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This week we are thinking about the Shih Tzu, a small breed that has been popular since it was introduced into the United States in the 20th century. I remember a high school friend who lived in an upscale neighborhood in Manhattan. She proudly informed us in 1971 that she had just gotten the very [...]
Remember my brother-in-law Joey and his pet epiphany? From dogless neophyte to proud buddy of a goldendoodle named Farrell, we knew we had a true convert to the dog faith. So what happens when Farrell goes missing? Or worse, when he spends a week in our hospital, sick as a dog? We got the phone [...]
It’s March. My Labrador retriever’s got the winter blues. Actually, all three of them do. Why shouldn’t they? All they do is sleep the day away. In the late winter, most dogs, especially the sporting breeds that are built for activity, are out of sorts, depressed, bummed out. Remember when you were a kid, before [...]
A recent investigation into the nature of a popular dog treat has given cause for concern. Bully Sticks are sold in many pet shops as a snack for dogs. Most people — and many veterinarians — are unclear as to the nature of this item. Bully Sticks are made from the uncooked, dried penis of [...]
It may not be socially acceptable, but it’s a fact. Many dogs are very gassy. This problem, uncommon in cats, is mostly observed in inactive dogs that spend long periods indoors. It is normal for dogs to pass gas in small quantities and at infrequent intervals. However, the persistent passing of large amounts of [...]
By Dr. Ellen Friedman, DVM Your dog has been straining to urinate, and now you see blood in her urine. Your veterinarian shows you an X-ray of the abdomen, and tells you she sees a stone in the bladder. What’s going on? Bladder stones are collections of minerals that form in the urinary bladder. They [...]
By Dr. Ellen Friedman My oldest Lab, Marina, is anxious. She doesn’t want a job like Victor does. She doesn’t want to snuggle like Bibi does. She wants to be left alone, to sulk on the couch, to stay behind indoors when we go for a walk. Why are some dogs “bad”? Are they anxious? [...]
by Dr. Ellen Friedman, DVM When you see your eye doctor for your annual checkup (you should, of course), she tests you for glaucoma. It’s a quick procedure, and the result is negative; you don’t give it much thought. But one day, your cocker spaniel’s eyes are red. She looks uncomfortable and restless, rubbing her [...]
Kidneys: What purpose do they serve? Why are they so important that pets need two? How do they work? Is there more than one task relegated to them? How can I protect my pet’s kidneys and make them last a lifetime? The kidney is an amazingly complicated, interesting organ. Its foremost task is filtering: It [...]
We need to talk about some serious stuff. Canine heartworm disease is a proven killer. If your dog gets bitten by the wrong mosquito and isn’t on preventive drugs, she can contract heartworm disease and become ill or even die. While intestinal worms are more familiar to pet owners, heartworms are out there, and [...]