Our Pets Health: with Dr Alex

If your dog or cat is part of the family and you want to know how to best care for them then be sure to head over to The Call The Vet Show - the number one podcast for all pet lovers! Remember to subscribe, and I cant wait to see you there. Listen on your favorite podcast app here - https://ourpetshealth.com/listen

Once the shock of a new litter of puppies arriving on the scene has passed (and it always takes some adjustment no matter how prepared you are!), chances are you’re going to start thinking about starting to wean the puppies. It is however vital not to wean your puppy too early, and instead have a clear step-by-step plan. After all, proper nutrition is vital for growth, immunity and all-round development. It couldn’t be more important in the first few months of a puppies life. Full show notes Free guide to keeping your pet as healthy as possible - get it now

While it’s much too early for anyone to answer this with any degree of certainty, there actually is some evidence that CBD oil may benefit dogs with dementia. CBD oil is getting huge publicity at the moment for the treatment of all manner of different diseases and ailments, both in people and in our pets. The scientific community is also interested, with more evidence becoming available to show that CBD oil can benefit dogs with certain conditions. That is not to say that CBD oil will be appropriate for every dog suffering from cognitive dysfunction. Nor should you ignore all of the other treatment options and management strategies that may benefit your dog. Check out the show notes for everything you need to know about dementia in dogs

It can be really concerning to see your cat pooping blood, blood in their stool, or in the litter tray. But is it really as serious as you might think? Blood in a cat’s stool is often accompanied by mucus, a little bit of clear jelly mixed in with the poop. This is a sign of colitis which is simply an inflammation lower down in the intestinal tract in the colon, rather than up high in the small intestine close to the stomach. The good news, if this is the case, is that colitis is pretty much always caused by a problem within the intestine itself rather than a disease in the rest of the body (such as kidney failure or liver disease). There are eight main reasons that your cat could be pooping blood, either mixed in or on the surface of their stool. Head over to the full show notes and check out my other podcast "Call the Vet".

Bleach is used in all kinds of products around the house. And with bleach poisoning in dogs, the emergency action and home treatment you give if your dog drinks bleach can make all the difference. Full show notes here

There is little worse than your dog or cat suffering from a disease or injury that could have easily been prevented, but unfortunately, as a veterinarian, I see cases like this every single day. Preventative health is so important, and only takes a little bit of thought and planning. This is why I produced my FREE 5 step guide that you can download for free here

With firework season fast approaching, now is the time to come up with a management strategy that will help your dog or cat stay calm during fireworks and also keep them safe. It is really important to take action and come up with a clear plan for any pet (dog or cat) that suffers from any behavioral issue. Ignoring a noise phobia, or any other issue, is only going to make it harder to manage in the future and the problem is also likely to become worse. Further resources mentioned: my charity calendar! Helping dogs with a firework phobia Keeping cats calm during fireworks McCann Professional Dog Trainers Canine Arthritis Management

For those of us for whom their pet is a vital family member, it is easy to see the benefits that our dog or cat (or any other pet for that matter) brings to our lives. The actual overall benefit, however, may be less clear-cut than you imagine. And, as a veterinarian, I can tell you from first-hand experience some of the stress that pets can cause which could impact your mental health. Let me explain… Full show notes here

It is a common perception that veterinarians earn a fortune and that they are able to fund really extravagant lifestyles. But just how much do vets make? How does this relate to the amount of debt that they graduate vet school with? And how does a veterinary salary compare to other professions? Full show notes

If your cat goes outside, the chances are that you have seen them eating grass. You may have even seen grass in their vomit. But cats aren't cows, so why do cats eat grass? Eating grass is a really common activity for cats. In fact, over 7 out of 10 cats are reported by their owners to regularly enjoy tucking into a meal of the green stuff. There’s a good chance then that your cat is also a grass muncher, whether you see them or not! Here's why...full show notes here

Being a veterinarian is not just about cuddling puppies and kittens all day. There is a dark side to the profession. There are some really difficult, challenging, and at times upsetting parts to being a part of this profession. I think it is important that everyone is aware that being a vet is not all the sunshine and rainbows it’s portrayed to be on popular TV shows and glossy Instagram posts. Full show notes: the pros + cons of being a veterinarian

