If you’ve just brought home a new puppy or kitten, congratulations—and welcome to information overload. Suddenly everyone has advice. Friends. Family. Breeders. The internet. Everyone has strong opinions about food, training, and—very quickly—vaccines. You may be...

If your dog suddenly starts limping or seems uncomfortable, it’s natural to reach for whatever pain reliever you would use. And one of the most common questions I hear—both in the clinic and from family and friends out of state—is: “Can I give my dog ibuprofen for...

When people think about pain in dogs, they usually picture something obvious—limping, crying, or a yelp when touched. But in real life, that’s often not what pain looks like. Dogs are extremely good at hiding discomfort. In the wild, showing pain makes you a target....

Every week we get great questions from pet owners, and today’s comes from Danny, who asks: “If my dog or cat has their whiskers shaved, is that bad for them? And what should I do if it happens?” It’s a great question—partly because whiskers are one of those features...

By Dr. Peter Mosites, Mermaid Vet Hospital – Vero Beach, FL One of the most common questions I hear in the exam room is: “Is my dog fat?” It’s an important question — one that, if you’re asking, it’s either because you already suspect the answer, or a close friend (or...

There’s an analogy I’ve been using a lot lately when explaining whether a pet really needs a particular treatment or diagnostic test. At its core, my job as a veterinarian is risk management. Almost any medical decision has a chance of working—including doing nothing....

If you’re losing sleep from your dog trying to give your bedtime the “4D” cinematic experience — scratching, shaking the bed, whining, etc. — without leaving Vero Beach? You’re not alone. Many pet parents reach for something that works on their own allergies:...

End-of-Life Pet Care Options    Knowing your pet is nearing the end of their life is heartbreaking, but understanding and preparing for their final moments can help you accept their passing. Whether your beloved companion is reaching the end of their natural life...

5 Simple Steps to Start Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth   Brushing your pet’s teeth should be something you do as frequently as you brush your own teeth. By brushing your pet’s teeth daily, you can reduce the amount of plaque and oral bacteria in their mouth and help keep...

Is Your Pet Protected from Parasites All Year Long?   With winter here and the thermometer taking a dip, you may think it’s safe to skip a dose or two of your pet’s parasite prevention medication. After all, you hardly venture outdoors in such conditions, so what...