If I’m being completely transparent, I’m much more Type B (maybe even Type C?) than Type A (my sister, Type A Mom, keeps me organized in all things mom life). This is why I also try to give advice and tips for the busy pet parent that doesn’t have the time or the mental space to completely overhaul their daily routine or life! Small changes can lead to big results, or a simple diagnostic and screening tool, like an ultrasound, can give a lot of information for a clearer path.

What is Ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the organs and structures inside your pet’s abdomen. It’s non-invasive, relatively fast, and doesn’t require full anesthesia (they may need a little sedation but will still be awake). Your pet’s belly will probably be shaved, which is the only annoying thing in this process.

We can look at organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, gallbladder, adrenal glands, pancreas, stomach, portions of the intestines, and some abdominal lymph nodes.

We’re not just looking at if an organ is enlarged, we can actually look at the architecture and appearance of the organ itself. Ultrasound can also help us identify things such as changes in tissue, masses, nodules, cysts, fluid, changes in the gastrointestinal tract, and other abnormalities that may not be obvious on an X-ray.

Choosing to Use Ultrasound

Usually ultrasound is recommended after we’ve done an exam, blood work, different meds, diet, or x-rays to figure out a deeper issue that’s been going on with your dog. In many cases its one of the last diagnostic tools that vets recommend, but I love using it EARLIER in my patient’s work up!

I advise many clients that have dogs 5 years or older to get annual blood work, chest and abdominal x-rays, and yearly ultrasound of their abdomen. Why? Because I want to find issues before they become an emergency.

For dogs with slight changes in blood work or unexplained symptoms, I want to know why kidney values keep creeping up each year - they may still be in the “normal” value range, but they’re trending up - I want to look deeper into some liver values that may be a little off, I want to see if there are any organ changes in your dog that is drinking more water lately.

And for those dog breeds prone to masses on their spleens (Goldens, Labs, Boxers, GSD) I want to catch them before they grow too big and bleed out (hemoabdomen). Blood work on these dogs are usually totally normal, and some masses or changes may or may not be seen on x-ray.

Ultrasounds range from about $500-$1000+, depending on different factors such as where you live, if your dog needs sedation, or if there is a sample of fluid or tissue needed to be analyzed.

IMO More information Is Helpful

One of the biggest themes you’ll hear from me is that I would rather be proactive than constantly play catch-up. That doesn’t mean testing our dogs for everything under the sun, but using the tools available to us thoughtfully.

Sometimes an ultrasound finds something we need to address. Sometimes it helps rule things out, and sometimes it gives us the very reassuring answer that everything looks normal and good! Information gives us choices.

So if your dog has an ongoing issue, or they are getting older and you want to be proactive, don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian what looking a little deeper might tell you!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

Older dogs with arthritis, unsteady joints, neurologic issues, or weakened muscles have trouble with their footing. Hard wood floors, tile, and other slick surfaces around your house can cause their legs to slip, which can strain their muscles, tendons, and ligaments! It can also decrease their confidence and increase anxiety about walking or getting around the house.

Putting down yoga mats, rugs, non-slip bath mats, or kitchen mats can help with high traffic areas in your house for your dog.

Simple But Effective

There are some “simple” ways to change your environment to help your dog get around better in your home! This can minimize injury, and also make them feel more at ease and confident in their day to day life and routines.

Placing the mats or rugs in areas where your dog spends most of their time is most effective - eating areas so they feel secure when eating, hallways they use, bottom of stairs or steps, around their bed so they can easily and confidently get in and out of bed.

• Yoga Mat: Yoga mats are great because they are long, meant for good traction, usually have some cushion, and most people already have them in their home!

• Rug: Ruggable or some nonslip rugs from Amazon or Target provide good footing, and fit into most spaces.

• Other Mats: I love this cushy chef’s mat or this runner for hallways or even this small dog mat for feeding areas (place it where they stand to eat for better traction).

• Stair Treads: If you have wood or non-carpeted stairs, it can be tricky for dogs! These stair treads can help with traction up and down the stairs. Even if you have 1 step or many steps, this can prevent falling!

• Booties, Toe Grips, Socks: Huey, my 15 year old Frenchie, wears these QUMY booties when he is following me around the house. I take them off when he’s resting or not walking around as much so his paws can breathe and to prevent rubbing/sores. Toe grips are helpful, but can sometimes be hard to place on your dog’s nails. Traction socks are great for around the house - they go on easy and don’t seem to bother sensitive paws as much.

  Booties are also great for protecting your dog’s nails if they drag or knuckle over their paws while walking. Their nails can wear down to the quick (blood vessel in the nail) and cause bleeding, pain, and worse case can cause infection.

This was simple, but I find that it can change how your dog moves with confidence around your home and prevent further injury!!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

As some of you know, Huey, my 15 year old French Bulldog, has a mass on his spleen (splenic tumor). We found it on x-rays 2 weeks ago when I took him into the ER for eating pork rib bones! Luckily, he digested and passed the rib bones!

He got an ultrasound to better assess the tumor, surrounding organs, and look for any free fluid (we don’t want fluid in his abdomen). We also had an appointment with an integrative oncologist to go over options and next steps.

ULTRASOUND: The Ultrasound showed that the mass originates from the spleen, and is about 6cm in diameter, which is big for a 20lb Frenchie! There were a few other changes to his organs, but nothing shocking for a 15 year old dog. We took a sample of the fluid found in his belly, which was a mixture of a few cells, but didn’t tell us much. Luckily it was not straight blood, which would mean the tumor was actively bleeding (hemoabdomen). Hemoabdomen is an emergency, as dogs can bleed out and die from the tumor hemorrhaging into their bellies. That is why no matter what the tumor is (malignant or benign), this is a very real concern.

We also took a look at his heart with the ultrasound - not a true cardiac echo, but more to look for masses, tumors, and other abnormalities around the heart. Some masses that come from the spleen will then metastasize to the heart, so it is always a good idea to check the heart and other organs! There was a small area of concern (not where hemangiosarcoma metastasizes to, but a potential chemodectoma), and a very tiny amount of fluid around his heart.

What This All Means For Huey

Each dog, family, and circumstance is different and I am doing what is best for Huey. I consider his age, his whole health, and what I want his final days, weeks, or months to look like.

Splenectomy, removal of the spleen organ, is many times curative or buys more time for our dogs. Huey is 15, his mobility has declined a lot this last year, he has something concerning on his heart, and so with that in mind I am choosing not to remove his spleen. The recovery could be too much for him, and I don’t want to have his final stage be full of pain and stress.

He is not clinical (showing signs) of his splenic tumor or heart troubles (signs would be severe lethargy, weakness, panting, trouble breathing, vomiting, loss of appetite, GI issues), and he’s happy to still bark at the mail carrier, scrounge for snacks, look for cat poop on walks, and burrow under the covers with us at night. I know this all can change quickly, so I’m spoiling him and leaning into his favorite activities.

