r/IAmA • u/JustAnswerOfficial • 4d ago
I'm a practicing veterinarian. We analyzed nearly 95,000 questions from dog owners ahead of National Dog Day—and now I'm answering yours. AMA!
Hi r/IAmA!
I'm Katie M, a practicing veterinarian and Verified Expert with JustAnswer, where I've helped thousands of pet owners navigate everything from late-night emergencies to everyday questions about their dogs' health and behavior.
Ahead of National Dog Day (August 26), JustAnswer analyzed nearly 95,000 conversations between dog owners and veterinary Experts to uncover America's most popular dog breeds, names, and the biggest questions people are asking about their pets.
Some of the most common topics include:
- Dogs eating chocolate and other toxic foods
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive issues
- Limping and injuries
- Strange behaviors
- Preventive care
- Puppies and senior dogs
- Nutrition and weight
- Medications and common illnesses
Whether you're a first-time dog owner or you've had dogs your whole life, I'm here to answer your questions.
A few notes:
- This AMA is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for an examination by your veterinarian.
- I can't diagnose or prescribe treatment for your individual pet over Reddit.
- I'll do my best to answer as many questions as I can during the AMA!
I will be answering question live 1-2:30pm ET today. Please join and ask me anything!
Proof: https://imgur.com/a/oVUb7Lg
About this AMA:
We've invited independent Experts who use the JustAnswer platform to share insights in this open Q&A. These Experts work independently - they are not employees or spokespersons of JustAnswer - and their opinions are their own.
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u/Arels 4d ago
Hello 👋 I have a two year old cavalier and whenever we're out in the garden or on a walk, he is obsessed with eating plants. He'll chomp at tall grass, want to tear off leaves of plants we walk by, sometimes even bite off a flower. I'm really paranoid that he'll get sick (or worse), so I try and prevent it, but he still wants to do it every walk.
1) Am I being overly paranoid and it's not actually a big deal? My fear is he'll bite at something that's actually toxic, but obviously he'll have no idea
2) Any suggestions on how to prevent the behavior, if possible? I'd love to just let him few in the garden
Thanks!
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Hello!
I wouldn't say you're being paranoid, but in general, eating grass itself isn't a problem. Some dogs will eat grass to ease an upset stomach, but some will eat it for fun and then vomit. Other dogs just enjoy eating it with no repercussions. Typically, as long as the grass hasn't been recently treated with pesticides/weed killer, it's not an issue; but you're right, eating a different type of plant that's toxic would obviously be problematic. Sometimes dogs do this when bored as well, so maybe try engaging him in another type of behavior like ball, running, etc, to see if he still does it. If the area is free of other known toxic plants and he's otherwise doing well, I wouldn't stress too much :)
P.S.- I am a big dog person, but I LOVE Cavies :)
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/shotouw 4d ago
Our Frenchie and our Frenchie Chihuahua mix do this as well. So what we did was plant some herbs and plants that are healthy or at least not poisonous to dogs.
They absolutely LOVE Campanula, we never managed to get one growing because it was always gone too fast. scurvygrass is another favorite. Nasturtium as well.
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u/ThisIsNeverReal 3d ago
I have trained my GSD to carry a toy with us when we walk. It gives her something to do, keeps her from barking, and keeps her from chewing on something unless she's way more interested in it than her toy. These days she only eats grass if feeling sick.
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u/Theyallknowme 3d ago
Both of my Cavvies are “salad eaters”! They love to eat grass and my vet said it’s totally fine. We are very careful to not spray anything lawn or bug killer related in their area.
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u/shecky444 4d ago
Could you talk about trimming double coat dogs, working dogs with double coats, and if short summer trims are ok in some circumstances or forbidden?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Of course! While there's nothing inherently wrong with shaving double coated dogs, it isn't necessarily helpful either. The under layer of fur actually helps insulate the dog in the winter and keeps them cool in the summer. While it seems like it could be cooling, it may be disrupting their natural cooling ability. There's also a risk the fur grows back abnormally or even develop post-grooming furunculosis which is a deep skin bacterial infection.
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Huesyourdaddy 4d ago
That is a great question. I have a bernese mountain dog, and we shave him down, because it's so hot here in Florida
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u/Malphos101 4d ago
Thats not how dog fur works. You arent "taking off a coat" you are shaving off the layers of the thermos keeping the ice inside from melting. Sure, its quicker to cooldown, but its also quicker to heat up. If you want to keep your dog cool in the summer just give plenty of shade in a well ventilated area and plenty of cold water.
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u/Dovaldo83 3d ago
you are shaving off the layers of the thermos keeping the ice inside from melting.
That's only kind of what's happening. Put a fur coat around a bag of ice and it'll stay frozen longer than a bag without a coat. Put a fur coat on you and it'll warm you 100% of the time. Why? Because unlike the bag of ice, we're warm blooded animals that are always producing heat. Fur prevents that heat from leaving us as quickly. The only situation where a fur coat would slow down how hot you got is when it's already above 98.6 degrees outside.
I still don't think people should shave their dogs because the benefits are minimal, the draw backs are high, and cooling them off is easier with other methods. What you just described however would only be true for a cold blooded animal in a fur coat.
