We all scratch our head or rub our eyes once in a while and think nothing more about it. Most dogs and cats will occasionally lick their feet or rub their face against the carpet and it too, means absolutely nothing. There are some pets, however, that are consumed by...

Over the past 10 years there has been an explosion of newly released flea and tick products for dogs and cats. Choosing the right product for your pet has become daunting given the choices available. Additionally, advertisers and their makers make it more confusing to the pet owners by flaunting...

I believe that everyone has the capacity to have a positive impact in their community. It may be as simple as offering a meal to someone who is hungry, teaching someone a new skill, or solving a problem that has perplexed society. I believe that your pet can be socially...

In a recent focus group study presented at the January 2013 North American Veterinary Conference, veterinarians were asked if they found it challenging to diagnose medical conditions in dogs and cats. Fifty-seven percent of the veterinarians found it challenging to diagnose conditions in cats and 34 percent challenging in dogs....

Frequently, while shopping for my dog's food, I often overhear shopkeepers tell pet owners that dogs in the wild eat bones and therefore, it is not only necessary but also essential to give them to our pets. I cringe every time I hear this false myth. So below is my...

A couple of years ago, I was watching the Oprah Winfrey Show and I saw an episode where the health expert, Dr. Mehmet Oz, was talking about "poop." I noticed when the cameras panned the audience that they appeared rather excited and at the same time bashful to listen to...

After practicing over 26 years, one would have thought that I've seen almost everything. A few days ago, however, I saw a case that taught me something new and reconfirmed the importance of a thorough physical examination.

Toby, a very lovable 2-year-old standard poodle, came to see me with an...

Earlier this week, one of my clients brought their feisty, 12-year-old Chihuahua, named Gizmo, in for a nail trim. My veterinary technician noticed that Gizmo had lost two pounds since his last visit in September. This weight loss was a concern given that it was a 15 percent drop in...

A few days ago I saw a very sick Chihuahua named Bruno. His mother brought him to see me one morning after she was awoken at 4 a.m. to vomiting and explosive bloody diarrhea. While taking her pet's history, I asked her if Bruno had eaten anything it shouldn't have...

A few weeks ago, I had a client who had a cat with severe dental disease. This client initially declined my strong recommendation for oral surgery because he was afraid of sedating his 14-year-old-cat, Bob. He told me that his friend's cat died under anesthesia and he would not be...

My Golden Retriever, Zack, loves to go to the beach. He loves to run on the sand and chase his ball into the water. Three weeks ago, I took him to a beach and an unfortunate event happened. With his tail wagging, he pounded down the steep beach stairs to...

For the last six months I've been searching for the perfect part-time veterinarian to join my current three doctor veterinary practice at Animal Medical Center of Chicago. During this time period, I've read over 50 resumes, personally interviewed over a dozen, and it was only yesterday that I found the...

Once again I'm frustrated by the confusing terminology found on pet food labels. I frequently find pet food labels covered with meaningless words written by advertisers trying to entice you to buy their product without sharing with you their true merit. In particular, "what does the word 'raw' mean on...

This past week I saw three different new clients with three elderly cats with the same history of gradual weight-loss and decreased appetite. Each of these clients, I discovered shortly, had not taken their pet to a veterinarian in over eight years. Two of the three cats had not seen...

This weekend I was driving on the Indiana Toll Road to Michigan and saw a large billboard with the following message: "Obesity is a disease. Obesity is not a decision." And I thought to myself, wouldn't it be wonderful if I could get all my medical information off billboards with...

I went for a walk with my Golden Retriever today, and he could barely walk around the block in this Chicago 90 degree weather. This made me wonder, how many dogs have suffered from hyperthermia or heat exhaustion today, given the almost 100 degree temperatures?

Here are my top 10...

I had a cat. Her name was Sarah. She was sweet, playful and I loved her. She slept by my side every night and followed me around my apartment every day seeking my attention and love.

At 8 and 1/2 years of age, I diagnosed her with kidney disease....

Just a few days ago a client asked me how old my dog was, and I actually had to think about it. My first impulsive answer was that he was four years old, but I instantly knew that this was not correct since we adopted him when my oldest son...

Before I get to today's blog topic, I have decided to start including the photo and bio of an adoptable pet with each blog. This week's pet is "Lil Leroy," available for rescue with Safe Humane Chicago.

Lil Leroy was brought to Chicago Animal...

Would you ever allow your hair stylist to clean your teeth? Then why would you ever allow yoru groomer or any other self-proclaimed animal expert to clean your pet's teeth? These services from non-professionals are frequently referred to as "Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings." The truth is, a groomer or anyone for...