Paula Terifaj, DVM

02/25/2022

ASK GOOGLE - How do you know if an animal rescue is legit?

Here are some ways potential adopters should approach picking a rescue group as they pursue a pet adoption:

1) Ask how the dog came to the rescue. ...

2) Stick with rescues that have a known reputation. ...

3) Ask the rescue group about its rehoming policies. ...

4) Google it. ...

5) Go to the local shelter.

01/31/2022

New shocking documentary exposing lies, fraud, and corruption by the Humane Society of the Desert in Palm Springs, CA.

Please share.

The year was 2015. That summer the nightmare began. After a short series of events, I was powerless to stop it. I watched in disbelief as one non-profit organization swallowed up another- only 5 miles down the road. The road ended at the gate of The Humane Society of the Desert. Malinda Bustos might...

01/27/2022

Pet parents alert: Always check the ingredients label for products that advertise as sugar-free or low sugar. Also, be sure the peanut butter you are using to trick or treat your dog does not contain xylitol. We can keep our pets safe by looking for products that are sweetened with sorbitol or stevia – or just plain old fashion honey. Oh, how I miss the good old days!

Other products that may contain xylitol include:
breath mints
baked goods
cough syrup
children’s and adult chewable vitamins
mouthwash
toothpaste
some peanut and nut butters
over-the-counter medicines
dietary supplements
sugar-free desserts, including "skinny" ice cream

Like many dog owners, you know that chocolate is a no-no. But what you may not know is that when your nosey pooch locates your handbag and gobbles down a pack of sugarless chewing gum or breath mints, the consequences could be deadly. The staggering number of products using the popular sugar substit...

01/22/2022

Do you struggle to leave the house knowing that your pet suffers from separation anxiety? Here are some tips.

After a blissful year of sitting by our feet while we type away at home on our laptops, a return to the commuting workforce may leave your pet companion confused and possibly anxious. For those canines who cannot adjust to your frequent, lengthy departures – your absence could result in destructive behavior due to separation anxiety.

- First, identify the cues that your pet perceives as a departure. For example, if the jingle of car keys is alerting a stress response, then perform that act at times when you do not plan to leave the house. Do this multiple times each week – helping to dissociate the cue.

- Next, set up a schedule of short departures – leaving the house for only 5 minutes. Monitor your pet’s reaction via video cameras and gradually extend departure times.

- In additional to behavior modification methods, it may be necessary to work with your vet. The two commonly used drugs to treat this disorder can significantly reduce fear and panic. Reconcile (fluoxetine) and Clomicalm (clomipramine) are FDA approved for daily use in dogs with separation anxiety in conjunction with behavior modification.

Read more on my blog Unleashed: Diary of a Woman Vet
https://paulaterifaj.com/separation-anxiety-for-pets/

A return to normalcy from Covid-19 may mean separation anxiety for your pet. Learn how to ease their separation anxiety and help them adjust.

01/20/2022

My first thought was – it’s too good to be true.

https://paulaterifaj.com/detect-early-canine-cancers-with-a-simple-blood-test/

So, I put my research hat on and read the reports.

The Nu.Q vet screening cancer test is a non-invasive, simple, low-cost blood test that will streamline the diagnostic process.
Finally, veterinarians can join the ranks of their human counterparts. Early biomarkers, known as nucleosomes, can detect the presence of cancer cells – even before there are signs of illness!

*Please understand that I cannot answer questions relating to your pet’s medical condition or offer individual advice.

Click to read the full blog post and be sure to watch for the early clinical signs too such as appetite, lethargy and weight loss.

Detect Early Canine Cancers With A Simple Blood Test by Paula Terifaj DVM | Dec 19, 2021 | Beating Cancer, Holistic Advice, Veterinary Care My first thought was – it’s too good to be true. So, I put my research hat on and read the...

01/15/2022

This fungus should be on every doctors differential list for suspected viral and bacterial infections with respiratory symptoms that persist or fail treatments.

This was Lucy. We would enjoy seven wonderful years together before trouble started. Something about Lucy was not right. Her symptoms remained an unsolved puzzle. One thing missing from Lucy’s patient history were our frequent visits to Palm Springs for weekend getaways.

Keep in mind the places you’ve lived and visited. It’s a relevant part of you, and your pet’s history.