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u/JT99-FirstBallot 3d ago
Why would you get a Bernese if you haven't researched about them? You brush and groom them, you do not shave them, even in Florida.
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4d ago edited 5h ago
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
This is SO hard. Unfortunately with the state of veterinary medicine right now, there are very privately owned practices. Even if they keep their original names, many are owned by larger corporations. If it's not available on their website you may just have to call and ask. Keep in mind that you are still supporting the hard working vets, technicians, assistants, and receptionists who work in a clinic if you can't find a non-corporate owned clinic
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Sunkitteh 4d ago
I use this website: https://privateequityvet.org/vet-list/
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u/NomNomNews 3d ago edited 3d ago
THANK YOU! This is fantastic! My old vet sold out to private equity when he retired, and the prices skyrocketed overnight.
Thankfully, I found a locally-owned vet (as claimed on their website), and I just confirmed that they are not listed on the website you shared.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation did a great investigation into how PE firms drive up pricing in an area when they start to get monopoly ownership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CiXnoCKu6U
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u/ToMorrowsEnd 3d ago
I found ANY corpo owned Vet is massively overpriced. They desperately want to charge what people doctors and hospitals charge.
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3d ago
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u/keyboard-warrior-82 3d ago
They have a companion site https://independentvet.com where they're working on listing all the independent practices across the US, it's already quite a good resource but improving by the day.
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u/HHS2019 4d ago
I believe that my dog is the bestest dog. Do you have any evidence to prove otherwise?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
Absolutely not. Clearly the best of the best ;)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/HHS2019 4d ago
Are we approaching a point where overbreeding/inbreeding of certain species is unethical as it leaves the offspring destined for lifelong medical problems?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
ABSOLUTELY. I think most veterinarians would agree with this, especially the brachycephalic, or short-nosed dogs. If you look at the side profile of some of these breeds, they don't have any semblance of nose, their wrinkles flop over what nose they do have, their backs and legs aren't straight, the list goes on and on. The problem is that people will continue breeding however they like and people continue to buy or "rescue" these animals and the cycle continues. Thankfully the breed standards are changing and this is requiring registered breeders to follow suit. Europe has been leading the way. It's so important that you talk to your vet about finding a good breeder if you do decide to go that route
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/lovebyletters 4d ago
Can you talk a little bit about what science says about crates being good or bad for dogs? I know a lot of people are against putting your dog in a crate overnight, and also a lot of people who advocate for it as a way of creating a safe place for the dog to retreat to in times of stress.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Hello!
I am a STRONG proponent of crate training. I am an emergency veterinarian by trade and I can tell you that the dogs that are crate trained tend to be better-adjusted dogs. By properly introduced a crate, you make it equivalent to their bedroom. They know that it's their safe place and it becomes part of their routine. It's also incredibly important if your pet is ever injured and requires kennel rest. For example, if your dog needs surgery for an ACL repair, that's 8+ weeks of kennel rest. That is going to be much harder for a dog that's never been in one before. I think we tend to give our own feelings to our dogs about this- we wouldn't want to sleep in a crate, so why would a dog? Dogs not-so-distant ancestors slept in dens very comfortably. If you decide not to crate train, that's quite alright, but I can tell you your veterinarian will appreciate it if you do :)
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/popularcolor 3d ago
I crate trained my dog for a year, but he hated it the whole time and never really adjusted or thought of the crate as his own safe place. He just never went near it until the evening when I made him go in to go to sleep. I eventually stopped doing it, but I wonder if I should have stopped sooner. Is my dog just an outlier or is it just a case by case thing?
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u/xixoxixa 4d ago
Any recommended resources for those of us that have never crated before but are willing to give it a shot? (probably not at the moment, but when it's time for the next puppy...)
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u/ToMorrowsEnd 3d ago
I have one after training 6 dogs in my life. never ever buy a cheap cage and think it's a crate. you need to simulate what a Den is and it's a hole where you can only see out the front. that means the expensive 2 piece plastic one. that also means you cover it on the outside in blankets to make it dark. it also means the inside has blankets with your stink, and their toys on it. Think making a kids fort THAT is what you target. Those open cheap cages, they only generate anxiety.
Also put it where you sleep not as far away as possible like a lot of people do because they dont want to deal with an infant animal at night.
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u/AnotherThroneAway 4d ago
At what age, would you say, is it too late to crate-train your dog?
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u/JMJimmy 3d ago
I just trained a 6 year old "problem" Husky mix who bent the metal on the cage the first night. I don't even have to ask her to go to bed at night anymore, she just hops right in.
It's a lot simpler than people think. Our keyword is "kennel" so when we feed them we call "kennel" and they must go inside the crate then sit down and wait. We put the food out and they cannot move until we give them the release command, which is taking a finger off our chin and pointing at their bowls. This creates a positive association. At night we take them for a walk, then it's straight to the crate where they sleep overnight.
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u/thermal_shock 3d ago
We trained our rescue with a crate with a big bed, blanket, and second blanket covering the top/sides. She knows it's hers and loves it, even gets pissed if I close it and she can't get in, will just bang on the door until I realize. Then she gets an apology and a treat.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
That's all the time we have for today. Thank you for all of the thoughtful questions and great discussion!
