Pawcurious: With Veterinarian and Author Dr. V

Celebrating the truth that pets make people better.

Dr. V

Partay!

by

It's a big weekend. A big, big weekend here in North America. To all my Canadian friends- Happy Canada Day! And to my American partners in crime, I hope you're getting the barbecues cleaned off and ready to roll! The Fourth of July is the number one day for pets to run off. Number one. So while you are busy perfecting your burger recipe and figuring out how many ears of corn you need for Monday, take just a moment to do a couple of things to keep your pet safe: ... Read more »

DNA comes full circle

by

I remember when DNA tests first became routine in crime scene investigations. It was groundbreaking. Murders decades old being solved, sinister crimes committed by evildoing masterminds brought to justice by the tiniest speck of blood. Those sure were the days. Now, we use DNA to bust people for not cleaning up after their dogs. How far we have come. Sherlock Bones is on the case. ... Read more »

Inherent Danger

by

My own fair city is back in the spotlight dealing with the aftermath of yet another tragic dog attack. In this case, a 75 year old woman was critically injured in her backyard by two pit bulls that got through a gap in their fence. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family during this terrible time. Now let me be clear on this: despite what you might read, the city is not considering a pit bull ban (quote from City Hall to that effect at the bottom of the article), and I am ... Read more »

Giveaway Tuesday: Freezy Pups

by

Congratulations to our winner, Rachel- who won from her FB wall post! I hope Preston loves them!! With the fourth of July just around the corner, a man and beast's thoughts turn to tasty frozen treats. As anyone who saw my pupsicle post is well aware, we are all about tasty frozen treats around here. And while making such elaborate affairs is fun and rewarding, I'm the first to admit there are two main problems with making homemade Frosty Paws or similar sorts of treats on a regular ... Read more »

Grand Theft Karto

by

It was a beautiful, sunny weekend here in SoCal, which means one thing: the kids and the pets spend the entire time marinating in the pool. I prefer sitting in the shade, trying unsuccessfully to keep wet Brody from shaking off all over me. Mild mannered Dr. V, benignly watching over the family as they take in the sunshine. No one would suspect me of having more sinister intentions. Such as go-kart theft. What can I say? We got my son one for his birthday and I thought it looked like ... Read more »

Dog vs Stroller

by

Here is the lake path I have mentioned in a previous post. With summer upon us, it is even busier than usual (though you can't really tell by this photo.) You see all types on this path: young, old, big, small, athletes sprinting and elderly hobbling. There are tons of dogs, and tons of strollers, and a good smattering of dogs in strollers. Cyclists like this path too, and I've seen such strange sights as unicycles, tandem bikes, and rowing bicycles. ... Read more »

It’s the Unsolicited Advice Patrol!

by

I found myself in the grocery store this morning, in need of some bananas for the kids. I grabbed a bunch, as well as a few other items. As I meandered through the aisles, a display of Hostess cakes caught my eye. I stopped and looked at them. Just looked, mind you. They are mesmerizing, the massive array of choices, the neon pink nasty coconut Snowballs and the traffic cone orange cupcakes and the DingDongs that taste like they were dipped in wax lips. They aren't that good, truth be ... Read more »

Giveaway Tuesday: SureFlap Cat Flap

by

And the winner, randomly selected by random.org, is Tricia Thompson! Today's a doozy of a giveaway for the cat people: a SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap! I know a lot of people- including this one- keep their cats indoor only, and that's OK. We will have other things for you. :) For those who have secure and safe outdoor places for cats to roam, this is your lucky day! I've heard the stories firsthand: you install a cat door, only to find your neighbor's tabby chilling in your living room, ... Read more »

The heart of the matter

by

I feel very fortunate to be in an area where heartworm is not a huge problem. I say huge because we still see it, though not to the extent of our friends in other parts of the country and the world where it is highly endemic. If you have a dog and you don't know about heartworms, you need to take the time to learn about them. In short, they are teensy little creatures that infect your dog via a mosquito bite. Those microscopic larvae develop into full-sized worms that live in the pulmonary ... Read more »

Jiminy Brody

by

I had the nicest day yesterday. For a while, at least. I decided to go for a walk down by the water with the Brodester. It was overcast, not yet full of summer crowds, and perfect. "Oh ho!" I said to myself. "Since I'm here I might as well pop on over to the most amazing farm stand in the world." It's a little hole in the wall that you have to know about in order to find, but its small size belies what lies within. I'm not kidding when I say this place has magic produce. Alice Waters ... Read more »

Power to the Kitties

by

It's June, and that marks National Adopt A Cat Month. Every month is a good month to adopt a cat, I say, but with June marking the height of the infamous 'kitten season' there really is no better time to go down to your local shelter or humane society and bring home a little fuzzball of your own. Be sure to check out the link above for the American Humane Association's Top Ten Checklist for bringing home a new cat. Speaking of stuff to check out, here is a little video from the CATalyst ... Read more »

Giveaway Tuesday: Dog is Good IS Good!

by

Congratulations to our winner, Terri P! Can't wait to hear what you got! One of my favorite games to play with co-workers is Who Can Find the Ugliest Scrubs. It's a pretty easy game since there are so many options. Black cat witches on orange gingham? Check. Frolicking roly poly dachshunds on a sickly sea of seafoam green? Check check. Last year's winner was a festive holiday top featuring Westies, poinsettias, and plaid that looked like something Aunt Edna took her aggression out on with a ... Read more »

Weekend Recap: By Brody

by

5 am: Rise and Shine! There's a balloon in the living room I need to bark at! 7 am: Seriously, these people are lagging. GET UP! GEEEEET UP! I will BREATHE HEAVILY IN YOUR FACE UNTIL YOU WAKE UP AND FEED ME 8 am: The neighbors are moving away?? This is distressing. I really really like talking to their 2 labradors every morning at 6. Oh well, better go stare at the movers and growl out the window. 8:30: food food food yaay it's food food food 10 am: What is this birthday party ... Read more »

Everything I know about kids I learned from puppy class

by

I was talking with one of the other school moms this morning, and we were both singing the praises of our intrepid Girl Scout troop leader. She is like this dervish of glitter and badges and healthy snacks and perfectly organized Excel lists and always has every activity immaculately planned, plus she loves rescue dogs to boot. I mean, could we get any luckier? I am co-leader, I guess you could say Vice Leader, and much like the Vice President I don't do much. I offer moral support and ... Read more »

CSI: Hands Off (a Pet Doctor Barbie post)

by

The other day, my daughter was invited to a birthday party and told to bring a favorite doll. She brought down one of her special amputee Barbies, the arm neatly chewed off below the elbow. "Aw honey," I said, "Do you want to pick a doll that has all her limbs?" She looked at me askance. "ALL of my dollies are like this." She said this without a hint of regret or remorse. "That's just what happens when Brody shares." I guess when all you've known is a pet serial doll killer, it doesn't ... Read more »