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Articles by Jane E. Sykes
I’m a vet. Here’s why I’m against buying dogs and cats from pet stores. Original
I’m a vet. Here’s why I’m against buying dogs and cats from pet stores. (washingtonpost.com) I’m a vet. Here’s why I’m against buying dogs and cats from pet stores. By Jane Sykes 2026100922450400 I'm thinking about purchasing a pet. I'd like a puppy, but my local shelter only has adult dogs and I don't have the time to visit breeders. Is it okay to buy one from my local pet store? Like many veterinarians, I decided I wanted to be a vet when I was still in elementary school.
I’m a vet. Here are 4 common mistakes I see new pet owners make
5 hours ago If you spend the bulk of your time indoors, you should probably add this supplement to your stack. Experts share exactly how much you should consume per day. Nancy Rodriguez, PhD, RDN, FACSM, a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut, says that back in her day, no one was …
I’m a vet. Here are 4 common mistakes I see new pet owners make.
I’m a vet. Here are 4 common mistakes I see new pet owners make. (washingtonpost.com) I’m a vet. Here are 4 common mistakes I see new pet owners make. By Jane Sykes 2026092417150600 I'd like to get a pet. What are some important things I should keep in mind to make sure that I'm making a good, responsible choice that sets up me and my pet for success? Each year, over half a million animals in shelters in the United States are euthanized.
I'm a vet. Here are 4 common mistakes I see new pet owners make.
I'd like to get a pet. What are some important things I should keep in mind to make sure that I'm making a good, responsible choice that sets up me and my pet for success? Each year, over half a million animals in shelters in the United States are euthanized. Many of these animals are ones that were adopted and then ultimately relinquished because their owners realized that bringing a pet home was not the right decision.
There’s no such thing as an ‘allergen-free’ pet; a vet explains
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Jane Sykes For The Washington Post Q: My son has asthma and my doctor suggested I avoid getting a pet. Would choosing a hypoallergenic breed be a good solution for us? A: Given that over half of households in the United States own a pet, it’s not surprising that pet allergens — such as dander, which are particles shed from an animal’s skin, and saliva — commonly trigger allergies in humans.
There’s no such thing as an ‘allergen-free’ pet. A vet explains.
There’s no such thing as an ‘allergen-free’ pet. A vet explains. (washingtonpost.com) There’s no such thing as an ‘allergen-free’ pet. A vet explains. By Jane Sykes 2026091115040500 My son has asthma and my doctor suggested I avoid getting a pet. Would choosing a hypoallergenic breed be a good solution for us?
There's no such thing as an 'allergen-free' pet. A vet explains.
My son has asthma and my doctor suggested I avoid getting a pet. Would choosing a hypoallergenic breed be a good solution for us? Given that over half of households in the United States own a pet, it's not surprising that pet allergens — such as dander, which are particles shed from an animal's skin, and saliva — commonly trigger allergies in humans. It's estimated that pet allergies affect 10 percent to 20 percent of people worldwide.
6 signs your dog could have dementia
Skip to Content Signs of dementia typically appear in senior dogs, or dogs in the last 25 percent of their lifespan. • • /Adobe Stock We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work. While dogs don’t get Alzheimer’s disease, older dogs can develop a strikingly similar condition called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome – which I’ll refer to as dog dementia from here on, although vets prefer the term CCDS.
6 signs your dog could have dementia
Signs of dementia typically appear in senior dogs, or dogs in the last 25 percent of their lifespan. • • /Adobe Stock We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work. While dogs don’t get Alzheimer’s disease, older dogs can develop a strikingly similar condition called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome – which I’ll refer to as dog dementia from here on, although vets prefer the term CCDS.
6 signs your dog could have dementia
Signs of dementia typically appear in senior dogs, or dogs in the last 25 percent of their lifespan. Author of the article: Washington Post Jane Sykes Published Sep 09, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 4 minute read Photo by SasaStock /Adobe Stock Article content We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work.
