Articles by Dr. Shea Cox, DVM, CVPP, CHPV
Dr. Shea Cox, DVM, CVPP, CHPV
Dr. Shea Cox is the founder of BluePearl Pet Hospice and is a global leader in animal hospice and palliative care. With a focus on technology, innovation and education, her efforts are changing the end-of-life landscape in veterinary medicine.
![Woman in striped dress shirt using an acupuncture needle on a senior Chihuahua dog]()
healthCan Dogs Get Acupuncture?
Find out if this complementary and alternative medicine is right for your pup.
Find out if this complementary and alternative medicine is right for your pup.
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healthThree Dogs in Houston Died of Heatstroke. Here’s How to Prevent This
Temperatures are rising dangerously. Keep your pet safe with these tips.
Temperatures are rising dangerously. Keep your pet safe with these tips.
![Close up photo of Corgi dog staring up at a flying bee]()
healthWhat to Do If Your Dog Gets Stung By a Bee
From how to get the stinger out at home to when it’s time to go to the ER.
From how to get the stinger out at home to when it’s time to go to the ER.
![A dog getting its head checked for ticks]()
health5 Myths About Ticks That Every Dog Parent Should Know
Found a tick on your dog? A veterinarian breaks down everything you need to know.
Found a tick on your dog? A veterinarian breaks down everything you need to know.
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lifestyleHow to Keep Your Dog Safe at the Beach This Summer
5 tips to help your pup have fun in the sun — safely.
5 tips to help your pup have fun in the sun — safely.
![A woman and a man grilling outside with a dog.]()
health9 Ways to Keep Your Pup Safe From Common Memorial Day Hazards
It’s the unofficial start of summer, and you don’t want to spend it at the emergency vet.
It’s the unofficial start of summer, and you don’t want to spend it at the emergency vet.
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lifestyleTwo Georgia Dogs Died After Consuming the Toxic Sago Palm
It looks cute, but this plant is incredibly deadly to dogs. Here’s everything you need to know.
It looks cute, but this plant is incredibly deadly to dogs. Here’s everything you need to know.
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healthMy Dog Ate Weed: What Should I Do?
If you think your dog ate marijuana, here are the signs to look out for.
If you think your dog ate marijuana, here are the signs to look out for.
![A dog with its eyes closed and mouth open sitting on a hardwood floor.]()
healthHow to Help a Choking Dog and Prevent Choking In the First Place
Learn about the causes and what to do for a choking pet.
Learn about the causes and what to do for a choking pet.
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Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Causes and Treatment
Don’t panic: It’s called reverse sneezing, and in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about.
Don’t panic: It’s called reverse sneezing, and in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about.
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Don’t freak out—here’s what to do.
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healthHow to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Hot Spots on Your Dog
Unfortunately, this term refers to a “summer sore,” not a club coveted by SNL’s Stefon.
Unfortunately, this term refers to a “summer sore,” not a club coveted by SNL’s Stefon.
![woman celebrates New Year's eve with her dog]()
lifestyle11 New Year’s Resolutions For Dog Parents Looking to Level Up
You already do a great job as your pup’s parent — but here are some shiny new goals for keeping them happy and healthy in 2024.
You already do a great job as your pup’s parent — but here are some shiny new goals for keeping them happy and healthy in 2024.
![Same sex couple with their dog lying on the bed laughing at his farts]()
healthWhy Do Dogs Fart? Causes and Remedies for Dog Flatulence
Expert solutions for your pup’s unfortunate flatulence.
Expert solutions for your pup’s unfortunate flatulence.
![Pug dog scooting on a wooden floor in the kitchenFunny dog enjoying scratching his bum on grass at public dog park.]()
A vet on what to do when “anal sacs go bad.”
![A black dog with a tilted head looks attentively at the camera while sitting in grass.]()
From bloody poop to diarrhea—all your dog’s poop problems explained.
![A dog taking a bite of a treat next to a decorated Christmas tree.]()
health8 Holiday Hazards That May Be Fun For You But Not Your Pet
Tips for keeping your pet merry this season.
Tips for keeping your pet merry this season.
![Veterinarian examining a dog]()
healthHGE in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Certain symptoms could mean your dog is battling a potentially fatal condition called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Here’s everything you need to know.