Integrative Oncologist Visit

I met with with an integrative veterinary oncologist (Dr. Crystal Garnett of Kindred Path Vet) She uses both Western and Eastern medicine to help pet’s through cancer. She came to the house (loooove mobile vets!) and we discussed Huey’s case, she read through all the reports and imaging, and did her physical exam. We still don’t know for sure what the splenic mass is (we have ruled out hemangiosarcoma), but we put a plan in place that works for Huey and my family.

THE PLAN: Recheck blood work next week (see if his anemia is holding steady or declining), repeat the ultrasound in about 2-3 weeks to see if/how much the mass is growing, if there is more free fluid in his abdomen, and what his heart looks like. Everyday I am looking at his gums to make sure they are pink (if they are pale pink or white then he is bleeding out), looking at his breathing, and assessing his quality of life.

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS: Huey started Chinese Herbs (Yunnan Baiyao, Wei Chi booster, and Stasis Breaker) for his tumor. These herbs need to be prescribed by a practitioner, so be sure to team up with a veterinarian to make sure these herbs are safe and appropriate for your own dog. He is still on Leap Years, Jope joint chew, Mushroom Blend, and CBD. For now I stopped giving fish oil because fish oil can prevent clotting, and I’m being extra cautious!

This Is Hard

My logic brain went out the window and my emotions flooded my thoughts once I saw that tumor on his x-rays. Relying on other vets these past 2 weeks to help me sort everything out has been so wonderful!

Huey is my first dog as an adult, I got him 3rd year of vet school - he’s my OG before my other pets, he was with me through moves, boyfriends, job changes, meeting my husband, bringing my human son home - He’s been with me through everything.

He’s 15! Which is WILD for a French Bulldog. I always had in my mind that if he made to 12 years old that was a huge win. But I still want more time - I know we all do with our beloved companions. They are so much more to us that we can ever explain. I know you all know what I mean (that’s why you’re still reading this!).

Lets Move On to Something Fun - Dog Snacks!

I love keeping it simple when it comes to snacks for my dogs. So, this is my reminder to you of what can give your dogs for variety, extra nutrients, and keeping treats easy!

Here is what I gave my own dogs this week:

• strawberries

• watermelon

• baby carrot

• apple slices

• spoonful of Greek yogurt

• sliced cucumber

• steamed zucchini

Remember to give things that are safe for dogs - no grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, onion, coffee, xylitol or other toxic foods found here.

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

Here you’ll find downloadable guides and checklists in one place. These are the same practical tools I use to help my clients better understand their dogs’ health and feel more confident making decisions. I’ll continue adding new resources, so be sure to save this page and check back often.

Some of these resources will be free, others will be paid content so I can continue to provide up to date and quality information to better help your pet.

How To Spot Subtle Pain in Your Dog:

Signs Of Pain in Your Dog

2.91MB ∙ PDF file

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Catching pain early can minimize bigger issues in the future! Help preserve their mobility by knowing the subtle signs of pain your dog shows.

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Quality of Life and Knowing When to Say Goodbye ❤️

Quality of Life

719KB ∙ PDF file

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Its hard to know when it is time to give your pet a peaceful and humane goodbye. This guide can help you assess your dog's quality of life.

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Subscribe for more of Dr. Tori’s insider resources to help you navigate vet visits, older dog care, new ways of helping your dog, and at home hacks for health and wellness for your pup at any age. These will be updated and the list added onto as more resources are made!

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Veterinary visits can sometimes feel hurried, emotional, and overwhelming especially when you’re worried about your dog. And sadly, some appointments are only scheduled for 15 or 20 min long!

Here are a few simple things you can do before your next appointment that can make a huge difference.

Take a video at home

I LOVE when clients bring in videos of their dog! It helps me so much look at their behavior, body position, and other subtle signs that they may not show us in the exam room. Dogs are masters at hiding pain, especially in a new (or scary) environment like the vet clinic. I’ve had countless patients who come in because they’re limping at home, or doing some strange behavior only to come in acting perfectly normal during the exam!

If your dog is:

• Limping

• Has a new behavior

• Struggling with certain tasks

• Hesitating to jump on the couch

• Acting differently than normal

• Doing something they’ve never done before

• Any other concerning behaviors

Take a video!!

Those few seconds often give me more clues to what’s going on because I’m seeing your dog in their natural environment. It also gives me a better understanding of your home’s setup and any daily challenges they might be navigating.

Write down your questions

It’s easy to forget things once you’re sitting in the exam room.

Before your visit, write down:

• Changes you’ve noticed

• When the problem started

• Lifestyle changes

• Transitioning to adult or senior hood

• Anything that seems to make it better or worse

• Questions you don’t want to forget

Even experienced veterinarians make lists before taking their own pets to appointments!

Don’t forget about any follow up questions for your vet, such as:

• Any changes to make as they get older?

• How serious is this problem?

• What should I watch for at home?

• When do these issues become an emergency?

• Are medications, supplements, or diet changes recommended?

• Would my dog benefit from physical therapy, acupuncture, or another specialist?

• When should we schedule a recheck?

Bring a complete list

Getting the whole picture of your dog’s health and what they eat, are exposed to, any treats etc is very helpful!

Write down:

• Food and treats

• Any Chews

• Supplements

• Medications (including doses, time of day)

• Any recent changes

This helps prevent medication interactions and ensures we’re recommending treatments that are safe for your dog.

Don’t be afraid to ask why

If your veterinarian recommends bloodwork, X-rays, or a referral, ask why. We are more than happy to explain our thought process and why certain tests or diagnostic are important to run on your dog.

For example:

• A physical exam helps identify pain, heart murmurs, neurological changes, and other abnormalities.

• Bloodwork gives us a baseline of how your dog’s internal organs are functioning and helps determine which medications are safe.

• X-rays allow us to evaluate bones, joints, organ size and can help diagnose arthritis, fractures, organ health or other conditions. Ultrasound can look at more detailed internal organs and can pick up on nodules, masses, or other issues.

• Microbiome testing helps determine your dog’s gut health, which affects everything. Even if your dog has normal poops, it’s a great test for better health.

• Sometimes referral to a specialist such as cardiologist, internal medicine, physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, advanced imaging (CT, MRI), or other specialist is simply the next best step for your dog’s care.

Understanding why a recommendation is being made helps you feel more confident about your decisions.

You’re part of the healthcare team

One thing I always tell my clients is this: You spend 99% of the time with your dog. I only see you for a snap shot of their time, so any information is helpful!

You notice the subtle changes, you know what’s normal for them (and this varies for each dog), and you know when something just isn’t right.

Your observations are incredibly valuable. The best veterinary care happens when vets and pet parents work together as a team.

