
Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM
Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM, is a veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience in Emergency Medicine. He has worked in both large and small emergency and specialty veterinary practices treating a variety of species.
Recent Kinship articles by Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM
How to Check Your Dog’s Heart Rate
And why you might need to.
Why Is My Dog Shaking? Causes and Treatment
A vet explains why the weather isn’t always to blame.
Why Is Your Dog Throwing Up Clear Liquid?
It’s weird and concerning for any pup parent. Here’s why your dog may be doing this.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
The answer is no, no, no — and here’s why.
Why Is My Dog Always Hungry?
If your dog always seems hungry and is acting abnormally, there could be a problem.
Why Is My Dog Breathing Heavy?
Don’t panic, but definitely talk to your vet if you’re worried about any of these conditions.
Why Is Your Dog’s Stomach Hard? What to Give a Bloated Dog
And when to be concerned.
Should You Give Your Dog Cranberry Supplements?
Learn what the benefits are.
How to Soothe a Dog’s Cough—Home Remedies and Safe Medications
Thankfully, there are ways to help them.
10 Things You Should Know About Your Cat’s Anal Glands
You may not want to, but you should...
Ear Mites in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Here’s how to spot and treat these very contagious critters that target your dog’s ear canals.
Are Essential Oils Safe for Your Dog?
Understand the risks.
How to Prepare for Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
The list is long, but you can do it!
How to Keep Flies Off Your Dog
Shoo, fly!
Why Do Your Dog’s Ears Smell?
Recognizing the signs of ear problems early can help to identify issues before they get out of control.
Can Food Cause Anal Gland Issues in Dogs?
Learn what else might affect this issue.
Are Dogs Lactose Intolerant?
They really want that cheese...
Mange in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment for the Canine Skin Condition
Cool, cool, cool (heavy sarcasm here). These are some steps you can take.
Should I Give My Dog Antler Dog Chews?
There are some safety concerns you need to know.
Can Dogs Have Alopecia?
And what to do about it.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Grass?
Nature is nice. Itching? Not so much.
Why Does Your Dog Keep Gagging But Not Throwing Up?
What’s goin’ on there, pal?
Can Cats Be Allergic to Dogs?
They may not be the biggest fans sometimes, but that’s different.
Why Does My Dog Whimper?
They sound so sad...
Canine Eye Infections: How to Treat Your Dog’s Eye Infection
They aren’t fun, but you can’t leave them alone.
Why Does My Dog Have Black Spots on Their Skin?
Is that normal?
Cloudy Eyes in Dogs: Causes, Risks, and How to Manage Vision Changes
There are a few possible reasons for your pup’s murky stare.
My Cat’s Butt is Bleeding. What Should I Do?
Seems like an emergency. Is it?
Can Your Dog Get Pink Eye?
You won’t like the answer, but thankfully there’s a solution.
Why Does My Cat Follow Me Everywhere?
Yes, they are right behind you.
Are Roses Toxic to Cats?
They sure do like sniffing around those bouquets...
When and How to Express Your Cat’s Anal Glands
Ick. It won’t be fun, but here’s how to get the job done.
Why Is My Cat Twitching in Their Sleep?
Sure, it’s curious—but is it also concerning?
Can Dogs See in the Dark? Does My Dog Have Night Vision?
Hopefully, they at least fare better than we do when the lights go out.
Paraphimosis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
It’s no laughing matter. Try these at-home treatments—and if they don’t work, take your dog to the vet ASAP.
Is My Dog Self-Aware? How to Measure Their Levels of Awareness
They notice more than you think.
Hot Spots in Dogs: What Are They, How to Treat Them, and How They Compare to Ringworm
From home treatments to holistic methods—and when to call a vet.
Understanding Limber Tail Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Seeing your pup’s normally perky tail go limp can be unnerving, but it’s really nothing to panic about.
Treatment for Your Dog’s Bleeding Anus: Home Remedies and Medical Options
It’s not a pretty problem, but here are your solutions.
What Colors Can My Dog See? We Compare Dog and Human Eyesight
Yes, dogs can see muted colors.
Are Dogs Color Blind? How Do We Know What Colors Dogs Can See?
It’s not all black and white.
How to Soothe a Dog with a Collapsed Trachea
Signs to look out for.
What Should You Feed a Dog With Diarrhea?
Keep it plain. Here’s why.
Is Kennel Cough Contagious?
