Veterinary Blog in Gilbert
Q: My dog won’t take the pills my vet prescribed. How do I give pills to a stubborn dog? A: There are a number of different tricks you can use to give pills to your dog. In this short video, Dr. Burns demonstrates three low-stress ways to give tablets or capsules to your pup.
Q: My dog has the grossest habit: he eats poop. How can I make him stop? A: According to a veterinary study, picking up dog droppings immediately was the only effective way to control this habit. A couple weeks ago I wrote about the traits common to dogs that engage in coprophagia (the medical term…
Q: My dog likes to drink out of my swimming pool. Is this safe? What if it’s a salt system, instead of chlorine? A: Occasional drinks from a well-maintained pool are not harmful to most pets. Ah, the “big backyard water bowl!” We get this question all the time, and we’re happy to say that…
Q: What’s the difference between “core” and “non-core” vaccines? Why should I care? A: Core vaccines are those that are recommended for all dogs or cats. They protect against diseases that infect dogs or cats of all life stages and lifestyles. These diseases usually (1) have high rates of infection, (2) pose a threat to…
Q: It’s spring in the desert and rattlesnakes are getting active. Does my dog need snake training? A: Snake avoidance training, also known as snake training and snake breaking, can be a helpful tool for dogs that spend unsupervised time in Arizona’s deserts and woodlands. Canine Outdoor Enthusiasts–dogs that participate in off-leash activities like hunting,…
Q: I was a few weeks late giving my dog’s heartworm preventative, and now my vet says I should test him again in six months. I only missed ONE dose. Is she trying to rip me off? A: Nope, she’s trying to protect your dog’s long-term health. Heartworm preventatives keep your dog from getting sick…
Q: I forgot to give my dog’s monthly heartworm preventative, what should I do? A: Give the dose you missed immediately, then continue giving the medication on the day you’ve always given it. If the missed dose is more than 2 weeks late, your dog should be tested for heartworm again in six months (click…
Q: My cat has started pooping right next to his litterbox. We recently had to change the type of litter because I’m pregnant and can’t be exposed to regular cat litter. Should we switch back, try a new one, or will he get used to it? A: Inappropriate elimination–defecating or urinating in unwanted places–may be…