Pet Health Basics

dog smelling rose

Can I Spray Perfume on my Dog? Vets Answer Fragrance Questions

Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett The short answer is No. As a veterinarian, I don’t recommend spraying perfume on your dog. Are there some scents that may be ok? Read on as we delve into the world of fragrances and your pet! With their incredible sense of smell, dogs and cats are far more sensitive to fragrances than we might realize. Key Takeaways The Harmful Effects of Fragrances on Dogs While

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dalmation sniffing air

Dogs’ Sense of Smell, A Vet Explains (2024)

Last Updated on 7 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett Have you ever wondered how your dog knows when it’s you walking up to the door, even before you turn the key? Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, capable of detecting odors we can’t even begin to imagine. Key Takeaways Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, far exceeding that of humans. Their sense of smell is their main sense, allowing them to gather

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Dog and cat looking at each other

Dog And Cat Vision: Who Sees Better? Are they Colorblind? A Vet Explains (2023)

Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett Ever wondered why your furry friends react differently to their surroundings? You’re not alone. As a veterinarian, I am often asked if dogs are colorblind or if cats can see in the dark. These are common questions we have as pet owners. Ready to peek into your pet’s perspective? Let’s “see” through their eyes! The Unique Characteristics of Cat Vision A significant component responsible for a cat’s

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Anxiety in Dogs, A vet explains causes, signs, and Treatment 2023

Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett As a veterinarian, I have seen lots of dogs with anxiety. As a result, I have seen many owners anxious about their dog’s anxiety. If this is you, do not worry, you are not alone. This can range from shaking when they hear a loud noise to barking when you leave the house. It is upsetting for everyone (us as veterinarians and you as owners). Anxiety

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Eye Discharge in Dogs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes

Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett Many of our canine friends are plagued by pesky eye discharge, and I commonly see it in my patients. There are many causes, such as allergies, that over-the-counter medication may treat. However, other reasons require a trip to the vet, such as dry eye or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca( KCS). Let’s explore the most common causes of eye discharge in your dog and how to treat them so

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You CAN Teach Owners New Tricks

Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett What’s the secret to a well-behaved dog? The answer has been in front of you all along! As school resumes, your children are not the only ones that benefit from education. Although “Sit”, “Stay”, “Come” may seem elementary training for your dog to know, it’s amazing how many dogs I encounter that have trouble with these basic commands. All dogs want to please their owners but

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Wet Dogs and Hot Spots

Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett Beach, swimming and waves, oh my! That sounds like a great summer for you, but what about your dog? Luckily, these are all activities that you can both enjoy as long as appropriate precautions are taken. Taking your dog to the beach can be one of the best parts of summer for you and your furry friend. Letting them go for a swim is a great

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Best Tips for Anxiety in Dogs

Last Updated on 9 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett We have lots of patients with anxiety. This can range from shaking when they hear a loud noise to barking as soon as you leave the house. It’s upsetting for everyone (us as veterinarians and you as owners). Unfortunately, we don’t have anything that will “definitely” work for every dog. We do know that usually medications alone are not enough, we also have to employee other

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Dr. Barrett veterinary blogs

Dr. Shannon Barrett

Veterinarian with a Passion for Educating Pet Parents

Pets change our lives for the better and we are always trying to do the same for them. This site is a combination of tips and product recommendations to enhance the lives of our pets and the people owned by them.  Thanks for stopping by!

Dr. Shannon Barrett

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