Author: Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM
Your heart and mind matter: Homocysteine explained Have you heard of homocysteine? Many people are unaware that this amino acid is a marker of increased risk for heart attack, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline in humans and dogs. In this article, you’ll learn about homocysteine, what it means to have high levels, and how to get it tested. The good news is that maintaining healthy homocysteine levels is easy and inexpensive! What is homocysteine? Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derived from metabolizing the essential amino acid methionine. Homocysteine synthesis is a normal part of your body’s methionine metabolism; however,…
Why dog restrictions in one small community could be the tipping point for bigger change You may not have heard about the new leash laws in Tofino, a small resort town on Canada’s west coast. In the past, Tofino was one of the last places in North America where dogs and people could enjoy the freedom of the beautiful beaches in peace and harmony. Here is a picture of the place. However, the Tofino Council recently approved a bylaw requiring dogs to be off leash in all public spaces, including beaches. While the Council made this decision with the best…
Root identification causes of groin licking in dogs for effective treatment and care Index: Introduction Common Reasons Dogs Lick Their Groin2.1 Muscle Sprain or Injury2.2 Lumbar or Sacral Spinal Injury or Misalignment2.3 Urinary Bladder Issues2.4 Hernia and Genital Concerns2.5 Other Possible Reasons Management of Skin Itching and Inflammation from Licking Summary of Recommendations 1. Introduction If your dog or puppy is constantly licking their belly or groin area, it’s natural to be concerned and wonder why From my training experience, most people naturally jump to the conclusion that their pet has skin problems, an infection, allergyor bitten. While these are…
The health and safety risks of retractable dog leashes you need to know Before I explain why retractable leashes can endanger your dog’s well-being,d would like to invite you to do an experiment. If you have a dog collar nearby, put it around your neck, attach a retractable leash and ask a friend to hold the handle tight. Once you’re in position, start running, never knowing when you’ll hit the end of the rope. however, II’m sure you’ll feel it when you reach the end. How does it feel to pull him? Is your neck sore or bruised? Do you…
Join us to help Maui’s displaced and injured pets Hello my friends, I arrived in Maui two days before the fire started and witnessed the direct effects of the tragedy. I am ok, and stay about an hour away from Lahaina, however, witnessing what happened was heartbreaking and hard to describe. 💔Beyond the damage to the community, many pets are in need right now – they are traumatized, many are burned, some have lost their families or are lost.Yesterday I went to The Maui Humane Society to see what they need and learned that although there are many physical donations…
Can dogs eat strawberries or should you consider another sweet treat for your pup? If you enjoy sharing healthy snacks with your best friend as much as I do with my dog Pax, you’re probably wondering what fruits are safe for dogs and which are toxic. While strawberries can be a delicious and nutrient-rich addition to a dog’s diet, there are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind before feeding them to your pup. So if you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of strawberries, how to safely feed them to your dog, and what…
For every person out there asking if dogs can eat bananas or any other fruit, there’s usually at least one pair of pleading puppy eyes waiting quite patiently for their humans to finish their online search and give that they have their snack. Sharing fruits with your pup is a healthy (with some exceptions), low-calorie alternative to store-bought, processed dog treats. Check out our guide to learn which fruits are safe for dogs to eat and which are toxic. But let’s go back to bananas and reveal their health benefits! I’ll also give you more information on how to feed…
5. Other common canine diarrhea treatments 5.1 Are antibiotics needed to stop diarrhea in dogs? Antibiotics are unnecessary and sometimes contraindicated for dog diarrhea In my practice, I only used them as a last resort if a pathogen was confirmed and the diarrhea does not improve within 48 – 72 hours. Administering toxic chemicals at a time when the body needs to cleanse itself is not very rational and can overwhelm the digestive system. One of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for the treatment of diarrhea in dogs, metronidazole (Flagyl)causing long-term disturbances of the bacterial flora, damaging the intestinal lining…
How to know if you are at risk of fatty liver disease: Diagnosis, prevention and treatment Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells, which is not caused by alcohol consumption. The disease ranges in severity from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to more advanced stages, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and even cirrhosis, which can be life-threatening. The incidence of NAFLD in the United States has increased, reflecting broader trends in obesity and metabolic syndrome. Estimates suggest approx 25% to 30% of the US adult population with NAFLD.…
My dear dogs, I know you are here because you care about your canine friends and want them to live forever. At the same time, we all know that one day, we will have to say goodbye. Losing a dog is like losing a child and sharing our experiences, knowing we are not alone, makes the loss easier to bear. This is why I decided to continue sharing a letter, I wrote to my beloved Skai, who died in May 2017. I wrote this on the way back from Norway, where I was doing business, and I admit, I cried…