So don’t feel like you’re bothering your veterinarian by asking questions or sharing videos! You’re giving us the information we need to help your dog thrive!

Hope this helps you navigate veterinary appointments with ease and confidence!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

Some dogs hate going to the vet, including my own 15 year old French Bulldog, Huey. He’s been this way his whole life, so I’ve found ways to support him as he ages without stressing him out at my vet clinic.

There are still blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, dental procedures, and other treatments that I need to bring him in for, but luckily there is a lot we can do at home. Huey also HATES acupuncture, so I’ve found other ways to help his pain and mobility that isn’t stressful for either of us.

Here are 3 areas that an aging dog needs more support in, and ideas of how you can help at home.

1. Support Their Body:

Heating Pad: Colder mornings and evenings are the perfect time to use a heating pad for your dog. It helps loosen up tight muscles, promotes circulation, and brings warmth to their stiff joints. I use this heating pad draped over Huey’s back at night. Make sure it doesn’t get too hot, and that they can get up and move away from it if needed

Paw Sha Massage: This Gua Sha technique is used to glide over your dog’s body to help with pain, stiffness, movement, circulation, and lymph flow! The Paw Sha tool is small and handheld, and you can do it in as little as 5 min a day! It’s also a great way to connect with your senior dog ♥️

Eating Area Enhancement: By making sure your dog has solid footing and proper bowls for their meals, they can feel comfortable taking their time while eating. Put a mat or rug where they stand to eat so they don’t slip or slide out while standing at their bowls. Some dogs may benefit from raised food and water bowls to reduce the strain they have on their necks and front legs. Talk to your vet to see if your dog would benefit from raised bowls

2. Support Their Mind:

Sniffaris: These are walks where you let your dog sniff everything. The objective is to take time to smell all of the smells, and don’t worry about how far you walk! Dog’s sense of smell is much greater than ours, and they get information through their nose. The “Sniffaris” helps your dog’s brain process all of the smells and keeps them thinking

Food Puzzles: I love giving my dogs food puzzles and various distraction treats. This is especially good for dogs that can’t walk as far or participate in some of their favorite activities

3. At Home Tests:

Gut Microbiome: Your dog’s gut microbial population is extremely important in their digestive, immune, brain, and systemic health. If their gut is out of balance from past antibiotics, parasites, eating the same food everyday, or other medications, this can have an effect on their whole body. You can test and treat your dog by sending in a small poop sample to Animal Biome. You can also change up their food, treats, or meal toppers so their good gut organisms can thrive!

Cancer Screening: catching cancer early increases survival time! There are a few at home screening tests for your dog such as Oncotect. You just need a small urine sample to send off to the lab.there are other cancer screening tests you can do at your vet, so if you’re interested check out this article here!

Body Check: The simplest thing you can do is to run your hands over your dog, feeling for any new lumps, bumps, growths, or changes in their body. I’m sure you do this everyday without realizing it by petting them! You can catch any new issues before they become a bigger problem. Your dog will think it’s a relaxing massage, but you’ll be checking for any new changes!

Helping your dog in the comfort of your own home can help relieve stress for both you and your dog. Let me know in the comments what your dog is struggling with at home!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

Nothing new for my Substack this week, but I wanted to reshare a few of my posts that are especially relevant this time of year. From keeping your dog cool in the summer heat to travel tips and easy seasonal treats, these are great reminders to help your dog stay happy, healthy, and comfortable all weekend long.

The 4th of July is here, and I know loud celebrations have begun. This will help you with keeping your dog safe and calm this weekend: 4th Of July Safety

Lots of food, grilling, and fun this weekend! Here are a few summer treats for your dog, and what food to avoid, so you can stay out of the vet this weekend: Summer Dog Treats & Foods To Avoid.

Warm weather can cause overheating in your dogs, especially short nosed breeds like Frenchies and Pugs! Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer.

If you are traveling then don’t forget to prep and pack for your dog. This article has a few things you may have forgotten, so take a look for a smoother trip! Traveling with Your Dog.

Happy 4th of July from my family to yours!!

XOXO

Dr. Tori

Your dog’s microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms living in their digestive tract. These tiny organisms do much more than help digest food. They influence the immune system, allergies, inflammation, behavior, skin health, and even cancer protection.

Even if you’re giving your dog a high-quality food, feeding the exact same recipe day after day for years can limit the diversity of the gut microbiome. Think about if you ate the healthiest meal imaginable every single day, you’d still miss out on nutrients, vitamins, and compounds found in other foods.

A diverse diet helps support a diverse microbiome, and a diverse microbiome is generally more resilient and better equipped to support your dog’s overall health and longevity.

How to Start

If you’re new to rotating foods, don’t feel like you need to overhaul your dog’s entire diet overnight. Start with small changes by switching out treats with different fruits and veggies, or adding a few “toppers” to meals. Always ask your veterinarin before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet!

Try adding a small amount of healthy toppers to your dog’s meals such as:

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Melon

• Steamed vegetables

• Dog appropriate bone broth

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Lean cooked meats (without seasoning)

• Beans

• Cucumbers

Some dogs with sensitive stomachs may struggle when new foods are introduced. In many cases, this can be a sign that the microbiome needs additional support and hasn’t developed much diversity over time.

Testing Your Dog’s Gut Microbiome

If you’re really interested in optimizing your dog’s gut health, I often recommend testing your dog’s gut microbiome, and work to balance out specific organisms.

One of my favorite tools is Animal Biome’s microbiome test kit. It can help identify areas where the gut bacteria may be depleted and provide a roadmap for restoration. But restoring the microbiome with Animal Biome’s protocol is only part of the equation. You also have to feed the good bacteria and keep feeding the good bacteria!

If the diet doesn’t provide the nutrients those beneficial bacteria need, the microbiome can drift back toward imbalance over time.

My Favorite Way to Rotate Foods

Before making any major dietary changes, talk with your veterinarian—especially if your dog has a history of digestive issues or medical conditions.

For many of my clients, I recommend starting with the same brand of food they have been feeding, and rotating between different recipes within that same brand. This tends to be gentler on the stomach while still introducing more variety.

You can slowly transition by mixing foods together and working toward a 50/50 blend over a few weeks, then fully over to the new recipe. Then you can try another new recipe, slowing mixing it in!

What I Do With My Own Dogs

For my own dogs, I feed primarily fresh-cooked food or air dried meals from several different brands. I’ll even do “hodgepodge meals” once in a while of different lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and carbs straight from my kitchen!

I’ll rotate between recipes within a brand, and I’ll also switch brands periodically. In addition, they get small amounts of fresh foods from my kitchen like berries, cucumbers, melon, baby carrots, steamed vegetables, plain Greek yogurt, and lean meats.

Their main meals typically change every one to two weeks, but their snacks and toppers vary almost daily. Because they’ve been exposed to a wide variety of foods over the years, they rarely experience digestive upset when something new is introduced. Even my almost 15 year old Frenchie, Huey, does well with new foods!

