Your Vet Wants You to Know

Has your vet ever asked you to brush your pet's teeth? This episode's guest, Veterinary Dentist, Dr. Amy Thomson, breaks down why toothbrushing is important, answers common questions about dental disease, and walks you through a step by step approach to help set up your toothbrushing routine for success and long term dental health. Episode page: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/toothbrushing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Connect with Dr. Thomson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Toothy.Thomson More resources available on Dr. Thomson's website: https://ToothyThomson.ca

Thinking of hitting the road with your pup? This episode is filled with planning and packing info to make adventuring with your dog as fun as possible while keeping everyone safe. Get your free packing checklist at https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 ASPCA First Aid checklist: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit Cooling vests-can be soaked with water and allow for evaporation: https://ruffwear.com/products/swamp-cooler-dog-cooling-vest

This episode is a must listen for anyone with a dog and provides the tools you need to prevent and save your dog's life from heat stroke. For a pet left in a car when the temperature outside is 72 to 96°F, the temperature inside the car rises an average of 41°F within 30 minutes. 80% of that increase takes place within the first 5 minutes. Cracking the windows makes no significant difference, even on breezy days. Pre-cooling with air conditioning makes no significant difference. Dogs cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans can, and the panic they experience trapped alone in rising temperatures worsens the already excessive panting. Certain breeds, like English Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, or overweight dogs, are at a higher risk. Bringing your pet to an emergency vet as fast as possible will help save their life. Episode page: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/heat-stroke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Cooling vests-can be soaked with water and allow for evaporation: https://ruffwear.com/products/swamp-cooler-dog-cooling-vest Cooling beds-can be soaked with water, dogs can lay on it. https://www.amazon.com/Manufacturing-Cool-Large-32-Inch-44-Inch/dp/B003KK60R4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=k9ofmine-20&linkId=fc8cbc4d1b3bde8465928c8276c05bfb&language=en_US

Warfarin is an anti-coagulant rodenticide that causes rodents to bleed excessively and die. In this week's episode, Dr. Monica Sterk, emergency veterinarian and Regional Operations Director with Veterinary Emergency Group, describes the risks behind rat bait toxicity and what to expect if your dog does get into this poison. Hear what happened when one of her patients swallowed a dead rat and there was a concern the rat had been killed by rat bait. https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/warfarin https://www.veterinaryemergencygroup.com https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Green is not always good. In this week's episode, Dr. Amanda Zetwo recounts her experience with her two dogs, Faith and Moses, when they happened to eat something they weren't supposed to while out at a park one winter's evening. Hear Dr. Zetwo's harrowing tale of Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) toxicosis and what she went through to save Faith and Moses's lives from this newer form of rat bait. Learn what you can do to protect your pets from this potentially fatal toxin. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 Episode page with images and additional resources: Https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/vitamin-D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

We often think of dogs when it comes to pets eating something that can make them ill, but cats are at risk of becoming sick from exposure to toxic substances also. In part 2 of our series on common cat toxins, Dr. Christine Klippen, emergency veterinarian, gives pet owners advice on household dangers for cats to avoid, including essential oils, certain houseplants, over the counter cold medicines and more. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 Episode page with images and additional resources: Https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/cat-toxins-part-2

Kitty cats can be sneakier than dogs when it comes to getting into something they are not supposed to eat. Their bodies have unique enzymes that may not be able to process common medications with which people and dogs have no problem. Certain plants, like lilies, are beautiful, but dangers to have in homes with cats. Dr. Christine Klippen discusses ways to keep your cat healthy by avoiding these common household toxins for cats in the first of this two part series in order to keep your cat out of the emergency room. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 Episode page with images and additional resources: Https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/cat-toxins-part-1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Do you ever wonder what toxic substances you should prevent your dog from getting into? This week's episode continues the discussion of common dog poisons with emergency veterinarian, Dr. Christine Klippen. Listen to find out why you should keep your dog away from rat bait, antidepressants or ADHD medications, your other pets' medications, and gardening supplies, as well as what to look for if you think your dog has gotten into them. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 Episode page with images and additional resources: Https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/dog-toxins-part-2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Ingestion of toxic substances is a common reason for emergency room visits for dogs. One of the best ways for pet owners to prevent pet health emergencies is to be knowledgeable about common toxins in and around the home. Emergency veterinarian Dr. Christine Klippen discusses some of the most common toxins for dogs in part one of this two part episode. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 Episode page with images and additional resources: Https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/dog-toxins-part-1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com

