My Pet Doctor

22/06/2026

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀

　　　If you’ve ever seen your dog leap into the pool on a hot day, you know how much joy they get from splashing around. They swim, they paddle, they shake water everywhere, and it’s adorable. But if your pup is a regular in the water or has a habit of drinking from the pool, there are a few things you should know before you grab the floaties.

　　　First off, a little chlorine isn’t going to hurt most dogs. Pools are treated to have just enough to kill germs without harming swimmers, be it human or canine. So if your dog accidentally laps up a mouthful or two, they’ll probably be fine. The concern comes when it becomes more than an occasional sip. Drinking too much pool water can upset their stomach, cause vomiting or diarrhea, and even irritate their throat.

　　　It’s not just about what they swallow, either. Chlorinated water can also bother your dog’s eyes and skin. If you’ve ever noticed your dog’s eyes looking red after a swim, or their skin feeling dry, chlorine is often the reason. Over time, regular and long swimming sessions, especially in pools where the chemicals aren’t perfectly balanced, can strip away the natural oils that keep their skin and coat healthy.

　　　But, this doesn’t mean you have to ban pool days. In any case, swimming can be still be a great exercise and a fun way to keep cool; it's just that you'll have to be a bit more mindful:

● Always have a bowl of fresh water nearby so your dog doesn’t use the pool as their drinking fountain.

● Rinse them off with clean water after each swim to remove chlorine from their fur and skin.

● Keep pool chemicals out of reach at all times.

● Watch their swim time, short and fun sessions are safer than long soaks.

● Never leave them unsupervised, especially if they’re not a strong swimmer, are puppies, or are older.

　　　At the end of the day, chlorine isn’t the villain of this story. It’s just doing its job and that is to keep the water safe from bacteria and algae, so you and your pup can swim without the hidden dangers that lurk in untreated water. But just like sunshine on a summer day, too much of it can cause trouble. That’s why keeping things in moderation makes all the difference.

　　　And if one day your dog seems off after a swim, maybe they’re throwing up more than once, skipping meals, or just lying around like they’ve lost their spark—that’s the time to pick up the phone and call your vet. Most pool days should end with happy splashes and a soggy, wagging tail.

15/06/2026

𝘿𝙞𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙆𝙣𝙤𝙬?

09/06/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝘆 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗛

31/05/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱

　　　Sometimes, the biggest threats to our cats are the ones we can’t see. Hemobartonella, now more accurately called Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis, is one of those illnesses that can slip under the radar. It’s caused by a microscopic bacteria that attaches itself to your cat’s red blood cells. Think of it like an unwanted hitchhiker draining your cat’s energy, because once those red blood cells are marked as “infected,” the body’s immune system will destroy them. The result? Anemia, which means fewer healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body.

　　　Here’s the tricky part: some cats never show any symptoms and live as silent carriers. Others might suddenly seem “off” by being more tired than usual, losing weight, breathing faster, running a fever, or having gums that look pale or even yellowish. In severe cases, this can become life-threatening without quick treatment. Most cats catch it from fleas or ticks, and possibly from mosquitoes. It may also spread through bite wounds from other cats. Even strictly indoor cats can be at risk if parasites hitch a ride into the house, either on you, another pet, or even through an open window.

　　　Vets can’t confirm it just by looking, because the symptoms often look like many other illnesses. The most reliable test is called a PCR test, which detects the bacteria’s DNA in the blood. If a cat tests positive and is sick, treatment usually involves antibiotics and sometimes other medications to protect red blood cells from further destruction. Very sick cats might need a blood transfusion. While recovery is possible, and often likely, some cats may continue carrying the bacteria even after treatment. That’s why parasite prevention is so important, not just for the infected cat but for every cat in the household.

　　　In any case, as a cat parent, it is important to always look out for your cat, which can be done through having them wear year-round flea and tick protection, watching out for changes in energy, appetite, or gum color, and even seeing your vet promptly if something feels off. While Hemobartonella isn’t something you can spot with the naked eye, you can protect your cat by staying alert, controlling parasites, and getting them checked early if you suspect a problem.

28/05/2026

21/05/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 “𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝘁” 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗲𝘁

　　　If you’ve ever wondered why your pet’s skin seems dry, their coat looks dull, or they’re slowing down with age, the answer might not be in a new shampoo or a special joint massage. It could be in something much simpler—omega fatty acids.

　　　Omega fatty acids are what we call “good fats.” Your pet’s body needs them for many important functions, such as keeping their cells healthy, fighting inflammation, and supporting their brain, heart, skin, and joints. The tricky part is that dogs and cats can’t make these fats on their own. They have to get them from what they eat.

There are two major types to know:

𝟭. 𝗢𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟯 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 – Found mostly in cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel. They’re best known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, meaning they can calm itchy skin from allergies, help stiff joints feel better, and even support heart and kidney health. For puppies and kittens, omega-3s help with brain development and vision. For senior pets, they can help keep the mind sharp.

𝟮. 𝗢𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟲 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 – Often found in vegetable oils and certain meats. These help maintain healthy skin, support hair growth, and give coats that shiny, healthy look. They also play a role in tissue repair and growth.

　　　When omega-3 and omega-6 are in balance, they work together to keep your pet healthy inside and out. But in many commercial diets, omega-6 levels are much higher than omega-3, which can lead to inflammation over time. That’s why many vets recommend adding omega-3 supplements to your pet’s routine.

　　　These supplements usually come as liquid, capsules, or chews, and many pets don’t mind them mixed into their food. But it’s not as simple as giving “a little extra” every now and then. The right dose depends on your pet’s size, age, and health condition. Too much can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or other issues. That’s why it’s always important to talk to your vet before starting.

　　　If you do choose to add an omega supplement, look for one made specifically for pets. Human fish oil products can have extra ingredients that aren’t safe for animals. A good pet-specific product should be high-quality, free from heavy metals, and ideally include vitamin E to help keep the oil fresh.

　　　The results aren’t instant because it would usually take about a few weeks to see changes. Hoiwever, over time, you should start to notice how your pet is scratching less, or moving more comfortably, and looking healthier overall. For a pet who means the world to you, adding the right “good fats” might just be one of the simplest, most powerful ways to help them stay happy and healthy for years to come.