If you have a dog, here are the signs of dementia you need to know Original
If you have a dog, here are the signs of dementia you need to know (washingtonpost.com) If you have a dog, here are the signs of dementia you need to know By Jane Sykes 2026082717470300 While dogs don't get Alzheimer's disease, older dogs can develop a strikingly similar condition called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome — which I'll refer to as dog dementia from here on, although vets prefer the term CCDS.
6 signs your dog could have dementia
Jane Sykes Updated Thu, August 27, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT 5 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google While dogs don't get Alzheimer's disease, older dogs can develop a strikingly similar condition called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome — which I'll refer to as dog dementia from here on, although vets prefer the term CCDS.
Your dog got into the trash and had a feast. Here’s what a vet says to do.
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Jane Sykes For The Washington Post Q: My dog got into the trash and now is vomiting. What should I do? A: Dogs eat just about anything — toys, paper, socks, rocks, condoms, underwear, electronics — the list goes on and on. Some dogs get away unharmed after eating all sorts of garbage. Other dogs have exquisitely sensitive stomachs — just a tiny bite of something weird leads to blowout diarrhea and vomiting.
Your dog got into the trash and had a feast. Here’s what a vet says to do.
Your dog got into the trash and had a feast. Here’s what a vet says to do. (washingtonpost.com) Your dog got into the trash and had a feast. Here’s what a vet says to do. By Jane Sykes 2026072110010200 My dog got into the trash and now is vomiting. What should I do? Dogs eat just about anything — toys, paper, socks, rocks, condoms, underwear, electronics — the list goes on and on. Some dogs get away unharmed after eating all sorts of garbage.
Can you get a dog to stop barking? As a vet, here’s what I recommend.
Can you get a dog to stop barking? As a vet, here’s what I recommend. (washingtonpost.com) Can you get a dog to stop barking? As a vet, here’s what I recommend. By Jane Sykes 2026071309012300 I have a 6-month-old puppy, and although she now sleeps in a crate through the night, every morning at 5 a.m. she barks to be let out. I let her outside to pee and put her back in the crate, but she keeps barking and won't stop until I get up. What should I do?
Ask a Vet: Can I catch a virus from my cat?
Ask a Vet: Can I catch a virus from my cat? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: Can I catch a virus from my cat? By Jane Sykes 2026062210010900 My cat recently died because it had FIV, which I was told was like AIDS in people. Can cats spread viruses to humans? Cats are very susceptible to viral infections, but with the exception of rabies, cat viruses generally don't infect humans.
Ask a Vet: My dog is staggering around and falling over. What gives?
Our poor 14-year-old Australian shepherd dog lost all sense of balance overnight and is now staggering around drunkenly, turning in circles and falling over. We were sure he'd had a stroke. The vet assures us it's self-limiting and he should be better within a week or two. But we thought we'd have to have him euthanized.
Ask a Vet: My dog is staggering around and falling over. What gives?
Ask a Vet: My dog is staggering around and falling over. What gives? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: My dog is staggering around and falling over. What gives? By Jane Sykes 2026060812010100 Our poor 14-year-old Australian shepherd dog lost all sense of balance overnight and is now staggering around drunkenly, turning in circles and falling over. We were sure he'd had a stroke. The vet assures us it's self-limiting and he should be better within a week or two.
Ask a Vet: My dog is staggering around and falling over. What gives?
Our poor 14-year-old Australian shepherd dog lost all sense of balance overnight and is now staggering around drunkenly, turning in circles and falling over. We were sure he'd had a stroke. The vet assures us it's self-limiting and he should be better within a week or two. But we thought we'd have to have him euthanized.
Ask a veterinarian: Why does my dog pant so much?
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Jane Sykes For The Washington Post Q: My 12-year-old golden retriever tends to pant on a regular basis. All of his bloodwork and a chest X-ray have come back normal. I take him for multiple short walks daily. A: Dogs can’t sweat through their skin, so instead they pant to keep themselves cool during warm weather or during exercise.
