When Your Best Friend Can’t Tell You It Hurts: A Vet’s Guide to Canine Pain
Last Tuesday, a client brought in Duke, a seven-year-old Labrador mix, because he’d “slowed down a bit lately.” What she described as normal aging was actually severe hip dysplasia that had been progressing for months. Duke had been suffering in silence, his tail still wagging, his eyes still bright with love for his family. This happens more often […]
Reading Between the Purrs😻
After thirty years of veterinary practice, I’ve learned that cats are the ultimate poker players of the animal kingdom. While dogs will dramatically limp across the room with the theatrical flair of a Shakespearean actor nursing a splinter ( I only jest, in some cases signs are subtle and difficult to recognize-stay tuned for part two […]
Veterinary Tele-Medicine What It Is and Why It Matters
Our slogan says it all. Let’s state the obvious up front. We all love our pets. And yes, sometimes they do not feel well. And if history is any indication of what we do instinctually, (it is, by the way), loading your sick dog or cat into your car at 9:35 pm on Wednesday night to […]
Combing Through the Chaos (Part 3) Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
While conditioning methods are effective with puppies and some dogs, they can fall short when addressing behaviors common among adolescent or adopted dogs, and behaviors associated with anxiety and aggression. This does not mean that conditioning methods are, unto themselves, wrong, but, rather, that they have limitations, as do all methods! It is important to […]
Combing Through the Chaos~Drilling Deeper (Part 2)
Introduction Adolescent dogs, those approximately 6-24 months, are often described as defiant, bratty, elusive, and adolescent like, while adult dogs as stubborn and elusive. Studies show a decrease in bond, and an increase in unwanted behavior as puppies enter the adolescent stage. These studies, along with mainstream dog training, use exclusively Conditioning Methods, which brings […]
Dog Training Methods Combing Through the Chaos (Part 1)
If you are struggling with behavioral problems with your dog, especially with dogs over six of months of age, you are not alone! And, like many other dedicated pet parents, you begin to research trainers and methods to help you overcome these challenges, only to discover an overwhelming amount of information that is even more […]
Pediatric Spay and Neuter
When is the Right Time? “As with all medical decisions, there is no single “right answer” for every animal.” Dr. Ariella Samson, DVM Pediatric (or “early-age”) spay/neuter refers to spaying or neutering a puppy or kitten very young – typically around 6–16 weeks old, well before the usual 5–6 month age. In practice this is […]
Purebred, Rescue, Shelter…I’m So Confused!
“There is a puppy in a shelter within 50 miles of you that’ll fit your family.” Dr. Ariella Samson While discussing the challenges of getting a puppy from a breeder vs. a shelter, Dr. Samson said this: “If you don’t know who mom is, you don’t know who dad is, you’re not going to have all the […]
So You Want to Get a Puppy ? Be Patient!
Money shot of a litter from Snowbelt Aussies!
Lick, Scratch, Repeat:
Allergy Season for Pets Explained Spring is a season of renewal and rebirth—a time when nature bursts into life with vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and warmer weather. For me it is the season to dive elbow deep in my flower beds which brings me so much joy but unfortunately also brings on a flare of […]