Q: When Toto, my 10-year-old terrier, looks at me, his eyes appear cloudy. At last week’s wellness exam, his veterinarian said his eyes are healthy and he has no cataracts or other problems. So why do his eyes reflect a cloudy white-blue-gray haze? A: It sounds like Toto has a condition called nuclear sclerosis, which…
Cats Require Meat-Based Diets
Q: I am a vegan, and I want to feed my cats a vegan or vegetarian diet. What’s your advice? A: Veterinarians who specialize in nutrition recommend against feeding vegan or vegetarian diets to cats because research has shown that these diets are not nutritionally adequate and therefore not safe over the long term. Moreover,…
The Power of the Dog: Centuries of Canines in Art
Tens of thousands of years ago, though the exact date is disputed, dogs were domesticated by humans. Likewise, the depiction of canines in art has a rich history that runs the gamut. Dogs have made their appearances in early cave and rock paintings, ancient Greek ceramics, Roman mosaics, medieval tapestries and statues, as well as…
Retractable Leashes Risky for Dogs and People
Q: I usually walk my golden retriever, Jake, on a retractable leash, which we both love. Our local park requires dogs to be on leashes no longer than 6 feet and bans the use of retractable leashes. Would you give me some ammunition so I can convince them to change their policy? A: Sorry, I…
Chronic Valve Disease Common Cause of Heart Murmur
Q: My 7-year-old, 20-pound mixed breed dog has a heart murmur. Her veterinarian thinks it’s due to chronic valve disease. What is this? A: Each time a normal dog’s heart beats, it produces two sounds: lub-dub. A murmur is an extra sound, for example, a “swish,” as in lub-swish-dub. In dogs under 45 pounds, the…
Many Ways To Get Medications Into Cats
Q: I adopted my grandmother’s cat, Sally, who is supposed to take medication but often puts up a fight. How do I get her to take her pills? A: One of my cats, Carlie, happily takes her medication. Perhaps my technique will work for you. While Carlie is eating yummy canned food, I tip her…
Chernobyl Dogs Are Different, Scientists Say
There is some evidence to suggest that the dogs living in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) are undergoing rapid evolution due to the harsh conditions they face. A new study looked at the DNA of dogs roaming near Chernobyl nuclear power plant ruins and discovered that their exposure to nuclear radiation might have been the reason…
Don’t Let Dogs Chew Bones or Tennis Balls
Q: Baxter, my 5-year-old retriever mix, broke a tooth while gnawing on a bone. The veterinarian extracted the fractured tooth and remarked that Baxter’s enamel was badly worn, probably from chewing on tennis balls. Can you suggest some safe chew toys? A: The nylon fuzz on tennis balls damages enamel two ways: it’s abrasive, even…
This Rare Giant ‘Blue Wolfdog’ Is Goofy and Fun—but Can’t Be Everyone’s Pet, Here’s Why: VIDEO
Meet Ocean, the strikingly adorable blue wolfdog puppy who is just a few months old but already huge—and she’s only going to get bigger. Owned by British animal expert Anneka Svenska, this rare wolfdog has a spectacular smoky-blue coat, hypnotic eyes, and a big personality to match her size. “At five months old she is…
Present Creative Gift to Animal Lover
Q: I am looking for a year-end gift for my daughter’s elementary school teacher who loves animals. Can you suggest something special? A: If your daughter wants to show her appreciation by giving her teacher something memorable, let me share a few of my favorite ideas. 1. Adopt the teacher’s next class by providing a…
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