Ask a Vet: Why does my dog pant so much?
Ask a Vet: Why does my dog pant so much? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: Why does my dog pant so much? How to know when your dog is just hot, and when there’s something else going on. By Jane Sykes 2026052509011000 Q. My 12-year-old golden retriever tends to pant on a regular basis. All of his bloodwork and a chest X-ray have come back normal. I take him for multiple short walks daily.
Ask a Vet: Why does my dog pant so much?
Technology 7 hours ago My son taught me AI coding at 73. I was scared to hit 'enter' — now I feel free. Business Insider - Henry Chandonnet • 7h This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Carol Merlo and her son, Kevin Masterson. Merlo is a 73-year-old entrepreneurship coach from Dallas. Masterson is a 41-year-old AI mentor from Lewisville, Texas. It's been edited for length and clarity.
Ask a Vet: Is there a pill that can help my dog live longer?
I recently listened to a podcast about antiaging drugs for people. Is there something similar for dogs? The promise of antiaging - or “senolytic” - drugs for people is a hot topic, with a drug called rapamycin showing the greatest promise based on studies in mice. Could these drugs also extend the quality time we spend with our precious pets, and stave off aging conditions such as cancer, heart disease and cognitive decline?
Ask a Vet: No, you shouldn’t have your dog’s ears cropped
Ask a Vet: No, you shouldn’t have your dog’s ears cropped (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: No, you shouldn’t have your dog’s ears cropped By Jane Sykes 2026042712010300 I'm about to get a Doberman puppy. The breeder gave me some recommendations on ear cropping, but I'm worried about the cost. Is this medically necessary? Although some breeders recommend tail docking and ear cropping for medical reasons, these claims have not been substantiated; the procedures are purely aesthetic.
A vet’s advice: Five dog vaccines you shouldn’t skip
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Jane Sykes For The Washington Post Q. With the talk surrounding vaccine hesitancy in people — along with outbreaks of measles, mumps and whooping cough — I’m wondering what vaccines are really needed in dogs. My dog was going to the vet for vaccines every three years, but now I’ve been told to come in every year. Why the change? A.
Ask a Vet: How do I protect my pet from fleas, ticks and other parasites?
Ask a Vet: How do I protect my pet from fleas, ticks and other parasites? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: How do I protect my pet from fleas, ticks and other parasites? By Jane Sykes 2026041312010200 These days, there's an overwhelming number of products to prevent parasites in pets. How do I know which one to choose? Parasites, including ticks, fleas, worms and more, can wreak havoc on your pet's health, and create headaches and messes for you.
Ask a Vet: Tick season is almost here. Here’s what you need to know.
Ask a Vet: Tick season is almost here. Here’s what you need to know. (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: Tick season is almost here. Here’s what you need to know. By Jane Sykes 2026033012010800 Q: What is the safest way to get a tick out of my dog's body? Should I use tweezers or gloved hands? Are there ways to prevent ticks from sucking on his body?
Ask a vet: Five dog vaccines you shouldn't skip
Jane Sykes Q. With the talk surrounding vaccine hesitancy in people — along with outbreaks of measles, mumps and whooping cough — I'm wondering what vaccines are really needed in dogs. My dog was going to the vet for vaccines every three years, but now I've been told to come in every year. Why the change? A. Just like cat vaccines , vaccines for dogs are classified as either “core” or “noncore.” Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs, because they protect against severe or common diseases.
Ask a Vet: Five dog vaccines you shouldn’t skip
Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Q. With the talk surrounding vaccine hesitancy in people - along with outbreaks of measles, mumps and whooping cough - I’m wondering what vaccines are really needed in dogs. My dog was going to the vet for vaccines every three years, but now I’ve been told to come in every year. Why the change? A.
These indoor household items could poison your cat or dog
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Jane Sykes For The Washington Post As Easter approaches, the potential that your cat or dog will be exposed to toxins from cut flowers, chocolate and potted plants like sago palms increases. But the danger household items pose to pets goes well beyond the spring holiday season. Other things that can make your pet sick include raisins, ibuprofen and pennies.