Common myths about dog and cat allergies can lead well-intentioned pet owners astray when it comes to getting relief for their itchy pet. In this episode, veterinary dermatologist Dr. Nellie Choi joins Dr. Brittany Lancellotti to dispel some common misconceptions they hear regarding allergic skin and ear disease in pets including: Why antihistamines are not very helpful Why ear infections don't just happen in floppy ear dogs Why fleas are still important to prevent even if your pet is indoor only and you've never seen a flea Why there isn't such a thing as hypoallergenic dog breeds Why allergy immunotherapy should be an early treatment option and not a last resort Plus, don't miss rapid-fire mythbusters at the end of the episode regarding blood tests for food allergies, grain free diets, and coconut oil! Website with images and transcript: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/allergy-mythbusters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com

On many of our episodes, we have talked about the teamwork that's required between pet owners and veterinarians, as far as managing their animal, figuring out what's going on, and coming up with a plan together. This episode takes a deeper dive into how exactly to build that relationship, giving you some actionable tips for what you can do to talk to your veterinarian in a way that helps create a really successful team, so that you can get the best care for your pet possible. Dr. Curtis Plowgian joins us again to talk a little bit about what that communication looks like. Website with transcript: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com Not One More Vet - Https://www.nomv.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Scared pets at the vet are displaying perfectly normal fear responses, but it doesn't have to be like this. Pre-visit medications can be part of a plan to minimize fear, anxiety and stress when your dog or cat needs veterinary medical care. Fear Free certified veterinarian, Dr. Hope Jankunas joins us in this week's episode, which focuses on how pre-visit medications, such as pheromones, gabapentin, and trazodone, may help make your pet's trip to the vet as pleasant as it could be. Blog posts written by Dr. Jankunas: No More Scaredy Cats- https://companionpethospital.com/2018/08/01/springtime-2-2/ Fear Free Visits Promote Better Veterinary Care-https://companionpethospital.com/2017/03/13/fear-free-visits-promote-better-veterinary-care/ Website with images and transcript: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/previsit-medications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com

Some pet owners may feel dread when thinking about bringing their pet to the vet. Fear, anxiety, and stress can be major barriers to bringing dogs, and especially cats, in for much needed medical care. Stress can cause major obstacles to providing the highest medical care once the animal is at the vet. A relaxed, happy vet visit starts at home by decreasing anxiety before your pet reaches the vet's office. Listen to this week's episode for valuable, actionable tools on decreasing stress, including: Making a cozy cat carrier your pet's favorite place in the house so they don't run when it comes out from hiding in the closet. Carriers that allow easy access and examination without moving your cat out of its favorite snuggle spot. Music therapy and pheromones to create a spa-like atmosphere in your car. Bringing your pet in hungry and with its favorite treats. Securing your pet in the car so it feels safe. Keeping yourself relaxed, speaking in a calm voice, and not rushing. Communicating with your veterinary team. Episode page, including images and links: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/decreasingstress

The only test to determine if a pet has allergies to food is an 8 week diet trial. No blood test has been shown to be accurate. If you've listened to episode 2 on Food Allergies and want more information on how to successfully perform a diet trial, then check out this week's episode with Dr. Meagan Painter, board certified veterinary dermatologist, as she discusses her tips and tricks for setting pet owners up to get an A+ on this crucial diagnostic test for the treatment of allergic dogs and cats. Episode transcript, images, references: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/diettrial Microchip feeder to keep your food allergic dog out of the cat's food: https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/chipfeeder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow How to do a paired choice assessment to determine your pet's favorite treat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ics_eF8r0ig Scratching the Itch - MSPCA Angell Community Outreach Program: https://www.mspca.org/animal_care/community-outreach/