Respiratory symptoms (such as persistent cough or difficulty breathing accompanied by fatigue and possible fever) that do not respond to conventional therapies should raise an eyebrow for – Coccidioides immitis – known as Valley Fever in people.

To this day, I believe the surgeon was acting on what he believed to be the best call.

In chapter 8 of my book Unleashed, I tell the story of every doctor's worst nightmare, missing the correct diagnosis and losing a patient. Visit my blog to uncover the rest of the story.

https://paulaterifaj.com/excerpts-from-memoirs-of-the-woman-vet-chapter-8-lucy/

Years ago, when I played an active role in running my veterinary practice, something odd tried to get my attention on multiple occasions. I don’t hear voices or see ghosts, so I don’t really know how to explain it. Perhaps it was an awareness or something my subconscious mind wanted to reveal. I...

01/01/2022

The biggest mistake canine and feline pet owners make is to write off these symptoms as simply “old age”. And I will fault any veterinarian that grabs for the bottle of prescription drugs (usually the NSAID’s) while neglecting the value of these holistically minded treatments: better diet; weight loss if your pet is deemed to be overweight; proven joint supplements.

Learn more about recognizing the signs, which breeds carry the most risk, prevention and treatment options.
https://paulaterifaj.com/best-vet-advice-pets-suffering-osteoarthritis-pain-plus-promising-new-treatment/

12/27/2021

Let this be your wake-up call. Pet food is not safe – it never was. Read my blog post to learn how pet food companies that do not screen for toxins and common bacterial pathogens should come with a package warning: Feed at your own risk!

Why?
Corn is added to animal feeds as a cheap source of protein.
Deadly mold – aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus flavus found on shells and corn…. Why is this mold a topic for a veterinary toxicology class? Simple answer – this deadly toxin had made its way into livestock feeds and pet foods.

Now humor me… If you were to ask your family pet what they preferred, corn or steak, what would they say?

Permission to cook for your dog is officially granted.
Let us know in the comments what you think about this -

Full blog post on my website 🔗
https://paulaterifaj.com/deadly-dog-and-cat-food-recall-expands-more-common-brands/
with feeding chart and recommendations like , my personal favorite when i’m not cooking.

12/22/2021

We all know someone who has battled the big C – cancer. Realistically veterinarians don't talk about the odds of a cure but maybe, just maybe, there really is a Fairy Dog-Mother….

Save this post
Share with your followers. Then to find out more...
Read my blog post about the first approved veterinary drug for cancer treatment and how I honestly didn’t think I would live long enough to see science move in this unprecedented direction!

12/11/2021

My two biggest pet peeves - Dog treats and Training

My first tip? The benevolent use of tasty treats violates the first rule of obedience training – the reward! Pet owners need to realize that successful communication with our canine friends is not verbal. Shouting things like don’t do that, come back here, stop barking, etc – is like yelling at a two-year-old kid. In terms of comprehension, there is none. Sharing your home with dogs when you have little to no understanding of canine behavior is like trying to have a positive relationship without communication. Expect it to fail.

How did I convince this eighty-pound bully to rest inside a crate after I tried using muscle moves and lost? Simple answer – the cookie jar.

Get more helpful information regarding your pet's healthcare on my blog Unleashed.
🔗My Two Biggest Pet Peeves - Dog Treats and Training

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11/30/2021

New blog post!
We all know someone who has battled the big C – cancer. Realistically veterinarians don't talk about the odds of a cure but maybe, just maybe, there really is a Fairy Dog-Mother…. To find out more... Read my blog post about the first approved veterinary drug for cancer treatment and how I honestly didn’t think I would live long enough to see science move in this unprecedented direction!

We all know someone, amongst our friends and family, who has battled the big C – cancer. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years of age. Early diagnosis and intervention can buy more time but offers little hope. Realistically, veterinarians don’t talk about the odds of a...

11/29/2021

There's been a paradigm shift on how to best feed your family dog. Convenience and clever marketing does not promote health In fact, it does the opposite. We know you love your dog, which is why you're reading. I will bring you up to date on species - appropriate nutrition and my pet food pick of the litter

First! Share this post with the hashtag so we can expose the pet food industry.

Click the link to read further...

🔗 Blog Post: Why Kibble Diets Are A Bad Idea
https://paulaterifaj.com/why-kibble-diets-are-a-bad-idea/

Want more? Purchase my book Unleashed today then post your thoughts here!

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