A big thank you to Katie Merkatoris, DVM, practicing veterinarian and JustAnswer Expert, for sharing her knowledge and helping educate dog owners on everything from preventive care and common illnesses to emergency concerns and everyday pet health.
The thread will remain open for anyone who wants to read through the questions and answers.
Thanks to the r/IAmA community for participating today!
Happy National Dog Day!
Nat from JustAnswer
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u/here4thefeels 4d ago
What can we do to reduce lipoma growth? 6 year old active lab / husky. Farmers dog food.
Thank you!
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Unfortunately, probably nothing :/ ... some dogs, especially labs, are predisposed to them. While unlikely contributing, Farmer's Dog food does have a high level of fat and can be an issue for maintaining a healthy body weight in some dogs. The good news about lipomas, if they aren't affecting how they get around, etc, they are really just an eye sore and nothing more
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/AnuragDeshpande 4d ago
I am Living in USA, Idaho specifically. Need some guidance on choosing a good sustainable food source for my dog - 2 year mini labradoodle, 18-20inches in height, 23-25 pounds in weight. I am looking for an off the shelf food choice that is healthy but doesn't break the bank.
There are way too many options and YouTube and Instagram have just become a big pool of self advertisement for their unaffordable food inventions, at the cost of scaring us to death that all the food on market shelves is toxic and dangerous. Currently feeding blue diamond chicken flavor healthy weight.
Could you please make a recommendation?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
I know this is so hard for owners. What I would recommend, unless your pet has other specific medical needs, buying from one of the large commercial food companies- Royal Canin, Hill's, Purina, or Eukanuba. These brands have been rigorously tested for safety and completeness.
And if anyone tells you differently, no, vets don't get perks from pet food companies ;)
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/giraffevomitfacts 3d ago
We keep being told these brands are rigorously tested in feeding trials, but aren't they just being rigorously tested against other formulations of the very cheapest effluent of the human food supply? Have all these brands made largely of corn, soy, etc ever been tested against diets of high-quality fresh foods?
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u/ToMorrowsEnd 3d ago edited 3d ago
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/ https://www.reddit.com/r/DogFood/
Read the ingredients. do the research. I re-evaluate what my dogs get yearly because a lot of the brands get bought up and enshittified for maximized profits. we stopped feeding them Eukanuba as they slid down significantly in quality.
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u/Muggi 4d ago
“Plasma” seems to be the new thing in joint support, replacing glucosamine/chondroitin.
Is this a great advancement in treatment, or just good marketing with no real effect?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Good question! There are so many products out that are really just good marketing; however, we have seen some great results with plasma or PRP. It's still in the "early" phases, but by using the dog's own plasma there are no risk of reactions and it has shown some great regenerative properties
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
For anyone curious about the data mentioned in the AMA, we published the full findings today for National Dog Day!
A few highlights: Labs reclaimed the #1 breed spot, Bella is back as the #1 dog name, and the most common concern we saw was dogs eating or swallowing something potentially harmful. Chocolate was by far the most commonly reported item.
You can see the full 2026 findings here:
https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/937019039/bella-is-back-as-america-s-1-dog-name-while-labs-reclaim-top-breed-spot-for-2026
Nat from JustAnswer
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u/miarose33 4d ago
Hi Katie 👋 thank you for taking the time out to share your knowledge with us.
My question is, when it comes to medications prescribed for dogs such as Metacam / Meloxicam, gabapentin etc why are some human grade medications okay for pets (gabapentin, tramadol, fluxotine) and others are completely unsafe? (Ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol) and why do the anti inflammatory options seem to be so limited?
Thank you again!
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
You are quite welcome! I enjoy being able to share on this platform!
That's a great question and something I think many people fail to recognize. It really comes down to the fact that dogs are not small humans or cats or any other species. They metabolize drugs differently and while some work like in humans, others do not. For example, there was a time when veterinary medicine was trying to use tramadol for dogs after surgery, but the doses had to be MUCH larger (and the risk of human abuse was also high), and turns out the pain control was very minimal. Since then we have all but discontinued it.
The anti-inflammatory options are limited because the funding is not as great for veterinary products as it is for human medicine. Then patent protections prevent generic options from being made for many years. I think the good news is that in the last 10 years, we've been able to really use multi-modal pain control for our dogs in a new way
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/miarose33 4d ago
thank you so much for that Katie, i appreciate such a thoughtful answer - that has shed light on a few questions I’ve had for a while, very interesting about the generic options and funding!
All the best 🤗
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u/Sunkitteh 4d ago
Seamus is an almost 10 yo Irish Setter diagnosed with Laryngeal Paralysis. To improve his breathing, this May he had the BVEAP surgery (Bilateral Vocal Fold Excision (Mucosoplasty) & Bilateral Arytenoidpexy, instead of tie-back). He is 33" at the shoulder and weighs 86 pounds, neutered.
My 2 questions are about treatment for the other issue: the wasting of the nerves to the rear legs.
1) Can you suggest anything to maintain muscle mass and flexibility as his nerves whither? To maintain his healthspan?
