Author Archives: skeptvet

Should we have a Recognized Specialty in Veterinary Palliative and Hospice Care?

From both my twenty-five years of clinical practice as a general practice vet, and also my work studying aging in dogs, I have developed a particular interest in the care of senior pets. One important aspect of this care is … Continue reading

Posted in General, Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 6 Comments

Purina Institute Global Summit 2026

I was privileged to be asked to speak at this event on the subject of using biomarkers to support a more proactive, preventative approach to pet health. Below you can find the recording of this session as well as the … Continue reading

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Royal Canin Vet Symposium 2026: My Talks on Healthy Aging in Pets

I gave the opening plenary at this conference on the subject of Healthy aging, and also did a deep dive into potential measures of biological age. Enjoy!

Posted in Aging Science, Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews | Leave a comment

What’s in a Name? Is Expertise Even Real in a World of Toothiologists?

“Nutritionist” isn’t a protected term. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. “Dietician” is the legally protected term. “Dietician” is like “dentist”, and “nutritionist” is like “tooth-i-ologist.” Dara O’Biain In one of the most insightful and frighteningly prescient books I’ve read, The Death … Continue reading

Posted in General, Nutrition | 6 Comments

Evidence Update- Cranberry for UTI

Several times in the past, I have written about he potential usefulness of cranberry extract in various forms for treating or preventing urinary tract infections (UTI) in dogs and cats. The last time I covered the subject was way back … Continue reading

Posted in Herbs and Supplements | Leave a comment

Acupuncture at GV20 (Bai-Hui) for Sedation

I was recently asked about a specific acupuncture technique which pops up from time to time– needling or injecting medications at the location known as GV20 for calming or sedating effects. It is always problematic to evaluate specific claims in … Continue reading

Posted in Acupuncture | 1 Comment

Is Alternative Medicine Compatible with Science?

Why ask the question?The question implies a conflict, a potential incompatibility. If this doesn’t actually exist, then the subject is moot and we can all go home early.  Proponents of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM- also labeled “holistic,” “integrative,” … Continue reading

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews, Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 2 Comments

What is Evidence-based Medicine, and Why does it Matter?

I am preparing a series of lectures for an upcoming conference, and it has given me a chance to reflect on some of the core ideas that have always driven this blog– the challenges created by our human limitations and … Continue reading

Posted in Presentations, Lectures, Publications & Interviews, Science-Based Veterinary Medicine | 2 Comments

Gnawing at the Roots: Hidden aging processes undermining the foundations of health.

I was recently privileged to give a brief talk at the Hill’s Global Symposium focusing on aging in veterinary patients. This is a very quick summary of merely one example of how understanding aging mechanisms can create opportunities for developing … Continue reading

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Vaccine Hesitancy and Denial Among Pet owners

I have written and spoken often about the influence of the anti-vaccine movement on veterinarians and pet owners. Recently, I was interviewed along with other science-base diets for an article in the New York Times bringing some mainstream media attention … Continue reading

Posted in Vaccines | 1 Comment