:
- Diet choices
- Sustainable pet accessory options
- Parasite control
The impact of climate change on both animal and human health and disease control challenges
How the veterinary industry is adapting to be more environmentally conscious
The 3 big changes you can make today

Check out the full show notes for more information and links discussed

A cancer diagnosis is the last news any pet parent wants for their furry family member, and then you're hit with some potentially drastic treatment options. With a cancerous mass on the leg, this can mean the potential for amputation of the whole leg.

If this episode I discuss:

The tumor characteristics you need to know about when any surgery is being planned
When amputation may be the best option for your dog's longer-term quality of life
The other treatment options you should consider
Why an oncology referal will provide you with the best information

Find out more

Inflammatory bowel disease can be a challenging disease to diagnose, involving many different tests and treatment trials. Frustration levels can run high!

In this episode I dive into:

What IBD in dogs actually is - the body’s own immune system over-reacting to what is going on in the gut causing inflammation
The common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
The challenge of making a diagnosis, which can include: blood samples, stool sample testing, medication trial, diet trials, ultrasound, and intestinal biopsy
Other diseases that may need to be considered (especially in Marley’s case with straining and greasy stools
The importance of clear communication and option of referral

Learn more

So many great questions were asked during this special live version of the show (and hopefully the answers were equally good!). I also review the year we all want to forget. And look forward to 2021 and how I can best serve you and your furry family

Today we're on a puppy information extravaganza and I talk all about the best time to spay or neuter your dog, how to tell if your puppy is having potty training accidents or actually suffering from a bladder infection, and when to transition your pup onto adult dog food.

So take a deep breath and let's dive in!

full show notes

Are you struggling to know the healthiest diet to feed your dog? You don’t want to home cook or feed raw but are now trying to decide which is best between wet vs dry dog food?

What to feed your dog is one of the hottest (and most contentious) topics in the pet health world.

And I doubt you’re expecting the answer I’m going to give…

Learn more about feeding wet vs dry dog food

Are you thinking of bringing a new puppy into your family? Are you worried about making sure they have had the best possible start in life?

You should be!

Puppy farmers know the questions you are going to ask, they understand exactly what you hope to see when you go and pick up your new puppy, and they will give you the “right” answer every single time.

The truth of the matter is that you need to be on your toes to make sure that the puppy you bring home really is everything that you have been led to believe. With a new puppy selling for thousands of dollars, you had better believe that there are plenty of puppy farmers out there looking to con you out of your money.

With the right knowledge, however, you can fight back…

Get all on info in the complete show notes about what to look for when buying a puppy

Bladder stones in dogs are not uncommon, and one of the harder types to manage are being seen more and more in the veterinary clinic.

Has your dog had bladder stones? Are you struggling to understand how to stop them from coming back?

Calcium oxalate bladder stones in dogs are, unfortunately, becoming more common as we are better able to treat and prevent the most common stone type, struvite. This is a problem because calcium oxalate stones are not simple to treat, and can be really challenging to prevent from coming back.

But it is possible.

Learn more about dog calcium oxalate stones

Can you imagine what life would be like if your mouth was in constant agony?

How would you eat?

For cats that suffer from stomatitis, living with a permanently inflamed and painful mouth is just so miserable. It can also be a really challenging disease to treat.

But just what is this disease? What causes stomatitis in cats? And what is the best stomatitis treatment for your cat?

full show notes

Have you tried to put a collar on your cat but really struggle to get them to keep it on?

Have you thought about using a harness to take your cat outside but don’t know where to start?

Leili and Kevin are two dedicated cat parents who have turned their passion into a mission to both educate and provide you with the safest and most cat-friendly collars and harnesses wherever you are in the world.

Who better to talk to when it comes to:

Tips for getting a cat used to wearing a collar
Cat collar safety
What to include on your cat’s ID tag and should you add a bell
Why you should consider using a cat harness
How to harness train a cat and explore safely

For all the links, information, and more check out the full show notes. And head over to supakit.co and use the code OPH to get 10% off at checkout

You're not alone if you want to mix something with your dog's normal food to increase the flavor and interest for them. But adding the wrong topper could actually negatively impact their health.

This is what you need to know...

Check out the full show notes for all links and more information

Do you let your cat outdoors unsupervised or keep them inside all the time?

There are few other topics that provide such a polarization of opinion among cat lovers!

Keep your cat indoors and they're going to be bored, fat, and lazy. But let your cat outside and they're going to be hit on the road or riddled with disease within a week!

But what really is the best option for your cat?

Head over to the full show notes

It is important that if your dog is licking their lips more than normal that this problem is not ignored as many of the causes of lip-licking can seriously impact a dog’s happiness and comfort levels.

Other causes may only be treatable when they are picked up early.

Head over to the full show notes

It’s just possible that if you have an arthritic dog, overweight cat, or your pet is recovering from surgery, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy or some other form of rehab should be the first treatment on the list!

It’s time that physiotherapy for dogs and cats became more mainstream, and recognized as being able to provide a wide range of benefits to our pets suffering from a huge range of different conditions.

This is what you need to know…

Head over to the full show notes

Does your dog tremble every time they set foot inside the vet clinic? Is your veterinarian fear-aware? the truth is veterinary visits can be fun! This is what you need to know…

In this episode, we talk all about why your dog or cat is scared of the vet and how to tell if your veterinarian is doing everything they can to reduce their fear, anxiety, and stress. We then move on to talk about the fear-free movement as well as the action steps that you can take to help your pet enjoy their veterinary visits!

Head over to the full show notes

While vitamin B12 deficiency is most commonly associated with intestinal disease and long-term diarrhea, vitamin B12 is essential for so many processes within a cat's body.

Deficiency might be more common than we think!

Head over to the full show notes

FIP - three initials that strike fear into every cat who knows how deadly this disease can be.

While the virus that causes Feline Infectious Peritonitis is incredibly common, up until now treatment has been hopeless. thankfully, there could soon be a brand new treatment that offers an infected cat a much better chance of survival.

Find out more in the full show notes

The problem with itchy skin in dogs can be one of the most frustrating conditions to deal with both as a veterinarian and a dog owner because, not only can it be really difficult to actually get a handle on what is causing your dog's itch, it also makes your pet's life miserable.

This episode breaks down the main causes of itching in dogs, as well as some reliable strategies to stop your dog scratching.

Check out the full show notes here

Being faced with the prospects of amputating your pet’s leg can be a decision that needs to be made quickly and without warning.

It can also be a decision filled with anxiety, guilt, and apprehension.

Jim and Rene, the founders of tripawds.com, are the 2 people you want in your corner if you’re struggling with the thought of your dog or cat living a quality of life on 3 legs, or looking for tips to optimize their happiness following surgery.

They know first hand the challenges you are facing, having experienced this exact scenario with their own dog Jerry.

Little did they know at the time how much Jerry’s cancer diagnosis would change their lives and positively impact countless tripawds across the globe.

Head over to the full show notes

If your pet's unwell, then making the decision to run a certain diagnostic test, or have a procedure carried out can be really difficult. Especially if there is a chance that that could actually cause your pet harm.