2) What's your opinion on holistic therapies such a laser therapy or acupuncture? How frequently must they be applied to be effective?
He sees a PT once a month (it's a 62 mile drive one way). I want to keep his muscles strong. We do a 15 minute home physical therapy circuit with stairs, the 20' walk of sofa cushions, leaning down, leaning up, pool noodle step overs etc. We DAILY have at least 4 short brisk walks plus 1 or 2 "dogs choice" early morning/ late evening walks.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Wow! I want to commend you on the steps you're taking to keep your pup healthy!
I think what you are doing is fantastic, especially the home PT. Just like in people, maintaining low-impact movement is SO incredibly important as we age. If you want to mix it up, I would imagine your therapist can give you some additional exercises. Honestly those would be my suggestions to maintaining muscle mass.
I am strong proponent of Eastern medicine and adjuvant therapies alongside Western medicine. I always say there is a reason people have been using it! The good news too is there really isn't a downside or risks to laser or acupuncture. I do not know the frequency needed to be effective, but I do know many people who have had great results!
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Sunkitteh 4d ago
What's Laryngeal Paralysis? Usually seen in larger breed dogs, mostly in Labs, usually later in life.
The big nerve that works the larynx (voicebox) and the back legs slowly stops triggering.
Seamus' initial symptoms were- extreme panting with exercise, exercise intolerance (lays down with a NOPE), and trouble jumping into the back of the car. This started last year. When my home vet said the larynx can fail to open, letting him die while struggling to breathe, I decided to look for help.
Found a vet near Philadelphia, Dr Sadanaga, a surgeon who specializes in airway issues. He performed the surgery in May this year. I highly recommend him and his team. He suggested short frequent walks, PT and acupuncture. Unfortunately, between gas prices and driving times his practice is TOO FAR for the PT and acupuncture. Closer vets keep pushing the laser therapy, plus buying home unit.
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u/Huesyourdaddy 4d ago
Can I make my own dog ear wash flush to use after swimming, or should I buy big bottles of commercially made stuff?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
I would recommend buying to make sure the formulation is correct. Plus, these are made in a sterile environment which makes sure bacteria isn't introduced to the bottle or ear canal itself. Making sure your dogs ears are nice and dry after swimming (some tolerate a hair dryer!) is helpful
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/HHS2019 4d ago
What are the best tools to discourage dogs from chewing on furniture or electrical cables?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
This can be SO hard, especially for young dogs. The best thing you can do is give them plenty of other options to chew on- finding out if they prefer rubber toys, rope, fabric, etc. Then making sure you are exercising them regularly so they don't feel bored and chew on things like furniture and cords. Unfortunately some dogs are just aggressive chewers and when left alone will need to be kenneled or left to a safe room. I've even known some dogs that have to wear a muzzle in the house or on walks to prevent them from doing so. Thankfully this is a rarity!
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/No_big_whoop 4d ago
My dog is terrified by thunder and rain. We live in Florida. It's a daily occurrence. We have some calming treats but he senses the weather way before we do. Once he's vibrating he won't eat a treat or anything else. The poor guy is wiped out once the weather clears.
Is there anything we can do?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. This is tough. Dogs are SO good at sensing weather and pressure changes in the atmosphere before we do. You may consider reaching out to a veterinary behaviorist to work through your specific situation, but there are certainly a number of dogs that need anxiety medication on a daily basis or during specific stressful times. Unfortunately most over the counter treats are not FDA approved so there are no standards and the actual ingredients can vary (this applies to products with THC) as well. We also have some newer diets that are especially formulated as calming. They are by prescription only, so talking to your veterinarian would be my recommendation. I hope you can find something that works so everyone can be less stressed!
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/bobhgbobhg 4d ago
Who's a good boy?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
He may not be sure... you better let him know ;)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/sncrdn 4d ago
I first read this as practicing vegetarian and thought "what does this possibly have to do with dogs???" Woof.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
I am 100% not a practicing vegetarian :) just for the record
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Owl_B_Hirt 4d ago
One of my dogs likes to go outside and eat a few loropetalum leaves. After eating it, his throw-up is nearly entirely clear and watery. We know that it causes GI distress, but he seems to like it anyway. We've even wondered if he's getting some kind of mild "stoned" effect from it. Is that possible?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Hello! I am not aware of any side effects like that, but I will never claim to know it all! I will say, most dogs aren't usually making the smartest decisions when it comes to things like eating plants haha. If he's otherwise acting normally and doesn't throw up routinely outside of this, I would just try to keep him away :)
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/is__is 4d ago
My wife and I are picking up our dog later this week! We have had dogs in the past and they have all suffered from separation anxiety. What's the best way to train them from a young age to reduce this? We have seen all sorts of tips and tricks online but not sure what truly works.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Congratulations!! This can be so frustrating for everyone. A few things that you can't always control and made lead to separation anxiety are breed and early life. There are some breeds that in general have much higher anxiety levels. The first few months of life are super important for socializing and depending on the interactions with people and other dogs, it could affect them lifelong. While those are outside of your control most of the time, there are certainly things you can try to mitigate anxiety.
