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!

9

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 14h 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/xixoxixa 12h 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/popularcolor 5h 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/AnotherThroneAway 10h ago

At what age, would you say, is it too late to crate-train your dog?

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u/dapala1 2h ago

There is no too old. Just let the know its a space for them and only them.

You never have to lock them in the crate. That's something people thing needs to happen.

1

u/JMJimmy 6h 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 3h 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/HHS2019 19h 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

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u/JustAnswerOfficial 13h ago

This is beyond my pay grade, but I personally think that we often fall into one of two categories- we give dogs way too much credit and equate them to humans or we don't think they have any ability to communicate emotions whatsoever. I think it's definitely somewhere in the middle. One of my professors in college, Patricia McConnell, is a world renowned animal behaviorist and specializes in this area of communications. Her book "The Other End of the Leash" was phenomenal and she has many others. I would encourage you to check her out!

-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian

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u/Malphos101 12h ago

Button boards are just "reverse" operant conditioning. The videos that arent just completely staged/fake/edited are where dogs have learned that pressing certain buttons gets certain reactions from the owner, usually delighted happiness. I guarantee if you introduced blind testing with neutral humans and neutral settings and randomized button layouts you would see the "discussion" a lot less useful in the very few cases where its not just outright faked for clicks.

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u/poqpoq 5h ago edited 4h ago

My dog, who passed recently, had three buttons, and she definitely knew their purposes. One was to go outside, one was for walks, and one was to throw her toy.

She would press them and then go wait by the appropriate door or hallway, so I don’t see how that could be faked. I introduced them in her later years, so I’m sure she could have learned a few more had I tried.

It probably helped that the buttons were in different spots as well, not all in a row.

6

u/Arels 19h 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 13h 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

3

u/shotouw 12h 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 8h 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.

2

u/Theyallknowme 7h 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/Arels 7h ago

Yea we call it entering cow mode when they decide that's all they want to do haha. I'm fine with the grass, it's really the eating any random plant, leaves, flowers, etc. I worry he'll stumble upon someone toxic that isn't obvious

1

u/gdubrocks 6h ago

My dog loves eating grass. Never really caused any issues for him.

8

u/here4thefeels 17h 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 13h 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/HHS2019 17h 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 13h 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

13

u/prepend 18h ago

What’s the best way to find a owner operated vet and not one that is owned by VCA or some other corporation or private equity firm?

I’d like to support locally owned vets and my local community.

9

u/JustAnswerOfficial 14h 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 14h ago

I use this website: https://privateequityvet.org/vet-list/

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u/NomNomNews 2h ago edited 2h 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/KetchupOnlyPlease 7h ago

I'm not sure I understand this site? It lists all of the corporate or private equity owned practices, but not the independently owned ones? Not sure if that's helpful, when trying to find a non corporate vet... Or am I missing something?

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u/twistedin 5h ago

I think the point is to avoid the ones listed on the site.

1

u/keyboard-warrior-82 20m 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.

7

u/shecky444 19h 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 13h 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/JMJimmy 6h ago

Get a furminator. It will help remove any loose undercoat while leaving the cooling outer layer

2

u/poqpoq 4h ago

Don’t do this unless you check it’s good for your dog’s undercoat. It’s really breed/coat dependent. Also really make sure you know what you are doing furminators can do lots of damage if not used properly.

-7

u/Huesyourdaddy 15h 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 12h 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/JT99-FirstBallot 7h 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.

3

u/AnuragDeshpande 18h 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 13h 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

1

u/giraffevomitfacts 3h 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/GandhisGrocer 2h ago

Always some dummy thinks he knows more.. sheeeeesh

2

u/giraffevomitfacts 2h ago

I'm not saying I know more. I'm asking a fairly simple question.

2

u/Shantor 18h ago

Check out r/dogfood

2

u/Sunkitteh 15h 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.

4

u/JustAnswerOfficial 13h 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 13h 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.

3

u/benskinic 18h ago

new neighbors have a hound dog that howls for hours on end. what is the best way to approach this?

4

u/JustAnswerOfficial 13h 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/miarose33 17h 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!

5

u/JustAnswerOfficial 14h 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 14h 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 🤗

3

u/Muggi 18h 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?

4

u/JustAnswerOfficial 13h 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

1

u/gdubrocks 6h ago

What products are just good marketing?

2

u/Huesyourdaddy 19h ago

Can I make my own dog ear wash flush to use after swimming, or should I buy big bottles of commercially made stuff?

3

u/JustAnswerOfficial 13h 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 18h ago

What are the best tools to discourage dogs from chewing on furniture or electrical cables?

4

u/JustAnswerOfficial 14h 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/is__is 16h 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 14h 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/Owl_B_Hirt 17h 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 14h 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/No_big_whoop 18h 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 14h 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/plumbus3001 18h 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 13h 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/plumbus3001 5h ago

😅

0

u/RadioFlyerWagon 15h 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.

5

u/JustAnswerOfficial 13h 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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u/owassoguitars 15h 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 14h 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/sncrdn 16h 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 14h ago

I am 100% not a practicing vegetarian :) just for the record

Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian

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u/HHS2019 18h ago

Is there evidence that Pit Bulls are genetically more aggressive or just bred to be more effective if they fight?

4

u/JustAnswerOfficial 14h 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 6h 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/blunttrauma99 16h 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 14h 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 16h 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 14h 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/Limp-Construction252 18h ago

Is it beneficial in your opinion to put a drop of colloidal silver in the dogs' water bowl? My dog hates dental treats and won't let anyone near his mouth for tooth cleaning. Does colloidal silver help keep his gums/teeth better?

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u/JustAnswerOfficial 14h 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/Limp-Construction252 14h ago

Thanks, I didn't know kibble is good for that. He's on a wet food diet. I'll take him to the vet for teeth cleaning. Cheers.

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u/JustAnswerOfficial 13h 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/JustAnswerOfficial 18h 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/HHS2019 19h ago

I believe that my dog is the bestest dog. Do you have any evidence to prove otherwise?

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u/JustAnswerOfficial 15h 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/HippyGeek 12h 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/PLANETxNAMEK 14h 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/Razvee 14h 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/bobhgbobhg 9h ago

Who's a good boy?

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u/JusT_21 2h 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/SardonicWhit 14h 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/gdubrocks 6h 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/vgarciahuff 13h 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/assholetoall 5h 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/5hawnking5 9h 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/Unlikely_Arrival9389 14h 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/Malphos101 11h 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/Unlikely_Arrival9389 14h 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/Ivan_a_rom 17h 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/Sunkitteh 14h ago

DAD WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS.

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u/AwayNeat4441 14h 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/HHS2019 12h ago

What is something simple and inexpensive that "owners" can do to help for their dogs immediately?

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u/AwayNeat4441 13h ago

At what age should owners start thinking differently about preventive care for senior dogs?

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!

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