Call the Vet with Dr. Alex Avery

Can you believe that one common dog disease is misdiagnosed 50% of the time! So then, how can we trust the accuracy of a diagnosis if our beloved pets are suffering?1️⃣ Sensitivity and specificity are crucial in diagnostic tests but often involve a trade-off. A highly sensitive test reduces false negatives, while a highly specific one cuts down false positives.2️⃣ Misdiagnosis can result from running inappropriate tests, lack of funds, incorrect history interpretation, and limited vet knowledge.3️⃣ Skin allergies, heart failure, mild lameness, Cushing's disease, and hypothyroidism are frequently misdiagnosed in dogs, often leading to unnecessary treatments.4️⃣ The case of hypothyroidism reveals up to fifty-nine percent of dogs diagnosed might not actually need treatment according to recent studies.

This is one of the most common diseases to affect middle-aged and elderly cats.Is your furry friend losing weight despite a ravenous appetite? Are they jittery, with a coat that's lost its shine? They might be battling hyperthyroidism!And because untreated hyperthyroidism in cats can lead to severe consequences like sudden blindness or heart failure, recognizing the early signs is crucial.In this episode you'll learn how early detection and proper care can make all the difference. We'll unravel the 4 main options available when it comes to treating this disease, and how monitoring post treatment plays an important role.

Are you tired of shelling out big bucks for your pet's medications while knowing their human counterparts cost a fraction?Tune in to this eye-opening episode where Dr. Alex Avery exposes the secrets of the pharmaceutical industry, reveals how stringent regulations handcuff your vet's prescribing options, and offers savvy tips to save on your furry friend's medical bills.

Deciding the best age to spay your dog can be a pivotal choice in ensuring a long, healthy life for your pet.With various factors to consider, such as breed size, potential health risks, and behavioral benefits, understanding when to spay your dog can significantly influence their overall well-being.This guide aims to provide you with insightful information and expert recommendations to help you determine the optimal timing for spaying, supported by veterinary expertise and current research. By choosing the right time to spay, you can help prevent serious health issues and enhance your dog's quality of life.For full details head over to the show notes at - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/when-to-spay-a-female-dogGet your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Increasing age can bring increasing health complexity and in this episode, we unpack a complex listener-submitted scenario about a 14-year-old Chihuahua battling congestive heart failure and mysterious seizures.This episode is packed with invaluable insights, from understanding heart murmurs to dissecting the causes behind seizures in older dogs, with insights for all pet parents with older animals.

Overvaccination of pets is a controversial topic with serious health implications?

Is your furry friend scratching non-stop, leaving open wounds and red, dry skin? Imagine the distress they must be feeling and the worry it brings to you as their loving caregiver.You've tried home remedies like hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver, and apple cider vinegar, but nothing seems to provide relief.But what if the root cause of your dog's itch goes beyond just dry skin? Could it be parasites, infections, allergies, or another underlying skin problem? The mystery of your dog's discomfort is like a puzzle waiting to be solved. You're seeking answers and solutions, but barriers like financial constraints and transportation limitations stand in your way.In this episode of Call the Vet, Dr. Alex addresses a listener's concern about her dog's incessant itching and open wounds.The listener, Nicole, is based in Jamaica and unable to afford veterinary care or transport her dog to a clinic.Dr. Alex dives into the possible causes of itch, including parasites, infections, allergies, and other skin problems. He offers practical advice for at-home treatment, specifically highlighting the importance of addressing underlying infections and the potential use of isoxazoline group treatments.Despite the challenges, Dr. Alex emphasizes the value of seeking veterinary consultation, sharing insights on telemedicine options and the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention.Dive deeper into these topics over in the full show notesGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen!

Get ready to unleash your cat's full potential! In this episode of Call the Vet, join Dr. Alex and special guest, accredited animal behavior technician Leili from Supakit, as they reveal essential skills to teach your cat.From harness training to recall and carrier comfort, discover expert tips for fostering a happy, confident feline. Uncover the art of training, understanding your feline friend's body language, and building a strong bond that lasts a lifetime. Dive into more cat training tips over in the full show notes Get your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen!