That's the challenge faced in today's question because the last thing we want to do when we're trying to make a diagnosis is to actually kill our patient!

Head over to the full show notes

Does your pet show signs of fear, anxiety, or stress when they visit their veterinarian?

If so, they are not alone!

The “Fear Free” movement seeks to put a stop to this and make your pet’s trip to the vet an experience to be enjoyed rather than feared! How then is a fear free certified veterinarian different, and should you consider changing vets?

Having recently become fear-free certified, I shared a live training in The Academy about the ways that a veterinary visit can be made as low stress as possible (members can watch the full training replay here).

Highlighting the difference between a fear-free veterinarian and a “normal” vet is an important question to answer, especially if your dog or cat hates their visits to the hospital.

Check out the full show notes.

When you bring a new puppy into your life, the last thing you want is for them to suffer from a horrible genetic condition that could have been predicted if you had known a test was available.

This is just one consideration when it comes to making sure your new puppy is as healthy as possible.

Head over to the full show notes

We all know how important vaccinations are in keeping our pets safe from preventable, deadly diseases. The last thing we want though is for our interventions to have the opposite effect and hurt our dogs and cats. The risk of side-effects is a reality, but if your dog develops a lump after vaccination is it something to be concerned about?

Check out the full show notes

Are you scared that whenever you leave your dog alone you are going to return to a scene of total destruction?

Have you been spending a lot of time with your new puppy during lockdown and started to worry about how they are going to cope when restrictions lift?

Separation anxiety is no laughing matter or minor inconvenience. In fact, if changes aren’t made then a dog can quickly go from feeling a bit anxious to destroying your house and doing themselves a serious injury trying to escape.

Fear not!

Help is at hand as Sara Ondrako, a canine behavioral consultant, talks with me about how to put a stop to separation anxiety, as well as how to prevent your pup from ever developing a separation-related problem in the first place.

Check out the full show notes

Having a blood test is a frequent next-step when a problem is being investigated. It is also a common recommendation to run bloods as a "routine" health screen in older dogs and cats. The results, however, can sometimes leave you with more questions than answers...

Download Pet Health Essentials - my free guide that will help optimize your pet's health so they are living as healthy, happy, and full a life as possible

In this episode I discuss that:

"Normal" blood test parameters are based on a mathematical formula which means that a certain number of results are expected to fall slightly outside the normal reference range.
Blood results can not be taken in isolation. It is important that they are interpreted based on an individual patients history, symptoms, and physical examination
For mild abnormalities in an otherwise healthy pet, the options to consider include further testing or monitoring with repeat testing after a period of time to see if a problem is indeed developing.

Find out more in the full show notes

Physiotherapy and other physical therapies like hydrotherapy form an important part of any rehabilitation and recovery process after surgery or injury. It is though vital that any treatment is carried out properly - otherwise, there could be more harm done than good

Click here to download my free guide Pet Health Essentials, to optimizing your pet's health

When carried out by a trained practitioner, physiotherapy can improve chance of successful recovery + reduce the risk of side-effects, speed up recovery, reduce pain, and maintain muscle. Incorrect technique can lead to the exact opposite!

Head over to the full show notes

Vaccines are a fundamental step in having the healthiest dog (and cat) possible. It is though important to only vaccinate against diseases that actually pose a threat. Otherwise, the risk of side effects outweigh the potential benefits.

Vaccinations is just one of the 5 topics I discuss in my free guide Pet Health Essentials

Although vaccines are very safe, you do need to be aware of potential side effects, and deciding on the type of vaccine and frequency of administration is very much based on a risk:benefit assessment performed in conversation with your veterinarian.

Head over to the full show notes

Large and giant breed dogs are at risk of a number of fairly unique conditions that affect their bones and joints. Understanding the implications of this can save you a lot of heartache and ensure you know exactly how to manage them for optimal health.

Download my free guide Pet Care Essentials here

Hypertophic osteodystrophy in dogs is a bone disease that occurs in young, fast-growing large and giant breed dogs like Great Danes, boxers, Labrador retrievers - particularly severe in the Weimaraner and Irish Setter.

It causes lameness, increased temperature, anorexia, and dogs suffering from HOD can be truly painful and miserable.

All is not lost though, as the prognosis is likely better than you might expect...

Full show notes

Having an itchy dog or cat can be incredibly frustrating!

Finding out why they are itching is not always easy and then finding a management or treatment plan that stops your dog or cat scratching all the time can take forever.

Join me as I work through the causes of itching in dogs and cats, how you can diagnose the problem in your pet, and then what you need to know about treating their skin condition to stop them from itching and scratching for good!

At the very least, you need to know itchy pet causes which include parasites, infections, anal gland problems, other skin disease, and allergies. It's also important to know that your pet might not be itchy! Boredom, stress, and pain can make them appear to be scratching but the problem is something else.

Check out the Our Pet's Health Academy

Full show notes

Getting your picky dog to eat can be hard enough, but it’s even more worrying if you think they are too skinny…

I understand how frustrating having a picky dog can be, especially if you are worried that they are underweight.

There are 2 steps you need to take:

Find out if your dog is actually a healthy weight or not. Hopefully your vet should have given you some indication as to whether or not he is a healthy weight. If not then answering a few questions will help you to find out, which you can read about in my article all about how to condition score your dog.
Next, you should study my top tips for how to make a picky dog eat, and once you have settled on a strategy stick to your guns!

Download my free guide "Pet Health Essentials"

A lot of owners feel like their pet’s health is out of their hands, and simply put their trust in luck. The reality is that this approach compromises their pet’s health and ends up costing a lot more money.

Click here to learn more about the academy

The fact is that since I graduated from vet school in 2006, it’s become increasingly clear to me that the most common diseases and injuries I see in my patients are almost completely preventable...

The biggest causes of poor health and a reduction in quality of life in both dogs and cats are obesity, dental disease, and arthritis. As well as the impact these have on your pet, being overweight alone is said to cost a dog owner $2,026 per year, and a cat owner $1,178.

These are the diseases that you have the power to prevent, or at least significantly reduce their impact on your pet’s life, by taking a proactive approach. Even better, taking the right action doesn’t take a lot of resources or cost a lot of money.

I know by being part of this community that you are willing to take action

Today I’m excited to share with you how the Our Pet’s Health Academy could add years to your pet’s life, reduce their chance of developing the most common threats to their health, and ensure they are living their best life possible.

This transformation from your pet being a walking veterinary bill into a picture of health will take place through:

a range of targeted courses (and the list is rapidly growing!)
a comprehensive resource library
live monthly training sessions on key topics with Q&A for all your queries
an exclusive forum to share your experiences with other dedicated dog and cat lovers.

Taking the time to invest in your pet's health really does make a world of difference when it comes to them living a healthy, happy, and full life.

Click here to learn more about the academy

If your cat is shredding the arm of your favorite sofa or scratching your curtains all the time, one of the best solutions is to get your cat to use a scratching post instead.

