Videos

It’s no secret that cats like to do what they want, but what if your feline friend’s deepest desire is to jump all over the kitchen counters? If you’re sick of finding cat fur in all of your meals, Dr. Roark has four steps to train your cat to stay off of the countertops.

1. Don’t encourage them to be on the counters.

via GIPHY | Watch full video below! 

2. Make counters boring.

via GIPHY | Watch full video below!

3. Lay down materials cats don’t like to walk on.

via GIPHY | Watch full video below! 

4. Use positive reinforcement.

via GIPHY | Watch full video below! 

Need more advice?

If your cat is especially fond of frolicking on countertops, watch the full episode of Ask Dr. Andy below. Be sure to subscribe to the Cone of Shame channel on YouTube for more pet advice!

---

Danielle is a veterinary practice manager and the founder of SnoutSchool.com, a website dedicated to teaching veterinary hospitals to use social media effectively. You can get her 5 favorite social media tools here, or follow her on social media to see excessive photos of her Brussels Griffon. She’s @DanielleSnout on Snapchat, Instagram & Twitter.

Ivermectin is a common ingredient in heartworm prevention, but perhaps you’ve heard it’s unsafe for certain dog breeds.

In this episode of Ask Dr. Andy, Dr. Roark discusses the science behind this common question.

1. Every breed should be able to have ivermectin… if dosed properly.

via GIPHY | Watch the full video below! 

Ivermectin can be toxic if given in high doses. This is why it’s important to use a known brand that has been prescribed to your pet by a trusted veterinarian.

2. Potentially sensitive breeds can be tested prior to giving ivermectin.

via GIPHY | Watch the full video below! 

There are several breeds, listed below, that are more likely to have a genetic mutation that could cause ivermectin sensitivity. If you have one of these breeds, you can ask your veterinarian about testing for that mutation first:

• Australian shepherds
• Miniature Australian shepherds
• Collies
• English shepherds
• Longhaired whippets
• McNabs
• Old English sheepdogs
• Shetland sheepdogs
• Silken windhounds
• German shepherd dogs

Want to know more?

It’s important to keep your pet safe from heartworm. Find out more by watching the full episode of Ask Dr. Andy now:

 

Subscribe to the Cone of Shame channel on YouTube for more information on keeping your pet healthy.

 

---

Danielle is a veterinary practice manager and the founder of SnoutSchool.com, a website dedicated to teaching veterinary hospitals to use social media effectively. You can get her 5 favorite social media tools here, or follow her on social media to see excessive photos of her Brussels Griffon. She’s @DanielleSnout on Snapchat, Instagram & Twitter.

Hairballs happen because cats have barbed tongues, and they swallow hair when they groom themselves or other pets. When hair is ingested, it either goes through your pet’s digestive tract or comes back up as a hairball.

In this episode of Ask Dr. Andy, Dr. Roark covers five ways you can stop hairballs from happening. (Or, at the very least, these tips should help minimize the times you step in a nasty pile of hairy gook in the middle of the night).

1. Groom your pet frequently.

via GIPHY 

2. Try foods or supplements from your vet.

via GIPHY 

3. Keep your cat hydrated.

via GIPHY 

4. Keep your cat healthy and active.

via GIPHY 

5. Head to the vet!

via GIPHY 

Want more details about hairballs?

Watch the full episode of Ask Dr. Andy below, and be sure to subscribe to the Cone of Shame channel on YouTube.

---

Danielle is a veterinary practice manager and the founder of SnoutSchool.com, a website dedicated to teaching veterinary hospitals to use social media effectively. You can get her 5 favorite social media tools here, or follow her on social media to see excessive photos of her Brussels Griffon. She’s @DanielleSnout on Snapchat, Instagram & Twitter.

Flying with a pet can be a stressful experience for everyone involved, but you can make it successful with a little preparation. In this episode of Ask Dr. Andy, Dr. Andy Roark covers seven steps that will help you prep for a terrific takeoff.

1. Be aware that airline requirements are different.

via GIPHY 

2. Book flights in advance to ensure your pet can join you.

via GIPHY 

3. Choose a non-stop flight.

via GIPHY 

4. Familiarize your pet with the crate beforehand, and be sure it’s the right size.

via GIPHY 

5. Ensure your pet will have access to water.

via GIPHY 

6. Visit the vet.

via GIPHY 

7. Give yourself plenty of time to prep for your flight.

via GIPHY 

Want more tips for flying with your pet?

Watch this new episode of Ask Dr. Andy for more details. Subscribe to the Cone of Shame channel on YouTube for more pet health information.

---

Danielle is a veterinary practice manager and the founder of SnoutSchool.com, a website dedicated to teaching veterinary hospitals to use social media effectively. You can get her 5 favorite social media tools here, or follow her on social media to see excessive photos of her Brussels Griffon. She’s @DanielleSnout on Snapchat, Instagram & Twitter.