Dive into the purr-fect solution for your cat's bathroom behavior!In this episode of Call the Vet, Dr. Alex helps out lister Kim who is having issues with her cat pooping in the bath - gross! Bit whether it's problem pooping or peeing outside the litter box, this episode brings you six top tips including insights on cleanliness, litter types, and behavioral changes, to help you uncover the secrets to getting your feline friend back on track and toileting where you want them to.For more toileting resources be sure to head over to the full show notesGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen!

You would think that military dogs would be given the best care when it comes time to retire...In this episode, we dive into a topic that might be new to some of our listeners: the rescue and rehabilitation of military dogs. Our guest, Bob from Mission Canine Rescue, shares his insights on the incredible work they do to provide happy endings for retired military dogs, contractor working dogs, and police dogs who have served humankind. We discuss the different breeds of military dogs, the work they do, and the unfortunate reality of what their fate can be after retirement. Join us as we shed light on this important issue and learn more about how we can support these amazing animals who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.For all the notes, links and related content head over to the full show notes at ourpetshealth.com/podcast/military-dog-rescueGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Calling all cat lovers!

If you're worried about your furry friend's upset tummy, diarrhea, or blood in their stools, this episode is a must-listen!Join veterinarian Dr. Alex Avery on another episode of the "Call the Vet Show" as he addresses a common concern among pet parents – colitis in dogs.Dr. Alex and guest pet parent Jeannine dive into the ins and outs of colitis, exploring different diet options, including the infamous chicken and rice, and whether switching to brown rice is a safe bet. They also discuss the benefits of commercial diets, supplements, and expert consultation for a more nutritionally complete approach.Don't miss out on valuable insights, practical tips, and real-life stories that are bound to help your furry companion bounce back to health. Subscribe to "Call the Vet Show" for expert guidance and a deeper understanding of your pet's well-being.Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your furry family member's health and you can find all the shownotes and related information here!Get your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Dive into the fascinating world of pet wearables with our special guest, Guilherme Coelho. In this episode of 'Call the Vet,' Dr. Alex and Guilherme explore the groundbreaking technology that is revolutionizing pet care

Join veterinarian Dr. Alex as he dives into the often fraught world of itch and allergy diagnosis. In this episode, he is joined by the incredible Dr. Jeff Werber, an award-winning veterinarian with over 38 years of experience.Together, in this sneak peek into The Dog Allergy Summit, they unravel the complexities of canine allergies and discuss how to make an accurate diagnosis, along with the common pitfalls to avoid.If you've ever wondered why your furry friend is constantly scratching or suffering from skin-related issues, this episode is for you. Discover the common culprits behind allergic reactions in dogs, whether it's environmental triggers or food sensitivities. Dr. Jeff Werber breaks down the different diagnostic methods and explains how to differentiate between seasonal and year-round allergies.But it doesn't stop there! Dr. Alex and Dr. Jeff also tackle the complications that can arise from secondary infections and discuss the importance of maintaining healthy skin for your dog's overall well-being.Whether you're a dedicated pet owner seeking answers for your four-legged companion or simply curious about the world of veterinary medicine, this episode of "Call the Vet" is a must-listen. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to better care for your furry family member.Check out The Dog Allergy Summit todayGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Ready to unlock the secret to your pet's sparkling smile ✨? Join our host, Dr. Alex Avery, alongside guest pet parent Michelle, as they tackle the age-old challenge of keeping our furry friends' teeth in top shape. Michelle's 14-year-old fur baby, Jerry, might have a heart murmur and can't undergo surgery, but that doesn't mean his dental health can't be improved!Discover expert tips, practical advice, and innovative solutions to take your pet's dental care to the next level. From in-home brushing techniques and dental treats to special diets and oral gels, Dr. Alex leaves no stone unturned when it comes to finding the perfect dental routine for your four-legged companion.Did you know that neglecting your pet's dental health is one of the biggest mistakes pet parents make? Don't worry, you're not alone! Tune in to this episode to learn valuable insights that will give your pet something to smile about.Remember, taking care of your pet's teeth is not just about making their smile shine - it's about ensuring their overall health and happiness. So, grab your toothbrush and join the conversation on "Call the Vet" as we help pet parents become dental care heroes for their furry family members!