Getting your cat to use their new scratching post is more complicated than simply adding it to the corner of your room. But using these proven steps will help them quickly make the transition!

Win lifetime Academy membership

Steps to Getting Your Cat to Use a Scratching Post

Making sure the scratching post is at the angle your cat prefers (some like horizontal, others like vertical surfaces).
Trying different materials - carpet vs cardboard - some cats can be put off if their nails keep getting caught in loops of carpet.
Putting the post in the area that your cat prefers (start off near the furniture they currently scratch).
Attract your cat to the area using catnip or Feliway spray.
Give your cat a tasty reward as soon as your cat uses the post.

Stopping Your Cat Scratching the Furniture

Put a heavy blanket over the arm of the couch or temporarily tie up the curtains to help break the habit
Don’t punish your cat - stress causes more scratching or urine spraying
While most cats will successfully transition to using a scratching post, for those who don’t you could consider trying claw covers that you can glue on.
NEVER declaw your cat.

Download the guide "Pet Health Essentials" for free

Head over to the full show notes

The last thing I want is to see as a veterinarian is my patients come to see me at the vet clinic because they are unwell or injured. Especially if it is something that could have been prevented in the first place (or at least the risk massively reduced).

Download "Pet Health Essentials" for FREE here

The fact is, it is well within your reach to take the right steps to optimize your dog and cat’s health and ensure that your pet is living their best life and improve their happiness.

While you might think that your pet’s health is mostly a matter of luck, the reality is that the most common diseases and causes of poor quality of life are almost completely preventable. A few surprisingly simple steps can make all the difference!

Whether you are a new puppy or kitten owner or have a senior dog and cat, concentrating on my 5 top tips for a healthier, happier pet is all it takes to take your pet's health to the next level!

Full show notes here

Are flea treatments poisoning your pet’s blood...or are they completely safe?

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Using Garlic as a Flea Treatment* There is no good evidence to suggest that feeding garlic has any flea repellant activity * Garlic, onion and chives (all in the allium family) cuse red blood cell destruction which can result in severe anaemia - head here to read more about onion and garlic poisoning in dogs (LINK TO POST

How Do Flea Treatments Work?* Modern flea and tick preventive treatments work in different ways depending on the active ingredient. They are generally much more targeted towards insect biology rather than mammalian biology. * Older drugs, such as organophosphates, were much more dangerous, as well as being less effective * There are still potential side-effects with modern flea treatments (something that's true with any drug), and these might make certain products a good choice for some individuals while not suitable for others.

Full show notes

It can be a very worrying time if your older dog has started to have seizures. While it is tempting to pass them off as normal “idiopathic” epilepsy, the reality is that, unless your dog has had seizures when they were younger, it is highly unlikely that this diagnosis is correct.

There is likely to be another underlying seizure cause.

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The Causes of Seizures in an Older Dog* Brain lesions - tumor, stroke * Infection * Poisoning * Organ disease

While a thorough history and simple blood test might be all that is needed to diagnose the seizure cause in the case of poisoning, kidney failure, or liver disease for example, in other cases reaching a diagnosis can be very challenging and referral to a neurologist may be required in these more complex cases if funds allow and a diagnosis is not otherwise forthcoming.

Disease Progression vs Drug Side EffectsWhile it is easy to blame a drug if your dog develops new symptoms relatively soon after starting treatment, side effects are not always to blame. In fact, they are often a result of progression of the underlying disease process - especially in the case of old dog seizures.

Unfortunately, seizures in older dogs can be more challenging to treat. If there is underlying organ disease then very often seizures only develop late in the course of the disease, making successful management harder.

Full show notes here

Being able to go toilet is fundamental to life. There are a number of reasons why an older cat might not be able to pee or poop. All need treatment but some are more serious than others.

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The reasons why a cat is unable to empty their bladder:

an obstruction within the bladder which can be the result of inflammation, infection, stones or a tumor
nerve damage that can result from trauma, injury (such as a "tail pull" event), or cancer
bladder muscle weakness which can happen if the bladder becomes very full and then is unable to contract even when the original problem is corrected.
pain (due to arthritis for example) can result in a cat being unable or unwilling to go to the toilet and hold on for extended periods of time. While a cat will eventually urinate, this can result in severe constipation

If your cat is having problems pooping as well then I'd be especially worried about the second group of issues. Either way, I'd recommend that your cat is assessed straight away by your vet as a bladder obstruction is fatal if not cleared, and the other causes will result in pain which needs to be addressed.

Head over to the full show notes

Grapes can be incredibly poisonous but they can also be completely harmless…so when should you worry?

A single grape will be absolutely fine for a dog of this size
I have a raisin and grape toxicity calculator to help you know when there could be a problem in the future
There is a lot of uncertainty about grape poisoning because the actual toxin is unknown and there is a lot of variation in individual dog sensitivity
If you have a question where emergency treatment might be needed, it is always best to contact your veterinarian or emergency service straight away so that, if treatment is needed, it won't be too late.

Head over to the full show notes, and download your free guide to keeping your pet as happy and healthy as possible

Phantom pregnancy is a common problem in entire female dogs where the body is essentially tricked into thinking it is pregnant. Spaying is the best way to get rid of the problem for good. But if you have an older female dog, is the surgery too risky?

A dog who has had a phantom pregnancy after a previous heat, typically experiences one every subsequent season. They also often become more pronounced each time.

Treating Phantom Pregnancy

Usually, there is no need to give any pharmaceutical treatment. The phantom pregnancy will sort itself out without any intervention in a couple of weeks or less.
If you want to help this resolution take place faster, you can:
- Increase their exercise levels
- Reduce their food intake
- Medication can be given, especially if there is a lot of milk and a risk of mastitis

Spaying an Older Dog

3 big benefits of spaying a dog: prevent pregnancy, prevent pyometra, reduce breast cancer risk.
Risks of spaying an older dog:
- GA + surgery risk are very low, but do depend on the overall health of the individual dog
- There are some potential some side effects to being spayed before twelve months of age, especially in larger breed dogs. These risks don’t appear to be present in female dogs that are spayed in older age.

All the details and links can be found in the full show notes

I bet you haven’t thought about the environmental impact of your dog’s poop (and if you have you’re amazing!).

The fact is that leaving their waste where they toilet in a health hazard, and the plastic waste and methane production from simply throwing it in the trash is huge.

Here are some solutions…

The Dog Poop Mountain!* over 96 million dogs in US, UK + Australia alone, producing about 12 million tonnes of dog poop every year! * If we assume that every dog goes once a day and 1 plastic bag is used to dispose of each motion, then 2900,000,000 plastic bags are used every month just to dispose of dog waste.

Dog Waste Disposal Options1. Regular trash + landfill 2. Flush down toilet 3. Doggy septic tank 4. Bury 5. Compost 6. Wormery 7. Biogas system

Full details, along with the pros and cons of each option can be found in the blog

The COVID-19 coronavirus is rapidly spreading across the globe, and there are reports of pets being abandoned en-mass with people fearing their dog or cat could spread the infection to their family.