Being a veterinarian can be an incredibly rewarding job. Let me take you into my world as a companion animal GP vet as I discuss the five things I enjoy best about being a veterinarian. Full show notes at ourpetshealth.com/info/being-a-veterinarian

If you are dealing with a sick pet then there is a real chance you might be becoming stressed, depressed, anxious or even angry. All of these will affect YOUR quality of life so it is important you look after YOU! The syndrome known as "caregiver burden" is well recognized in people who care for chronically ill family members, but it has only more recently been recognized in owners who have to look after sick pets. Show notes - ourpetshealth.com/info/caregiver-burden

If your dog enjoys swimming, or if you're going on long hikes and they're drinking from lakes and from streams, then at this time of year you really need to know all about blue-green algae poisoning in dogs. Blue-green algae can kill a dog within 15 minutes. It produces toxins that stop the nerves working or destroy the liver. The main risk period is late summer and early autumn when water levels are low and warm - perfect for blue-green algae growth. Check out my complete guide to blue-green algae poisoning in dogs

Just how similar are dogs to their closest relation - the gray wolf? The evolution of dogs from wolves is not as straight forward as you might believe. Just how similar are dogs and wolves? Are they really such close relatives that your dog could easily revert back to their ancestral form, or are the differences more than skin deep? Full show notes: ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-evolution

If you are coming up to retirement, or if you are already retired, and you’re thinking about getting a new dog then there are some of the questions that you need to ask yourself when you are thinking about what the best dog for retirement is. Retirement and senior living can bring a specific set of challenges and opportunities. It is really important for you and your new dog that you plan and consider all of your options carefully. Here are some considerations, as well as the best dog breed suggestions! Full show notes: ourpetshealth.com/info/best-retirement-dog

There are a number of different reasons why a dog pants. Some of them are normal. Some of them are signs of serious diseases. If your dog has started panting all the time and you’re wondering why they are panting so much, then I've got the nine main reasons that you need to think about. A simple examination by your vet may be enough to diagnose the problem or give the AOK, but if there is something that needs treating, an early diagnosis could make all the difference in how successful this will be for your dog Full show notes - ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-panting-causes

Not all pets find forever homes. To make matters worse, up to 25% of dogs and cats entering the shelter system get euthanized. Find out what you can do to stop these dogs and cats being killed. It is a responsibility we all have! Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/shelter-euthanasia

Are grain-free diets causing dogs to die of heart failure? The answer is yes, but it is now clear that lentils, peas and potato are also major problem ingredients. These are the facts you need to know if your dog is eating a grain free diet. Full show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/is-grain-free-dog-food-killing-our-pets

It's vital every dog owner learns these 5 main signs and symptoms of heatstroke in dogs. Heat stroke can kill and it can kill incredibly quickly, so picking up on the fact that your dog is starting to overheat early can save their life! Free hot weather dog care guide: https://ourpetshealth.com/summerdogcare Show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/dog-heatstroke-symptoms

This week I'm bringing you a taste of The Dr Alex Answers Show, answering all of your dog and cat health questions, where I'm talking about skin lumps and bumps, post vaccine skin swelling, and anal gland expression. Get your question answered at http://dralexanswers.com

In today's throw-away culture, there is a worrying thought that pet dogs and cats are also disposable. Something to discard if you lose interest in them or health problems develop. Here are my thoughts! Download my just-released drug information sheets and access my free resource library here

Prednisone is a powerful steroid to treat many different diseases in dogs + cats, but steroids also come with the potential for serious, disruptive side-effects. Learn why this common drug is used, the common side effects of steroids and how they are different in dog's and cats, and understand when alternative treatment options may be the best bet. Full show notes here

Vet nurses and veterinary technicians are a vital part of your dog and cat’s healthcare team. Find out how hard it is for them to qualify and what they actually do every day. I bet you’ll be surprised! Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/what-vet-nurses-do