Are pets a privilege or a necessity?When sickness or injury strikes, sometimes the most expensive treatments are affordable and at other times those at the cheaper end of the spectrum are completely out of reach.So, if you can't afford their care, should you have a pet?For all the notes, related links, and discussion head over to the full show notesGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Are you guilty of focusing on the physical health of your pet, while neglecting their mental and emotional wellbeing? Most pet parents (including myself) are to some degree.Today this comes to an end as we discuss what emotional disease is, how you can spot your pet dog or cat may be struggling, before diving into some cutting-edge treatment options…For further information and all the links discussed in today's episode, be sure to head over to the full show notesGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Stray and feral cats are more than just a neighborhood nuisance. They are a welfare concern for any animal-lover, a menace to any conservationist, and a potential threat to your pet cat.In this conversation with cat-advocate Bryan Kortis from Neighbourhood Cats, we discuss the impact that feral cats have in your community, how conservationists may have the wrong approach, and the best way to implement trapping and population control.For more information and all the links discussed in the show, be sure to head over to the full show notes.Get your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

When you hear the word “bacteria” you probably picture some disease-causing monster found in filthy places like the toilet or garbage.But, what if I were to say that without bacteria your pet's health would really suffer? Or that purposefully feeding your dog or cat live bacteria, or even poop from another animal,  could be the key to treating and preventing all manner of health complaints!Dive deeper over in the full show notesGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

As humans, we have an innate desire to connect with other living beings, and animals have always been a part of this connection. Whether it's the loyal wag of your dog's tail or the comforting purr of your cat as they kneed your lap, there is something about animals that draws us in and makes us feel connected.But what is it about the human-animal bond that makes it so special? What are the actual benefits they bring to our lives? And is there a downside and price we have to pay…For deeper insight and all the links discussed, head over to the full show notes on the human-animal bondGet your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

Supplements can play a vital role in maintaining health and treating or disease BUT choosing the best supplement (one that is safe and actually works!) can be fraught with difficulty.In this listener question we answer if green-lipped muscle extract is the ultimate supplement for dogs (and cats) with arthritis and dive into some top tips for choosing any supplement for your furry family...Head over to the full show notes for more information and all the links from today's episode.Get your question answered hereLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!)

You want your pet to be as happy and healthy as possible. But while this sounds simple, the number of decisions that need to be made to best care for them can quickly become overwhelming.The 10 most common "mistakes" discussed in this episode can be made by anyone but, with a little planning and action, you can soon be well on the way to providing everything your furry family member needs so they can live the life they deserve.Dive into the action steps needed and grab your free download over in the full show notesLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!), or consider becoming a patron

Listen back to these clips taken from the most popular episodes of the last 12 months. A teaser for each full episode you may not have heard in full, and a valuable reminder for those you did!And then you can find each full episode and a whole lot more here:Holistic allergy treatment in dogsThe true benefit of CBDHow to eliminate anxiety in your petVeterinary telemedicine 101The best veterinary care is killing petsLove the show? Leaving a review helps spread the word, and to help me keep the lights on buy me a cuppa (that's tea - I'm not a coffee drinker!), or consider becoming a patron

Leaving your dog at home alone all day is typically not the best way to ensure they are mentally stimulated or living their best life and can even result in some challenging or destructive behaviors.But, is sending them to a dog daycare really the answer? And how can you tell if your dog is suited to daycare and that your local doggie daycare is a safe environment for your furry family?Thankfully Robin Bennett, the person who trains dog daycare owners and staff, is on hand to help answer all these questions and more!Here are her top tips for safely sending your dog to daycare…Find out more in the full show notesLove the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