In this special episode, I discuss the risk that your pet poses to your health, as well as how you can better prepare your pet for the events that are to come.

Be aware too that this is a rapidly changing situation. Head over to this post that I will keep updated with the latest COVID-19 information as it relates to your pet and their care.

Can dog’s spread coronavirus:* 1 dog in Hong Kong is felt to have developed a very low level of infection having caught the disease from their coronavirus-infected owner * Swabs have only ever come back with a weak positive result, and antibody testing has so far come back as negative. This suggests that the risk of a person becoming infected from their pet is very, very low. * Pet owners should not be overly concerned (wash hands, don’t let your pet lick your face, practice good hygiene) and under no circumstances should they abandon their pets.

Preparing your pet for COVID-19:* Make sure you have an appropriate level of supplies including food, litter and any medication your pet might need. Don’t hoard, just ensure that you are not waiting until you have run out before buying more * Ensure you have a backup carer in place. Do you have a plan if you are taken to the hospital at short notice? Do they have a key, and are they aware of your pet’s medical requirements? Have you confirmed they will be happy to do this given the current situation?

Seeking veterinary care during the pandemic:* Call ahead on the day to check your appointment is running as planned and to check for any new instructions * Consider delaying any non-essential visits, and if you do need to visit the vet clinic then only have 1 family member take your pet. * If you are unwell with and symptoms of coronavirus than ask someone else to take your pet in.

For more details head over to the full show notes

Stay safe everyone

A cat who urinates outside the litter box, literally spraying their urine on everything, is one of the most stressful conditions around - both for your cat and you as their owner. Even more so if you’ve tried absolutely everything to help them stop. Here are the next steps to take…

Check out the Our Pet's Health Academy

One thing I always find helpful with cases that are not going as I would hope or expect is to go back to basics and check that nothing has been skipped over or overlooked because it was originally felt to be unlikely or insignificant.
The first thing is to determine: is it peeing while assuming a normal position but outside the litterbox, or is it spraying on vertical surfaces?
Next would come working through common medical problems. If these checks show nothing of concern then you can truly focus on the problem as a behavioral one.
There are several different anti-anxiety medications out there, it can take a bit of trial and error to find the best single drug or combination.
Given everything you have already tried, my final suggestion would be to see if there is a behavioral specialist that you could contact, be referred to, or the best would be visiting you at home

Head over to the show notes for more information and further resources

Choosing the best diet to feed your dog can be a minefield, especially if they are fussy. In this episode I discuss the main risks and benefits of feeding raw and cooked diets, along with some strategies for getting your fussy dog to eat!

Check out the Our Pet's Health Academy to optimize your pet's health and happiness.

"I believe there are both benefits in raw diets and processed diets. However, my dog has a hard time being interested in his food enough to eat it and he struggles with keeping weight. I have tried all different mixes of foods so I was wondering if I could mix both cooked chicken and other cooked items of a raw diet into his daily ration of processed food?” - Justyce

As far as raw vs cooked diets go, there is a lot to consider and certain risks and potential benefits everyone needs to be aware of:
- Raw diet risks include - Parasites, Infection (a risk to pet AND owner!), a lack of balance
- Raw benefits - nothing proven
- Cooked commercial diet risks - Contamination, Formulation errors, Faddy/boutique diets are unproven
- Benefits - Specific diets proven to be valuable treatment option in certain conditions
Mixing cooked chicken and other cooked ingredients into a raw diet or cooked commercial diet is absolutely fine in my mind, and in fact, cooked chicken (or other meat) has fewer risks than raw meat.
- One thing to consider is that adding a significant amount of "extras" to a commercial diet may have the effect of making it unbalanced. If fed as a topper though, to improve the palatability of a diet, this is really unlikely to be a problem.

Head of to the full show notes for more information and further resources

If your dog is due to be spayed, which option is best for their long-term health? Removing just the ovaries is becoming more common, but how does this compare against a traditional ovariohysterectomy?

This episode is brought to you by the Our Pet's Health Academy

I don't believe there is any significant difference in risks or benefits of removing just the ovaries compared to a traditional ovariohysterectomy.
In theory there will be a chance of uterine tumors but these are incredible uncommon (uterine cancer in dogs makes up only 0.4% of all cancers in dogs) so this is a theoretical rather than "real-life" risk.
If I was spaying an older dog and there was some form of uterine problem present then I would always take the whole uterus along with the ovaries. For young dogs, this will not be an issue.
Removing just the ovaries can make the surgery faster and the incision smaller - although this will depend on the surgeon performing the procedure. Also laparoscopic spays only ever remove the ovaries.
Removing just the ovaries likely comes with a slight reduction in surgery risk (although this is already small) as exposure may be better and so the risk of bleeding is reduced.

Head over to the full show notes for more details

Your dog has had a routine senior blood test or pre-anesthetic screen and the liver enzymes are high. Your dog has no symptoms of liver disease though. They appear completely healthy.

This is a very common situation to find yourself in. But what should your next step be?

What are liver enzymes?

Changes in different liver enzymes mean different things
- ALT and AST are used as a marker of liver damage, although AST is also found in muscle and so can also increase if the muscles are damaged.
- ALKP/ALP and GGT are markers of o problem with the normal flow of bile, a liver waste product. These are also sensitive to diseases outside the liver + non-harmful causes of elevation, as well as also being released from other tissues or in the presence of steroids.

What Causes raised liver enzymes in Dogs

There are lots of potential causes of raised liver enzymes and screening blood tests are seldom definitive for the exact cause.
Sometimes increased serum liver enzyme activities occur because the patient does have primary liver disease, but very often they are secondary to disease outside of the liver. And to confound results even more, tissues other than the liver also produce these enzymes.
The liver plays a major role in the metabolism and excretion of drugs, toxins, and waste products. As a result it is susceptible to injury as a direct result of these or due to diseases in other parts of the body. Common examples include dental disease, hormone abnormalities (such as Cushings disease), intestinal disease, and pancreatic disease.
Increased liver enzyme activities can occur from benign processes (e.g. hepatic nodular hyperplasia) which is not uncommon in older dogs.
Diseases of the liver itself are also numerous and can include infections, cancers, immune problems, and inflammatory conditions.

What to do if your dog’s liver tests are high?

The answer really depends on your dog!
A mild elevation in liver enzymes can be a sign of many things like dental disease, intestinal disease, general inflammation, as well as liver disease of course. Mild elevation can also be completely normal in an older dog, and this is pretty common. The other blood results may prove a clue, as will your dog's history and physical exam.
Options include:
- Rechecking the blood levels a few weeks later to see if there is any change.
- Treating any other diseases that are known to be present (such as dental disease)
- More testing, such as a blood test called a bile acid stimulation, or imaging with ultrasound (or xrays).
- The liver is a very hard organ to know exactly what is going on and in some cases, when everything points to a problem within the liver itself, a biopsy is needed.