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and urinary obstructions (UO) are common medical reasons for cats to visit the veterinarian. FLUTD can be chronic and frustrating for cat owners. Urinary obstructions can be life threatening if the obstruction is not removed. In this week's episode, emergency veterinarian Dr. Christine Klippin talks about what to watch for at home and how your veterinarian can help your pet. Resources mentioned: Feliway feline pheromones: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/feliway Episode page: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/FLUTD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Cornell University: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease The Indoor Pet Initiative at Ohio State: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease

Cats who pee outside the litter box are 2-6 times more likely to be relinquished to a shelter. In today's episode, Dr. Lauren Harris talks about inappropriate elimination and the significant damage to the human animal bond. Restoring that bond requires appropriate diagnosis, which is obtained by partnering with the veterinarian to evaluate for underlying medical conditions. If no medical reason can be found, behavioral assessment can help determine a cat's aversions and preferences to help get them going where they should. Resources: Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder: https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/CatFeeder Feliway Feline Pheromones: https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/Feliway Feline House Soiling Brochure: https://catfriendly.com/brochures/house-soiling.pdf House Soiling Cat Owner Questionnaire: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/1098612X14539092/suppl_file/Cat_owner_questionnaire.pdf Instructions for Cat Owners: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/1098612X14539092/suppl_file/Take_home_instructions_for_cat_owners.pdf Indoor Pet Initiative: https://indoorpet.osu.edu/home "Scratching the Itch": Elephant Rescue https://www.npr.org/2020/12/05/942214125/he-will-be-a-happier-elephant-vet-describes-what-it-was-like-to-rescue-kaavan

If you're itching to know more about one of our pets' most pesky parasites, this episode is for you. Scabies, or sarcoptic mange, is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. This mite burrows into the skin and makes the animal intensely itchy! Scabies can be confused for allergies because of redness, hair loss, crusting and scratching. Dogs commonly contract scabies mites from wildlife, including foxes, and can cause skin disease and intense itching in pet owners as well. Listen to this week's episode with special guest Dr. Curtis Plowgian, who has saved many miserable families from these mites. Check out the images and video on the website, www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com Follow us on Instagram or Facebook Join the Facebook Group

Demodex mites are a common cause of hair loss, redness and crusting in young dogs whose immune systems are still developing, as well as older dogs and cats with an underlying immune abnormality. Listen to this week's episode to hear where these mites come from, what problems they cause, how they can be treated, and why they are Dr. Lancellotti's favorite parasite. Links mentioned in the episode: Your Vet Wants You to Know Website: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: bestfriends.org/sanctuary Angels Rest: bestfriends.org/…/angels-rest-and-memorials

One of the gifts we can give our pets is the comfort of a peaceful end of life goodbye. But how do you know when it's time? Having conversations about what brings your pet its quality of life early helps lessen the burden of grief when making the decision of euthanasia. Listen to Dr. Donny Consla tell us Avett's story while he discusses "The 5 Things" and how he and his family knew it was time to say goodbye. Links mentioned in the episode: Lap of Love at home euthanasia: https://www.lapoflove.com Pet Loss and Grief support group: https://www.petlosscommunity.org Episode page for pictures of Avett and Dr. Consla enjoying the great outdoors: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/whenitstime Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Silly kitten video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOHNEOfVKKE&feature=youtu.be

In our final installment in the series on Cushing's disease in dogs, special guest Dr. Amy Oberstadt, veterinary internal medicine specialist, discusses the process of treatment, including the common medications used, as well as recommendations for monitoring, to make sure your pet is getting that "just right" dose. Images, transcript, and references: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Join the Facebook group and show us your dogs with Cushing's Disease: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYoutoKnow "Scratching the Itch" - Storyteller by MHN app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/storyteller-by-mhn/id1436937935

In part two of our three part series on Cushing's disease in dogs, special guest Dr. Amy Oberstadt, veterinary internal medicine specialist, discusses the different tests available for Cushing's disease and what pet owners should communicate with their veterinarian. Images, transcript, and references: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/ Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Join the Facebook group and show us your dogs with Cushing's Disease: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYoutoKnow "Scratching the Itch" - Dr. Julie Buzby's Toe Grips - www.toegrips.com