Ask a Vet: These household items could kill your pet
My cat loves to graze on houseplants and cut flowers, and sometimes vomits within an hour or two afterward. Is it okay to let her do this? Are there other household poisons I should be worried about? As Easter approaches, the potential that your cat or dog will be exposed to toxins from cut flowers, chocolate and potted plants like sago palms increases. But the danger household items pose to pets goes well beyond the spring holiday season.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Leptospirosis in Dogs
In 2023, the ACVIM published an updated consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs that was followed by a 2024 update of the AAHA guidelines for the canine leptospirosis vaccine.1,2 This article summarizes the updated recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of leptospirosis in dogs. Additional details on the open access consensus statement can be found in Suggested Reading.
Ask a Vet: These household items could kill your pet
My cat loves to graze on houseplants and cut flowers, and sometimes vomits within an hour or two afterward. Is it okay to let her do this? Are there other household poisons I should be worried about? As Easter approaches, the potential that your cat or dog will be exposed to toxins from cut flowers, chocolate and potted plants like sago palms increases. But the danger household items pose to pets goes well beyond the spring holiday season.
Ask a vet: These household items could kill your pet
Jane Sykes My cat loves to graze on houseplants and cut flowers, and sometimes vomits within an hour or two afterward. Is it okay to let her do this? Are there other household poisons I should be worried about? As Easter approaches, the potential that your cat or dog will be exposed to toxins from cut flowers, chocolate and potted plants like sago palms increases. But the danger household items pose to pets goes well beyond the spring holiday season.
Podcast: Diagnosis & Management of Dogs With Lyme Borreliosis With Dr. Sykes
Video Audio Last Updated March 2026 Listen Listen In this episode, host Alyssa Watson, DVM, welcomes Jane E. Sykes, BVSc(Hons), PhD, MPH, MBA, FNAP, DACVIM (SAIM), to discuss her recent Clinician’s Brief article, “Diagnosis & Management of Dogs With Lyme Borreliosis.” While still highly regional, Lyme is occurring in more places because the range of Ixodes ticks is expanding.
Shredded couch? Cats will scratch, but declawing no longer a ‘fix’
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Dr. Jane Sykes For The Washington Post Q: My cat shreds the furniture with her claws and has ruined an expensive couch. I’m thinking of relinquishing her to a shelter, but I don’t want her to be put to sleep. Should I get her declawed? My last cat was declawed when she was neutered, and this was never a problem. A: You’re not alone. More than 50 percent of cat owners report undesirable scratching.
Ask a Vet: Is it wrong to declaw my cat?
Q: My cat shreds the furniture with her claws and has ruined an expensive couch. I’m thinking of relinquishing her to a shelter, but I don’t want her to be put to sleep. Should I get her declawed? My last cat was declawed when she was neutered, and this was never a problem. A: You’re not alone. More than 50% of cat owners report undesirable scratching. At the risk of negative judgment, I admit that I had my own cat, Freckles, declawed as a kitten 10 years ago.
Ask a Vet: Is it wrong to declaw my cat?
Ask a Vet: Is it wrong to declaw my cat? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: Is it wrong to declaw my cat? By Jane Sykes 2026021613010200 My cat shreds the furniture with her claws and has ruined an expensive couch. I'm thinking of relinquishing her to a shelter, but I don't want her to be put to sleep. Should I get her declawed? My last cat was declawed when she was neutered, and this was never a problem. You're not alone. More than 50 percent of cat owners report undesirable scratching.
Ask a Vet: Is it okay to declaw my cat?
1 hour ago More than 50 years ago, psychologists began documenting a strange phenomenon among animals, including pigeons, raccoons and rats. Although they didn’t realize it at the time, this behavior would help to explain why our society has developed such an intense and often uncontrollable need for our …
Ask a Vet: Does my dog need a coat?