Head over to the full show notes and learn more about the member hub

Cat vaccination frequency varies depending on the lifestyle of a cat, and the vaccinations that they need:

No need to vaccinate cats every year with the core vaccine (flu and panleukopenia), although the WSAVA recommendations are that high-risk cats benefit from an annual flu booster. Rabies may also be required depending on where you live.
All cats should have a full booster vaccination every 3 years.
For indoor cats, the non-core vaccines (like leukemia) won't be needed unless the diseases are present in the household already. For those cats that will benefit from these non-core vaccines, an annual booster is needed.
The same vaccine is used for the initial vaccine course and the booster vaccines, the only difference is that the initial course requires 2 or 3 vaccines (depending on the age of the kitten/cat) to ensure initial immunity is achieved.

Full show notes and free guide to keeping your cat healthy

Does your puppy or kitten have more teeth than they should? Have you noticed their baby teeth sticking around? If so they can end up causing serious problems. This is what you need to know!

For most dogs and cats, the deciduous baby teeth are all present by 2 months of age, and then become replaced by the adult teeth by 6 months. In some breeds it is more likely that some baby teeth fail to fall out.
Retained teeth can push the adult teeth out of normal alignment, causing problems. they can also result in food becoming trapped, something that can quickly lead to advanced dental disease.
At the standard spay/neuter age of 5-6 months, one of the pre-op checks should be for retained teeth. These can then be removed at the same time without the need for a second anesthetic.

Head over to the full show notes and download my free guide to keeping your pet as healthy as possible

Do let your cat explore outside? What about at night? It could just be safer for your cat to keep them indoors!

"Will my cat be okay if I let her sleep in a close room at night?" - Maricar

Your cat will be absolutely fine in a closed room at night so long as it's not too hot or cold.
She should have access to fresh water and I'd recommend having a litter tray for her to use as well as a comfortable bed!
I fact, your cat will most likely be better off inside than being allowed outside at night. It is typically during the night that cats get into fights (that can also spread diseases like FIV), or get hit on the road.

Head over to the full show notes and download my FREE guide to keeping your pet happy, healthy, and out of the vet clinic!

Bravecto is one of the newest kids on the block when it comes to the control of fleas and ticks. While it works very well, some people question this drug’s safety and others struggle with the tablet’s price. So can you split Bravecto tablets, and when should you be worried about an overdose or Bravecto side effects?

Bravecto is isoxazaline parasite control product that is a tablet which: Kills fleas for 12 weeks, kills most ticks for 12 weeks (Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and D. variabilis), but only kills the lone star tick for 8 weeks
The Bravecto data sheet clearly states: "The chewable tablets should not be broken or divided". This is because the active ingredient can not be guaranteed to be evenly mixed throughout tablet and so half a tablet may contain less or more than half the total tablet dose.
It is uncertain how significant the difference could be but it could mean that a dog is either under-dosed or overdosed. This will depend on the size of your dog compared to the supposed dose given
That being said, the dose rate for dogs within 1 dosing band corresponds to a dose of 25 – 56 mg fluralaner/kg body weight which is clearly quite a large dose rate to work with. You may be happy with this and so choose to split the tablet, but it is not something that I can specifically recommend.
Overdose testing has been carried out for Bravecto and: "No adverse reactions were observed following oral administration to puppies aged 8 – 9 weeks and weighing 2.0 – 3.6 kg treated with overdoses of up to 5 times the maximum recommended dose"
As with any drug there are potential side-effects which include: diarrhea, vomiting, drooling and inappetence, and in rare cases muscle tremors, wobbliness and even seizures in dogs taking these drugs. It might be that your dog is at a higher risk of side-effects - for example, I would be cautious about recommending its use in epileptic animals or those suffering from other types of seizures

Head over to the full show notes

Download my FREE guide - 5 Steps to Keeping Your Pet as Healthy as Possible

If your dog or cat isn’t responding to treatment as well as you’d like, or their problem comes back, it’s tempting to either just sit on it or go to a different vet for a second opinion.

Today I want you to meet Molly and her owner Bex, whose story is a great example of checking in with your vet when treatment wasn't going to plan, and how seemingly simple common problems can actually be the result of something much more unusual!

Lessons for Everyone - Bex had a great approach to Molly’s illness, with lessons that we can all learn:

Looking for information online but knowing that a vet visit was needed. No information online (even on this site!) can replace a consultation with your veterinarian so that a thorough history and physical examination can be performed.
Not ignoring the fact that treatment hadn’t worked as well as expected. Seeking additional help early rather than wait until Molly was really sick, and not going to a different vet because things hadn’t gone to plan first time. Working through a health problem is a process, and you shouldn’t expect your veterinarian to be able to cure every problem in a single consultation.
Common things occur commonly. If you hear hoofs sometimes it’s zebras rather than horses (but normally it’s horses)! For animals that are really sick it may well be best to run a whole barrage of tests immediately. For most though, when time is not so critical, there is a process of testing for or treating the most likely diagnosis. If there isn’t the response expected then the more unusual causes will begin to be investigated.

A big thank you to Bex and Molly for letting me share their story! Find the full show notes with pictures here

What do you think? Is pet insurance a needless expense? Or is it, in fact, a vital life-saver? In Australia, the pet insurance industry has just been given a Shonky Award for being one of the dodgiest products in the country! On the other hand, pet insurance could allow your pet to receive life-saving treatment you would not otherwise be able to afford. So is insurance for your dog or cat something you should be thinking about?

Choice, on reviewing 86 different pet insurance policies, claimed it couldn't recommend a single one. Some key reasons were that pet insurance is "Riddled with exclusions and technicalities, pet insurance is one of this country’s worst value insurance products," and "It relies on emotionally manipulating your love of your pet to sell you worthless insurance".
Insurance doesn’t cover: routine care - vaccinations/parasite control, often excludes dentistry, and there are serious exclusions based on breed as well as your pet’s medical history.
I often tell people that an insurance companies job is to NOT pay out so that they can make money for their stakeholders. The fact is that, on average, a pet owner will pay more in insurance than they will ever claim back
BUT - insurance can be the difference between life and death! Serious illness, expensive diagnostics, and complex surgeries will often be unaffordable without insurance. The alternative is less than ideal care, not making a diagnosis and trying to cut corners, euthanasia, or death

One pet insurance alternative is to have an emergency savings fund for your pet dog or cat.

Talk to your vet about how much this should be for your pet. A rough guide might be $5000 - $10,000 depending on the size and breed, as well as where you live.
One draw-back to this is that if you are only just starting a savings fund, what are the options if the fund is not enough to cover your vet’s bills. Credit cards, finance and other loan options are very expensive ways to access money. Borrowing from family may be an option. You need to have a plan.

Insurance can be a worthwhile product that can give you peace-of-mind and may also save your pet’s life. It is though not the only option

For more information about pet insurance and all the links discussed, head over to the full show notes.

Insurance is my bonus tip in the 5 steps to keeping your pet happy, healthy, and out of the vet clinic! You can download your free guide here.

