Blackbourn Pet Hospital

03/24/2026

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

Peer-reviewed study shows dogs given probiotics with the species Lactobacillus Rhamnosus early in life can have long-lasting protective effects against allergies, even years later & even after stopping them. Puppies given probiotics grew up to have milder skin (including ears) and allergy reactions, showing probiotics could offer long-term protection.

Want to explore a science-backed probiotic with a Lactobacillus Rhamnosus 🦠 option for your dog, comment BETTERBELLY and we’ll send a link your way.

01/10/2025

The Forever Dog - "One of the most obscure mushrooms we use on a regular basis in all realms of life is Chaga🍄, in the form of tea🫖.
Chaga is a strange mushroom because its texture is similar to woody tree bark 🪵(so there’s no sautéing this particular gem). Its hard texture lends itself well to brewing supercharged teas and broths.🍵

We add small Chaga chunks to everything that requires a volume of pure water: from bathwater (Dr. Karen Becker) and hummingbird feeders (to reduce bacteria growth, Rodney Habib disscovered) to homemade batches of kombucha and soak water for seeds we are sprouting. We’ve had fresh Chaga tea in the fridge ever since we discovered this brilliant beverage, and its subtle vanilla flavor is delicious iced or hot (for humans) and can be used to supercharge freeze-dried or dehydrated dog food, in place of reconstituting these foods with plain water.

Chaga’s medicinal properties make it a calming paw rinse for removing road salt in the winter and soothing hot spots in the summer (soak a cotton ball with cooled Chaga tea and apply directly to the sore)."

12/30/2024

12/30/2024

Remember no one is arguing the need for sterilization, it's the surgical technique that should be reevaluated. Hysterectomy and vasectomy achieve the same goal but leave important hormones intact according to science.

"The association between gonadectomy and timing of gonadectomy, and the risk of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract
Objective - To determine if gonadectomy in dogs is associated with the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) and to quantify the magnitude of the association.

Study design - Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sample population - Comparative studies with gonadectomized and entire dogs, with CrCLD as an outcome measure.

Methods - A systematic search of the primary and gray literature was performed. The effect size of the outcome measure was defined as the OR and 95% CI. Subgroup analysis was performed with s*x, breed, and age at gonadectomy. A pooled OR (95% CI) was generated from meta-analysis of relevant studies. Certainty in the body of evidence was rated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.

Results - The literature search yielded 1398 results and 24 relevant studies were included for synthesis. Gonadectomized female (pooled OR = 2.293, 95% CI = 1.768–2.945) and male (pooled OR = 2.117, 95% CI = 1.665–2.691) dogs were both at increased odds of developing CrCLD in comparison with entire female and male dogs, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that gonadectomy at 1 year or less was consistently associated with an increase in odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes. Overall certainty in the evidence was rated as moderate. All included studies were observational and no controlled trials were available.

Conclusion - In data with moderate certainty, gonadectomy is associated with increased odds of developing CrCLD in both s*xes, particularly in dogs gonadectomized at 1 year of age or less.

Clinical significance - This study provides an estimate of the true effect size of gonadectomy on the odds of developing CrCLD, which may be useful for clinical decision making surrounding gonadectomy and the timing of gonadectomy."

11/23/2024

Tips for using full spectrum h**p extract in dogs and cats: using it safely, dosing and more!🐶🐱

Full spectrum h**p extract (FSHE) has shown promising potential in helping dogs with a variety of conditions, including arthritis, epilepsy, cognitive decline, and c🦠ncer.

Studies suggest that compounds in FSHE may help slow cancer-cell growth by promoting apoptosis (cell death), inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels tumors need to grow), and reducing inflammation.

And while FSHE is not a cure for c*ncer, its role as part of an integrated treatment approach is gaining interest in veterinary medicine. And the therapeutic benefits of FSHE — such as pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anxiety reduction — can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life.

Join us today at 12pm EST for this week’s Inside Scoop episode, where we explore the potential of FSHE in canine c🦠ncer prevention and treatment with board-certified veterinary oncologist, Dr. Trina Hazzah. We’ll also cover important tips on how to use FSHE safely with your pets, drug interactions to be aware of and dosing.

Comment SCOOPERS and I'll message you the link to join Inside Scoop, a Planet Paws monthly subscription group. You’ll also be able to watch over 5 years of content including: past live podcasts, interviews, ebook downloads, and more!