Articles by Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM

Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM

Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM is a small animal veterinarian based in North Carolina who has practiced emergency medicine since graduating from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. His primary interest areas include pain management, cardiology, and the treatment of shock.

He is a member of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, American Veterinary Medical Association, and American Medical Writers Association. In addition to his clinical work, he writes pet health articles to help provide accurate information for both new and experienced pet parents. When he’s not working, he enjoys cooking, traveling, reading, and going on adventures with his dog.

health | Why, Cat?!
Why Does My Cat Throw Up After Eating?
That doesn’t seem normal...
That doesn’t seem normal...
health
How Do You Soothe Your Cat’s Itchy Skin?
Your miserable kitty would like to know, too.
Your miserable kitty would like to know, too.
health
Cat Age Chart: Calculating Your Cat’s Age In Human Years
Know what to look for at every stage.
Know what to look for at every stage.
health
How Long Can a Puppy Be Left Alone?
Because you have to go places sometimes.
Because you have to go places sometimes.
health
When Can a Kitten Be Neutered?
Learn the benefits of doing so ASAP.
Learn the benefits of doing so ASAP.
health
When Can Puppies Drink Water?
And why it’s so important to keep them hydrated.
And why it’s so important to keep them hydrated.
health
Can Dogs Be Depressed? Signs and Treatment for Canine Depression
Blue is a good name for a dog—not a good mood.
Blue is a good name for a dog—not a good mood.
behavior
Why Does My Dog Walk Sideways?
It may not be anything serious, but you should understand the causes.
It may not be anything serious, but you should understand the causes.
nutrition
At What Age Can Puppies Have Bully Sticks?
They do like to use those chompers, but is this a safe alternative to your fingers?
They do like to use those chompers, but is this a safe alternative to your fingers?
health
Can I Put Coconut Oil on My Dog?
Plus, other alternatives that might be better.
Plus, other alternatives that might be better.
behavior | Why, Cat?!
Why Is My Cat Twitching in Their Sleep?
Why do they do it? Here are the top three reasons your cat twitches in their sleep — from sweet dreams to scary spasms.
Why do they do it? Here are the top three reasons your cat twitches in their sleep — from sweet dreams to scary spasms.
health
Why Does My Cat Shed So Much?
When you’re a cat parent, your sweaters always feature at least some kitty hair.
When you’re a cat parent, your sweaters always feature at least some kitty hair.
health
Are Carnations Toxic to Cats?
If you receive this flower in a bouquet, keep it away from your cat.
If you receive this flower in a bouquet, keep it away from your cat.
health
Why Does My Dog Shed So Much?
The hair is everywhere.
The hair is everywhere.
health
Can Dogs Get Scabies?
And what to look for if you think your pup has them.
And what to look for if you think your pup has them.
health
Best Way to Remove a Tick From a Dog
As hiking season continues, keep this bookmarked.
As hiking season continues, keep this bookmarked.
health
Are Roses Toxic to Dogs?
By any other name, it would smell as sweet. But what if your dog nibbles some?
By any other name, it would smell as sweet. But what if your dog nibbles some?
behavior
How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?
Not that you want to be away from them anyway.
Not that you want to be away from them anyway.
health
Can Dogs Get Congested?
How to look out for the signs your pup is feeling stuffed up.
How to look out for the signs your pup is feeling stuffed up.
health
Your Cat’s Anxiety—Explained
Because they’re probably not going to tell you why they just scratched the heck out of the couch.
Because they’re probably not going to tell you why they just scratched the heck out of the couch.
nutrition | Can My Dog Eat This?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Bite-size pieces of ripe, red tomatoes are safe—but you should skip the marinara sauce.
Bite-size pieces of ripe, red tomatoes are safe—but you should skip the marinara sauce.
behavior
Can Dogs See in the Dark?
Hopefully, they at least fare better than we do when the lights go out.
Hopefully, they at least fare better than we do when the lights go out.
health
How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Tick
Ticks (literally) suck. Keep an eye out for them on your pup.
Ticks (literally) suck. Keep an eye out for them on your pup.
health
Pancreatitis in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
health
Ear Mites in Cats: When to Worry and Preventative Measures
Uh, ew. But also: Here‘s what you should look out for.
Uh, ew. But also: Here‘s what you should look out for.
health
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.
Much to their disappointment, taking care of your cat’s teeth is essential.
health
Can Cats Get Kennel Cough From Dogs?
The answer isn’t fun, but you can prevent this.
The answer isn’t fun, but you can prevent this.
nutrition
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.
They might want to hurry up and be a big kid, but here’s why it’s good to wait.
health
Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog? Expert Insights on Proper Use
And alternatives you can use instead.
And alternatives you can use instead.
health
Can You Cut a Dog’s Whiskers?