Antibiotics are an incredibly valuable treatment for all manner of infections and diseases in pet dogs and cats (as well as us humans of course!). But if your pet needs long-term antibiotic treatment you might be worried about the potential for side effects. Here are some questions you need to answer…

Different antibiotics have different potential side effects. Neurotoxicity could be seen with metronidazole treatment for example, but not with amoxicillin.
Side effects are most often (but not always) either individual or dose-dependent rather than time-dependent. Antibiotics kill bacteria throughout the body, not targeted to a single area, can result in chronic diarrhea and may lead to the development of resistant infections.
Are antibiotics really needed long-term?
- There are conditions that require the long term use of antibiotics such as: antibiotic responsive diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and metronidazole, and chronic snuffles treated with azithromycin
- In other conditions, antibiotics are just treating the infection that is happening because of another disease. Addressing the primary disease may eliminate the need for antibiotics
Is the right antibiotic being used?
- If repeat of long term antibiotics are needed then always worth asking
- Is the diagnosis right - is more testing needed?
- Are there any other treatment options?
- Is the right antibiotic being used?
- Is the dose correct?

Check out the full show notes on long term antibiotic use.

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Anal sac abscesses are not particularly common in cats. They are though painful and there are some causes that mean a vet check is always a good idea.

Tracey asks: “My 4 year old male cat seems to have a burst abscess anal gland on the right side his anus. He seems okay. He has been licking it and hasn’t been sick in any way. He is very active and it seems to be healing now and closing up.”

Not a common cat problem - anal gland abscesses normally develop after the anal sacs fail to empty as normal, become impacted, infected and then burst out into the surrounding tissue
Causes of anal glands failing to empty properly include: Soft stools, Inflammation of the surrounding tissue, Anatomical issues, Masses in or beside the anal glands
Anal gland abscesses are typically very painful and require treatment: Antibiotics, Pain killers, Expression/flushing which may need sedation
An urgent visit isn't needed but, given anal gland problems are not a common issue in cats, it will be worth getting them checked and emptied to make sure there is no sign of a mass or other problem.
Straight after an AG abscess, I often find that the anal glands fill up quicker than normal and will often recommend a re-examination 2-4 weeks later to make sure there is no recurrence

Head over to the full show notes

If your dog or cat's treatment is not going to plan then what should you do? It might be tempting to take them to a different vet for a second opinion. While this is certainly an option, it may not actually be the best idea

Important that if a problem isn’t resolving, or if there are unexpected changes, to revisit with your veterinarian. Record what problems you are seeing at home by writing down list and take video as often pets won’t “perform” during a consultation
If signs are non-specific and no particular issues are found on exam then we often start with a symptomatic treatment trial. Lack of response, or progression, will then trigger further investigations such as blood, xray, or urine testing
If you don’t feel that your pet is getting the care you expect then can consider getting 2nd opinion. It is important you have realistic expectations of your veterinarian. 2nd opinions definitely have their place but in my experience it is very seldom that I end up recommending anything particularly different compared to the first vet
The importance of having a relationship with your vet based on trust can not be overstated
For complex cases, especially where tests have been inconclusive and response to any treatment has been poor, being referred to a specialist may be best.

Head over to the full show notes

If your cat is breathing fast, even if it’s only for a short period of time, then you need to know that they could be incredibly sick. Cats are great at hiding signs of being unwell, and while they may be completely healthy, in my mind, a cat who is breathing quickly of heavily should be seen as a potential emergency.

Heavy and fast breathing is always a bit of a worry in cats. Cats are great at hiding signs of being unwell and so it might only be noticed that they are struggling when they are almost on deaths door - this is not an exaggeration!
Breathing heavily can be a sign of a number of different things including: Normal (physical exertion, fright), pain, lung disease (e.g. asthma, cancer), fluid in the chest (e.g. due to heart failure, liver disease, and trauma), infection (a cat bite to the chest is a common cause), air in chest (caused by e.g. lung pathology, trauma), chest mass (cancer, diaphragmatic hernia), anemia (caused by bleeding or red blood cell destruction).
About 30% of Maine coon cats have a genetic mutation that makes it likely that they will develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This makes heavy breathing even more significant in this breed
Any cat that is breathing heavily should be checked over as a matter of urgency, if they are “panting” then this is a potential emergency. Keep your cat quiet and handle/move/stress as little as possible. Stress can result in respiratory arrest and death. These cats can really be on the very edge of survival

For more information head over to the full show notes

Spaying your female dog is one of the biggest surgeries she will have in her life. You need to know that you are doing the right thing. So should you spay your dog, and if so what is the best age?

Known benefit of spaying a female dog include: eliminate pyometra risk, massively reduce mammary cancer risk, spayed dogs live longer lives, reduced roaming and trauma risk, and eliminate pregnancy risks (such as c-section, eclampsia)
Potential risks of spaying: risk of anesthetic and surgery, increased risk of developing urinary incontinence, increased obesity risk, increased potential of joint problems in larger breed dogs, and there may be an increased risk of certain cancers (especially in Rottweilers)
From all of the available evidence, it is impossible to make any sweeping generalizations.
Simple, one-size-fits-all rules are much more appealing and far easier to apply than a subtle, complicated decision based on various risks and benefits that are not fully understood.
What is right for one individual may be wrong for another, because of the breed of your dog, or because of the different risks that people are comfortable living with.
For small breed dogs, I would still recommend spaying when they are around 6 months old before their first season.
For larger breed dogs, however, where there is no risk of them becoming pregnant and where they can be successfully managed while on heat, I recommend delaying this operation until they reach 1 year of age or a little older.

Full show notes and links to several related articles can be found here

Watching your dog having a seizure is an incredibly distressing event to witness. But what can you do to help stop their seizures if they're not having a fit caused by epilepsy? Sometimes treatment is tough and the prognosis poor.

Recognizing these situations is so important if you want to be sure that you are making the decisions that are in your dog’s best interest.Seizure causes are numerous. They fall into the five main categories of: Toxins, infection, organ dz, brain lesions, and epilepsy.

Controlling seizures involves making a diagnosis and then being able to treat, manage, or cure it effectively. When there is a disease causing the seizures, other than epilepsy, then anti-seizure medication alone will often fail to control the seizures adequately - especially in the long term.
Anti-seizure medication can though form part of symptomatic treatment plan while investigating and starting treatment targeted at the specific underlying cause.
The kidneys help to regulate hydration, body salt levels and filter out numerous toxins from the blood
In advanced kidney failure, seizures can result from the build up of toxins within the blood. This is typically only seen right at the end of long term failure, or if there has been a sudden failure - acute kidney injury - e.g. antifreeze toxicity. Seizures are a sign of severe and advanced kidney damage and unfortunately the prognosis is likely going to be really poor.
Whenever our pet has a really serious disease, we need to be realistic about the likelihood of recovery and whether ongoing treatment is resulting in an improvement, whether the condition itself is curable, as well as the condition of your pet (e.g. are they comfortable or in pain)
Vital that you work in conjunction with your veterinarian. It is important that you know what to expect, the likely outcome based on the treatment and investigation decisions made, as well as the potential costs involved.
Decisions need to be re-evaluated on a weekly, daily or even hourly basis. We always need to be thinking what the best decision is for out pet, not for us

Head here for the full show notes about kidney disease and seizures

Make no mistake, if your dog or cat has a problem with their eye then it can go from being a minor inconvenience or irritation to something really serious within a day or two. It could even result in permanent blindness or loss of the eye.