Certain symptoms could mean your dog is battling a potentially fatal condition called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Here’s everything you need to know.
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healthThe Holidays Are Prime Time for Pancreatitis—Here’s How to Protect Your Dog
With all the festivities (and eating!) afoot, it’s extra important to know how to prevent the disease.
With all the festivities (and eating!) afoot, it’s extra important to know how to prevent the disease.
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Scarier than Halloween Kills.
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healthDo Hypoallergenic Dogs Really Exist?
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox separates fact from fiction when it comes to low-shedding breeds.
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox separates fact from fiction when it comes to low-shedding breeds.
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healthGiardia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment of This Parasite
If your dog drinks from puddles or splashes around in lakes, read this.
If your dog drinks from puddles or splashes around in lakes, read this.
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healthWhat 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.
A vet explains when you can treat the injury at home — and when it’s best to seek professional help.
![Dog laying on couch looking embarassed]()
healthParaphimosis In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Paraphimosis
It’s no laughing matter. Try these at-home treatments — and if they don’t work, take your dog to the vet ASAP.
It’s no laughing matter. Try these at-home treatments — and if they don’t work, take your dog to the vet ASAP.
![Small black pug in a red banana sitting in grass and looking up at camera, dogs eyes getting cloudy]()
healthEverything You Need to Know About Cataracts in Dogs
Here’s how to spot the eye condition and help your dog see more clearly.
Here’s how to spot the eye condition and help your dog see more clearly.
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healthWhy Foxtails Are So Dangerous for Your Dog
Late spring is prime time for these blades of grass that pose a serious risk to your pup.
Late spring is prime time for these blades of grass that pose a serious risk to your pup.
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health“Old Dog” Vestibular Disease and Treatment
If you have an older dog, they could have a condition called idiopathic “old dog” vestibular disease. Here's everything you need to know.
If you have an older dog, they could have a condition called idiopathic “old dog” vestibular disease. Here's everything you need to know.
![Jack Russel Terrier mixed breed dog laying on his back on a white and gray rug getting his belly rubbed by his owner]()
You can do a DIY exam on your dog from your couch.
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nutritionHow You Can Easily Manage Your Dog’s Weight
Keep your pup’s weight down, and you could add years to their life. What’s better than that?
Keep your pup’s weight down, and you could add years to their life. What’s better than that?
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It might be a sign of a bigger issue.
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healthDIY Pet Physical Exam: How to Check Your Dog’s Breathing & Skin
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to get comfortable checking your dog’s breathing, respiratory rate, and skin hydration.
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to get comfortable checking your dog’s breathing, respiratory rate, and skin hydration.
![Rottweiler puppy chewing on a white flower in a garden]()
healthSnail Bait Poisoning in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
It may protect your plants, but at what cost? A veterinarian explains how this toxin may keep your garden safe — but it’s extremely toxic to dogs. Here’s everything you need to know.
It may protect your plants, but at what cost? A veterinarian explains how this toxin may keep your garden safe — but it’s extremely toxic to dogs. Here’s everything you need to know.
![Brown dog with golden eyes leaning on fence]()
healthIs Your Senior Dog Sundowning?
If your senior dog seems confused, restless, or irritable after dark, they may have sundowners syndrome. Here’s how to deal.
If your senior dog seems confused, restless, or irritable after dark, they may have sundowners syndrome. Here’s how to deal.
![A shorthair cat itching.]()
healthAdvantage vs. Advantix: Not the Same Thing
Don’t make this dangerous mistake when picking out flea prevention products.
Don’t make this dangerous mistake when picking out flea prevention products.
![Dog laying his head on owners lap while owner holds his ears.]()
healthDIY Physical Exam Part 2 — How to Check Your Dog for Infections
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to assess your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to assess your dog’s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
![A pet parent checks their dog's stomach.]()
healthDIY Physical Exam Part 4 — How to Examine Your Dog’s Stomach and Skeleton
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to properly examine your dog’s stomach and musculoskeletal system.
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to properly examine your dog’s stomach and musculoskeletal system.
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healthDIY Physical Exam Part 1 — How to Check Your Dog’s Vitals
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to take your dog’s temperature, find their pulse, and check their heart rate.