The Takeaway

If your goal is to help your dog live a longer, healthier life, don’t just think about what food you’re feeding, think about a diverse diet.

A healthy microbiome thrives on variety, and a thriving microbiome supports nearly every aspect of your dog’s health.

Start small by giving them a small snack, offer a new fruit or vegetable, or vary the toppers on their food. Your dog’s gut and their whole body will thank you for it!

I hope this helps you dip your toe into feeding your dog a more diverse diet!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

Bring any Supplements, Medications, and Support Your Dog Needs

You don’t want to be caught without daily support your dog may need!

• Refill meds through your vet so you aren’t scrambling mid trip!

• Make sure any supplements are packed, such as joint support, anxiety help, probiotics and/or stool firming items to support your dog and their needs.

• Schedule a pre trip vet visit to make sure they are happy and healthy! Some airlines, hotels, other transportation etc may also require a Health Certificate by your veterinarian.

• Make sure their microchip is up to date with your current information in case they get separated from you!

• Look up vet clinics and hospitals in the area you are traveling in just in case.

Your Dog’s Essentials

• Enough food for the trip or until you can restock their food.

• Pack their dog bed, favorite toys, and/or blankets so they have familiar items with them

• Leashes, harness, poop bags, dog wipes, pee pads.

• Food & water bowls, especially travel bowls so they don’t get dehydrated!

Prevent Overheating!

• Never leave your dog in the car or a closed in hot space without airflow!

• Cooling mats or towels can be helpful.

• For further info read my previous Substack on Keeping Your Dog Cool

Keep Routines & Know Their Limits

• Try to walk, feed, and rest at similar times each day so your dog knows what’s coming.

• They may not love long car rides, so stop as needed to give them a break and keep them hydrated!

• Your dog may be a little more clingy during travel and new places, so be patient with them as they adjust.

Other Items to Pack As Needed

• Booties for hot pavement or rocky hikes!

• Dog life jacket for swimming.

• Baby gate to minimize stairs, especially with older dogs!

• Nightlights and noise machines for nighttime comfort.

• Pee pads to prevent accidents on nice rugs or car seats

• Seatbelt for the car that attaches to their harness, not collar.

Where are you off to this summer? Let me know in the comments, or if you have dog travel questions!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

“According to Pet Amber Alert, more pets go missing around the Fourth of July than any other time of year, and noisy fireworks are to blame. In fact, the country sees a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th.”

See below for steps you can take to ease your dog’s anxiety attacks when the loud booms of the fireworks start. Talk to your veterinarian before adding in new supplements into your pet’s regimen.

Start with Supplements Early

We want to downregulate their nervous system in advance, so when they do panic during fireworks, their reaction is less intense. Pick only one or two of these supplements, talk to your vet before adding them in, and start soon to decrease their anxiety leading up the 4th of July.

• Solliquin- Start giving this about 2-3 weeks in advance.

• ElleVet CBD for general use, and ElleVet Calm and Comfort for day of use.

• Calming Care Probiotics - This takes 6-8 weeks for full effect, but great for long term use.

• Zylkene- Plan about 7-10 days prior to the 4th.

• VetriScience Composure - These chews are great for the week leading up to stressful events.

• Fera Pet Calming - Add this into your pet’s food about 3 weeks in advance.

• Rescue Remedy Pet- Administer 5-7 days leading up to the Fireworks.

Home Adjustments

• Safe Place - Give your dog a crate, room, or gated off area they feel safe in.

• Have a noise machine or calming/classical music playing to help mitigate the firework booming. “Through A Dogs Ear” is a playlist curated for calming dogs.

• Thunderworks shirt feels like a calming hug to some dogs.

• Adaptil Spray to spray on bedding, blankets, or collars where your dog will be during fireworks.

• Food Puzzle or other mental enrichment toy for distraction.

• Diffuse Lavender or Frankincense Oil in your home for natural calming effects.

Safety Measures

• Update their Microchip in case they get lost!

• Have them leashed at all times when outside so you can keep ahold of them.

• Secure their harness or collar on their body tightly so they don’t slip out if they panic.

• Try a leash that can be secure around your waist like Found My Animal so the leash doesn’t slip out of your hands.

Medications From Your Vet

I’ve seen dogs harm themselves while panicking, run away from home, get hit by a car, or harmed in other ways because their anxiety was so pronounced during fireworks.

There are prescription medications that should be tried out BEFORE the 4th of July to make sure they work OK for your pet, such as trazodone and/or gabapentin.

One patient of mine a few years ago was a dog in his crate that chewed the wire and a pieces ended up piercing his mouth! He needed surgery to remove some wire along with sutures, and the following years the client used prescription medications to keep him safe during the 4th of July. Our goal is to keep our companions safe as best we can.

Talk to your veterinarian in the weeks before the 4th of July, since dogs may need to try different combinations and doses of prescription medications to keep them calm and safe.

Happy summer season!!!

XO

Dr. Tori

Bring your dog immediately to the vet if you see these signs below!

Signs Of Heat Stroke / Overheating

• Excessive panting

• Bright red gums

• Weakness or collapse

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Disorientation

• Difficulty breathing

Get your dog to the vet ASAP if you see one or more of these signs! While on your way to the vet, cool them with room temperature water, NOT ice cold water and never use ice! Pour the room temp water on their body and paw pads. Use a fan to help cool them down as well.

Walk Your Dog Early in the Morning or Later in the Evening

These are the coolest times of day to exercise your dog. Avoid the middle of the day heat as much as possible for longer walks! If they need playtime or stimulation in the middle of the day, then a food puzzle, lick mat, snuffle toy, stroller / wagon ride, or sprinkler/kiddie pool or other safe water play is a good activity.

Beware of Hot Pavement!

Hot pavement can burn paw pads surprisingly quickly. Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for your own hand, then its definitely too hot for your dog’s paws! Avoid asphalt, pavement, and other hot surfaces and choose grass, dirt trails, or shaded routes.

There are also dog booties they can wear (if they tolerate them 😉) to protect their paw pads.

Water for Drinking & Cooling Down

Bring dog water bottles, collapsible bowls, and even a cooling bandana if you are out and about on a warm day. This will keep them cool, hydrated, and hopefully prevent over heating.

Give Cooling & Hydration Treats

I wrote about this in last week’s Substack: Summer Treats for Dogs

These treats are for snacks to help them stay cool. If they are already overheated, the best thing you can do is get cold or room temp water on them (never ice), get them in the shade, and visit your vet ASAP.

Some of my favorite snacks in ice cube molds that I have in my freezer are:

• Chopped berries + water in ice cube molds

• Dog safe bone broth in ice cube molds

• Smashed banana on a lick mat and put in fridge or freezer

• Spread pumpkin puree on lick mat or into ice cube molds and freeze

Never Leave Your Dog in A Car or Spaces Without Ventilation or Cooling Air

Just please don’t. These small spaces heat up rapidly, even in just a few minutes.

