Contributed by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM

An epidemic of obesity in both humans and companion animals has spawned a large trade in weight loss supplements. Some, such as those which contain ephedrine, have been eliminated from the market in the United States and Canada due to potential adverse cardiac effects. Some of the higher profile supplements [...]

Contributed by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Atopic dermatitis (atopy,) commonly referred to as “allergies” by pet owners, is the most common skin disorder diagnosed in dogs in many areas of the US.

Atopic dermatitis is a genetic disease in which the dog becomes sensitized to environmental proteins called allergens. Breeds commonly affected include West Highland White Terriers, [...]

Contributed by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM

A common problem in (usually) older dogs (and sometimes cats) is a condition called urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence means that the pet cannot totally control its ability to urinate. Typically, urinary incontinence causes a “leaky bladder.” Clinical signs often seen include finding “wet spots” under the pet where it sleeps, [...]

Contributed by, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM

I was recently asked the following question by a reader of my weekly newspaper column. It seems that the reader has a dog with demodectic mange and wanted to know which supplements she could use to boost the pet?s immune system while she undergoes the dipping regimen recommended by her [...]

Contributed by Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Selecting a type of health care is very much a personal choice. For those of us who have chosen an integrated approach, combining the best of conventional medicine with the best of “natural” therapies, the road began with a search for “something more” that conventional medicine was not able to [...]