Veterinarian Dr. Shea Cox on how to take your dog’s temperature, find their pulse, and check their heart rate.
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healthDoes My Dog Have Cushing’s Disease?
Hyperadrenocorticism can be dangerous. Find out how to spot and treat it.
Hyperadrenocorticism can be dangerous. Find out how to spot and treat it.
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healthScared Stiff: How to Spot Tetanus in Dogs
Yes, dogs can get tetanus too — and not just from rusty nails.
Yes, dogs can get tetanus too — and not just from rusty nails.
- health
Are Marrow Bones Safe for Dogs?
Dr. Shea Cox warns pet parents about the unexpected dangers of dog bones.
Dr. Shea Cox warns pet parents about the unexpected dangers of dog bones.
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healthWhat to Do If Your Dog Eats Gorilla Glue
The goo in that green-and-orange bottle can cause serious harm — get your dog to the vet ASAP.
The goo in that green-and-orange bottle can cause serious harm — get your dog to the vet ASAP.
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healthBromethalin Toxicity in Dogs
It might sound obvious, but these rodenticides are harmful to pups.
It might sound obvious, but these rodenticides are harmful to pups.
![Girl Carefully Hugs A Sick Lying Dog]()
healthHow Pet Hospice Can Help When It’s Nearly Time
Veterinary hospice and palliative care expert Dr. Shea Cox, DVM, on an alternative to euthanasia.
Veterinary hospice and palliative care expert Dr. Shea Cox, DVM, on an alternative to euthanasia.
![Sick dog being pet and comforted by her owner]()
healthZinc Toxicity in Dogs: Common Cents Caution for Pets
Swallowing a penny comes at a high price for dogs.
Swallowing a penny comes at a high price for dogs.
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healthVets Issue A Warning After Two Dogs In Missouri Pass Away From Leptospirosis
The deadly disease is most common in autumn and late summer. Find out how to keep your pup safe.
The deadly disease is most common in autumn and late summer. Find out how to keep your pup safe.
![Dalmatian and Great Dane mixed dog at the vet being checked on by a nurse in bright green scrubs]()
healthBeware of Bloat in Dogs
Consider it the mother of all dog emergencies — if your dog has it, take them to the vet ASAP. Learn how to spot the condition and how it's treated.
Consider it the mother of all dog emergencies — if your dog has it, take them to the vet ASAP. Learn how to spot the condition and how it's treated.
![Black cat with white spots on its fur laying on a light blue blanket while wearing a con around its head]()
healthBe Prepared: Four Pet Emergency Room Essentials for Pet Parents
Lay the groundwork for quick, low-stress treatment.
Lay the groundwork for quick, low-stress treatment.
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Step one: Get your pup to the vet ASAP.
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health15 Things You Think Are Toxic for Dogs — But Actually Aren’t
From (human) prescription meds to poinsettia plants, these "toxic" items may not be so bad for your pup.
From (human) prescription meds to poinsettia plants, these "toxic" items may not be so bad for your pup.
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healthRaw Dough and Dogs Don’t Mix
Active yeast puts dogs at risk for obstruction and alcohol poisoning.
Active yeast puts dogs at risk for obstruction and alcohol poisoning.
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lifestyleHow to Keep your Lawn Free from Urine Spots
Hint: Those “grass-saving” supplements for dogs don’t work — and may even harm your pup.
Hint: Those “grass-saving” supplements for dogs don’t work — and may even harm your pup.
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behavior7 Weird Dog Behaviors Explained
Chasing their tails, eating grass, and rolling in garbage — should you worry?
Chasing their tails, eating grass, and rolling in garbage — should you worry?
![A black and crown dog and a white poodle sitting on a couch covered in a white blanket with a red heart-shaped balloon between them]()
healthBlood Donor Dogs: The Importance of Canine Blood Transfusion
Can your dog give the gift of life?
Can your dog give the gift of life?
![A woman opening a beer bottle while sitting next to her dog.]()
healthAre Hops Poisonous to Dogs?
If you’re home brewing beer, beware of this highly toxic bitter plant.
If you’re home brewing beer, beware of this highly toxic bitter plant.
