Do OFA parents mean a puppy with healthy hips? NOPE!

As you know, I am a huge proponent of adopting dogs from shelters and rescues. Until the shelters are empty, it makes no sense to buy a dog from someone contributing to the problem. That said, some people want a specific niche breed that cannot be found (easily) in a rescue. With so many crooked […]

how to transform dry dog food into canned

If a dog or cat has teeth pulled during a dental, the owners are often instructed to feed soft food for 2 weeks. Many people go buy canned food, and sometimes the tummy can get a little upset from the change. Here’s a trick to use your dog’s regular dry food, but transform it into […]

Living with and monitoring a diabetic pet

So you’ve embraced the diagnosis of diabetes. You’re giving insulin, and your anxiety attacks are milder now. With diabetes, you always must be on the watch for complications. Here’s what you need to know. If your pet’s insulin dose is not quite regulated, he or she will likely be drinking a lot of water, and […]

Who’s Somogyi and why should I care?

If you have a diabetic pet, you’ll want to know about Dr. Somogyi. He was a scientist who developed the first insulin treatment given to a (human) child. He also discovered the “Somogyi Effect.” Oh, and it’s pronounced so-MOH-gee. This phenomenon is what makes regulating insulin doses in dogs and cats extra challenging. If a […]

Urine problems in diabetic pets

OK, you’re doing great with your diabetic pet. Insulin shots are a piece of cake. You’re doing glucose curves or having fructosamine checked. (here’s the article that covers those). Why does your vet keep wanting a urine sample? Diabetic dogs and cats are very prone to developing urinary tract infections, or UTI’s. Even if your […]

Diets for dogs and cats with diabetes

If your veterinarian tells you your dog or cat has diabetes, your mind initially jumps to insulin shots. There is another key component to managing diabetes, and that is diet! In cats, diet can play a huge role! By getting their blood sugar under control with insulin and switching them to a low carb, high […]

Guidelines for insulin shots

I can’t think of a disease that causes more owner anxiety than diabetes. Something about having to give a shot twice a day, every day, to an animal you love is very daunting. Then you do it a couple times and suddenly, it’s a breeze! I’ll try to help you get “breezy” fast! Insulin is […]

Pet Owners’ Intro to Diabetes

You may still be reeling from hearing the news that your dog or cat is diabetic. We can get through this! First, let’s get three facts very clear. 1 – Diabetes sucks 2 – Diabetes is not a death sentence 3 – For most animals, once you get into a routine, diabetes sucks a lot […]

How cold is too cold?

Every Winter, particularly during a cold spell, I am asked by owners “At what temperature is it too cold for my pet to ____?” The subject is usually going on a long walk, letting the cat into the yard, etc. We all love our pets and we want to keep them safe and healthy, and […]

Distemper virus in dogs – what you need to know

Our local news broke a sad story. Stray Rescue of St. Louis is experiencing an outbreak of distemper among their dogs, mainly puppies. Several have already died. Because this virus is highly contagious, the shelter is closed for the next 30 days. They cannot risk bringing in new dogs (who are, obviously, not vaccinated). This deadly virus is, […]