These little guys actually serve a huge role on your dog’s body.
These little guys actually serve a huge role on your dog’s body.
health
Why Does My Cat Have Bald Spots?
It only makes them cuter, but you may need to address the cause for this condition.
It only makes them cuter, but you may need to address the cause for this condition.
health
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide On Dogs?
And the risks you need to know.
And the risks you need to know.
health
Can I Give My Dog Pain Medication?
No, you should not give your dog over-the-counter pain medication for humans.
No, you should not give your dog over-the-counter pain medication for humans.
health
Can Dogs Get Sunburns? Signs, Treatment
It’s good to know ahead of all the summer fun you’re gonna have together.
It’s good to know ahead of all the summer fun you’re gonna have together.
health
Why Does My Cat’s Breath Smell?
Oof, that is bad.
Oof, that is bad.
health
Are Tulips Toxic to My Cat?
This Mother’s Day, keep these flowers far away from your cat.
This Mother’s Day, keep these flowers far away from your cat.
health
Can Dogs Get Skin Tags? Causes and Treatments
Yes, and here’s why you shouldn’t pick at them, even if you want to.
Yes, and here’s why you shouldn’t pick at them, even if you want to.
health
When Can a Puppy Get a Rabies Shot?
And what you should expect after they receive it.
And what you should expect after they receive it.
nutrition
Can Adult Dogs Eat Puppy Food?
They might still be your baby, but here’s why they need to eat like a grown-up.
They might still be your baby, but here’s why they need to eat like a grown-up.
health
Can Dogs Sweat?
Yes, but thankfully nothing like you do after a CrossFit workout.
Yes, but thankfully nothing like you do after a CrossFit workout.
health
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?
It’s worth asking, especially ahead of all those hikes you’ll take together this summer.
It’s worth asking, especially ahead of all those hikes you’ll take together this summer.
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?
Can Cats Eat Chocolate?
No, no, no. Absolutely not. Here’s why.
No, no, no. Absolutely not. Here’s why.
health
Common Eye Problems in Cats and How to Treat Them
Just some things to keep an...eye on.
Just some things to keep an...eye on.
health
Why Do Dogs Sneeze?
Other than to completely freak you out.
Other than to completely freak you out.
nutrition | Can My Dog Eat This?
Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?
Asparagus is a healthy snack for pups, but keep these tips in mind.
Asparagus is a healthy snack for pups, but keep these tips in mind.
health
Can You Give Dogs Melatonin?
Why you should talk to your vet first.
Why you should talk to your vet first.
health
Can Dogs Take Tylenol?
The short answer is no. Here’s why.
The short answer is no. Here’s why.
health
Can Dogs Get Hiccups? Why It Happens and What to Do
In addition to being adorable, it’s nothing to worry about.
In addition to being adorable, it’s nothing to worry about.
health
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.
You call them toe beans. Your vet uses more technical terms. Whatever they’re called, take care of them.
health
Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears at Home?
Heed all those cautionary tales about Q-tips.
Heed all those cautionary tales about Q-tips.
health
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Sick
Look out for these warnings signs so you know when to call the vet.
Look out for these warnings signs so you know when to call the vet.
behavior
15 Amazing Facts About Dog Ears
There’s a lot more to your pup’s furry appendages than you might think.
There’s a lot more to your pup’s furry appendages than you might think.
health
My Dog Is Pooping Blood: What Should I Do?
It’s an alarming sight, but here’s what you should know.
It’s an alarming sight, but here’s what you should know.
health
How 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.
nutrition
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.
Sharing isn’t always caring. Keep your cat safe by keeping these human snack staples to yourself.
nutrition | Can My Cat Eat This?
Can Cats Eat Corn?
A few kernels won’t hurt, but think twice before doling out a bowl of the stuff.
A few kernels won’t hurt, but think twice before doling out a bowl of the stuff.
health
How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs?
If your teeth are chattering, theirs probably are, too.
If your teeth are chattering, theirs probably are, too.
health
Why Is My Dog’s Nose Running?
Their snout is like a leaky faucet. Should you be worried?
Their snout is like a leaky faucet. Should you be worried?
health
Can Dogs Get Colds?
We’re all sniffling this time of year. Learn if your pup can get a cold, too.
We’re all sniffling this time of year. Learn if your pup can get a cold, too.
health
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.
Hopefully this isn’t info you’ll have to reference often, but here’s what you should know.
health
Can Dogs Get COVID?
The pandemic started nearly four years ago. Here’s what we know about dogs and COVID now.
The pandemic started nearly four years ago. Here’s what we know about dogs and COVID now.
health
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.
They’re not exactly blowing their noses and rubbing Vicks on their chests, but here’s what you need to know.
health
Home Remedies For My Dog’s Bleeding Anus
It’s not a pretty problem, but here are your solutions.
It’s not a pretty problem, but here are your solutions.
health
Is My Cat Pregnant?
