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How do veterinarians and veterinary nurses get blood from zoo animals? They train them using positive reinforcement to offer a limb for the blood draw. You can reach your pet the exact same thing! Here’s how I explained it to a reader: Q: My dog hates having blood drawn, but he has a health condition that […]

Today, an estimated 13,000 sheltering organizations care for an estimated 6-7 million homeless animals annually—mostly cats and dogs. Organizations vary in size from those that are very large, handling tens of thousands of animals per year, to those that are very small, including grassroots groups and private individuals. For some animals, the amount of time […]

You’ve probably seen television doctors talking about a patient’s “vitals.” That’s something we measure in veterinary medicine, too. Here’s how I explained it to a reader. Q: What are vital signs in dogs, and what do I need to know about them? A: Vital signs are just what they sound like: indicators of life and […]

A reader has the DIY bug and a cat. Here are some tips for building a great scratching post! Q: I want to build a scratching post for my cat. Do you have any tips? A: That’s a great idea. Building it yourself ensures that it suits your cat’s scratching style and size. Here’s what […]

A reader wanted to know just how much playtime her cat really needs. I’m glad she asked this question, because most cats I see as a veterinarian aren’t even coming close to the minimum, let alone the optimal, amount of play that they need to be happy and healthy! Here’s what I told her. Q: […]