What you need to know about this super contagious disease. (Hint: There’s a vaccine.)
How to Get Rid of Fleas — Proven Home Remedies
You can stop your home from becoming a literal flea circus.
How to Identify Fleas on Dogs and Humans
No one wants to find them, but here’s what to look out for.
Diagnosing Kennel Cough in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide
When to call the vet.
Can Cats Eat Raw Meat?
They seem awfully interested in meal prep.
How Far Can Dogs Hear?
There’s a reason that high-pitched noise can wake them out of a deep sleep.
Dog-Age Chart: Calculating Your Dog’s Age in Human Years
The math isn’t as cut and dry as you’d think.
Can Dogs Get the Flu from Humans?
Or is it OK to snuggle them close while we recover?
Why Does My Cat Throw Up After Eating?
That doesn’t seem normal...
How Do You Soothe Your Cat’s Itchy Skin?
Your miserable kitty would like to know, too.
Cat-Age Chart: Calculating Your Cat’s Age in Human Years
Know what to look for at every stage.
How Long Can a Puppy Be Left Alone?
Because you have to go places sometimes.
When Can a Kitten Be Neutered?
Learn the benefits of doing so ASAP.
When Can Puppies Drink Water?
And why it’s so important to keep them hydrated.
Can Dogs Be Depressed? Signs and Treatment for Canine Depression
Blue is a good name for a dog—not a good mood.
Why Does My Dog Walk Sideways?
It may not be anything serious, but you should understand the causes.
At What Age Can Puppies Have Bully Sticks?
They do like to use those chompers, but is this a safe alternative to your fingers?
Can I Put Coconut Oil on My Dog?
Plus, other alternatives that might be better.
Why Does My Cat Shed So Much?
When you’re a cat parent, your sweaters always feature at least some kitty hair.
Are Carnations Toxic to Cats?
If you receive this flower in a bouquet, keep it away from your cat.
Why Does My Dog Shed So Much?
The hair is everywhere.
Can Dogs Get Scabies?
And what to look for if you think your pup has them.
Best Way to Remove a Tick From a Dog
As hiking season continues, keep this bookmarked.
Are Roses Toxic to Dogs?
By any other name, it would smell as sweet. But what if your dog nibbles some?
How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?
Not that you want to be away from them anyway.
Can Dogs Get Congested?
How to look out for the signs your pup is feeling stuffed up.
Your Cat’s Anxiety—Explained
Because they’re probably not going to tell you why they just scratched the heck out of the couch.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Bite-size pieces of ripe, red tomatoes are safe—but you should skip the marinara sauce.
How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Tick
Ticks (literally) suck. Keep an eye out for them on your pup.
Ear Mites in Cats: When to Worry and Preventative Measures
Uh, ew. But also: Here‘s what you should look out for.
Dental Disease in Cats: Signs to Watch Out For and Prevention Tips
Much to their disappointment, taking care of your cat’s teeth is essential.
Can Cats Get Kennel Cough From Dogs?
The answer isn’t fun, but you can prevent this.
Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?
They might want to hurry up and be a big kid, but here’s why it’s good to wait.
Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog? Expert Insights on Proper Use
And alternatives you can use instead.
Can You Cut a Dog’s Whiskers?
These little guys actually serve a huge role on your dog’s body.
Why Does My Cat Have Bald Spots?
It only makes them cuter, but you may need to address the cause for this condition.
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide On Dogs?
And the risks you need to know.
Can I Give My Dog Pain Medication?
No, you should not give your dog over-the-counter pain medication for humans.
Can Dogs Get Sunburns? Signs, Treatment
It’s good to know ahead of all the summer fun you’re gonna have together.
Why Does My Cat’s Breath Smell?
Oof, that is bad.
Are Tulips Toxic to My Cat?
These flowers are cheerful, but you need to keep them far away from your kitty.
Can Dogs Get Skin Tags? Causes and Treatments
Yes, and here’s why you shouldn’t pick at them, even if you want to.
When Can a Puppy Get a Rabies Shot?
And what you should expect after they receive it.
Can Adult Dogs Eat Puppy Food?
They might still be your baby, but here’s why they need to eat like a grown-up.
Can Dogs Sweat?
Yes, but thankfully nothing like you do after a CrossFit workout.
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?
It’s worth asking, especially ahead of all those hikes you’ll take together this summer.
Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
No, no, no. Absolutely not. Here’s why.