Veterinarians are no longer the gatekeepers of knowledge about the best way to care for or treat our pet dogs and cats. Good information is out there for every single pet parent to educate themselves.But so much information is either very oversimplified or actually factually incorrect (and even misleading).It even may not be human-produced!All of this is why I am so passionate about increasing the accessibility of high-quality, evidence-based pet health information so that every pet parent just like you can make the best choices possible, no matter where you are in the world and no matter what challenges you are facing.Learn more in the full show notes about veterinary information accessibilityLove the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

The diet you choose to feed your cat is critical in maintaining their health and the last thing any pet parent wants is to give them a diet that is harmful.But, there is a lot of confusion (and misinformation) about what is healthy and what is harmful with some of the most common diet choices said to cause obesity, cancer, kidney failure and more.This conversation with an expert veterinary nutritionist, Dr. Dottie LaFlamme, will help answer the most common cat feeding questions:Are carbohydrates bad for catsDoes dry kibble cause kidney failureHow many meals should you feed your catAnd so much more! Check out the full show notesLove the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

This has to be the most common preventable disease affecting dogs and cats across the globe. It can shorten life by over 2 years, and increase the likelihood of your pet suffering from a significant reduction in quality of life during their shorter life.Can you guess what the cause of this pandemic is?It's weight! A favorite topic of mine due to how common it is coupled with the impact it has on your furry family.Thankfully, help is at hand as I dive into the world of weight loss with Dr. Carolyn Taylor, The Slim Pet Vet, where we talk about:Why being too heavy mattersThe source of the problem (and how to prevent it)The role of exercise in weight lossBreaking down the diet options for weight lossEven more top weight loss tipsFor even more resources and all the links mentioned in the show head over to the full show notesLove the show? Leave a review or consider becoming a patron

Does this sound familiar to you (I know it does to me!)? You're sitting on the sofa for 2 seconds and your cat starts meowing for food. Or you walk in the vague direction of their food and instantly they are under your feet, hounding you to be fed.Not only does this drive you crazy, but it also leads to over-feeding and results in your cat becoming overweight or even obese, damaging their long-term health.In this episode I discuss 4 simple tips to get your cat or dog to stop begging for food constantly. head over to the full show notes for all the links discussed in today's show.Get your free guide to optimizing your pet's health over in the Our Pet's Health Academy. 

Just how common are genetic diseases, and can breeders do anything to ensure the health of your furry family member before they are even born? This topic is one that all pet parents need to consider, especially those bringing a new dog or cat into their family...For all the links discussed and further information head over to the full show notes

You know that your pet is not 100% and that your veterinarian is the best person to help but finding the time to go to the vet clinic is hard and then there's the cost.Today I'm exploring the world of remote visits and telehealth and diving into:What is telehealth? Is it new?What different telehealth options are out there?What are the benefits of telehealth?What are the limitations? Can drugs be prescribed? Won't I just get told to go and see the vet in person?What does a telehealth consultation look like? Do I need to be tech-savvy?Tips for getting the most out of a telehealth consultationAnd much more…For all the links and more details of everything discussed in today's episode, head over to the full show notes on veterinary telehealth

You want your pet to be content and enjoy their life but anxiety levels are on the rise, resulting from a growing number of causes.Today's episode breaks down everything you need to know to help reduce and ultimately eliminate anxiety, both in the home and at the vet clinic, so that they are living the confident life you want for them!Dive deeper into making vet visits fun.Check out the full show notes for more information and links to eliminating anxiety in dogs and cats.Get your free ticket to the Dog Anxiety Summit here

This is the podcast for dedicated pet parents, just like you, who want to know the best way to care for your furry family members!Through expert interviews, discussions, and deep dives into the topics that really matter, I want to help you understand and optimize the health of your dog or cat so that they can live the full, happy, and comfortable life you want for them.Check out the latest episode and if you like what you hear be sure to subscribe, follow, and listen for free anywhere else you listen to podcasts, or head over to callthevet.org where you can dive into all the previous episodes, free resources, and so much more.

