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I’m a dog lover whose professional career began at a veterinary publisher, where I proofread, copy edited, and wrote for a number of publications. Currently, I copy edit and regularly contribute to HealthyPet magazine.

In an image of a scanned version of a print magazine article, a tan chihuahua is shown with a first aid kit and stethoscope.

First Aid for Pets

When unexpected injuries happen, there are some things that pet parents can do, both before and during transport to a veterinary hospital. In addition, you can take steps to make sure you know what to do in case of a medical emergency. Learn more in this article from HealthyPet’s Fall 2022 issue.

In an image of a scanned version of a print magazine article, showing artwork of a map of the United States and travel destination photos.Unique, Pet-Inclusive Travel Destinations

This article from the Summer 2022 issue of HealthyPet magazine takes pet parents on a tour some unique, pet-inclusive destinations that might inspire them to book a pet-friendly trip.

In an image of a scanned version of a print magazine article, a veterinarian wearing a white lab coat with blue trim and a stethoscope holds a tan cocker spaniel and orange tabby kitten.

Bloodwork Basics (and Beyond)

What pet parent doesn’t wish their furry friend could tell them when they don’t feel quite right? Of course, our pets can’t tell us that, and unfortunately they’re also notoriously good at hiding many medical conditions. This Spring 2022 HealthyPet article highlights some of the tests veterinary professionals can run to get a peek at what’s going on inside your pet.

In an image of a scanned version of a print article, a multigenerational family, including a cat and a dog, gathers around a table with a turkey dinner at the center. A Christmas tree stands in the background.

Surprising Foods Pets Can and Can’t Consume: Holiday Edition

Holidays are prime time for food-related toxicities in pets. Some of the foods most toxic to pets are holiday staples, and other factors, like guests visiting, bring added risks. In this true/false quiz from the Winter 2021/2022 issue of HealthyPet magazine, dive in to a holiday smorgasbord to test your knowledge of some surprising human foods healthy pets can eat and less obvious foods that can make them sick (or worse).

In an image of a scanned version of a print article, an illustrated pet owner holds their yellow dog’s leash while a veterinarian examines the dog.

What You Need to Know About Pets’ Tummy Woes

Pets’ digestive issues can be messy, gross, disruptive, and even scary, signifying everything from minor bugs to serious conditions. In this article from HealthyPet magazine’s Fall 2021 edition, get to know which signs of digestive problems in dogs and cats are simply unpleasant—and which mean you should get veterinary help.

In an image of a scanned version of a print article, an illustrated family gathers with their pets.

Protecting Your Whole Family From Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases, or zoonoses, are those that humans and animals share. Learn more about these illnesses, who is at risk, and how to prevent their spread in my Summer 2021 article for HealthyPet.

 

In an image of a scanned version of a print article, an orange cat rests its head on a person’s arm while that person works on a laptop.How to Cope When Your Pet Plays Favorites

In this article for the Spring 2021 issue of HealthyPet magazine, I talk with Fear Free Happy Homes lead trainer Mikkel Becker and board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Liz Stelow about what is and isn’t normal when it comes to pets preferring one particular person.

In an image of a scanned version of a print article, an illustrated dog sits with an illustrated cat named Max and Luna, respectively.What’s in a [Pet’s] Name? Tips to Keep in Mind When Naming Your Pets

Whether you’re considering renaming an adopted pet or choosing a name for your brand-new puppy or kitten, here are some tips for selecting a pet-perfect moniker that I published in the Winter 2020/2021 issue of HealthyPet.

In an image on a scanned version of a print article, a black and white cat holds its paw over its eyes.

Could Your Pet Be Depressed? What To Do If You Think Your Pet Is Feeling Down

We all know pets can help ease depression in humans, but, as our pets’ advocates, we also need to be alert to changes in their behavior that might signal their own bout of depression—or even a medical problem affecting their disposition. Learn how to spot these signs in this article for the Fall 2020 issue of HealthyPet magazine.

PDF of an article showing an illustration of a pet parent and dog standing in front of the front desk at a veterinary office. Who’s Who in Your Vet’s Office

Ever wondered what everyone on the veterinary team does to help your pet? Learn who’s who in your vet’s office, as published in HealthyPet magazine’s Summer 2020 edition.

A hand reaches through a cage of rescue dogs to pet a brown, shorthaired dog wearing an orange ribbon, who blissfully closes its eyes.One Reason You Shouldn’t Get a Pet—and Five Reasons You Should

I am pleased to share this latest article on things to keep in mind when deciding to adopt a pet during this pandemic, as featured in Your Teen Magazine, a leading source of trusted advice for parents raising tweens and teens.