You definitely want to make sure that they are being given the right treatment for keratitis or any other form of eye disease!

Keratitis is an inflammation of the surface of the eye - the cornea. There are 2 main categories: ulcerative and non-ulcerative
Keratitis in cats is most often caused by infection with herpesvirus, but can also be due to other causes including trauma, irritation, immune system dysfunction, increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma), and dry eye
The surface of the eye becomes pink/white/chalky with raised lesions, you may also notice new blood vessels growing over the eye
So long as no ulceration of cornea then steroid drops are the most common treatment of keratitis in cats, although this will depend on your cat’s history and the suspected underlying keratitis cause.
If a corneal ulcer is present - something your vet will check using fluorescein stain - then antibiotics will be given first to allow the eye ulcer to heal
Additional treatment may be needed alongside the steroid eye drop. These can include oral or injectible steroids and antiviral medication
Treatment may be needed lifelong. Once a cat has herpesvirus then it is often with them for life and may cause a permanent or intermittent keratitis (as well as other problems)
If your cat is receiving steroid eye drops and any discharge is geting worse or their eye becoming painful then stop the medication and get your cat’s eye checked over straight away. If an ulcer is present and steroid eye drops are continues then it is possible for a deep ulcer to form that can then burst

Calendar here

Check out the full show notes here

Grooming a long-haired cat can be a full-time job. If they don't like it then it can also be a nightmare where you end up being covered in scratches and blood!

This cat in question is getting poop stuck to her back end and the first step is to find out why this is happening and if there is an underlying condition that needs treating. If not, there are several steps that any owner can take to make grooming easier at home or to reduce the stress of any visit to your groomer or veterinarian.

Full show notes here

If we have a pet in our lives, then unfortunately at some point there will come a time when we will need to make a really difficult decision to say goodbye.

Today's question is all about how to speak to your children about the death of a pet. How to talk to them and involve them in the buildup to euthanasia. And once your dog or cat has died, how to help your child grieve.

Full show notes here

Are prescription diets really the best option for your dog or cat if they are unwell? Is raw feeding or switching to a home-cooked diet as good (or even better)? And are vets are paid to sell diets by the big food companies?

Feeding your dog or cat the best diet can be tricky and the choice is even more important if they are unwell!

Get your question answered at callthevet.org

Dental disease in rabbits is one of the most common problems they develop. It is also a big reason that a rabbit may need to be euthanized while they are still relatively young. Understanding why tooth problems develop and how to prevent then can ensure your rabbit lives a long and happy life! Check out the full show notes at callthevet.org

I'm tackling two completely separate topics this week

Why a cat could be leaking urine after suffering from a blocked bladder (01:45)
How to prevent cystitis in cats (09:52)
The causes of a hard, bloated abdomen in a Chihuahua (25:32)

For full show notes, mentioned resources, and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

This episode I'm answering your pet health questions about:

A female dog who is leaking urine while sleeping - the causes and treatment of this common problem (02:52)
Reducing the stress of introducing a new cat into the house - helping the new and resident cats cope in a multi-cat home (12:22)
How to wean a puppy onto solid food - taking them off Mum and dealing with bottle-fed puppies (19:42)

Sign up to the newsletter knowledge vault and gain access to all of my free pet health downloads here.

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

On today's show I'm answering your pet health questions about:

Can CBD oil be used to treat dementia in dogs - and what other treatment options are there? (02:10)
The causes of long term diarrhea in a puppy - and how to put a stop to it! (11:02)
The best rabies vaccination protocol for your dog (18:55)

Sign up to my free arthritis mini-course here.

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

This episode tackles the important pet health topics of:

What to do if you’re scared of dogs jumping up - and what we can all do as dog owners to help people who are scared of dogs (01:25)
The best way to treat a dog with a slipped disc (08:47)
When to spay your female dog, along with the risks and benefits of having this surgery carried out (26:30)

Get a free copy of my hot weather dog care guide here.

Sign up for my free arthritis mini-course here

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

This episode tackles the important pet health topics of:

What the causes and solutions are to a cat who keeps toileting in the kitchen (01:15)
How to help an old dog showing signs of weakness and suffering mobility issues - an overview of an effective arthritis treatment plan (09:52)
Helping and treating a dog who is starting to show signs of senility and dementia - the signs to watch for and treatment options that may help (21:32)

Get a free copy of my guides to problem peeing and stress in cats here.
For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

A range of questions are tackled this week as I bring you a discussion about:

Bleach poisoning in dogs and cats - which products are most dangerous? (01:20)
The challenge of realizing your cat has heart failure - and how common this disease is (08:26)
The causes of blood and mucus in a cat's stool - are invasive tests really needed to find out? (15:33)

Get a free copy of my pet poison checklist here.
For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

This week is an arthritis special as I tackle some of the most common questions surrounding this common, debilitating disease including:

How to reduce the impact of stairs on your dog's joints (03:02)
Does joint damage make arthritis more likely - and how to prevent arthritis (05:27)
How safe are pain killers - and how can you reduce the risks of side-effects (12:44)
Does hot weather make arthritis worse (24:48)

Sign up for my free arthritis mini course at ourpetshealth.com/arthritisminicourse
For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

I've got some juicy, and potentially controversial discussion for you in this episode of Call the Vet (formerly The Dr Alex Answers Show) as I talk about:

How to treat a dog who has suddenly developed severe anxiety (02:28)
Why a dog could be panting, even when they are resting (12:57)
The differences and similarities of dogs and wolves, and how this relates to diet and the feeding of grains (19:04)

For full show notes, access to the knowledge vault, and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to callthevet.org

This week's episode of the show is all about:

How much to feed your cat - preventing obesity is so important (03:04)
How to help someone accept that their pet is overweight, unhealthy and needs to lose weight (11:30)
The best dog for an elderly couple - the questions to ask yourself to find your perfect dog (22:37)

For full show notes, access to the knowledge vault, and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

This week's episode of the show is all about:

Laparoscopic vs traditional spay surgery in dogs - what's the difference and which surgery is the best choice for your dog? (01:04)
Tracheal collapse in small, older dogs - how to treat your dog if they can't have surgery (08:39)
The best flea treatment and prevention for your cat - how to choose the best product (14:57)

For full show notes, access to the knowledge vault, and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

This week's episode of the show is all about:

How to stop excitement and submissive peeing in dogs - break this embarrassing habit! (01:08)
How to find a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a special diet for a cat with multiple health problems - it's really hard to make sure it's balanced (08:32)
Should small dogs get a smaller vaccine dose (and what about the risk of side-effects)? (11:48)

For full show notes, access to the knowledge vault, and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

This week's episode of the show is all about:

The best food to feed your dog - Is this really a simple question? (01:00)
How to stop your dog humping their friends - it's embarrassing! (09:15)
How do dogs catch Leptospirosis? - a potentially deadly infection (12:55)