If you're feeding your cat a commercial raw diet, or any sort of raw food, could it be giving them tuberculosis? It sounds crazy, but it's potentially true that raw diets cause TB in cats! This is an update of just the latest pet food scandal, following on from the vitamin D fiasco of a few months ago. If you are interested in the safety, risks and benefits of the diet you are feeding your pet then you should check out my free ebook which discusses the feeding of raw vs kibble. Get your free copy today in the knowledge vault - https://ourpetshealth.com/resources Show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/raw-food-diets-and-tb-in-cats

A dog who is always itchy is little different to a dog in constant pain. Skin allergies are miserable. Stop your dog scratching all the time with this 6 step treatment plan. Show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/how-to-treat-dog-skin-allergies

The Cat Burrito Towel Wrap stops you getting scratched or bitten + is a simple, effective, yet gentle technique to retrain your cat for nail clipping, giving them a pill, or even getting them into their carrier! If you can't quite follow along with the audio, make sure to check out the video in the show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/cat-burrito-towel-wrap

If your cat is scratching, licking themselves bald, or has developed lots of little scabs on their skin then you really need to know how to check your cat for fleas. Fleas are an incredibly common cause of itching in cats, and it’s not always as obvious as you might think to know if your cat has fleas or not! Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/how-to-check-a-cat-for-fleas

Finding fleas is just the beginning...getting rid of a flea infestation can be a real battle but not if you follow this 3 step strategy! Show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/how-to-kill-fleas-on-a-dog

Having a baby is one of life's greatest joys...just not for your pet dog or cat! A few simple steps can reduce their stress, letting you focus on your new arrival Find the Parent Pacifier here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM5eSwAzbDqAWy7xzwqc_Hw  Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/new-baby-stress

Kicking off skin month, this episode runs through the 5 main causes of an itchy dog. Getting the right diagnosis is vital if the itch and scratching is to stop and your dog's skin condition kept under control. For more skin discussion head over to http://dralexanswers.com

There are some well documented risks to feeding raw diets to your dog or cat. Does serious infection happen every day though, and how do these risks stack up against the feeding of kibble? Todays episode answers these questions and more! Download my free raw feeding ebook: https://www.subscribepage.com/rawebook Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/raw-vs-cooked-dog-diets

Raw diets are getting a lot of press online at the moment on blogs, forums and social media. Today is part 1 of my discussion of the actual evidence behind raw feeding claims, and I'm starting with the benefits of raw diets for dogs and cats. Download my free raw feeding ebook: https://www.subscribepage.com/rawebook Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/raw-vs-cooked-dog-diets

This one simple tip that almost everyone will be able to do could help save you time and money the next time your pet is unwell, as well as help your pet get better faster or receive the best treatment sooner! Be sure to subscribe and also check out my other podcast "The Dr Alex Answers Show"! Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/save-time-and-money-at-the-vet

Tubular ligation in dogs is a method of sterilizing dogs that involves either tying a ligature around the uterus of a dog or making an incision in the uterus meaning that there is no way that pregnancy could ever happen. It is different to spaying because the ovaries are left untouched. This means that a female dog who has had tubular ligation will still come on heat and her body will still experience the pro's and con's of these hormones being present. Is this really a good idea? Find out all about spaying your dog here: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/when-to-spay-a-female-dog

2 identical dogs, the only difference being that one is overweight and one is fit and lean. Such a small difference can have a huge impact on the health of a dog as well as their life expectancy. Don't underestimate the impact of obesity on dogs lives. Keeping a healthy weight is one of the best ways to help your dog live longer. In today's episode, it's story time as I talk you through the lives of Max and Bailey. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/obesity-life-expectancy

I'm excited to be able to announce the official launch of my new podcast, "The Dr. Alex Answers Show", and to celebrate I'm also running a giveaway for some great prizes to suit any pet lover! The Dr. Alex Answers Show is a Q&A podcast where, each week, I answer 5 of your dog or cat health questions. If you like what you hear today there are 2 other episodes already released so check them out and let me know what you think! Head over here for more information and to enter the competition - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/podcast-launch-giveaway