Hope you have some summer fun this season! Keep cool and hydrated!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

My Favorite Easy Summer Treats for Dogs

1. Frozen Bone Broth Treats

One of the most hydrating summer treats is frozen bone broth. It also helps support joints and gut health.

I like pouring plain, dog safe bone broth into silicone molds or ice cube trays and freezing them for:

• Hot afternoons

• Post-walk cool snack

• Dogs that need extra hydration

• Senior dogs who don’t feel like eating as much in the heat

A few important notes:

• Choose low-sodium bone broth or dog specific bone broth.

• Avoid onion and garlic.

• If your dog has pancreatitis, then ask your vet before giving bone broth to them!

2. Baby Food Pouches (Kid Pouches)

This is one of my favorite “busy dog parent” hacks.

The simple fruit or veggie baby food pouches made for kids can work really well frozen in ice cube molds, spread over a lick mat, or mixed in with their food.

A few dog-safe favorites:

• Pumpkin

• Sweet potato

• Lean Meats

• Pear

• Banana

• Apple

My favorite brands are Cerebelly, Serenity, Once Upon a Farm, or GoGo Applesauces.

Avoid:

• Xylitol

• Lots of added sugars

• Grapes or raisins

• Chocolate

• Onion or garlic powders

3. Frozen Berries or Melon Cubes

I like freezing small cubes of chopped up berries or melons, or you can feed these fruits as is! I keep them in the fridge, so these treats are usually already cool.

Avoid:

• Seeds

• Rind

• Grapes/raisins

  

4. Frozen Lick Mats

Lick mats are one of the easiest ways to distract dogs and help them settle down and cool off. Be sure to use foods that your dog does well with! You can always mix a lot of pumpkin with a little bit of a new food to see how they do.

Some combinations I spread or smash on the lick mat and then freeze are:

• Plain Greek yogurt + Berries

• Pumpkin + Bone Broth

• Almond or Peanut butter + Pumpkin

• Banana + plain Greek yogurt

This can be especially helpful for:

• Staying put during bath time

• During a Paw Sha massage

• Hot days for indoor treats

• Dogs recovering from surgery that need an “activity”

• High-energy breeds needing calm enrichment

BBQ Foods to Avoid

Summer barbecues are where I see a lot of emergency vet visits.

Some of the biggest culprits:

Corn Cobs

These are a huge obstruction risk and commonly require surgery.

Onions & Garlic

Even small amounts can be toxic to dogs.

Grapes & Raisins

These can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Fatty Meats

Too much rich meat, grease, or trimmings can trigger pancreatitis, especially in smaller breeds and older dogs.

Bones from Cooked Meat

Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause:

• Broken teeth

• Obstructions

• GI perforations

Alcohol

Even small amounts can be dangerous for dogs.

Xylitol / Birch Sugar / Wood Sugar

Found in some desserts, peanut butters, candies, and gum. Extremely toxic.

THC

Try to keep your stash and gummies out of reach from your dog!

A few things I remind clients every summer:

• Dogs overheat much faster than we do.

• Asphalt, sand, and other ground material gets dangerously hot quickly!

• Senior dogs and short nosed breeds (pugs, Frenchies) are especially heat-sensitive.

• Hydration matters more than people realize!

• Indoor enrichment can be just as good as intense exercise on hot days.

A frozen treat, a slow sniffari, a stroller / wagon break, or an early morning walk can go a long way toward helping dogs feel their best through the warmer months.

Happy summer!!!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

“Decisions on whether and when to neuter a specific dog are complicated and reflect a consideration of the dog’s breed, health status, and living situation, as well as available information pertaining to risks for these joint disorders and cancers. These varied results highlight the complex effects of neutering and the age at which it is conducted.” - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Why is spaying/neutering important?

There’s no doubt that we have too many pets that spend their life in shelters, rescues, and bouncing around foster homes. Spaying and neutering pets can decrease the incidence of unplanned pregnancies in our companion animals so they don’t have to live their life in a shelter or sadly get euthanized when there is no room (a horrible reality in some areas).

There are also cancers that develop when dogs are left intact, such as mammary and testicular cancer. Spaying can reduce the risk of mammary cancer by a lot!

An infection of the uterus, pyometra, is an emergency situation that ultimately results in spaying the animal (along with antibiotics, fluids, hospital stay etc). This infection can occur if females aren’t spayed.

But now studies have shown that delaying spaying and neutering can help other body systems, such as joints, urinary incontinence, and reduce some cancers. The majority of cases I see on a daily basis are arthritic, painful dogs that have a poor quality of life. Could delaying spay/neuter slow down that progression??

All of this is very nuanced, and a good discussion with your vet is warranted. Lets look at a 2024 research paper that UC Davis published, and what it all means for your dog.

This is a lot to take in!

Scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter to get the short answer on what I tell my clients.

In this paper, they focused on 5 breeds specifically. There is a lot of information in the article, so I urge you to read it if you have one of these breeds:

German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Siberian Husky.

It covers cancers and joint disorders but I will just talk about joint issues since that is my focus as a clinician! I’ll pick out a few key points:

German Short/Wirehaired Pointer - “In intact male and female dogs, the occurrence of a joint disorder was 3% and 2%, respectively. CCL was slightly elevated for male dogs neutered before 1 year, and the occurrence of joint disorders was highly elevated for female breeds neutered before 6 months, with 38% having at least one joint disorder.”

Mastiff - “Intact male and female dogs had a 6% and 9% risk of at least one joint disorder, respectively. Neutering male dogs before 2 years resulted in a significantly elevated risk for a joint disorder, mainly due to CCL; neutering before 1 year was a 21% risk, and neutering at 1 year of age was a 15% risk. Although not significant, female dogs neutered before 1 year had a 20% risk of a joint disorder.”

Newfoundland - “Intact male and female dogs had 10% and 7% rates of having at least one joint disorder, respectively. Males’ rates after neutering were not significantly elevated, but females’ rates for having a joint disorder were significantly elevated: 39% were affected when neutered in the 1^st year.”

Rhodesian Ridgebacks - There was no mention of joint issues in the discussion for this breed. “Intact male and female dogs had 14% and 13% risk for at least one cancer, respectively. Neutering female dogs before 6 months provided the only significant increase in cancers, with a 25% rate of MCT compared with the 3% rate in intact female dogs.”

Siberian Husky - “Intact male and female dogs both had a 2% risk for joint disorders. Although neutering resulted in no significant risks for joint disorders over that of intact dogs, female dogs neutered before 1 year had a 12% chance of CCL, which would perhaps be significant with a larger dataset.”

What is my “short” answer as a jumping off point for further discussion with my clients?