For full show notes, access to the knowledge vault, and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

Download your free copy of my raw vs kibble diet guide at
https://ourpetshealth.com/rawdietguide

This week's episode of the show is all about:

Skin lumps and bumps - how to know if they need removing! (01:11)
Post vaccine skin swelling - a sign of something more sinister? (06:26)
Anal gland expression - preventing this common problem (10:12)

For full show notes, access to the knowledge vault, and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

This week's episode of the show is all about:

The risks of anesthetic and spaying an older cat - is it still worthwhile and are exotic, short-nosed cats at a higher risk? (01:41)
What are the definitions of a small and large breed dog - any why does it matter? (07:22)
Do cat vaccines cause kidney disease - and how frequently do cats actually need to be vaccinated? (11:58)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can download your free copy of my raw diets vs kibble dog food guide at ourpetshealth.com/rawdietguide

This week's episode of the show is all about:

Heat rash in dogs - is there something else going on? (01:01)
The best way to treat your dog's cruciate ligament rupture - is surgery the best option? (04:50)
Vaccine related tumors in cats - the real risk! (14:06)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can download your free copy of my hot weather dog care ebook at ourpetshealth.com/summerdogcare

This week's pet health show is all about:

Phantom pregnancy in dogs - swollen nipples and so much more! (01:11)
Runny noses and treating allergies - should drugs be avoided? (08:06)
Rawhide and jerky treats - are they safe or is there a better chew option? (17:19)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode of the pet health show is all about:

Getting your dog used to the heat and preventing heat stroke - it really can kill (02:21)
Solving a dog's problem with stomach cramps - how to find out what's wrong (06:21)
How to litter train a kitten - is it a question of training or stress? (11:51)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode of the pet health show is all about:

Pet insurance - how to choose the best policy for you and your pet (01:49)
Hair loss in cats - how to find out the cause of this problem (07:52)
A spayed cat acting like she's in season - has she really been fixed? (13:48)
Linear foreign bodies - why they are so dangerous (17:07)
Nasal tumors in dogs - is this causing the nasal discharge (20:51)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

Today on the show I answer the pet health topics questions about:

Steroid drinking and thirst (01:38)
Constipation in cats (06:38)
Itchy eyes and homeopathic drops (13:28)
Seizure treatment aims and sedation risks (17:31)
Urinary incontinence when treatment doesn't help (22:59)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

This week I answer questions about:

Nylabones and other dog chews (01:48)
Assessing pain levels in a dog (07:11)
The causes of twitching and seizures in a dog who’s just given birth (09:59)
Monitoring a diabetic dog or cat at home (13:53)
How to Clean your cat’s teeth (19:42)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources and knowledge vault mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

The pet health topics I'm discussing today are all dog related:

Coughing in older dogs (02:24)
Is it OK (and beneficial) to spay an older dog (07:56)
Is there a link between heart failure and seizures (13:34)
How many grapes are poisonous to dogs (18:09)
Why does your vet choose to stock some flea treatments and not others (21:18)?

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources and knowledge vault mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode I talk all about the pet health topics of:

The causes of bloody diarrhea (01:34)
The safety of Bravecto and Nexgard + the alternatives (05:51)
The causes of itchy ears (10:47)
What to do when your dog has an allergic reaction (15:25)
How to stop your dog licking you (19:33)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode I talk all about the pet health topics of:

The causes of sudden sneezing in dogs (01:54)
The safety and flexibility of gabapentin to treat pain (06:16)
The best way to keep wounds clean (11:36)
The best food to feed a dog after suffering from a bout of colitis diarrhea (17:09)
Eye ulcer causes, treatment and old dog care (22:58)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode I talk all about the pet health topics of:

Using CBD oil to treat epilepsy in dogs (02:31)
Rescue remedy in cats for anxiety and stress (08:24)
The best grains to feed your dog (14:47)
Heart disease in cats (19:21)
How to apply eye medication (26:05)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode I talk all about the pet health topics of:

Vaccine side-effects (01:04)
The causes of sudden blindness in a dog (04:36)
The silent impact of kidney and liver problems, and how they can be so well treated (09:25)
Is it ok for a dog to sleep with you under the duvet (13:17)
What can be done for a cat who is sneezing, has a runny nose and eye discharge? (15:11)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

This weeks pet health questions are all about:

The treatment of kennel cough in dogs - what is the best medication (01:15)
Anal gland problems in cats - why do they develop them and what can you do about it (04:35)
How to help a stressed-out male cat - this one is really aggressive (09:45)
My thoughts on line breeding in pedigree dogs - specifically regarding father-daughter mating (14:14)
Are raw diets safe for dogs and cats? - I'll save the rest of the raw diet argument for another day! (18:46)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode I answer the pet health questions:

Why did my cat develop a urinary blockage? (01:07)
Can a brace help after cruciate ligament rupture? (05:33)
What should I feed my cat? (10:28)
My cat has kidney failure and needs IV fluids but my vet doesn’t have overnight care. What are my options? (15:21)
And finally, is it OK for a puppy to have an anti-rabies injection at the age of 2 months? (21:00)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode I answer the pet health questions:

How can I cut my cats claws when he is becoming upset and aggressive? (01:17)
How can I stop my cat peeing outside his litterbox and on my clothes instead? And also, Why is my cat peeing on my couch and what can I do to stop it? (06:50)
How can I treat my dog with skin allergies? (13:33)
I have moved and am wondering how to find a vet that is honest and not too expensive? (22:05)
My cat grunts when relaxed and snores when sleeping. Should I be worried? (25:36)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

On today’s episode I answer the pet health questions:

What is causing my dog’s bladder stones? (01:11)
Can I give my dog Benadryl to treat her anxiety? (05:55)
What is the best treatment for hormonal urinary incontinence in dogs? (10:23)
Are these lumps mammary cancer? (12:22)
Should I take my gagging cat to the vet? (15:40)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex, simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

This weeks pet health questions are:

My dog has developed really bad anxiety and severe phobias of noise, people and strange objects. It’s getting worse, what should I do? (01:25)
How can I stop my puppy biting me? (06:27)
When should I vaccinate my young puppy, what vaccines does he need and what else will he require? Also, can the rabies vaccine cause rabies? (10:32)
What health problems will my cat face and what precautions should I take for my cat? (13:39)
Does medical marijuana help dogs suffering from seizures? And can it be used to treat anxiety and pain? (16:33)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in today's episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources

In this very first episode of the Dr. Alex Answers Show I answer the pet health questions:

How long should I give heartworm prevention tablets for? (01:10)
What dose of vaccine should I give to my small dog? (04:02)
My dog is really unwell but I have no money for the vet, what should I do? (06:06)
What is my dog’s rash + what should I do? (08:18)
Why is my dog vomiting at night when he otherwise seems completely normal? (11:36)

For full show notes and to get your dog and cat health questions answered by veterinarian Dr. Alex simply head to dralexanswers.com

You can find the resources mentioned in todays episode at ourpetshealth.com/resources