
Dr. Shelby Neely, DVM
Dr. Shelby Neely is a freelance writer and veterinarian who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and has practiced veterinary medicine for thirty years, specializing in small animals. Her work has appeared in Allivet, AsktheCatDoctor, WhiskerDocs, Ask the Cat Doctor Radio, Ask the Cat Doctor TV, and numerous other websites, brochures, newsletters, newspapers, and ebooks. In her spare time, Dr. Neely likes to spend time with her three children, two grandchildren, three cats, two grand-cats, and five grand-dogs.
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine
AAHA, AVMA, AAFP
Recent Kinship articles by Dr. Shelby Neely, DVM
Dog Has Ear Infection, and You Can’t Afford the Vet? Options and Remedies
A breakdown of ear infections, treatments, and what to do if your dog is suffering and your finances are tight.
What’s the Average Vet Bill for a Dog? Cost Breakdown and Tips
Part of being a great pet parent is preparing for your pup’s medical future. Here’s where to get started.
Foods Your Dog Can’t Eat
Even if they aren’t too proud to beg, you shouldn’t let your pup in on these snacks.
Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs?
They’re everywhere in stores, after all.
Hoarse Bark in Dogs: Causes, Care Tips, and When to See a Vet
Everything you need to know to help your pup.
Why Is My Dog Breathing Heavy?
Don’t panic, but definitely talk to your vet if you’re worried about any of these conditions.
Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni? Experts Answer
Keep an eye on them on pizza night.
Should You Give Your Dog Dramamine? Here’s What Vets Say
How to know if this is the right medication to give your dog or not.
Can You Give Your Dog Zyrtec? What to Know About Safety and Use
When is this medication right to use?
Types of Worms in Dogs: How To Detect and Treat Worms in Dogs
Here are the types of worms your pup could get, how you know they have them in the first place, and how to get rid of them for good.
Can Dogs Eat Squash? Find Out If It’s Toxic for Your Dog
Everything you need to know.
Mosquito Bites and Dogs: How to Treat and Prevent Them
Everything you need to know to keep them healthy.
How to Ease Your Puppy’s Separation Anxiety
It’s not easy for either of you—but this can help.
Here’s How Much Wet Food You Should Feed Your Cat
It’s much better than dry food, but that doesn’t mean your can can eat as much of it as they want.
A Guide to Ringworm in Dogs
Ringworm isn’t fun for anyone, but it is treatable—and preventable.
8 Warning Signs of Dehydration in Dogs
It can range from fixable to super-serious. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Clean Your Cat’s Ears: A Guide to Your Cat’s Ear Health
Everything you need to know.
Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Blood? Learn What This Means
Take action, but don’t assume the worst.
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.
A Guide to Gabapentin for Dogs: Which Conditions Is It Best For?
You may be surprised to learn that it helps dogs with a number of conditions.
Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky? Experts Explain
Although this one may seem obvious, it’s not so cut and dry.
Can Dogs Have Ginger? Learn if Ginger Is Toxic or Healthy for Your Dog
Here's how to determine how much is too much.
What to Know About Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Everything you need to know about the common disease.
Botflies On Dogs: How to Spot It And What to Do
Botflies, also known as warbles and wolf worms, burrow into your dog’s skin. (Sorry if you’re eating right now.)
A Guide to Roundworms in Dogs: Understand and Treat This Issue
Yes, it’s gross. But it can be very, very bad if you aren’t proactive.
Why Does Your Dog Keep Getting Ear Infections?
Hint: They’re more common than you’d think.
My Cat Has One Watery Eye and No Other Symptoms—What Does It Mean?
Here’s how to know the difference between when it’s not a big deal, and when this warrants a vet visit.
Can Dogs Eat Olives?
They want in on your appetizers, too!
Can You Use Neosporin on Cats? Here’s Why Not
Just because it works on humans doesn’t mean it’s good for cats.
Can Dogs Eat Fish? Learn If Fish Is Healthy or Toxic
Plus, learn which kinds of fish your dog can have.
A Guide to Cat Acne: Find Solutions to Clear Your Cat’s Skin
That's right—your cat can get acne. Here’s how to spot it and treat it.
Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?
Just because they want to eat everything, doesn't mean they necessarily should.
A Guide to Dog Eye Discharge: Learn When It Could Be a Problem
When to worry and what to do when your dog’s eyes look bleary.
What Does Blood in Your Cat’s Stool Mean? Find Out if You Should See a Vet
Anytime you see blood, it’s concerning. But the good news is that it isn’t always as scary as it seems.
Can Dogs Eat Pork? How to Make This Tasty Treat for Your Pup
There's a reason why it's not normally in dog food. Here’s how to make it safe for your pup.
