A Shock to the System: Rethinking Electric Fences
“The case I just described perfectly illustrates the fundamental flaw in electric fence technology. Dogs experiencing high arousal—whether from prey drive, excitement, or fear—can completely override their conditioned response to the electric stimulation.”
The Best Gift You Can Give Your Pet: A Healthy Tomorrow
For most of us, our pets are far more than “just a dog” or “just a cat.” They’re family.They’re the ones who greet us at the door, wagging their tails or curling up beside us after a long day. They love us unconditionally, no matter what. As a veterinarian, I’ve learned one universal truth: every […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Lyme not Lime!
Everybody knows somebody- that knows somebody-that has been affected by Lyme disease. The symptoms in humans are plenty: severe headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, heart palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue, to name a few—it can be very debilitating and long-lasting. But what about dogs? Lyme disease in dogs is complex and often misunderstood. While it is […]
I Hate Sticks!
I hate sticks. Or at least I hate seeing a dog running with a stick or chewing on a stick. This behavior is forbidden at our house. Read on and you’ll understand why. During my career as a veterinarian I have seen too many injuries, some gruesome, associated with retrieving and chewing sticks. I have seen a multitude of […]