These are the signs of pregnancy in cats.
These are the signs of pregnancy in cats.
health
Why Is My Dog Coughing?
Seven reasons to be concerned when your dog is coughing.
Seven reasons to be concerned when your dog is coughing.
health
How to Identify Dog Arthritis: Causes and Symptoms
As your pup ages, here’s how to spot arthritis and stay ahead of it.
As your pup ages, here’s how to spot arthritis and stay ahead of it.
health
Why Is My Dog Breathing Heavy?
Don’t panic, but definitely talk to your vet if you’re worried about any of these conditions.
Don’t panic, but definitely talk to your vet if you’re worried about any of these conditions.
health
Are Roses Toxic to Cats?
They sure do like sniffing around those bouquets...
They sure do like sniffing around those bouquets...
behavior
Why Do Cats’ Eyes Glow in the Dark?
Those glowing orbs are actually a pretty useful result of evolution.
Those glowing orbs are actually a pretty useful result of evolution.
health
Are Orchids Toxic to Cats?
Find out whether you can get that elaborate flower arrangement—or if you should skip it.
Find out whether you can get that elaborate flower arrangement—or if you should skip it.
health
Why is My Dog Shaking? Causes and Treatment
A vet explains why the weather isn’t always to blame.
A vet explains why the weather isn’t always to blame.
nutrition | Can My Dog Eat This?
Can Dogs Eat Oranges and Orange Peels?
Yes, Oranges are a Nutritious Treat for Dogs
Yes, Oranges are a Nutritious Treat for Dogs
health
Dogs’ Sense of Smell: What Can Dogs Smell?
There’s a reason that sweet little nose is always pressed to the ground.
There’s a reason that sweet little nose is always pressed to the ground.
health
Water Hemlock Poisoning in Dogs
Pet parents, watch out for a common — but deadly — plant.
Pet parents, watch out for a common — but deadly — plant.
health
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.
It doesn’t just affect humans. Thankfully, this kind of wound infection is uncommon, but here’s what to look out for.
health
Vaccine Hesitancy Reaches the Dog World, Survey Finds
Let’s debunk some things right now for new pet parents with questions.
Let’s debunk some things right now for new pet parents with questions.
health
Are Lilies Toxic to My Dog?
This is one of those “no, but also yes” answers. Read on.
This is one of those “no, but also yes” answers. Read on.
health
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.
A vet explains when you can treat the injury at home — and when it’s best to seek professional help.
health
Paraphimosis 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.
nutrition | Can My Dog Eat This?
Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
The answer is no, no, no, and here’s why.
The answer is no, no, no, and here’s why.
health
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.
If your pup’s bathroom habits have changed, they might have a UTI. Here’s how to help.
health
Step by Step Guide: How to Safely Express Your Cat’s Anal Glands at Home
Ick. It won’t be fun, but here’s how to get the job done.
Ick. It won’t be fun, but here’s how to get the job done.
health
Lymphoma Cancer in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Find out what causes lymphoma in dogs and how you can help your pup.
Find out what causes lymphoma in dogs and how you can help your pup.
health
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.
Seeing your pup’s normally perky tail go limp can be unnerving, but it’s really nothing to panic about.
health
Ear Mites in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Everything you need to know to keep the pests at bay.
Everything you need to know to keep the pests at bay.
behavior
Neutering Male Cats: Behavior and Recovery Guide
If you’re bracing yourself for some wackiness, don’t worry — it won’t last forever.
If you’re bracing yourself for some wackiness, don’t worry — it won’t last forever.
health
Is Neosporin Safe for Dogs?
No, you should not use Neosporin on your dog’s wounds.
No, you should not use Neosporin on your dog’s wounds.
health
Mange in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment For Canine Skin Condition
Cool, cool, cool (heavy sarcasm here). These are some steps you can take.
Cool, cool, cool (heavy sarcasm here). These are some steps you can take.
nutrition
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.
You may have heard other pup parents praising this supplement. Here’s what a vet has to say.
health
What to Know About Fungal Skin Infections in Cats
Itchy and definitely not fun — here’s what to look out for.
Itchy and definitely not fun — here’s what to look out for.
health
What to Know About Eye Infections in Cats
Cats’ eyes are strikingly beautiful, but goopy, irritated eyes are not.
Cats’ eyes are strikingly beautiful, but goopy, irritated eyes are not.
health
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.
Your older dog is the love of your life. Here are some health issues to look out for.
health
What to Know About Rabies in Cats
There is one way to make sure your cat stays safe: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.
There is one way to make sure your cat stays safe: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate.
health
What You Need to Know About Cat Mouth Ulcers
How to spot, diagnose, and treat these lesions — cancerous or non-cancerous.
How to spot, diagnose, and treat these lesions — cancerous or non-cancerous.

Articles by Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM

Dr. Bartley Harrison, DVM

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