Your teen magazine logo

In an image of a PDF of a print magazine article, an adult cat licks a kitten.The Birds and the Bees of Cats and Dogs: What All Pet Parents Should Know About Pets’ Reproductive Health

With the help of a pet reproduction specialist, I provide answers to common questions about pets’ reproductive health in the Spring 2020 issue of HealthyPet magazine.

In an image of a PDF of a print magazine article, illustrated cats are climbing a cat tree.Ideas to Get Your Cat Moving

Also in HealthyPet’s Spring 2020 issue, I wrote this piece with tips for keeping indoor cats active in the home.

This image of a PDF of a print magazine article shows a dog in a car and another dog with an e-collar with his owner, then alone after he healed.Are You and Your Pet Prepared for an Emergency?

In this reported piece with a service element that ran in the Winter 2019/2020 issue of HealthyPet, I feature a pet parent who escaped a hurricane with her pets as well as the animal welfare organization that helped her and another animal-focused emergency responder.

An image of a PDF article showing a pet parent and pet sleeping together in bed.

Tips for Optimizing Your Pet’s Sleep So You Can All Have a Good Night

I turn to a veterinary behaviorist and a dog behavior consultant for tips for sleep training your pet and what to do if your pet won’t sleep for the Fall 2019 issue of HealthyPet.

Image of a PDF article showing travel destinations and pets enjoying them.Unique Travel Destinations for You and Your Pet

In Summer 2019, I feature pet-friendly destinations across the United States in HealthyPet magazine.

Image of a PDF of a print article with two dogs facing each other.Dog Park Safety

I also wrote a short piece with advice for safely visiting a dog park for the Summer 2019 issue of HealthyPet.

A therapist moves a dog's leg in an image of the PDF of a print article.Complementary Medicine and Alternative Therapies for Pets

In the Spring 2019 issue of HealthyPet, I cover complementary medicine and alternative therapies that are now considered a normal part of canine and feline physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The book cover for The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters shows a dog and a cat rubbing their faces together.The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters

In 2019, I had the pleasure of copy editing The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters, written by veterinarian Sara Pizano, DVM, MA.

In this image of a PDF print article, a dog is shown on leash.How to Help a Pet With Hearing Loss

I interview a professor of neuroscience at a school of veterinary medicine, along with an animal trainer and veterinary neurologist, then translate the scientific information into helpful advice for pet parents to recognize and help their pets cope with hearing loss.

A cat and dog are shown in this image of a PDF from a print article.Vision Impairment: What to Watch for and How to Help Protect Your Pet’s Eyes

A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist talks to me about eye health for pets in this Fall 2018 HealthyPet article.

A pet parent appears to greet or say goodbye to his dog at a boarding facility in this image of a print article.How to Prepare for Your Pet to NOT Join You on Your Trip

In this HealthyPet article from Summer 2018, I offer guidance for determining whether pets should avoid travel and how to select quality boarding facilities and pet sitters.

Image of a quiz from a print magazine, showing a cat with fleas or ticks.How Much Do You Know About Fleas & Ticks?; Involving Children in Your Pet’s Care; (Don’t) Give a Dog a Bone

HealthyPet’s Spring 2018 issue included a quiz I created, a service piece I wrote that helps pet parents determine when to include children in pet care and offers tips for keeping everyone safe with insight from veterinary behaviorists and an expert on the human–animal bond, and my news article on the dangers of bones.

In this image of a PDF, a dog sits in a car.Don’t Fall for These Dog and Cat Health Myths

In the Winter 2017 issue of HealthyPet, I bust some common myths about pet health.

An itchy dog and cat are shown in this image of a print article.Itchy Pet? Fall Allergies Might Be to Blame

Learn what signs of pet allergies pet parents should look for and how to help pets get relief, according to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, in this Fall 2017 HealthyPet article.

Pets are shown celebrating the holidays in this image from a print article.How to Include Your Pet in Your Holiday Celebrations

Here I share precautions pet parents should take around the holidays to keep their pets safe and healthy, as included in HealthyPet’s Winter 2016 edition.

Image of a print article.Cat-Napping the Night Away

In HealthyPet’s Winter 2009 behavior column, I offer pet parents advice for helping their cats sleep through the night, with the help of feline behavior specialists.

A dog wears a life jacket in this image of a print article.Summer Health Hazards

For the Summer 2007 issue of HealthyPet, I provide in-depth advice from veterinarians on protecting pets against hot-weather dangers.

A cat and dog sit beside each other in this image of a print article.Shared Space: Helping All Your Four-Legged Family Members Get Along

This HealthyPet article from Fall 2006 offers advice on keeping multiple pets under the same roof, without sending you through it!