About Lee Pickett

Lee Pickett

Lee Pickett

Veterinarian Lee Pickett, VMD, practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina and writes “Ask the Vet,” a weekly veterinary advice column. In addition, she writes magazine articles on pet health care and volunteers with animal shelters, rescue groups, agricultural organizations and emergency response teams.

Dr. Pickett developed and taught a course on Veterinary Medicine for Pet People and co-founded PetNet to provide foster care for animals affected by domestic violence. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dr. A. Wayne Mountan Memorial Media Award from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, the Maxwell Medal from the Dog Writers Association of America, and the University of Pennsylvania Mikus Prize for “proficiency in the practice of veterinary medicine and upholding the principles of veterinary medical ethics.” She was profiled in a Philadelphia magazine cover story on Great Vets and has appeared on television news segments and animal shows.

She graduated from Hartwick College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Cats Require Meat-Based Diets Jul 23, 2026

Q: I am a vegan, and I want to feed my cats a vegan or vegetarian diet. What's your advice? A: Veterinarians who specialize in nutrition recommend against feeding vegan or vegetarian diets to cats because research has shown that these diets are not n... Read More

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Chronic Valve Disease Common Cause of Heart Murmur Jul 16, 2026

Q: My 7-year-old, 20-pound mixed breed dog has a heart murmur. Her veterinarian thinks it's due to chronic valve disease. What is this? A: Each time a normal dog's heart beats, it produces two sounds: lub-dub. A murmur is an extra sound, for example,... Read More

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Retractable Leashes Risky for Dogs and People Jul 09, 2026

Q: I usually walk my golden retriever, Jake, on a retractable leash, which we both love. Our local park requires dogs to be on leashes no longer than 6 feet and bans the use of retractable leashes. Would you give me some ammunition so I can convince ... Read More

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More Bacteria on Human Beard Than Dog Fur Jul 02, 2026

Q: I grew up with dogs, but my husband wasn't as fortunate. We now have a dog — and a toddler who loves to hug him and bury her face in his fur. My husband worries that this is unsanitary, while I say it's fine because our dog is healthy, takes... Read More