Author: Kelly Gottschalk, DVM

There are approximately 180 million pets in the United States, and in many cases, they are treated as members of the family. However, unlike other family members, only about 1…

Our family recently enjoyed a wonderful vacation on a fairly remote beach. We loved having no phones, sleeping late, and seeing nobody else on our beach. However, as I was exploring…

They are small, but powerful. They live off the blood of their host, and spread diseases as they feed. And unfortunately, Virginia is home to the big three: American dog…

Cancer is a frightening word, immediately evoking thoughts of battling a relentless, debilitating, painful illness. Our pets are sometimes diagnosed with cancer, too. This is never an easy word to…

Domestication means an animal species has been changed by humans over generations, so those animals can live in close association with us. These animals live better, longer lives with humans…

There’s this one: I don’t think my dog is in pain, because he doesn’t yelp. Or this one: My dog still chases squirrels. How could she have arthritis? Both are…

Spring is full of new life, including wildlife. Even in our urban settings, we see lots of babies, especially birds. Sometimes these youngsters need some help, but usually Mother Nature…

Can I have a pet that is just mine?  Is your child ready for a pet of his own – perhaps a small pet that he can care for all…

For a variety of reasons, pseudo-farms are springing up in the most urban settings. We want to feed our families wholesome, nutritious foods, to have some control over how and…

Snakes. Do you react to this single word with fascination or phobia? Perhaps more than any other pet, a snake can evoke this range of responses. Snakes are not evil,…

Beautiful, intelligent, and social, with simple needs – birds can be ideal pets for all these reasons. Birds are relatively easy to care for and adaptable, but their behaviors are…

What’s on your child’s holiday gift list? How about a gecko?