Comparing one brand of pet food to another can be difficult because the information on the label is stated in three different ways; as fed, dry matter and metabolizable energy (ME). AS FED: In my experience, as fed is the most common method used by pet food manufacturers. I think of as fed as how …
Category Archives: Ask The Vet
Marmots Explore Car Engines
After my last post on marmots, I received a wonderful comment that I would like to share. The commenter’s husband is a mineral collector in Colorado who regularly travels above 14,000 feet in elevation. During a trip home, a marmot hitched a ride in his car causing $600 worth of damage. “This cute fellow was in …
Human Food Creates Problems for Marmots and Other Wild Rodents
While in Rocky Mountain National Park, I met this adorable little creature on the Trail Ridge Road. Marmots are large rodents that eat as much as possible during the summer to build up fat reserves that will sustain them during winter hibernation. Unfortunately, these smart marmots learned that it is easier to beg for food from tourists than search for it on …
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Advice for Junior High Students Who Want to Become Veterinarians
Recently, I was contacted by a student in junior high school who wants to become a veterinarian. Here are some thoughts that may be helpful as she prepares her journey to veterinary college. 1) Grades-Grades are very important. When you apply to veterinary school, you must list your overall grade point average as well as your grades in …
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Tips For People Who Are Allergic To Pets
As a veterinarian, I receive calls from distraught pet owners who think they have to get rid of their pets because a family member is allergic on a regular basis. It breaks my heart to see these pets ripped from their homes when there are other options available. In my experience, some physicians recommend getting rid of …
Shar Pei Wrinkles and Mucinosis
Shar peis are known for their wrinkles, deep dermal folds that make them look like the Michelin Man. What causes the wrinkles? Hyaluronan the major compoment of mucin. Shar peis have a genetic defect that leads to excess production of hyaluronan, formerly called hyaluronic acid. Although the excess hyaluronan makes this breed of dog very …
Dominance Based Aggression in Dogs
Dominance based aggression which is also referred to as impulse control aggression or conflict aggression is the last type of canine aggression. Frankly, I don’t care too much which term is used as long as people understand how dangerous it is to interact with dogs with this kind of aggression. These dogs are bullies! They …
Resource Guarding Aggression in Dogs
Resource guarding is a common form of aggression in dogs. The dog protects valuable resources such as food, toys, treats, furniture, blankets, other dogs and even people. For this reason it is also known as possessive aggression. The dog protects its possessions with a growl or stare. If the warning is ignored, they may escalate to biting. Prevention …
Anxiety Based Aggression in Dogs
As discussed in my prior post, some dogs become aggressive due to fear. These animals live by the slogan, “The best defense is a great offense.” Some dogs become aggressive after a specific incident such as being attacked by another animal. The other common cause is anxiety. Anxiety causes fear in both humans and animals. …
Fear Based Aggression Toward Other Dogs
Over the years, I have worked with many dogs who became aggressive toward other dogs after being attacked. These attacks usually occur during puppyhood when the dog is more vulnerable. Afterward, the victim is afraid of other dogs who look like the attacker. They often freeze, look away, try to escape and refuse to eat when confronted by …