With a whole range of supplements on the market claiming to both help optimize your pet's everyday health as well as treat all manner of different diseases, it can be impossible to know where to start.Unfortunately many (or even most) fail to live up to their marketing hype.Today though, we're diving into the world of mushrooms and exploring how they could play a crucial role in keeping your dog and cat as healthy as possible.Topics covered include:What are mushrooms and how are they different from other herbs and supplements?Can mushrooms be used to maintain optimal health or treat certain diseases (or both)?What is the evidence to support their use?What are the main active ingredients of medicinal mushrooms?Are there any side effects to be aware of or any individuals where mushrooms would not be appropriate?What makes a high quality mushroom product?How to integrate mushrooms into your pet's wellness careHead to the show notes to find out more about mushroom supplements and their health benefits for pets

When it comes to treating an allergic dog it is vital that you employ all of the available options so that they not only become itch-free and live their best life, but so that you can also reduce their reliance (or even need) on pharmaceuticals.Complete holistic control is within your reach, and these are the treatment options you need to employ along with common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid…Dive deeper in the full show notes on holistic dog allergy treatmentRegister for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

There is a lot of misconception about what dogs are really allergic to, and without knowing the true cause of allergies it can be a real struggle to settle their skin and get their itch under control.In this episode I break down the most common causes of both food allergies and atopy (or environmental allergies), so you can do your best to limit your dog's exposure to the most common causes of allergic itch.Dive deeper in the full show notes on dog allergy causesRegister for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

Allergies are the most common cause of long-term scratching in dogs and can be due to a number of different allergy types, but it can be challenging to identify the exact cause of an individual dog's allergies which compromises your ability to treat them successfully.In this episode I discussThe 3 main different types of dog allergyHow they can be similar but also differentClues as to which allergy your dog is suffering fromWhether bee stings need to be treated as an emergency or notDive into greater detail in the full show notesGet your copy of Dog Allergy First Aid - the complete guide to identifying allergy causes, eliminating itch, and gaining long-term, holistic control of your dog's allergies (and get 10% off using the code podcast)Register for the free Dog Allergy Summit for at ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit

Is your dog scratching more than normal? Any increase in your dog's itch deserves your prompt attention, but before you rush off to the veterinarian be sure the simple problem of fleas is not to blame!In this episode I discuss:How scratch and pain are closely linkedWhy scratching only makes your dog's skin worseHow to know fleas are present even when you can't see themCheck out more information over in the full show notesClick here to check out Dog Allergy First Aid, my guide to the rapid holistic treatment of allergies, and use the code "podcast" to get 10% off.

Heat stroke kills, and your dog can overheat really quickly.Rather than rushing them to the ER after this happens, it's better to avoid this problem completely and in this episode, I discuss exactly how to keep your dog cool when the sun shines and the mercury begins to climb.Find out more in the full show notesGet your free dog summer survival guide here

Spotting the signs of heat stroke early and then taking the right action to quickly cool your dog is proven to save lives. In this episode we run through:The 5 main signs of heatstroke in dogsThe biggest risk periods for overheatingHow to effectively and quickly cool your dogFind out more in the show notesDownload your free copy of the Sog Summer Survival Guide at https://OurPetsHealth.com/summerdogcare

We love to get our cats and dogs new toys and tasty treats to show how much they mean to us, and subscription boxes are a super-convenient option to make sure your pet is never left wanting.But it's not all harmless fun as they can cause all kinds of problems, and even compromise their health…In this episode I talk all about:The health and environmental problems that subscription boxes contribute toSpending prioritizing and planning for the unexpectedAlternatives your dog and cat will loveFor all the links and more information head over to the full show notes here

Do you want to feed our dogs the safest, and healthiest food possible? Do you worry about their environmental impact?One thing is certain. The largest study to date looking into the health of vegan diets for dogs and comparing those fed a raw or conventional cooked meat diet has caused some serious waves.I spoke to Dr. Andrew Knight, the study author, to find out more. Including:The environmental impact of pet foodDog food trends that are making the situation worseA dog's need for meatIs vegan dog food healthy and safeAddressing the limitations of our knowledgeHow to assess vegan dog food qualityDive into more detail in the full show notes