Dogs lick things for several reasons. When they lick themselves, it’s often an act of grooming. When they lick us, their owners, it can be a form of social communication, or even a means of saying, “Hey, I see the bottom of my bowl. Feed me.” When they lick the floor? Obsessively? Admittedly, that one’s […] The post Why Won’t My Dog Stop Licking the Floor? appeared first on Doylestown Veterinary Hospital ..read more

Getting the, er, scoop on bowel movements is an all-too-common subject among dog owners. “What should I do if my dog has diarrhea?” is also one of the most frequently asked questions in veterinary medicine, says Dr. David MacDonald, DVM, CVA, CVSMT, with Doylestown Veterinary Hospital. “I can certainly understand there’s a need to let people know what to do,” he says. Getting a clear idea of what is happening during that first frantic call – and the events leading up to the queasy canine – is the key. “You can’t just assume it’s the same situation with every dog, and you can’t just treat every ..read more

Finish this sentence: “When a dog eats grass, it means they have _________.” If you answered, “good taste” – well, to each their own. But if you answered, “an upset stomach” or “a tummy ache,” you’re not alone. In fact, most pet owners jump to that conclusion. It’s been the prevailing school of thought for so long, just like how dogs can only see in black and white (also not quite true). Interestingly, studies show that less than 25% of dogs vomit after helping themselves to an impromptu, backyard salad bar. According to Dr. Wendy Zimmerman, DVM, of Doylestown Animal Hospital, this presents an ..read more

Let’s face it: Dog sneezes can be cute – the first time they happen. We say “Gesundheit” in a sing-song voice as they shake it off and everyone tends to move on with their lives. But the fourth time? The tenth? Well, then, dog sneezes can be scary. “There certainly are a lot of reasons why dogs sneeze,” says Dr. Lois Palin, VMD, of Doylestown Veterinary Hospital. “Some of them are serious. A lot of them are not.” My Dog Won’t Stop Sneezing According to Dr. Palin, dogs frequently sneeze for the same reason that we do: to clear our airways in response to environmental irritants, be it pollen, st ..read more

It’s springtime. The birds are singing, the buds are blooming, and the bees are, well – doing what bees do. By and large, that’s pollinating flowers. Sometimes, it’s stinging our dogs on the nose. So, what do you do if your dog gets stung by a bee? Pretty much what you would do for yourself, says Dr. Mimi Fitchett, DVM, of Doylestown Veterinary Hospital. If there’s a stinger present, you want to try to gently remove it. Gentle is the operative word. “Honeybee stingers may still be pumping venom,” she continues. “So, you don’t want to squeeze. You just want to scrape the stinger off with a sh ..read more

Many dog owners at one time or another have witnessed their pet favoring a paw or a leg after playing outdoors or even following a long nap. Our hearts immediately go out to our four-legged friends as they limp their way to their food dish or their dog bed, and we wonder what happened. While limping is an all-too-common condition for dogs and cats, the causes are widespread, says Dr. Jerica Lugo, VMD, of Doylestown Veterinary Hospital. Reasons for lameness can range from basic and fleeting soreness to more complicated, and even severe conditions. Her colleague, Dr. David MacDonald, DVM, CVA, C ..read more

DOYLESTOWN, PA, March 1, 2024— Doylestown Veterinary Hospital & Holistic Pet Care is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Wendy Zimmerman to the hospital team as an associate veterinarian. Dr. Zimmerman brings extensive experience in canine rehabilitation and veterinary acupuncture to the practice, positioning her as another key asset in the growth of holistic pet care services. Her primary focus will be integrative medicine, merging traditional veterinary practices with holistic therapies to enhance overall patient care outcomes. Dr. Zimmerman with her Frenchie, Matzo Ball. “The bond ..read more

Should pets go to the chiropractor? Yes, all animals can benefit from chiropractic care from a certified veterinarian. Throughout an animal’s life, various actions or events may alter normal spinal function. Veterinary chiropractic care is particularly beneficial for dogs with active lifestyles, such as canine athletes, working dogs, and hunting dogs. Chiropractic provides a natural intervention, facilitating a quicker return to function, increasing the time between injuries, and, ideally, preventing injuries altogether. Is veterinary chiropractic safe for animals? Yes. Every veterinarian adhe ..read more

“Never feed a dog chocolate.” So many pet owners have heard – and heeded – the repeated warnings regarding the dangers posed to our four-legged friends by this seemingly innocuous sweet treat. But accidents happen. Dogs are opportunistic. And according to Dr. Lois Palin, VMD, chocolate ingestion is perhaps the most common phone call the Doylestown Veterinary Hospital team receives from clients after a dog has eaten something it shouldn’t have. And with so many holidays – from Valentine’s Day to Easter to Christmas – offering up bags, boxes, and bucketfuls of candy and desserts, chocolate is fr ..read more

Persistent head shaking in dogs can be unnerving for pet owners, to say the least. It’s a behavior that can indicate anything from a mild irritant to a serious health concern. While occasional head shaking can be normal (say, after a bath or following particularly satisfying ear scratches), vigorous behavior warrants attention, as it could signify discomfort or an underlying health issue. From ear infections to allergies, and foreign objects to more serious conditions, understanding the causes of head shaking is crucial for any pet owner. At Doylestown Veterinary Hospital, experts like Dr. Mim ..read more