We all want to put on a good face. At the vet, I certainly want to appear to be a knowledgeable pet owner and avoid embarrassing myself. But vets know things that can be super useful to us if we’re willing to ask. Recently I did an informal social media survey to gather questions people want to ask their vet but haven’t. Then I recruited Dr. Brett Grossman, DVM at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic in Chicago (and generous friend) to answer them.

But first, a predictable yet necessary opening from Dr. Grossman: “Every dog and situation is different, so there are exceptions to every answer. Everyone should check with their veterinarian before making any changes to their dog’s health plan.”

Now on to it! (And you’ll see, we’re jumping right into the deep end.)

Q: When a dog in heat bleeds, is that her period?

Dr. Grossman: Female dogs who are not spayed (intact) display many signs of being in heat about every 6 months. One of the clinical signs of going into heat is often bloody discharge from the vagina during their estrus cycle. The reproductive organs (external ones include the vulva, mammary glands, and others, and internal ones include the uterus, ovaries, and others) become engorged with blood and inflammation to prepare for reproduction. This causes external bleeding from the vagina that looks like (but is not!) a "period." Whereas human and non-human primates' "periods" occur when the lining of the uterus sloughs off in the absence of a fertilized egg, a canid's "period" occurs in preparation for a fertilized egg. These two events that cause blood from the vagina are not the same things at all. Given that the majority of clients (mostly men) refuse to say the word vagina and barely know what a period is, it is always very fun to bring this up in an exam room.

Q: Does giving my dog anti-anxiety meds reflect poorly on me?

Dr. Grossman: Like humans, animals suffer from ranges of anxiety (from mild to life-destroying). Just like humans, anti-anxiety medications are very helpful and often help both people and dogs enjoy their lives together. Some anti-anxiety medications need to be given chronically and some for special occasions, like the 4th of July. Unlike humans, we cannot ask dogs how they feel off and on anti-anxiety medications, but we can watch how they go through life. I've seen dogs that could not go outside until they started Prozac. A dog owner has not failed if their dog needs meds, and in fact, it's a failure to not help their dog with meds if the help is needed. People often fear that they are "cheating" and that others will judge them for giving their dog anti-anxiety meds. However, dogs who are on the right dose are not sedated and do not seem otherwise different. They are just able to deal with life.

Q: Is it really that important to socialize my puppy?

Dr. Grossman: Yep. Socialization for puppies is very important. The pandemic puppies who have not met people or other dogs have shown problems and tend to be fearful of separation from their owners and of new situations. Puppies can start hanging out with other dogs and people early. If a puppy isn't completely vaccinated yet, find friends with dogs you know are vaccinated and safe. I tell people to drop off their puppies at friends' houses (with their permission) and have them socialize in that way. Any new exposure is good. This can include walking down busy streets, meeting people in and out of the house, meeting different types of dogs (big, small, old, young, etc).

Q: Why is it such a big deal that my dog is overweight?

Dr. Grossman: Excessive weight on a dog is dangerous for a few reasons. A few pounds here and there may not seem like much, but five extra pounds on a 20-pound dog is huge. It's like adding 38 pounds to a 150-pound person. This extra weight both increases the amount of strain on the joints of a dog (causing arthritis or orthopedic pain) and makes dogs susceptible to endocrine diseases such as diabetes. It's really common to see weight gain in 1- or 2-year-old dogs whose metabolism catches up to them, and in older dogs when arthritis (and age) affects their ability to exercise. I've seen dogs whose whole life has changed after losing a few pounds, but it's hard. Just like humans, some dogs really struggle with weight, and the way to tackle it is through specific diets, exercise and lifestyle changes.

If you want to learn more from Dr. Grossman and his colleagues at the Medical District Veterinary Clinic in Chicago, you can check out their blog covering a range of timely topics including unpacking epilepsy in dogs and cats, discussing dog weight gain during the pandemic, and the lives of outdoor cats.

Does your inquiring mind want more?

Contact me with your question and I promise not to name names. Or, be bold and comment below!

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