I like to wait until about age 2 years old for both males and females. Larger sized dogs have more joint issues in general, so I urge clients with bigger dogs to wait 2 years. If that is not in line with the family (heat cycles & diapers are too much, day care or boarding requires spay/neuter etc) then I urge clients to wait at least until after the females first heat cycle, and for males at least 1 of age.

The article also suggested to leave a few female breeds intact, but I always discuss with clients the risk of Pyometra and Mammary Cancer.

There are ovary sparing spays, meaning the ovaries stay within the female, but the uterus and cervix is removed. This is less practiced (and not taught as much in vet school!) so there may not be a vet in your area that provides this surgery.

I hope this helps in guiding you to understand when to spay and neuter your pet! As always, your veterinarian is the best person to make this decision with.

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

As with any supplement, quality matters, dosing matters, and it’s important to choose products that are 3rd party tested, transparent, and made specifically for pets.

What is CBD?

With all the information and misinformation out there, lets get the facts straight about CBD! Your veterinarian is the best person to discuss the use of CBD, and if it would be appropriate for your dog, so schedule a visit with them to discuss.

Cornell University has done some great research on CBD for companions animals, and they lay out the definition below:

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is an oil extracted from hemp plants. Hemp does not contain a significant amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the psychoactive component in marijuana. Hemp itself usually has no more than 0.3% THC. (Cannabis, which is the marijuana plant, contains 12% THC).

Dogs do not metabolize THC like humans, so that is why they don’t do well when they get into their human’s stash 😉 CBD has <0.3% of THC in it, so that is the preferred product for dogs.

Benefits of CBD

What does CBD actually help with?

• Inflammation: arthritis, post-surgery, joint issues, soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament) pain

• Anxiety: generalized anxiety, fireworks, car rides, trips to the vet & groomer, situational stress

• Cancer Side Affects: appetite, pain, inflammation, nausea

• Allery Symptoms: study showed decrease itching in 65% of dogs using CBD

• Older Dogs: dementia, mobility, anxiety, pain

• Seizures: decrease frequency and duration of seizures

When clients come to see me, CBD is usually one of the supplements I advise patients to get started on, depending on their needs. I love to get them on a consistent routine, especially if they are stiff, in pain, have a history of seizures, or are anxious. Many dogs in my practice are older, and anxiety and cognitive changes can come up as they age. CBD helps them relax, so they can rest and heal their body as needed.

It can be a great alternative to NSAIDs for pain control, with less side effects and less taxing on their system long term.

What to Look for in Dog CBD Brands

1. Organic - Pesticides can get absorbed into the plant easily, so make sure the product is organic so you’re not adding in harmful substances to your dog’s body!

2. CoA - Certificate of Analysis. This shows the actual amount of CBD in the product and it should match what the label states. You’d be surprised at the number of products that don’t have the actual CBD amount that is written on the package! The CoA also shows any contaminants such as yeast, mold, heavy metals, or pesticides in the extract (these should not be present!)

3. Dosing - The product should have clear dosing instructions for your pet’s weight.

4. It helps to have a NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) Seal of Approval - this ensures they have quality control measures in place for a safe product.

Brands I Currently Recommend

There are a lot of great brands out there, so this is not an exhaustive list, just the ones I have used and are most familiar with.

• ElleVet Sciences - This is my favorite! They have done extensive research with Cornell University.

• Vet CBD

• Charlotte’s Web Pets

• VetCS

• Earth Buddy

• Right Ratio

CBD is a great natural way to support your companion in various stages of life, or with certain conditions. Be sure to know your dog’s exact weight for appropriate dosing. Side effects can be lethargy, or wobbliness.

Talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of CBD, and potential contraindications for your pet, before you introduce it into your pet’s routine.

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

P.S. If you are a paid subscriber, send me your questions about vet medicine, your dog, or issues that you are curious about. I would love to answer these questions in the videos for paid subscribers! You can comment below, or email me at info@balancedpetvet.com

Here are the supplements that I talk about. Discuss with your vet if they work for your dog.

Jope - joint supplement

Leap Years - senior dog support

Animal Biome - gut health

Extras depending on health and what’s going on:

ElleVet - CBD that I always give at night, and sometimes add in their breakfast.

Glandex - anal glad support that firms up your dog’s poop.

Proviable - for when there soft stool or diarrhea.

What questions do you have about your dog that I can answer? Message me or email - info@balancedpetvet.com

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Your dog’s gut is doing so much more than just digesting food. The microbes (bacteria, yeast) that live throughout the GI tract break down what your dog eats and create compounds called metabolites. These metabolites influence everything from the immune system, inflammation processes, energy production, nutrient absorption, and even brain and nervous system function.

Some of these compounds travel through the bloodstream, liver, bile, and lymphatic system to affect other organs throughout the body. That’s why the gut microbiome plays such a huge role in overall health, because it impacts your dog’s whole body, not just the digestive tract.

What Is FMT?

FMT is Fecal Microbiota Transplant. It contains dehydrated, healthy fecal material form a healthy donor animal rich in a diverse amount of beneficial gut bacteria, yeast and other microbes. This gut bacteria is specific to the species - like dogs, cats, horses, or even humans!

Having healthy, species specific beneficial gut microbes is essential! The microbiome helps in digestion, fighting off disease, cancer prevention (immunity), allergies, behavior, and cognition. It is the foundation of so many systems in our bodies, so if it is off balance (dysbiosis) it can affect how we absorb nutrients, how our body reacts to allergens, and can alter inflammatory responses in certain situations.

In my practice I see issues such as sensitive stomachs (diarrhea with new foods or stress), allergies (itchy skin flares during spring), inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis flare ups, and even generalized lethargy improve after restoring their gut and maintaining a healthy gut.

Restoring the gut can be a long process, but it is so worth it!!

Testing Is The First Step

Testing your dog’s microbiome is the first step to understanding where your dog is starting from. Testing their poop (sending in a small sample of feces to Animal Biome) can paint a bigger picture of how balanced and/or diverse your dog’s microbes are. You can order this test on your own (it doesn’t have to be through your vet), and the results are usually back within 2 weeks. Once the results are back, Animal Biome will send you a report, protocol on what products to use to help your pet’s specific case, and a retesting schedule to see how their gut is doing. You can set up a 15min consultation to go over the results, and loop your vet in as well.

There are specific FMT capsules and powders used to out compete bad bacteria, and to seed and “plant” beneficial bacteria. This initial process usually takes about 3 months, and diet, other supplements, and lifestyle also play a role in restoring and maintaining your pet’s microbiome. It is individually dog dependent on what they need, so working with Animal Biome and your veterinarian is the best course of action.

The donor material is highly tested to make sure that there are no detrimental metabolites or substances that could be introduced to the recipient.

