![A gray and white cat sits on a couch, lifting its hind leg to scratch its neck. The cat appears irritated, possibly due to fleas or an itch, with a wooden wall in the background.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cat-scratching-because-of-fleas.jpg)
Lara Girsko
![Lara Author Template Lara Author Template](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/litespeed/avatar/2861980030f5045cc9a0d6165e5e3ad7.jpg?ver=1739751723)
About
As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with a wealth of experience in animal welfare, she possess a keen interest in feline medicine and has set her sights on obtaining an ABVP-Feline specialty board certification. She is an active member of several local veterinary associations, and devotes her free time reading up on the latest animal-related scientific journals and studies.
Experience
Lara has been working in the veterinary field since 2001. She has over 22 years of experience dealing with all types of animals. Starting out as a pet walker, then a volunteer at a pet clinic. Lara set her sights on acquiring a veterinary degree, which she did in early 2005. She then worked as a Veterinary assistant, emergency room veterinarian, associate veterinarian before opening her own clinic. She is currently retired working from home as a self employed veterinary consultant as well as writing and editing her blog - ThePetStaff.
Education
Lara graduated in early 2005 with a veterinary degree from the University of California Davis with a Bachelors of Science degree in animal science.
Posts by Lara Girsko
![A gray and white cat sits on a couch, lifting its hind leg to scratch its neck. The cat appears irritated, possibly due to fleas or an itch, with a wooden wall in the background.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cat-scratching-because-of-fleas.jpg)
![A white and gray cat wearing a brown collar scratches its ear with its hind leg, tilting its head back in discomfort. This behavior is a common sign of ear mites in cats, which can cause itching, irritation, and head shaking.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Ear-Mites-In-Cats_-Causes-Symptoms-Treatment-And-More.jpg)
Ear Mites In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And More
![A dog wearing a festive sweater and reindeer antlers lies on a fluffy rug near a fireplace. The cozy room is decorated with candles, lanterns, and stacked firewood.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Things-To-Do-With-Your-Dog-In-The-Winter.jpg)
14 Things To Do With Your Dog In The Winter
![A woman in a cozy knitted sweater hugs her husky mix dog on a couch with soft pillows. She smiles warmly while the dog rests its head on her arm, looking relaxed.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Woman-cuddling-her-dog.jpg)
How To Relieve Dog Stress: A Guide For Pet Parents
![A wide-eyed gray and white cat is snugly wrapped in a cozy, fleece-lined jacket, staring directly at the camera with an expressive look.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/What-To-Feed-Your-Cat-For-A-Shiny-Coat.jpg)
What To Feed Your Cat For A Shiny Coat: A Guide For Pet Owners
![A joyful woman laughs as her small, white and brown dog eagerly licks its owner's face as a sign of love. She holds the dog affectionately, showcasing their close bond. The fluffy white background enhances the warm and playful moment between them.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dog-licking-its-owners-face-as-a-sign-of-love.jpg)
How To Know If Your Dog Loves You: 16 Heartfelt Signs To Recognize
![A playful chocolate Labrador engages in a game of tug-of-war with a colorful rope toy, eyes focused and body tense. Interactive games like this provide mental stimulation for dogs, keeping them engaged and active. Tug-of-war strengthens their problem-solving skills and satisfies their natural instincts.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ways-to-mentally-stimulate-dogs.jpg)
23 Ways To Provide Mental Stimulation For Dogs
![A Shiba Inu lounging on a bed gazes at its owner, who gently strokes its back while holding a coffee mug. The cozy indoor setting, with warm lighting and soft blankets, reflects a moment of comfort and companionship, highlighting the strong bond between the dog and its human.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Separation-Anxiety-In-Dogs.jpg)
Separation Anxiety In Dogs: All You Need To Know
![A creative arrangement of golden fish oil capsules forms the shape of a fish on a light wooden surface. Surrounding it, wooden letter blocks spell out "VITAMIN FISH OIL", emphasizing its nutritional benefits. This visually engaging image complements the topic, "Is Fish Oil Good for Dogs?", highlighting its importance in pet health.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Is-fish-Oil-Good-For-Dogs.jpg)
Is fish Oil Good For Dogs
![A Shiba Inu dog sits on a grassy patch, scratching due to ticks with its hind leg. Its mouth is slightly open, revealing its teeth, and its eyes are squinting in discomfort. The background is slightly blurred with green trees and a fence, suggesting an outdoor park or yard setting.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dog-scratching-due-to-ticks.jpg)
Ticks On Dog: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And More
![A wrinkled Shar Pei dog lounges on a wooden deck, its relaxed posture and slightly droopy eyes suggesting comfort. The folds of its light tan coat highlight its unique skin texture, which can sometimes be prone to dry skin issues. Lush greenery and colorful plants frame the peaceful outdoor setting.](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Dog-Dry-Skin.jpg)
Dog Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And More
![How Often To Brush Cat Teeth](https://thepetstaff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/How-Often-To-Brush-Cat-Teeth.jpg)
How Often To Brush Cat Teeth
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