Why Do Cats Fart?
Smelly cat, smelly cat, why are you so gassy?
Do Cats Need Wet Food? Find Out if It’s Best for Them or Not
We outline everything you need to know about wet vs. dry cat food and more.
Can Dogs Eat Zucchini? How to Feed This Veggie to Your Pup
What should know before adding this food to your pup’s diet.
Why Are Your Dog’s Eyes Red? Learn What Causes Red Eyes and How to Treat Them
Everything you need to know to keep your dog safe and healthy.
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.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Find Out if They Are Toxic
It’s not exactly an easy answer.
Are Pothos Toxic to Cats? Find Out if Your Cat Can Eat Them
House plants are great, but so is keeping your cat safe.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
Fruit salad, anyone?
Are Spider Plants Toxic to Dogs? Find Out If This Plant Is Safe
They’re cute for home decor, but what about for your dog?
What Is a Cat’s Primordial Pouch? Learn About This Feature on Cats
Before you put your cat on a diet—read this.
What Can You Give to Help Your Dog With Gas?
Learn what you can do to help your dog.
A Guide to Worms in Cats: Learn the Signs and Treatment Options
How to detect and treat worms to keep your cat healthy.
Why Does Your Dog Squint at You? Learn What This Means About Them
Are they trying to tell you something, or what?
Why Is Your Dog Shaking In Their Sleep? Learn If This Is Normal
We detail everything you need to know about this common dog-sleep behavior.
Why Is Your Cat Sticking Their Tongue Out? What This Means and What You Should Do
Most reasons are harmless, but some are cause for concern.
7 Reasons Why Your Puppy Keeps Throwing Up and What to Do About It
Here are common reasons why puppies throw up.
Why Do Cats Chirp? Find Out What This Means For You and Your Cat
We explore the main reasons why this occurs and what you can do about it.
Why Is Your Dog Barking in Their Sleep? Should You Be Concerned, or Is This Normal?
Learn the difference between when it’s cute and when it’s troubling.
7 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Following You to the Bathroom
Having a loyal companion is great, but sometimes you just need some privacy.
Why Is Your Dog Side-Eyeing You? Learn What This Means
It’s kind of goofy, but there may actually be a reason they’re doing it.
Kitten Constipation: What to Do When Your Kitten Can’t Poop
It’s more common than you’d think. Here’s how you can help your kitty.
Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?
Learn if they can get in on some of your salad.
Why Does My Cat Snore?
It’s normal, except when it’s loud.
The Best Way to Give Cats Liquid Medicine
We know — it’s hard. Check out our step-by-step guide.
Why Does My Dog Cough After Drinking Water?
An expert weighs in on when it’s totally fine, and when you should start to worry.
Why Does My Puppy’s Breath Stink?
What happened to that adorable puppy breath? We explain everything.
Why is My Dog Coughing and Gagging?
Let’s figure out this unsettling mystery.
The Best Home Remedies for Your Dog’s Cough
Here's what you need to get rid of that cough.
Puppy Diarrhea: Possible Causes and What to Do About It
Diarrhea in puppies can be caused by many things.
Top 6 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Itching and Losing Hair
No fleas, but still itching? Here’s (maybe) why.
How Long Can a Kitten Go Without Pooping?
Our experts explain.
Can You Bathe Your Kitten? A Step-By-Step Guide to Bathing Your Kitten Safely
Bathe your kitten safely and effectively.
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.
Can You Give Dogs Pedialyte?
Spoiler alert: It’s not necessarily good for your dehydrated dog.
Why Do My Cat’s Anal Glands Smell?
No, it’s not normal. Here’s what it means, and what you should do.
Plaque vs. Tartar in Dogs’ Teeth
Understand the difference to take steps to eliminate them both.
Non-Toxic Flowers That Are Safe for Cats
And flowers that aren’t safe, too.
My Dog Has Diarrhea but Is Acting Fine: What to Know
Understand their problem, and make an informed health decision.
My Dog Has Bloody Diarrhea: What to Do and Home Remedies
And when to visit your veterinarian.
3 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Itching So Much
A little bit of itching? Totally normal. However, excessive scratching requires a diagnosis.
Dog Tartar Removal: How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth
Everything you need to know about dog tarter and dental health.
Understanding Cat Anal Glands and Cat Anal Gland Discharge
We cover everything you need to know.
Is Your Female Dog Humping? Here’s Why It’s Actually Normal
Take these steps to respond to the problem.
How Often Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet? A Complete Guide by Age
Get thy cat to a vet, even if it’s a struggle to get them out the door.