For anybody who has visited the East Springfield Veterinary Clinic...the experience was not quite complete without a visit from Herman the cat. Whether feline or canine, rottweiler or poodle, Herman greeted his friends in the waiting room by walking up close and giving his distinct meow. Sometimes he became extra curious and would get involved by sneaking into an exam... Full story »

Question: I have a one year old DLH spayed female cat, Annabelle.(we brush her twice a day) She recently had a bout of constipation over the summer, had an enema at the regular vet and has been on lactulouse(1 ml) once every other day. She refuses moist foods, eats Eagleselect Holistic crunchies. We tried pumpkin and some plain yougurt, not... Full story »

If you still do not have an effective flea preventative on your pet, please go back to the previous discussion (Part I) as fleas are the most common pet allergy. The next most common reason for dogs to itch is from seasonal allergies. Many humans are allergic to pollens, grasses, and weeds which may cause upper respiratory problems. In animals,... Full story »

Our dogs elbows are rough, once a vet said get vitamin e caplets and break and rub liquid on them but this was messy, any thoughts? Also, our 18 month yellow (white more like it) lab is shedding like crazy, any thoughts on that, too? Answer: The skin on dogs elbows often gets thickened and rough. These are calloused elbows... Full story »

I'm always deluged with itchy pets in August. Pets get itchy for a variety of reasons, especially this time of year. The itch is usually caused by an underlying allergy...which then may progress to a secondary skin infection. This is when the pet really gets itchy! Sometimes this can be prevented, helping your pet stay comfortable and saving a trip... Full story »

Name: Jackie Question: I just read your comment in the MassLive Pet column regarding the person's Bichon Frise that was.....hit by a truck? That person does not need sympathy, they need a swift kick in the butt. How does a well cared for, properly protected, loved and cherished by their owner bichon frise get run over by a truck? People... Full story »

Name: Luann Question: my cat went blind in both eyes i believe and all she does is cry at the wall for a few minutes then lays down other then that she eats, drinks and still uses litter box.she is 17 just wondering if that is normal to just cry. does not look like she is in pain.  Full story »

Question: My cats urinate in my finished basement and on my athletic equipment. How can I stop this short of getting rid of them!! Please Help!! Answer: Ahh....such a common problem with not always an easy solution. I play hockey in a men's league with a guy who has the same problem. His hockey bag smells like a litter box.... Full story »

Question: Two days ago our 5 year old male bichon got hit by a truck and we were forced to say good bye to him. Our 3 year old female border collie mix has not been herself since. Usually very active and playful, she's laying around and seems depressed. Should we get her a companion right away or just let... Full story »

Question: Never had a cat before. We got one at the spca. After a couple of months she looked bored, so we got another one to keep her company. All is well except they both looked bored. They are inside cats.They have every toy available, cat trees ect, Help solve a dispute between my wife and I, your advise will... Full story »

Question: Our dog is 18 years old and I'm struggling with knowing when it is time to say good bye. Do you know of any sure signs to help in the decision making process. Answer: This is always a tough decision. I never suggest saying goodbye to a dog based on age...but of course, with age often comes problems and... Full story »

Question: My Terrier mix has extra claws growing on the side of her paws. Do they need to be removed? Answer: These are dewclaws. They are vestigial (remnants of evolution). Some dogs that have these may have longterm problems if they tend to get "caught on things" and traumatized. Other dogs tend to not have problems. I guess it depends... Full story »

Question: I recently had to take my 10 yr. old female cat to Boston Rd.Animal Hosp. She was dehydrated and after testing, she was diagnosed with chronic renal failure. The decision was made to give her fluids at home subq. I did this and she seemed to respond and looked a little better than she did. I know we are... Full story »

Question: I recently got a dog, and I am wondering how often does she need to get shots? Thanks. Answer: Congratulations on the new dog. Right away, you should always have your dog examined by a veterinarian to ensure that she is healthy. She should then be examined once or twice a year. You should bring in a fecal sample... Full story »

Question: Hello Doctor, I have two goldens a 4 year old male and his 2 almost 3 year old niece. The female has shown aggression towards other dogs to the point that I do not want to take her out in public to run, which is a shame since I know goldens need their exercise. How do I break her... Full story »