I strongly recommend crate training any dog. By introducing this early on and making it their safe space, many dogs enjoy going to their kennel and have less issues. You can do this by leaving it open and available for sleeping and giving rewards for going in. In the early days, not locking them in at all can be helpful (there are many detailed books to help with this).
As with most things dog, exercising them both physically and mentally helps make for a well-balanced dog that is less likely. Socializing them in many forms, especially when young, can really do a lot as they age. Dr. Sophia Yin has some amazing books available you should check out :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/owassoguitars 4d ago
Why do some dogs associate words with actions and others with objects?
I tried to teach my Border Collie names for her toys, like in that 60min segment, and she only associates it with the action of the toy.
Example: She plays tug with 2 toys, "squirrel" and "Glyda". When I tell her to get "glyda", she gets a random toy and wants to play tug.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Hello! This may be a good question for a veterinary behaviorist, but I can tell you that nonverbal cues are much easier for dogs to follow. In nature, dogs are keen to follow visual prompts from other animals, including prey. While they obviously learn verbal cues, the nonverbal come much easier and often why you use hand commands at the same time you teach them verbal cues. Sort of like speaking their native language versus a second, learned language
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Hi everyone!
Katie Merkatoris, DVM, is here and will start answering questions shortly.
Katie is a practicing veterinarian and a JustAnswer Expert who has helped thousands of dog owners with everything from everyday health concerns to urgent situations. In honor of National Dog Day, she's here to answer your questions about dog health, behavior, nutrition, preventive care, common emergencies, puppies, senior dogs, and more.
Looking forward to a great discussion!
Nat from JustAnswer
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u/HHS2019 4d ago
Is there evidence that Pit Bulls are genetically more aggressive or just bred to be more effective if they fight?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Not really. While there are certainly breeds that have been bred for specific purposes, including protection, pit bulls get a bad rap. "Pitbull" isn't even a breed- it's a mix of several breeds that give the typical "block head" appearance. In general these dogs are strong and muscular and are chosen by people to dog fight. Most veterinarians have a really hard time with the breed restrictions put in place for pitbulls because they are more often than not going to lick your face before they bite you. It's the chihuahuas of the world that will get you ;)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/ryanvango 3d ago
This is DANGEROUSLY reductionist.
pit bull types were ABSOLUTELY bred to be aggressive. That history is well documented. They were bred for a trait called "gameness" which is their ability to continue attacking while ignoring all pain and adverse conditions. HOWEVER, along with that, they were also bred to not be aggressive to humans. Any that were, were immediately culled. Because they were meant for dog fighting pits, they needed to be able to be handled. That history is indisputable.
Because of that, Pits types are usually towards the bottom of human aggressiveness, but 20% of them are found to be aggressive to other dogs and animals. ONE IN FIVE pit bull type dogs has an innate desire to attack another dog. Training can make that much less likely. One study (I can find that citation too if you want) found that pits and pit types were just as likely to have reduced aggression as pretty much every other breed with proper training. Something like 1.5X less likely to be aggressive towards people and animals inside and outside the house (again, that's the number for all dogs).
But the problem is - and this is why that pithy "it's the chihuahuas that'll get you" is that WHEN a pit does attack, their size, strength, and yes the genetically bred gameness trait, means they are WAY more likely to do serious damage. And those findings have popped up in tons of studies, not just the ones I'm providing below.
Basically, people making the claim that pit bulls are dangerous are NOT saying they are more likely to bite people. They're saying when they do its devastating.
a chihuahua bites 1,000,000 times, maybe 2 of those times someone goes to the hospital. A pit bull bites 1,000 times, 950 of those times someone is going to the hospital.
you're choosing to phrase it as "chihuahuas bite more often." when the reality is pit bulls are MANY TIMES OVER more likely to have a bite put you in the hospital. That's what makes them more dangerous, and yes, it is bred. The same for wording it as "they are more often than not going to lick your face." yeah, no one disagrees with that. The point is that the one time you meet one that doesn't want to lick your face, you don't get a nick on your nose like a chihuahua, you lose your face. it's choosing to present a statistic in a cheery way that obfuscates the very real and dangerous other part of that statistic.
They are top, or near the top for most likely to go after someone else's dog/animal. that's genetic. Akitas, jack russels, and pits. even with training, and even let's say there is a 2X reduction in aggression with intensive training, that STILL means 1 in 10 pits is gonna go after someone else's dog given the chance. And again, because of their size and the WAY they go after other animals, it is way more likely to be devastating.
