51 articles
Extracting or filing a dog's teeth, known as dental disarming, does not solve aggression and will not prevent attacks. The AVMA and AVDC oppose it because it fails to address the underlying behavior and can cause long-term dental problems. The recommended approach is training to stop biting, such as the treat toss method and obedience lessons, and consulting a behaviorist. Dental disarming is a last resort to avoid euthanasia.
A cat owner asks Dr. Mark if sheep drench is suitable for heartworm prevention in cats and what dose would be appropriate for her 9–10 lb pets.
An owner's imported dog introduced biting lice that resisted Revolution and Frontline. This response explains how to calculate sheep drench ivermectin orally, what safety data show about the drug, and which non-chemical measures may complement treatment.
For cats in the early stages of heart failure, stress reduction and standard medications like diuretics are often sufficient, but many will eventually require oxygen support. Oxygen cages, however, may not be the optimal solution due to limited effectiveness and fire hazards.
A Chihuahua has red ears, eyelids, and private areas, but no fever, bumps, itching, or appetite changes. Several conditions can lead to widespread skin redness in dogs, and because the cause might be a systemic issue such as a blood infection, a veterinarian visit is recommended for proper testing and care.
A concerned owner seeks advice for her 10-month-old Pomeranian/Maltese mix who continues to shake her head and tilt it despite a vet visit. The vet found no infection and suggested allergies but offered no treatment. The owner wonders about pain relief, antihistamines, and whether a vet can diagnose an inner ear infection just by looking.
Veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers shares her knowledge on the world's tallest dog breeds, detailing their sizes, temperaments, and what potential owners should know.
For a soft-shelled turtle, round-the-clock access to a soaking area is crucial. This article describes a method for addressing shell cracks that result from dehydration.
Lela's 15-year-old cat showed sudden disorientation and weakness, prompting her to ask Dr. Mark if cats can have strokes and what she can do without expensive vet tests.
A gecko owner named Lindsay found peeling skin and a sore on her pet's nose; veterinarian Dr. Mark dos Anjos explains possible causes including glass rubbing and skin infections, offers chlorhexidine treatment guidance, and advises on when professional veterinary care is needed.
Lynet asks Dr. Mark about safely deworming her pitbull mother dog during nursing and what foods can increase milk production.
A turtle owner asks if their UV lamp is sufficient or if they should also provide direct sunlight. While UV lighting is a good choice, natural light offers advantages that bulbs might not. This article explores how to safely give your turtle outdoor time, what to watch out for, and what to do if you live without a yard.
Adrian seeks help for his Shar-Pei's nose, which has cracks, redness, and hyperpigmentation that haven't resolved with various treatments. Dr. Mark explains why this might be discoid lupus erythematosus and outlines diagnostic and treatment options.
For senior dogs with urinary incontinence, there are several approaches to consider, including medications, natural supplements, and addressing back pain, each with its own risks and benefits.
When a senior unspayed female seems stuck in heat and the male in the home becomes aggressive, a veterinarian can determine if she is truly in season. If she is not, other factors may be driving the male's behavior, and several treatment routes exist.
Veterinarians may have different views on whether Golden Retrievers used to live longer, but they all agree that these dogs pass away far too soon. Here are some at-home adjustments that might help your Golden live a longer life.
A pet owner named Shwetadri asks veterinarian Dr. Mark if a supplement containing S-Adenosylmethionine and Silybin A+B can maintain her 10-year-old Labrador's health given elevated liver enzyme readings.
Whether your parakeet requires artificial UV lighting hinges on its housing situation; outdoor access with natural sunlight eliminates the need, while indoor-only birds may gain from a UV source, though it should be used carefully and natural light remains the better option.