Penobarbital is one of the most common drugs used in the treatment of dog epilepsy and to control seizures. Before starting, you need to know how well it works, learn about the side-effects and how to monitor your epileptic dog taking phenobarbital. Epilepsy and seizures is a distressing condition for your dog to be diagnosed with but with the right treatment the seizures can be very well controlled. Phenobarbital is often the first choice and this episode goes through what you need to know about this epilepsy treatment for dogs. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/phenobarbital-dog-epilepsy-treatment

Just last week the pet food manufacturer Hill’s issued a recall of some of their prescription diets because they were found to contain very high levels of vitamin D - something that causes kidney failure and death! I reached out to them for some answers to explain how this pet food recall happened, what checks are in place and what they are doing to make sure that something like this doesn't happen ever again. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/does-your-dogs-food-contain-rat-bait

If your dog has had one or more seizures and has been diagnosed with epilepsy, one of the first decisions you will have to make is when should you start treatment for epilepsy in dogs. The aim of epilepsy treatment in dogs is to reduce their frequency and severity, not prevent all seizures. All drugs also have the risks of side-effects and cost money to give and then monitor. As a result the decision to start treatment is based on a risk-benefit analysis. This episode though discusses the general guidelines every owner of a newly diagnosed epileptic dog should consider. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/treatment-timing-of-epilepsy-in-dogs

Has your old dog suddenly started to stumble and act drunk, developed a head tilt, can’t get up and as a result been diagnosed with old dog vestibular disease? If so you may have been told that with care and home treatment and management their chance of recovery is good - something that is thankfully very true! While your dog is recovering from their bout of vestibular disease home treatment and management plays a very important role in getting your dog back on their feet as soon as possible, without suffering any unnecessary complications or prolonged illness. This podcast episode gives my top tips with essential home treatment management strategies to help your old dog recover as quickly as possible. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/vestibular-disease-in-dogs

 What's the deal?  Do puppies need shots?  Does your dog really need to be vaccinated for everything that your vet is recommending?  What about the side effects of vaccination and how often should your puppy or dog get vaccinated? Show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/do-puppies-need-shots

Marijuana poisoning in dogs is actually not that rare in general and you won’t be surprised to hear that marijuana poisoning becomes even more common in an area when marijuana goes from illegal to legal. CBD oil is all the rage at the moment, and is actually something that I’ve discussed before in podcast episode 99. It comes from the cannabis plant and is felt to be really safe so you might well be asking just how dangerous is marijuana? Show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/marijuana-effects-on-dogs

As a dog owner, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered how to dispose of dog poop the green way. In this episode, I talk about why you should care, what your dog waste disposal options are and just how eco-friendly each is! Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/how-to-dispose-of-dog-poop

What are the best supplements to give a dog or cat? It can be hard to decide, there are just so many. Join me as I ask if your pet needs a dietary supplement and then give 6 tips to choosing the best supplement for your pet! Show notes - https://ourpetshealth.com/info/choosing-pet-supplements

Just a quick podcast today. I wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas! I also have 1 tip to help your pet should they become unwell over the holiday season. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/happy-christmas-2018

It still amazes me the strange and weird things that dogs eat! Why do they find them tasty and what is going through their mind when they swallow something so bizarre and completely unlike food? After a busy weekend on call, I reflect on the 3 cases of dogs eating unusual items as well as a few of my other patients I have had the pleasure of seeing over the years. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/weird-things-dogs-eat

If your cat is scared of fireworks then they are not alone. In this episode I give my top 13 tips and strategies to help keep them safe, help them cope and even relax! Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/how-to-help-cats-cope-with-fireworks

If you're planning on giving someone you love a puppy as a surprise Christmas present, then this is what you need to think about. While it often seems like a good idea, unless you are getting a dog for your children (and realize that you are actually getting a puppy for you to look after) then it is probably not the best decision to make. Here's why... Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/giving-a-puppy-as-a-present

Several months have passed since my original report in August. Here is the update in what we now know or suspect about the link between heart failure and grain-free dog diets. Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/is-grain-free-dog-food-killing-our-pets

There's just been an FDA alert that a large number of pet foods have been recalled because they contain massive levels of Vitamin D. This is a very effective poison found in some rat baits and rat poison. Learn all the facts, symptoms and prognosis Show notes: https://ourpetshealth.com/info/does-your-dogs-food-contain-rat-bait