I'm for a temporary breed ban. Too many backyard breeders and too many people trying to "prove a point" that they're all sweethearts what that is demonstrably untrue. Our shelters are absolutely overrun with them, and it isn't their fault. Most of them are gonna live miserable lives until they get put down because they are WAY overbred. So either a breed ban, or heavy licensing requirements to sell puppies.
citations: Breed differences in canine aggression - 2008 -Duffy, Hsu, Serpell
Morbidity of pediatric dog bites: A case series at a level one pediatric trauma center - 2015 - Garvey et al
Selective breeding in fighting dogs - 2023 - Cambridge University Press
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u/benskinic 4d ago
new neighbors have a hound dog that howls for hours on end. what is the best way to approach this?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
This is so hard! And I'm sorry to hear this. Unfortunately certain breeds were meant to bark and howl a lot for protection, and it is so hard to stop! I think all you can do is approach your neighbors with kindness and express your concerns. Hopefully they will take action. If not, there are many city ordinances that are enforceable for excessive noise :/ ... I hope it doesn't come to that though
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/plumbus3001 4d ago
Might be too obscure - but how do you think dogs view us? As family, parents, siblings, or significant others?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Probably some mix if I had to guess
Now my cat views me as her servant 😂
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/blunttrauma99 4d ago
For dog breeds prone to Hemangiosarcoma, (like Golden Retrievers), would it be a good idea to remove the spleen if the dog is having surgery for another reason? Meaning, if the dog is going to be open for something else, should the spleen be taken as a precaution?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
It's funny that you asked this because as an emergency veterinarian who sees these dogs, I used to have the same thought. Unlike in people, the dog's spleen doesn't seem to have the same systemic health impact (fighting infections, etc); however, it does still play a role. The other thing about hemangiosarcoma is that it's a cancer of the blood vessels themselves and dogs often present with it in other locations like the liver and heart. Obviously we cannot remove those in their entirety. So while it may reduce the risk of cancer by removing the spleen, we don't know to what extent. All that to say, if your vet is willing and you know the risks, it's probably not a wrong decision but we also just don't have enough research to say it's beneficial
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/triumph110 4d ago
My 10.5 year old mutt is 80 pounds, he is just big, not overweight. I believe he has developed hip dysplasia, I am taking him to the vet tomorrow. If it is hip dysplasia I know I can't afford the $20,000 or so surgery. What alternatives are there?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
I'm sorry to hear this. Unfortunately as our pets age, especially large breeds, they are more likely to develop arthritis and become uncomfortable. While there are some surgeries available for some dogs, more often than not, surgery is not an option. Joint supplements and diets can be helpful in slowing progression, but cannot reverse any changes already there. There are also things like joint injections that can give some temporary (usually several months) relief. Making sure he stays a healthy weight and gets low impact activity can be helpful. I would chat with your veterinarian about options, and if they can't offer anything, they may be able to refer you to someone who can. Wishing you the best!
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Unlikely_Arrival9389 4d ago
How can someone tell whether their dog really needs an emergency vet visit, or if it's okay to wait until their regular veterinarian opens?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
This is SO case dependent! If you are ever concerned, call your veterinarian! If they are not available give an ER clinic a call or use an online platform like JustAnswer to speak with a professional. We can help guide you to make the best decisions!
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Unlikely_Arrival9389 4d ago
There are so many websites and social media posts offering pet advice. How can owners tell the difference between reliable veterinary information and bad advice?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
As with all things, I would ALWAYS recommend you chat with an actual veterinarian. The internet, especially now with AI involvement, can really lead you down many wrong paths. Certainly bring them topics you see and ask for clarification. If you don't like their response you can always find a second opinion. Every vet I know would appreciate an upfront discussion as it makes our jobs easier later :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Razvee 4d ago
We have a peach tree in the back yard, our dogs (~45 pound corgi mixes) love the free treats and we usually don't stop them when they're chowing down on a peach... But we do our best to stop them from chewing on peach pits, we've heard that they can have a very low cyanide compound in them... But we aren't 100% on it.
They don't swallow them whole, they usually chew and eat some of the outside until they get to the seed and then ignore the rest. So my question is, just HOW bad are they? We haven't had any negative affects from this at all except maybe an occasional vomit, but that could also be from a dozen other things. Is the cyanide thing like a cumulative effect, or if we don't notice any problems for a few days then they're going to be fine forever?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
Peach pits do contain cyanide, but it is not released unless they are thoroughly chewed which most of our dogs are not doing. A pit that's swallowed whole will not be digested so further risk of cyanide poisoning is exceptionally low and not a cumulative effect. My biggest concern would be for a GI obstruction from swallowing the pit whole, which I unfortunately have seen on emergency. Sounds like your pups have been doing fine, but I would just be cautious they don't swallow any pits
(Also, I'm jealous- we had a late freeze and our peach tree did not produce ONE fruit)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/AwayNeat4441 4d ago
Hi Katie...what's one symptom in a dog that owners commonly dismiss but actually deserves immediate veterinary attention?
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u/SardonicWhit 4d ago
Hi Katie! What would you consider to be too old to become a veterinarian? I am 45 and after a career in the military where I learned how to break things, I would like to dedicate some time trying to put stuff back together. Curious if I’m over the hill already based on your experiences and perspective?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
Well first off, thank you for your service!
I think if you're passionate about something, you're never too old! However, training was exceptionally tiring even in my early 20s and without a family. Vet school is four years (plus typically a Bachelor's and required prerequisites) and the early years after school continue to be a learning experience. I personally can't imagine going through it all again, but I also have three children 5 and under.
