Holiday pet safety is critical for households with pets. Read our expert guide to keeping your dogs, cats and other animals safe this holiday season.
Author: Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD
Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, is a small animal and exotics veterinarian who has split her time between a veterinary practice in Pelham, Massachusetts, and her studio in New York City. Dr. Lichtenberg is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine with 30 years of experience. Her special interests are soft tissue surgery and oncology. In 2019, Dr. Lichtenberg was awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the Cat Writers' Association.
Liver Biopsy in Dogs: When Is It Necessary?
If your dog’s blood test results come back with higher-than-normal liver values, your vet may recommend a liver biopsy — but only after a few more noninvasive tests are performed.
Your First 30 Days After Adopting a Puppy
House-training isn’t the only thing to be aware of when you bring your new puppy home. Here’s what to consider in the first 30 days after adopting a puppy.
FeLV: What Happens If I Bring a Leukemia-Positive Cat Into My Home?
The risk posed to other cats depends on a few factors, such as their age and how much they interact with the FeLV-positive cat.
Here’s to Vet Techs: Unsung Heroes of Every Vet Clinic
Veterinary technicians have a crap job at times (literally), but they are the driving forces that keep your vet’s office running smoothly.
The Sad Truth: Some Pet Stores Mistreat the Animals They Sell
When pet stores mistreat the animals they’re trying to sell, these poor pets may never make it to their forever home. Here’s one recent example.
Why Your Veterinarian Keeps Referring You to a Specialist
Yes, specialists can add to the cost of care, but referrals to specialists also mean that your pet is getting overall better treatment.
Why Your Vet Wants to Send Your Pet’s X-Rays to a Radiologist
If your veterinarian asks you to get a radiology consult for your pet, do it — it’s well worth the money, and here’s why.
How Veterinarians Are Handling the Opioid Crisis
Veterinarians have to be extra vigilant these days in how they prescribe controlled drugs to pets in need of pain relief.
Dog Cloning: Scientific Breakthrough or Unethical Practice?
With Barbra Streisand giving credibility to this icky practice, dog cloning might become a legitimate choice for pet lovers. But don’t fall for it.
Reject Dog Breed Snobbery — Mutts and Rescue Dogs Are Amazing
It’s not the breed of dog that’s important — it’s the connection you forge with them when they become part of your family. Dog breed snobbery is dead.
Why Shouldn’t I Pick Up That Stray Cat?
Do not pick up a stray cat. It’s best not to risk it — cats who are unknown to you and your other pets may cause real harm. Here’s what to do instead.
Here’s the Truth: Debarking Dogs Is Inhumane
Debarking is inhumane. Instead, you can use noninvasive training methods to help curb your dog’s excessive barking. You just have to put in the work.
Why Is My Dog Panting So Much?
Dogs pant to keep cool, but if it becomes excessive, there’s a chance that it’s a symptom of an underlying disease.
Are Bravecto or Nexgard Safe to Use on Your Dog?
These flea and tick preventives are chewable alternatives to spot-on treatments. But are they safe? Here’s why we’re concerned about them.