Ask a Vet: Does my dog need a coat? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: Does my dog need a coat? By Jane Sykes 2026012713020400 Q: Now that it's cold outside, do I need to buy my dog a jacket? Do dogs really need jackets, or is dog clothing all a marketing ploy? A: No, you don't need a jacket for your dog. Waterproof jackets that keep your dog dry can also provide warmth in foggy or rainy conditions. Otherwise, protecting your dog's belly and paws should be the priority when it's cold outside.
Ask a Vet: Does my dog need a coat?
Margot Robbie Bares Her Thong in a Completely Sheer Naked Dress With Strategically Placed Black Lace Period drama dressing gets a cheeky makeover. Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights wardrobe has already made headlines for its fantastical, whimsical, and at times NSFW interpretation of period drama style ahead of the film’s February 13 release—and the Barbie star is channeling Catherine Earnshaw …
Ask a Vet: Does my dog really need heartworm medication?
Ask a Vet: Does my dog really need heartworm medication? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: Does my dog really need heartworm medication? By Jane Sykes 2026011913020500 Q: My vet recommended heartworm testing and prevention chews for my pets, but I'm worried about side effects and cost. Are these really needed? A: For most dogs, the answer is yes.
Ask a Vet: Does my dog really need heartworm medication?
Now Growing up with a former ballet dancer mom ensured I knew what plié, tendu, and arabesque meant by kindergarten. She also taught me proper ballet etiquette, whether I found myself by the barre or in the audience at The Nutcracker. When you purchase a ticket to the ballet, it doesn't come with a dress …
Diagnosis & Management of Canine Lyme Borreliosis: Guide
In North America, Lyme borreliosis is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto. In the United States, >95% of cases in dogs and humans occur in the upper Midwest and Northeast regions.1 In the upper Midwest, northeastern United States, and southeastern Canada, B burgdorferi is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick). In the western United States, Lyme borreliosis is predominantly transmitted by Ixodes pacificus (western black-legged tick).
Ask a Vet: When it comes to cats and vomiting, how much is too much?
Ask a Vet: When it comes to cats and vomiting, how much is too much? (washingtonpost.com) Ask a Vet: When it comes to cats and vomiting, how much is too much? By Jane Sykes 2026011316110300 Q: My cat vomits once every week or two. This has been happening for several months, maybe a year. He's otherwise well and eating. Sometimes I see hair in his vomit. What should I do about it?
Ask a Vet: When it comes to cats and vomiting, how much is too much?
2 hours ago A Japanese sushi chain shattered records Monday by paying a staggering $3.24 million (510 million yen) for a single bluefin tuna at Tokyo’s famed New Year fish auction. The top bidder for the prized 536-pound tuna was Kiyomura Corp., the Tokyo-based operator of popular sushi restaurant chain Sushi …
Ask a Vet: Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog?
Advertisement oop Skip to Content It's been suggested that people are drawn to their infantile features, such as flat faces and wrinkly skin • • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog? Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
Ask a Vet: Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog?
It's been suggested that people are drawn to their infantile features, such as flat faces and wrinkly skin Author of the article: Washington Post Jane Sykes Published Dec 23, 2025 • Last updated Dec 23, 2025 • 6 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog? Photo by Getty Images Article content Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected.
Ask a Vet: Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog?
It's been suggested that people are drawn to their infantile features, such as flat faces and wrinkly skin Author of the article: Washington Post Jane Sykes Published Dec 23, 2025 • Last updated 3 days ago • 6 minute read You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog? Photo by Getty Images Article content Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected.
Ask a vet: Is it ethical to buy a flat-faced dog?
Six months ago, I purchased a French bulldog puppy from a breeder. While I was prepared for the $5,000 price tag, after six visits to the vet, two surgeries and multiple vet visits in the first year, next time Ill try a different breed. How can I prevent this from happening again? Last month I saw a 3-year-old female French bulldog that had I kid you not partial duplication of her back end, with three back legs and two vulvae. Her bone marrow was failing so she had no circulating white blood cells.
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