Russell Sprout, our mascot, not only has allergies, but was also recently diagnosed with Cushing's disease, which is an overproduction of the body's natural steroid hormone. Dogs with Cushing's disease have a wide range of signs, including infections, increased thirst, urinary accidents, and many more. Join special guest Dr. Amy Oberstadt, veterinary internal medicine specialist, in the first of our three part series on Cushing's disease to learn more about this hormonal disease that can cause major quality of life issues in our pets. Listen now: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/applepodcast Images, transcript, and references: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/ Join the Facebook group and show us your dogs with Cushing's Disease: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYoutoKnow "Scratching the Itch" - "Where Will You Go, Ricky Jo?" https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/rickyjo This link is an affiliate link. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Immunotherapy with allergy shots or drops is the only therapy which can reverse underlying environmental allergies. If your allergic dog or allergic cat has received symptomatic medications like Apoquel, Cytopoint, steroids, Atopica or antibiotics, check out this week's episode to learn all about allergy testing and desensitization for long term management of allergies to be able to reduce the need for other anti-itch and antibiotic medications.

This week we discuss Atopica, a tried and true symptomatic treatment for cats with allergies, and a therapy for drastically reducing swelling in dog paws and ears, without the long term side effects that steroids cause. Listen to hear about Nash, a joyful Labrador, whose paws were so inflamed he had multiple surgeries but still wasn't improved, and how investigation of underlying allergies, as well as symptomatic treatment with Atopica drastically changed his quality of life. Images, allergy infographic, transcript, and references: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow Join the Facebook group and show us your allergic pets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYoutoKnow LA Zoo Christmas gifts for animals: https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/lazoo

Steroids are commonly used in the treatment of dogs and cats with allergies. Join our guest, Dr. Curtis Plowgian, to learn when your vet might consider steroids for treatment of your pet's allergies, the benefits to using steroids, the drawbacks, and strategies for minimizing risk. Allergy infographic, images, transcript, references, and link to find a veterinary dermatology specialist: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/ Join the Facebook group and show us your allergic pets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYoutoKnow

Cytopoint is a revolutionary new therapy for the symptomatic treatment of itch in dogs with allergies. If your dog has been treated for allergies, listen to this week's episode for more information about the benefits and drawbacks of the newest therapy in your veterinarian's arsenal for the treatment of allergic dermatitis. Allergy infographic, transcript, and references: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/ Join the Facebook group and show us your allergic pets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYoutoKnow

Apoquel is a medication designed to treat itch in pets with allergies. If you have questions regarding the use of Apoquel in your dog, explore the benefits, drawbacks, and misconceptions of this drug in this week's episode. Visit the website for transcript and to get your allergies infographic: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/ Join the Facebook Group and show us your allergic pets: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYoutoKnow

Environmental allergies in pet dogs and cats can cause discomfort, leading to scratching, licking, chewing and rubbing, followed by secondary skin and ear infections. Learn more about how to work with your veterinarian to determine if your pet is allergic to things like grass, dust, trees, molds, weeds, or even humans! Links mentioned in the episode: https://www.YourVetWantsYoutoKnow.com for images of allergic pets, to sign up for the e-mail list to get your allergies infographic, and a link to find a local dermatologist on the resource page. Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYouToKnow/ "Scratching the Itch": https://fearfreepets.com/give-comfortable-injection-experience/

One of the first things pet owners do when their pet starts itching, scratching or licking is change the food. In this episode, Dr. Lancellotti breaks down food allergies in pets and the importance of working closely with your veterinarian to determine if your dog or cat actually has an allergy to proteins in their food. Links mentioned in the episode: https://www.YourVetWantsYoutoKnow.com Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYouToKnow/ "Scratching the Itch" - Doc and Phoebe's Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder: https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/CatFeeder This link is an affiliate link. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and cats. Listen to learn how to spot the classic appearance of a flea allergy, as well as fun facts about fleas that will have you reaching for your pet's flea prevention all year round. This episode of Your Vet Wants You to Know will help you understand why your veterinarian suspects your pet might have fleas, and what impacts fleas have on your pet's health. Links mentioned in the episode: Website for images mentioned: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourVetWantsYouToKnow View from a 230ft tower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elu0GJHqKx4 "Scratching the Itch" https://window-swap.com