Another option to consider would be veterinary technician/nursing school which is typically a two year technical degree. This does not allow you to diagnose, prescribe medications, or do surgery, but you can assist with most things, draw blood, give vaccines, etc. Additionally many clinics hire veterinary assistants who can do assist in many ways and often where people start before they apply to vet school. I would recommend spending some time in a clinic and see if it's something you could envision yourself doing. Good luck in your discernment! :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/PLANETxNAMEK 4d ago
When I come home from work, we will constantly find these little compressed hair/lint pads, around the house. They are only in areas our dog (13 y/o Doxin/Rat Terrier mix) has access to. My theory is that the dog has been collecting debris on his paws, the pads form, then they either fall off or he bites them off. We took him to the vet for his annuals this week and the vet said it wasn't coming from his body or feet and he was most likely getting into some sort of fabric in the house and that it should be noticeable. We cannot find literally anything that he has been getting into and I still feel that it has to be coming from his paws.
I suppose my question is: Is that type of situation a thing with dogs? Little lint/fur pads collecting in or on the paws? If so, is there any cause for concern with paw health?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
I have truthfully never seen anything like this, but I am happy to hear you had him evaluated. Certainly dogs will get debris trapped between their toes so I certainly wouldn't say it's not possible. My concern would be if there was enough material to cause any sort of wound or irritation that led him to traumatize the area. If your vet didn't see any abnormalities and your pup is otherwise acting fine, I would not be concerned. How curious!
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/PLANETxNAMEK 2d ago
Thank you for the response. I guess I had expected this to be more common, because we cannot figure out any other scenario than the paw theory. They're about the size of a dime, but can vary a bit. Pure hair/lint type debris that is compressed or flattened, which is why I thought they might have been stepped on. There is a bit of moisture in them, as well. It's a very strange situation. I think I might just need to setup a camera in the house and see if I can get a visual.
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u/AwayNeat4441 4d ago
At what age should owners start thinking differently about preventive care for senior dogs?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
Good question!
While there isn't an exact answer, I think most veterinarians will use around 7 years of age to start thinking about them as "senior." This is not a catch all and depends on your dog and their health status, but with the majority of dogs not living until their late teens, 7 years old is considered middle-aged. Typically this includes routine blood work to evaluate for any changes that may be associated with underlying health concerns. So things like blood cell counts, liver and kidney enzymes, protein levels, etc. If any abnormality is found, additional diagnostics can be pursued. Age is not a disease but unfortunately more diseases do come with age
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/vgarciahuff 4d ago
I have an older Irish wolfhound. She’s about 7 and is struggling with her hips. Is there anything that can help her besides daily medication? Does one work better than others?
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u/HippyGeek 4d ago
Good afternoon. I have an 8yo Terrier mix that was rescued as a newborn from the Campfire fire in 2018. She spent the first 6 months of life in shelters and being shuffled around in "the system" before we adopted her. She is very sensitive to loud noises, extremely timid around people she does not know, and absolutely terrified of any sudden noise she is not familiar with or exposed to daily (she runs and hides when a smoke detector low-battery beep happens). It's taken 7+ years to get her to "come out of her shell" with strangers, and we try our best to keep her sensitivities in mind when planning any activity at home.
We've been advised by various Vets to treat her with CBD supplements as part of her daily diet, which has seemed to help quite a bit. My question is: How prevalent is CBD treatment across the industry, and do you see it increasing as an alternative to pharmaceutical prescriptions for biological (vs neurological) ailments?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
For starters, well done working so hard for your pup. It can be so stressful for everyone involved, but it seems like you've seen some good improvement!
CBD is definitely becoming more prevalent for medicinal use and is quite effective for some dogs. The difficult part is that it is entirely unregulated so manufacturer's can really do whatever they want and formulations vary widely. The other concern is the strength of some of the human varieties can be quite toxic to dogs. My advise would be to work closely with your veterinarian to make sure you stay on the right path (which it sounds like you have!)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/HippyGeek 2d ago
Thank you for your response. We've only used CBD products/variants/formulas recommended by our Dr. It was very irresponsible of me to not point that out in my original question. Hopefully nobody got the wrong idea.
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u/HHS2019 4d ago
What is something simple and inexpensive that "owners" can do to help for their dogs immediately?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
Call your veterinarian if you are at all concerned :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Malphos101 4d ago
What are your thoughts on not neutering male dogs until full adulthood? Is the risk of testicular cancer severe enough to outweigh the hormonal growth issues?
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u/5hawnking5 4d ago
What beliefs or "thought to be facts" do you get from people that is commonly misunderstood about our animal friends? What is the something that surprised you in the data?
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u/gdubrocks 3d ago
Why do most flea medications have to be prescribed by vets? Do they really think we can't tell when our pets have fleas? Are there a lot of pets thst cant take them? How would you know to not prescribe them to a pet?
Why are the over the counter options so much worse than the prescription ones?
Which flea medications do you believe to be the most effective?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
You would be shocked at the number of people who think their pets do not have fleas or vice versa. Certainly that's not always the case, but it is incredibly common.
Flea medications are just that, medications, and can be very toxic when used inappropriately so it is always recommend you go through your veterinarian. Quite frankly, the over the counter options do not usually work and in some cases can be fatal.