Factors that Affect the Microbiome

Of course everyone thinks of antibiotics when they think of disrupting microbiome, which is true (and one of the biggest factors!). But there are other medications, food choices or lack of diverse food, toxins in the environment (weed killers, household cleaners, detergents), and sickness that can alter your dog’s gut microbes.

What About Probiotics?

Probiotics are great, and I love using them in my practice. But probiotics are not as species specific as fecal material from healthy donors, and certain FMT capsules that have isolated microbes that are densely packed into each capsule.

But FMT is more than just transferring “good bacteria.” The healthy fecal material also contains organisms that help break down food, produce important enzymes, and create beneficial metabolites that support normal body function. By introducing healthy gut microbes from a balanced donor microbiome, we can help restore healthier gut function, reduce disease-related symptoms, and support overall health throughout the body. This goes beyond basic probiotics.

Maintaining Gut Health

I advise my clients to get microbiome testing done on their pets consistently, and to try and feed a diverse diet so the microbes can thrive and flourish beyond giving the FMT capsules. I love feeding a fresh food diet with different recipes and brands, but if that isn’t possible, then start giving your dog fresh fruits or steamed veggies as snacks or meal toppers to introduce different nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to your pet.

There are other supplements that you should discuss with Animal Biome trained staff and with your own veterinarian to help support your dog’s specific needs. A few I like to reach for are: Gussy’s Gut, Wholistic Pet Organics, Adored Beast, Green Juju, Standard Process, or Fera Pet Organics. Some of these brands have digestive enzymes, fermented foods, mushroom blends, and supportive supplements to help your pet. Always discuss what your dog needs with your vet before starting these!!

Cases I See as a Vet

I use FMT in many cases that have chronic issues such as allergies, sensitive stomachs, and other GI related problems. I have also started testing patients at annual exams, when they get older, or in young animals to maintain optimal health. I now see Microbiome Testing as part of my patient’s baseline health status.

I started with my own dogs over a year ago, and saw a vast improvement with their poops, less diarrhea during times of stress, and I can change meals or introduce new foods without it causing stomach upset. I also saw less itching and allergy flare ups in Huey (my 14.5 year old French bulldog)! He still gets itchy, but it has been less intense and less frequent. I am about to retest both of my dogs for a check in to see how their gut is maintaining the new microbes that were introduced a few months ago.

I had a patient that was on and off antibiotics for chronic UTIs that had a very unbalanced microbiome from all the meds! She has been on a journey of restoring her gut, and so far the UTIs haven’t come back, and her poop has been more solid.

One terrier mix would have extreme diarrhea after anything outside of her normal food. Once we learned what was missing in her gut microbiome, we were able to get her on FMT to fill in those gaps. Now she rarely has an upset stomach, even with all the snacks she sneaks from kids around the house!

Further FMT Treatment

There are also veterinarians trained in rectal fecal transplant to help restore the gut more efficiently. This takes healthy donor fecal material and introduces it into the patient’s rectum so it directly seeds the large intestine. Dr. Lily Chen has been using this method in her practice with amazing results! I highly suggest to check out her practice if you are in the L.A. area.

If you are interested in taking the first step, then reach out to Animal Biome for testing. No, this is NOT an ad for Animal Biome, I just love how they are helping our companion animals live healthier, longer lives!!!

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

Most of the issues I see with Frenchie’s are typical for the breed: Skin. Gut. Breathing. Pain. Teeth.

I’ve tried to break this up in simple ways to support your Frenchie, plus deeper care options so it’s not too overwhelming.

You should always discuss your veterinarian before adding in supplements, changing support, or introducing anything new into your dog’s routine. They are the best resource for care, and I also advise seeking out further support with an integrative vet and any specialists, such as internal medicine vet, dermatologist, and/or physical therapists.

SKIN

At Home Support:

• Bathe in organic, toxin free dog Shampoo & Conditioner especially during allergy season. I also love 4 Legger organic products.

• Wipe paws, face folds, and tail folds - this is where bacteria, yeast and moisture collect that can cause irritation! You can also dilute Apple Cider Vinegar 1:1 ratio with water and soak a cotton ball to clean out folds and paws. Make sure there are no open sores.

• Use ear wipes during allergy season, or as gunk starts to build up. You can also dilute Apple Cider Vinegar 1:1 ratio with water and soak a cotton ball to wipe out ears. Make sure there are no open sores.

• Ask your vet about Fish Oil to help your Frenchie’s coat and skin (along with joint and brain health). Start with half the dose every other day for 10 days to reduce stomach upset (and super stinky gas!).

Deeper Care:

• Microbiome testing and restoration. The gut is the foundation of so many systems, and many French Bulldogs gut health is out of balance. Testing with Animal Biome is a great start to repairing their GI tract. There are veterinarians that also perform rectal fecal transplants, which can help immensely!

• Allergy testing with a vet dermatologist can help figure out what irritants they’re sensitive to, and provide specific blend of allergy shots or sublingual (oral) blends to help your dog get desensitized!

SENSITIVE STOMACHS

At Home:

• Slowly introduce new foods so they get used to variety. Meal toppers of fresh fruit, steamed veggies, or lean meats can be beneficial. Swapping out store bought treats with fresh foods is also a great place to start!

• Probiotics during stressful times, or when they have soft stool can stabilize the gut.

• Gut supplements with Slippery Elm can soothe irritated bowels.

• Use a slow feeder to reduce fast eating and extra air intake.

Deeper Dive:

• Microbiome testing, restoration, and even looking into fecal transplants! Yup - you read that right 💩

• Seeing an internal medicine specialist as well as a veterinary acupuncturist to get to the root cause of GI issues.

BREATHING

At Home Support:

• Walk your Frenchie in the cooler hours of the day - early in the morning or later in the evening. This reduces overheating - their short noses and mouths diminished their ability to regulate their temperatures.

• Let them set the limit on walks! If they struggle to keep up, get a stroller or wagon so they can take breaks but still enjoy the sunshine and all the smells.

Deeper Dive:

• There are surgeries that are well worth it to perform for Frenchies that have Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction: A nares resection, and elongated soft palate surgery.

• Nares resection opens up the nostrils that are stenotic, or slightly closed, so that only a small sliver of air can get through. Think of it as a garden hose - the smaller the opening the less water gets through. But widen it, and water (or air) flows freely.

• Elongated soft palate surgery is for Frenchie’s that have their soft palate, or upper roof of their mouth, covering part of their airway. This makes it hard to get air into their lungs, especially when they pant, or on hot days.

• These two surgeries can be costly in the moment, but it will save you time and money at the vet moving forward (minimize heat stroke, respiratory emergencies). Plus, your Frenchie will have a better quality of life, will play longer, and may even stop snoring!

BACK AND JOINT PROBLEMS

At Home Support:

• Get ramps or stairs for them to use to get on and off the couch, beds, and other high places.

• Keep them lean! Overweight Frenchies can put more stress on their backs and joints, causing damage.

