Dr. Keith Weingardt, DVM

11/12/2025

Jane Goodall has been one of my greatest heros and inspirations in this lifetime. A true bearer or light and hope in times of darkness. Join me in honoring her amazing life:

DR. JANE GOODALL, DBE 1934-2025 Join us to watch Dr.Goodall’s Celebration of Life November 12, 2025 | 11 a.m. EST JOIN US Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, was a remarkable example of courage and conviction, working tirelessly throughout her life to...

10/27/2025

Astaxanthin: The Power Behind Salmon’s Vibrant Color

Since moving to Oregon, my family and I have joined a local salmon share, which means each season we get to enjoy fresh, wild-caught Alaskan salmon. Every time I prepare it, I’m struck by the deep reddish orange of the flesh. That stunning color comes from astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant found in microalgae and the marine life that consume it.

Astaxanthin isn’t just beautiful, it’s one of nature’s strongest defenders against oxidative stress. It’s significantly more potent than vitamins C, E, or beta carotene, and its unique structure allows it to span the cell membrane, shielding both the inner and outer layers from free radical damage. It even crosses the blood–brain barrier to help protect brain cells and support cognitive health.

I’ve used astaxanthin for years in my veterinary practice and include it in several of my ThorneVet formulas that focus on healthy aging, cognition, and kidney support, like ThorneVet Longevity Complex, ThorneVet Canine Cognitive Support, ThorneVet Kidney Support Formula and ThorneVet Feline Basic Nutrients. I’ve also worked with microalgae based supplements such as BioAge BioPreparation F3 and BioSuperfood F3, which offer another way to bring this potent nutrient into the body.

Oxidative stress happens when the body’s antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed by free radicals, the natural byproducts of energy metabolism and inflammation. Over time, that imbalance accelerates aging and contributes to chronic disease. Nutrients like astaxanthin help restore balance, protect tissues, and calm inflammation throughout the body.

This time of year, I love watching the salmon run on the Salmon River Trail and right on our property, those bright flashes of red are a living reminder of the power of this compound in nature.

So next time you enjoy wild salmon, take a moment to appreciate that vibrant color. It’s more than delicious, it’s nature’s medicine. Astaxanthin is one of my favorite tools for supporting vitality and healthy aging from the inside out.

10/16/2025

As the seasons change, I always notice how both people and animals respond to that energetic shift. Fall and winter bring their own kind of beauty — but also new challenges for our bodies, immune systems, and emotional balance.

In this video, I share a few reflections on how to move through this time of transition with awareness and care — for ourselves and for our animals.

Take a few minutes to listen and let me know what you notice in your own pets this time of year.

09/18/2025

09/18/2025

09/09/2025

Sometimes the remedy we need is blooming right outside our window...
Flower Essences for Pets
I’ve used flower essences for over 20 years to gently support the emotional health of my patients. They work like peeling an onion, helping to release one layer of imbalance and sometimes revealing the deeper root underneath.
Recently I was reminded how powerful they can be. I came across the description of Dandelion essence: great for animals who are always “on,” tense, or trying too hard to stay in control. I immediately thought of Otis.
As luck would have it, our cabin pasture was full of dandelions. I harvested some, prepared a tincture, and started Otis on his own custom blend. Now we’ll see what unfolds.
Curious to learn more? A great starting place is Bach Flower Remedies for Animals by Helen Graham & Gregory Vlamis.

08/27/2025

One of our wonderful clients is offering a fantastic opportunity for dogs and their people in the Vancouver/Portland area!

Cooperative Care Class for Dogs

If your pup struggles with handling at the vet or even at home, this class is designed to make grooming and vet visits more comfortable for both of you.

📍 Location: Dog Days NW, 7206 NE 37th Ave, Vancouver, WA
🗓️ Saturdays at 2:00 PM
• 9/6/25
• 9/13/25
• 10/4/25
• 10/25/25

This 4-week class will help you teach your dog to become a willing participant in everyday husbandry and medical care. Topics include:
• Consent behaviors (chin rest, the Bucket Game, lying on side, front foot platform)
• Gentle restraint and body handling (mouth, ears, feet)
• Nail trimming
• Ear and eye exams
• Injection and blood draw prep
• When to consider pharmaceutical support

Based on the respected works of Dr. Deborah Jones, Sarah Stremming, Iris Castaing, and Chirag Patel.

Limited to 6 teams — not suitable for dogs with aggression or reactivity issues.
Tuition: $175 for the 4-week session (checks payable to “Molly Bredenberg,” due 1 week prior to class).

To reserve your spot, contact Molly Bredenberg at [email protected]

Help your pup feel safe, confident, and cooperative during care experiences!

08/18/2025

When the noise falls away, I’m reminded how grateful I am for the honor of caring for your pets

08/05/2025

Helping Cats Feel Calm, Not Fearful: A Client's Journey

One of our thoughtful clients recently shared her experience working to reduce her cats' fear around car rides and vet visits. Her insights are a beautiful reminder that with patience, training, and the right resources, even sensitive cats can feel more at ease.
“I didn’t have the foresight or opportunity to acclimate my cats to car rides as kittens. They came into my life later, and every trip, especially to the vet, used to mean full-on panic for all of us. But I wanted to change that. I wanted them to feel safe.”
Through months of slow, incremental training, she started to see major shifts. Herbcats now enter their carriers willingly, tolerate being carried, and even handled a 1+ hour car ride with far less vocalizing. One even circled back into the carrier voluntarily for a treat post-visit. Clear proof that positive associations were working.
“It wasn’t perfect, but it was close. They trusted me. There was no panic, no adrenaline crash. And that felt like a major win for all of us.”
Her go-to tools?
• Cat School Clicker Training
• The Trainable Cat (Book)
Also key: switching to larger carriers to help her cats feel more comfortable.
To anyone out there with a fearful feline, know that progress is possible. It takes time, but the results can be transformative, for you and your cat.

07/03/2025

06/18/2025

More Unfiltered Dr. Keith....Nature's lessons

05/30/2025

More Unfiltered Dr. Keith. Grief...The last few weeks have been heavy. This process isn't to be solved, it is to be felt and held and supported. It is truly the shape of love after a loss.