Category: Vaccinations

How Did You Do? Were You Smarter Than a Vet Student?

Thanks to those of you who played along with my most recent edition of, “Are You Smarter Than a Vet Student”. Posted below are my preferred responses to the questions posed to you one week ago. Responses to… Read More

Are You Smarter Than a Vet Student?: Honoring Pet Health Awareness Month

In honor of November’s Pet Health Awareness Month, I bring you another episode of “Are You Smarter Than a Vet Student?” For those of you who are new to this assessment of your animal aptitude, here’s the way… Read More

Socializing Your Young Pup: Healthy or Hazardous?

If you want to make yourself a little crazy, ask a bunch of dog experts if it’s a good idea to socialize your youngster before completion of his or her puppy vaccinations. Guaranteed you will hear, “Absolutely!” from… Read More

Changing Relationships Between Veterinarians and Their Clients

Many of my veterinary colleagues have been up in arms about a recent ABC 20/20 broadcast that asked the question, “Can you trust that your veterinarian is being honest with you?” During the episode, “secret shoppers” presented two… Read More

Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine a Wise Choice for Your Dog?

With more than a dozen canine vaccines to choose from figuring out which ones your dog truly needs can be a challenge. The kennel cough vaccine is one you will need to consider. Unlike distemper and parvovirus vaccinations… Read More

Veterinarians and Vaccines: A Slow Learning Curve

Am I feeling frustrated and disappointed? You bet I am after reading an article titled, “Vets Slowly Move to 3-Year Vaccine Protocols” in the most recent edition of Veterinary Practice News. According to the article, approximately 60 percent… Read More

Dog Park Play: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Dog parks can be a fabulous venue for dogs to socialize, exercise, and get out their “ya ya’s”. Many dogs have a blast there, as do their humans who enjoy the opportunity to socialize with other dog lovers… Read More

A Primer on Leptospirosis

Of all the vaccination questions I receive, the most common one is from folks questioning whether or not to vaccinate their dogs for Leptospirosis.  And I am so pleased they are asking- I love when people recognize that… Read More

Reasonable Expectations VII: Discussion and Open-Mindedness About Your Dog’s Vaccinations

This is the seventh part of an ongoing series describing how people are developing new expectations when it comes to veterinary care for their pets. Parts one through six can be found at www.speakingforspot.com/blog.  As invaluable as vaccinations… Read More

Vaccinations for Your Dog: A Complex Issue

During my last year of veterinary school, I recall how scary it was when a new canine virus—parvovirus—seemed to appear out of nowhere.  Highly contagious, it spread like wildfire throughout the United States, causing severe illness and often… Read More