• Supplements like Fish Oil (use half the recommended dose for a week to reduce stomach upset), joint supplements, and CBD to keep them pain free.

• Paw Sha massage keeps their fascia happy, circulation and lymph flowing, and eases muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Deeper Dive:

• Body work by a veterinary profession such as acupuncture, laser therapy, and physical therapy.

• Surgery for IVDD is also a great option with very good outcomes. Talk to a boarded vet surgeon to discuss options!

DENTAL CARE

At Home Support:

• Brush their teeth most days of the week! I love this set from Zeeyo with the bamboo brush and clean toothpaste. Use DRTORI for a 15% discount!

• Use dental wipes if brushing is a struggle, which it can be with our stubborn French Bulldogs!

• These chews can help a little, as well as this toy from Woof.

Deeper Dive:

• Consistent dental cleanings under anesthesia can reduce tartar and plaque build up, but also remove any teeth that are crowding their mouth, which can cause issues. I always get current blood work, chest x-rays, and an EKG on Frenchie patients, as well as any older patients.

French Bulldogs are very unique, and that’s what makes them special!! There are many quirks and nuances for these little beings, so it’s good to understand their needs and special care.

Hope all you Frenchie families feel more supported!

XOXO

Dr Tori 🐾

My Own Body Lotion:

I pet my dogs, they snuggle with me, and therefore they’re exposed to whatever I put on my own skin. For my sake and theirs, I try to use clean lotion and products!

• Everyone Lotion: This comes in a big bottle, which is great because it lasts a long time! Nongreasy, goes on easy.

• Osea: Such a great company, and love all their products.

• Primally Pure: This body oil is great for extra dry days, and (side note) I love their deodorant!

If you want a deeper dive on reducing your and your family’s (dog included) toxin load, check out Dr. Organic Mommy’s Substack or follow LowToxTessa on Instagram!

Hope this helps your dog (and you) live a longer, healthier life! ❤️

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

Fleas and ticks can carry diseases (Lyme, Ehrlichia, tapeworms, Mycoplasma, and even the plague!) so you want to make sure your pet is protected. Discuss with your vet what is the best way to make sure they aren’t exposed to these bugs.

Life Cycle of Fleas from the CDC:

“The flea life cycle consists of four distinct stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—typically completing in 3 to 8 weeks, though it can span months. Eggs are laid on a host, fall into the environment, and hatch into larvae, which spin protective, insecticide-resistant cocoons (pupae). Adults emerge from cocoons, often triggered by heat or vibrations, to feed and reproduce.”

Start With Your Yard

Fleas and ticks tend to hang out in shady, humid, overgrown areas, tall grass, leaf piles, underbrush, weeds, or even woodpiles. They are most often along the edges of yards, and in those tucked-away areas under decks or porches where pets and wildlife like to hide, rest, or dig in.

• Remove weeds and trim overgrown bushes.

• Plant rosemary, lavender, lemongrass, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and mint in your garden to repel pests.

• Safe, non-toxic sprays like Wondercide can help repel bugs in your yard.

• Reduce standing water and shade in your yard.

In Your Home

Inside the home, fleas hang out in carpets, rugs, bedding, even the couch. Flea eggs and larvae love to settle deep into carpet fibers, along baseboards and corners of rooms. Eggs and larvae can lay dormant until the conditions are right to hatch, so that is why consistent vacuuming is essential! Ticks are usually found on curtains, or near windows and doors.

• VACUUM frequently if you’ve found fleas or ticks inside your house, or if your area is in the height of flea season.

• Wash your pet’s bedding at least once a week or more. This includes blankets, and any soft stuffy toys.

• Some indoor sprays are safe to use, such as Wondercide or Vets Best.

• Wipe down and vacuum baseboards, corners of rooms, and under furniture.

• Steam clean furniture and carpets if you have an infestation, or as prevention during flea and tick season.

Your Dog

Walking, hiking, dog parks, or even just a quick potty break in your yard can cause fleas and ticks to jump on your dog during the height of bug season. Talk to your vet about preventatives, and which ones would be safest and most effective for your dog.

• Use a lint roller along their fur (and your clothes!) after coming in from outside. This will get ticks that are too small to be noticeable. Put one in your car to always have on hand!

• Bathe more frequently during peak months. I love 4 Legger non-toxic shampoos - they’re especially great for dogs with dry, itchy skin.

• Use a flea comb to get fleas and small ticks out from thick fur.

• A natural spray like Kin + Kind applied before a hike or outing can help repel fleas and ticks.

Other Remedies

• Amber Collars - these need to be worn well in advance of flea exposure to repel fleas, and even then they may not work well.

• Diatomaceous Earth - this can dry out flea eggs, but be careful the dust isn’t inhaled by you or your pets. Safest outside in corners away from heavy traffic.

Fleas and Ticks are such pests!! Hope these tips help keep you and your dog bug free this season!

XOXO

Dr. Tori

Here are my favorite treats to give my own dogs, and a sneaky way to add in some extra nutrients and health benefits ;) Always ask your vet before starting a new food, treat, or supplement!

1. Bone Broth:

   Bone broth is rich in collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine, amino acids, gelatin, and electrolytes for a variety of benefits. It supports the skin, joints, hydration, and gut health. Be sure to use dog appropriate bone broth like Brutus Broth or Open Farm (onions found in broth we consume are toxic to dogs!). You can heat it up and use as a topper on their food, or pour it in ice cube molds for a frozen treat!

   

2. My Woof Pupsicle:

   These are great for mental enrichment and as a distraction treat! They have treats specifically formulated to help certain issues such as joint pain, itchy skin, and nervous dogs. My dogs will lick these for about 20-30 minutes, which is a win for everyone.

3. Berries:

   Fresh fruit for my dogs provides great nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. I love berries and we always have them in our fridge (my son LOVES them) so its an easy snack! I also chop up strawberries super small and put them in ice cube molds along with some water and freeze them for a cool, crunchy treat!

4. Fish Based Treats:

   Providing extra omegas and protein to your dog (especially older dogs) can help with skin, brain health, joint issues, and muscle mass. I like Bundle x Joy salmon jerky (you can break these up in smaller pieces easily) and I also like Green Juju treats. This doesn’t take the place of a true fish oil supplement, but just gives your dog a little extra boost.

5. Gussy’s Gutables:

   To continue to support your dog’s gut health and microbiome, this treat has fermented plants to promote diverse gut bacteria. As with any new treat or food, start slowly to make sure your dog’s tummy does well with it - especially one formulated to help with gut health!

Snacks can be beneficial, so be sure to ask your veterinarian what would work best for your dog.

XOXO,

Dr. Tori

P.S. Please let me know in the comments or email info@BalancedPetVet.com what questions you would like answered - Paid Subscribers I will answer your questions in video format! I’m here to support and help you and your dogs.