? "Elbow dysplasia in young dogs can start affecting them not just when they're old, but potentially very early in their life!" ? ? Today on Call the Vet, we dive deep into managing chronic conditions like elbow dysplasia and arthritis: 1️⃣ Multimodal approach is key—combining dietary changes, weight management, and environmental modifications to tackle the issue comprehensively. 2️⃣ Therapeutic diets and supplements (especially omega-3 fatty acids) can significantly enhance comfort. 3️⃣ Regular, gentle exercise and use of ramps can prevent worsening of the condition. 4️⃣ Complementary therapi ..read more

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. ? Did you know? A heart murmur isn’t always an indicator of overt heart failure in dogs! ? 1️⃣ Dr. Alex explains that a heart murmur simply indicates turbulent blood flow, which could be due to ..read more

? Don't gamble with your pet's life. When it comes to your furry friend's surgery, knowing the risks is crucial for their safety! ? Surgery may not be just routine - from a tiny risk of 0.01% for neutering procedures (that's 1 death for every 10,000 surgeries) through to a 16% death rate for the sickest of patients, the risk really does vary hugely by individual. ? Several measures can increase safety: from pre-surgery blood tests, weight management, to advanced monitoring equipment - these are vital! ? The takeaway? Proactive health management & choosing a vet with the right skills & ..read more

? Get ready to tackle this itchy pet mystery with Dr. Alex answering a question sent in by listener Trish that addresses some really key pet-care pearls. From narrowing down the potential causes of any problem, the importance of making a proper diagnosis, through to when to seek the input from your veterinarian. This episode has something for every pet parent! Check out The Dog Allergy Summit here - https://ourpetshealth.com/allergysummit And the full show notes here - https://ourpetshealth.com/podcast/multiple-itchy-dogs Get your question answered here- https://ourpetshealth.com/question ..read more

? Did you know that it used to be common for veterinarians to withhold pain relief for pets with joint injuries or wounds? The thinking was that this was needed to prevent them from overusing the injured area and causing more harm ? Some vets and owners still advocate for this approach. In my latest podcast episode, I dive deep into this shocking practice and why it's time for this outdated thinking to be left in the past. Join me as I discuss the impact of pain on a pet's well-being and the importance of appropriate pain management. I highlight the negative effects of pain on healing, the b ..read more

? Do you know just how effective acupuncture is for our dogs and cats? In answering one listener question I dive into the placebo effect in both humans and animals, shedding light on the importance of understanding what the evidence says, or doesn't say. And it's not just acupuncture. Understanding the intricacies of alternative treatments and their impact on our pets' well-being is crucial for making informed decisions as pet parents. We dive into the multimodal approach to pet care, incorporating proven therapies in all different areas of your pet's life. By optimizing treatment strategies ..read more

Overvaccination of pets is a controversial topic with serious health implications? ? In the latest episode of Call the Vet Show, I delved into the hot potato issue of vaccination, addressing the concerns and risks associated with overvaccination. ?️ I talk about the importance of vaccinations as a core strategy to prevent dangerous infectious diseases, like the parvovirus outbreaks currently occurring in various parts of New Zealand. However, I also highlighted the need to avoid overvaccination, explaining the normal vaccination schedules of the essential core vaccines along with assessing th ..read more

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 ..read more

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 here Love the show? Leaving a review helps ..read more

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 notes Get your question answered here Love the s ..read more