Common Eye Problems in Cats and How to Treat Them
Just some things to keep an...eye on.
Why Do Dogs Sneeze?
Other than to completely freak you out.
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
Asparagus is a healthy snack for pups, but keep these tips in mind.
Can You Give Dogs Melatonin?
Why you should talk to your vet first.
Can Dogs Take Tylenol?
The short answer is no. Here’s why.
Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Why It Happens and What to Do
In addition to being adorable, it’s nothing to worry about.
Dry Paws on Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
You call them toe beans. Your vet uses more technical terms. Whatever they’re called, take care of them.
Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears at Home?
Heed all those cautionary tales about Q-tips.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Sick
Look out for these warnings signs so you know when to call the vet.
15 Amazing Facts About Dog Ears
There’s a lot more to your pup’s furry appendages than you might think.
My Dog Is Pooping Blood: What Should I Do?
It’s an alarming sight, but here’s what you should know.
How to Tell if Your Dog Is in Pain
And what to do to help them.
Top 10 Foods That Are Toxic to Cats
Sharing isn’t always caring. Keep your cat safe by keeping these human snack staples to yourself.
Can Cats Eat Corn?
A few kernels won’t hurt, but think twice before doling out a bowl of the stuff.
How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs?
If your teeth are chattering, theirs probably are, too.
Why Is My Dog’s Nose Running?
Their snout is like a leaky faucet. Should you be worried?
Can Dogs Get Colds?
We’re all sniffling this time of year. Learn if your pup can get a cold, too.
What to Do If You Find Worms in Your Dog’s Poop
Hopefully this isn’t info you’ll have to reference often, but here’s what you should know.
Can Dogs Get COVID?
The pandemic started nearly four years ago. Here’s what we know about dogs and COVID now.
Can Cats Actually Get the Common Cold?
They’re not exactly blowing their noses and rubbing Vicks on their chests, but here’s what you need to know.
Is My Cat Pregnant?
These are the signs of pregnancy in cats.
Why Is My Dog Coughing?
Seven reasons to be concerned when your dog is coughing.
How to Identify Dog Arthritis: Causes and Symptoms
As your pup ages, here’s how to spot arthritis and stay ahead of it.
Why Do Cats’ Eyes Glow in the Dark?
Those glowing orbs are actually a pretty useful result of evolution.
Are Orchids Toxic to Cats?
Find out whether you can get that elaborate flower arrangement—or if you should skip it.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges and Orange Peels?
Yes, Oranges are a Nutritious Treat for Dogs
Dogs’ Sense of Smell: What Can Dogs Smell?
There’s a reason that sweet little nose is always pressed to the ground.
Water Hemlock Poisoning in Dogs
Pet parents, watch out for a common — but deadly — plant.
Why Dog Parents Should Be Aware of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Right Now
It doesn’t just affect humans. Thankfully, this kind of wound infection is uncommon, but here’s what to look out for.
Vaccine Hesitancy Reaches the Dog World, Survey Finds
Let’s debunk some things right now for new pet parents with questions.
Are Lilies Toxic to My Dog?
This is one of those “no, but also yes” answers. Read on.
What to Do If Your Dog Has a Cracked, Broken, or Torn Nail
A vet explains when you can treat the injury at home — and when it’s best to seek professional help.
How to Treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Dogs
If your pup’s bathroom habits have changed, they might have a UTI. Here’s how to help.
Lymphoma Cancer in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Find out what causes lymphoma in dogs and how you can help your pup.
Neutering Male Cats: Behavior and Recovery Guide
If you’re bracing yourself for some wackiness, don’t worry — it won’t last forever.
Is Neosporin Safe for Dogs?
No, you should not use Neosporin on your dog’s wounds.
Glucosamine for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
You may have heard other pup parents praising this supplement. Here’s what a vet has to say.
What to Know About Fungal Skin Infections in Cats
Itchy and definitely not fun — here’s what to look out for.
What to Know About Eye Infections in Cats
Cats’ eyes are strikingly beautiful, but goopy, irritated eyes are not.
Everything You Need to Know to Care For Your Senior Dog
Your older dog is the love of your life. Here are some health issues to look out for.
What to Know About Rabies in Cats
There is one way to make sure your cat stays safe: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.
What You Need to Know About Cat Mouth Ulcers
How to spot, diagnose, and treat these lesions — cancerous or non-cancerous.