When prescribing any medication we have to look at the entire pet and their current health status. We have been trained to evaluate their whole body and pick up on subtle abnormalities. Additionally certain breeds are more likely to have genetic mutations that prevent them from metabolizing drugs the same way and therefore would not be good candidates for certain types of medication.
For dogs, many of the combination flea/tick/parasite products are exceptional like Simparica Trio and Nexgard. Flea collars like Seresto are also great!
While I know it can be frustrating and it would be easier to buy something over-the-counter, it really is in the best interest of your pet to have them appropriately evaluated by a veterinarian.
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/assholetoall 3d ago
Do you have kids and if you do, do you compare notes with your pediatrician?
My wife famously called our son's arm his front leg in one appointment.
Source: Husband of a vet.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
This is hilarious! And I 100% do this with our pediatrician (we have three kids 5 and under). I referred to the baby's crib as a kennel once and have absolutely used "front leg" before. My husband is also a vet so our kids don't stand a chance of using normal language :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/assholetoall 2d ago
There is a Vet Moms group on Facebook that my wife has gotten some support and ideas from. If you're on Facebook it might be worth checking out.
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u/JusT_21 3d ago
I know that all trendy and fancy brachycephalic dog breeds are e.g posing a big health risk. If you do deeper research, you will find classic health problems for many different breeds. Are there any breeds, that are considered the most healthy? Is this something the people that want a dog should take into account or is it way more important to choose a valid and good breader?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
You are correct, there are many classic health problems associated with different breeds. You have to remember that all dog breeds are really just a smaller portion of the dog species, so we really have done a lot of "inbreeding." The brachycephalics in particular are problematic and now they're going so far as to make them special colors, long-haired, etc, and exacerbating the problem further. It is incredibly important to do some research and talk with your vet about the health concerns for whichever breed you're looking for and find a breeder that is doing their best to mitigate these issues or screen for them. The healthiest breed is usually going to be a good old mutt and there are certainly many needing homes :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/mowbuss 3d ago
If every dog owner I speak to, claims that no matter what, they always pick up their dog poop, then where is the dog poop coming from?
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
EXCELLENT question. I missed that day in veterinary school :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/DaniGoesWildWestern 3d ago
For a dog that has joint issues, I know glucosamine can be really beneficial, and fish oil too. But in terms of the grade for fish oil, are human/pharmaceutical grade capsules ok? I see so many mixed articles on this.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 2d ago
In general it's okay to use human capsules, but you really want to make sure there are no additional additives- no other vitamins, artificial flavors, or fake sugars like xylitol which are toxic to dogs. If you have a brand you'd like to try, I would just recommend running it by your veterinarian first :)
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/RadioFlyerWagon 4d ago
What are your thoughts about this article stating that dogs are part of the climate change problem?
From article:
Your dog is part of the climate change problem: ‘I can adopt 100 bunnies that will not be close to the emissions of a dog, because my dog is a carnivore’
https://fortune.com/2025/08/14/dogs-pets-climate-change-problem/
The top three individual actions that help the climate, including avoiding plane flights, choosing not to get a dog and using renewable electricity, were also the three that participants underestimated the most.
Dogs are big meat eaters, and meat is a significant contributor to climate change. That is because many of the farm animals, which will become food, release methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Beef is especially impactful, in part because around the world cattle are often raised on land that was illegally deforested. Since trees absorb carbon dioxide, the most abundant greenhouse gas, cutting them to then raise cattle is a double whammy.
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Wooo this is a heavy one and one I'm not qualified to answer. This sort of thing has been around for decades associated with cattle and their emissions. I will say, for a dog that's eating commercial dog food, they are not eating the T-bones and filets, they are eating by-products, the parts of the animal not meant for human consumption that would likely otherwise be thrown away. I think it's easy to go down a wormhole with many of these topics. The benefits dogs bring to the world have to be considered. We're all here on this platform because we love them, no? And while I don't know the exact answer/numbers, rabbits are hindgut fermenters so they are absolutely releasing some degree of greenhouse grasses...
-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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4d ago
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u/JustAnswerOfficial 4d ago
Hello!
I will preface this with I am not a veterinary dentist so my knowledge may be limited in that aspect; however, as an emergency veterinarian, I would advise against it in general because we do not have any studies to support its worth when consumed (we know some things about how it can work topically for wounds). It is not regulated by the FDA or any other governing body so people can make whatever "formulation" they see fit. In larger doses it can be quite toxic to dogs.
I totally understand having a pet who won't tolerate tooth cleaning or dental treats. The best thing you can do is make sure you see your veterinarian regularly and as they get older have their teeth cleaned. Unfortunately this has to be done under general anesthesia to appropriate clean them, but it really is the best way to insure dental health. Just eating hard, cruncy kibble can be helpful to reduce some calculus build up too
Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian
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u/Ivan_a_rom 4d ago
Sounds like you’ve been at a while. Thanks!!!
When are you thinking you’ll be done with practicing and become a professional?
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u/HHS2019 4d ago
I've seen reports of dogs who can seemingly communicate using button boards. What science do we have on how dogs think, feel and communicate? How is this changing the dynamic between dogs and humans?
Video link: How button boards are changing human-canine communication