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.
- 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.
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.
No, no, no. Absolutely not. Here’s why.
![Cute Grey Cat Chilling At Home.]()
Just some things to keep an...eye on.
![dog sneezing outside in grass]()
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.
The short answer is no. Here’s why.
Why you should talk to your vet first.
![Young woman is hugging her Rottweiler dog while they sit outside on the street.]()
healthCan 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.
![Brunette girl kisses the paw of a corgi dog.]()
healthDry 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.
![Smiling woman wiping ears of dog]()
Heed all those cautionary tales about Q-tips.
![Woman with her dog relaxing in living room.]()
healthHow 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.
![Young woman comforting German Shepherd puppy outside.]()
healthMy 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.
![Puppy with one ear up an done ear down.]()
behavior15 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.
![Mixed-breed puppy licks its paw in the grass]()
healthHot Spots on Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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.
![Cat eating out of metal bowl]()
nutritionTop 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.
![an orange and brown cat nibbles corn on the cob]()
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.
![a woman pets her dog in a coat while outside in the snow]()
If your teeth are chattering, theirs probably are, too.
![Mutt dog licking runny nose.]()
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.
![Full length portrait of young African-American woman walking dog in park outdoors in Summer.]()
healthWhat 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.
![A mini golden doodle puppy licking and grooming itself.]()
healthHome 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.
![Mom cat and her kittens.]()
Are kittens on the way? Here’s how to find out.
![Dog laying down in dog bed and coughing]()
Seven reasons to be concerned when your dog is coughing.
![A golden retriever in full run along a shoreline.]()
healthHow 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.
![Staffordshire Bull Terrier panting on grass in profile holding a tennis ball.]()
healthWhy 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.
![Closeup portrait of calico cat sitting on home kitchen room table by pink rose flowers in vase, windows with blinds.]()
healthAre Roses Toxic to My Cat?
Let’s just say this: There’s no excuse for your partner not to bring you a bouquet of these.
Let’s just say this: There’s no excuse for your partner not to bring you a bouquet of these.
![Half-bengal kitten indoors smelling white orchid flowers in a conservatory.]()
healthAre 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.
![A curious kitty playing with a vase of tulips.]()
healthAre Tulips Toxic to My Cat?
They’re pretty in your garden, but keep those hungry cats away. Here’s why.
They’re pretty in your garden, but keep those hungry cats away. Here’s why.
![a black cat’s amber eyes]()
behaviorWhy 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.
![shy dog frightened in the arms of the owner. this brown mixed-breed hound puppy has a sweet gaze. the female owner has a wool sweater]()
healthWhy 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?
Yes and no. Learn how to safely feed citrus to your pup.
Yes and no. Learn how to safely feed citrus to your pup.
![Jack Russell Terrier in a yellow raincoat walks through the autumn park.]()
healthDog 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.
![a red cat stretching on a bed]()
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.
![dog playing in a pond]()
Pet parents, watch out for a common — but deadly — plant.
![Big black dog, "Serbian defense dog" crossing a river.]()
healthWhy 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.
![Side view of smiling blonde woman with stick playing with black German Dane pet on beach.]()
healthVaccine 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.
This is one of those “no, but also yes” answers. Read on.
- nutrition | Can My Dog Eat This?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Bite-size pieces of ripe, red tomatoes are safe — but you should skip on the marinara sauce.
Bite-size pieces of ripe, red tomatoes are safe — but you should skip on the marinara sauce.
![Spotted dog with a close up of his nose]()
healthWhat 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.
![Dog laying on couch looking embarassed]()
healthParaphimosis 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.
The answer is no, no, no, and here’s why.
![A girl stands with her small white dog among dandelions.]()
healthSymptoms and Treatments For 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.
![Woman Holding Her Black Cat.]()
healthStep 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.
![A vet examining the neck of a small dog on the examination table]()
healthLymphoma 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.
![Dog biting his tail on a summer Baltic seashore.]()
healthUnderstanding 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.
![Woman checking small Chihuahua for ear mites]()
healthEar 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.
![Image of orange cat with veterinary cone on its head.]()
behaviorNeutering 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
Exploring the Safety of Neosporin For Dogs: Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices
You don’t always know how your dog ends up with a scratch or cut, but it’s important to know how to take care of it.
You don’t always know how your dog ends up with a scratch or cut, but it’s important to know how to take care of it.
![Beagle dog scratches himself on carpet.]()
healthMange 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.
![Orange cat relaxes in the garden.]()
healthWhat 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.
![Smiling Woman And Cat Looking Each Other In The Bedroom.]()
healthWhat 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.
![Young woman with her senior dog in the autumn park.]()
healthEverything 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.
![Young person veterinarian in their veterinary clinic performing a medical examination on a pet.]()
healthWhat 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.
![Young female veterinarian in her consulting room performing a medical examination on a pet]()
healthWhat 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.
