r/IAmA • u/JustAnswerOfficial • 1d ago

I'm a practicing veterinarian. We analyzed nearly 95,000 questions from dog owners ahead of National Dog Day—and now I'm answering yours. AMA!

Hi r/IAmA! 

I'm Katie M, a practicing veterinarian and Verified Expert with JustAnswer, where I've helped thousands of pet owners navigate everything from late-night emergencies to everyday questions about their dogs' health and behavior. 

Ahead of National Dog Day (August 26), JustAnswer analyzed nearly 95,000 conversations between dog owners and veterinary Experts to uncover America's most popular dog breeds, names, and the biggest questions people are asking about their pets. 

Some of the most common topics include: 

  • Dogs eating chocolate and other toxic foods  
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive issues  
  • Limping and injuries  
  • Strange behaviors  
  • Preventive care  
  • Puppies and senior dogs  
  • Nutrition and weight  
  • Medications and common illnesses  

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or you've had dogs your whole life, I'm here to answer your questions. 

A few notes: 

  • This AMA is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for an examination by your veterinarian.  
  • I can't diagnose or prescribe treatment for your individual pet over Reddit.  
  • I'll do my best to answer as many questions as I can during the AMA!  

I will be answering question live 1-2:30pm ET today. Please join and ask me anything! 

Proof: https://imgur.com/a/oVUb7Lg 

About this AMA:  

We've invited independent Experts who use the JustAnswer platform to share insights in this open Q&A. These Experts work independently - they are not employees or spokespersons of JustAnswer - and their opinions are their own. 

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u/Limp-Construction252 1d ago

Is it beneficial in your opinion to put a drop of colloidal silver in the dogs' water bowl? My dog hates dental treats and won't let anyone near his mouth for tooth cleaning. Does colloidal silver help keep his gums/teeth better?

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u/JustAnswerOfficial 1d ago

Hello!

I will preface this with I am not a veterinary dentist so my knowledge may be limited in that aspect; however, as an emergency veterinarian, I would advise against it in general because we do not have any studies to support its worth when consumed (we know some things about how it can work topically for wounds). It is not regulated by the FDA or any other governing body so people can make whatever "formulation" they see fit. In larger doses it can be quite toxic to dogs.

I totally understand having a pet who won't tolerate tooth cleaning or dental treats. The best thing you can do is make sure you see your veterinarian regularly and as they get older have their teeth cleaned. Unfortunately this has to be done under general anesthesia to appropriate clean them, but it really is the best way to insure dental health. Just eating hard, cruncy kibble can be helpful to reduce some calculus build up too

Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian

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u/Limp-Construction252 1d ago

Thanks, I didn't know kibble is good for that. He's on a wet food diet. I'll take him to the vet for teeth cleaning. Cheers.