

Athena Gaffud
DVM
Athena Gaffud, DVM, is a board-certified veterinarian and writer based in the Cagayan Valley of the northern Philippines. She runs the website countryvetmom.com Dr. Gaffud earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2011, ranking in the top 10 and receiving the Best Undergraduate Thesis Award in Large Animals. With over a decade of experience, she has worked as a researcher, a practitioner for small and large animals, and in veterinary technical sales, marketing, and pet insurance. A published author, Dr. Gaffud promotes responsible pet ownership and combats misinformation on animal care through her platforms, including the DocAthena Facebook Page and DocAthena YouTube channel. She is a writer and editor for various pet-related websites such as Total Vet, Honest Paws, PangoVet, Dogster, Catster, My Best PH, Paw Origins, Bully Max, Not a Bully, Paws and Claws CBD, many others. She was also cited in different pet-related media articles such as The Dog People, USA Today, Newsweek, New York Post, Reader’s Digest, Smithsonian Magazine, Woman’s World, Dog Time, Patch, Kinship, Martha Stewart, and many others. Moreover, she is also a published fiction author on Kindle.
Articles by Athena Gaffud


Mobility Aids for Dogs: Harnesses, Ramps, and More
As more dogs live longer and develop arthritis or age-related stiffness, mobility aids for dogs play a critical role in protecting comfort and independence.

Dog With Arthritis: Does Size Matter? What To Know
Many dog parents notice their pup slowing down, showing stiffness after rest, or hesitating to jump, and these early changes often signal the beginning of joint disease. Having a dog with arthritis is common, especially in senior dogs or breeds prone to inherited joint problems.

Senior Dog Joint Pain: How to Help Them Feel More Comfortable
Senior dog joint pain affects countless aging dogs, and many pet parents overlook the early signs. Subtle stiffness, slower movements, or changes in behavior often appear normal at first glance, yet these shifts usually signal underlying discomfort or arthritis in senior dogs that requires attention.

What Is Osteoarthritis in Dogs? Signs Your Dog Might Be in Pain
Osteoarthritis in dogs is one of the most common causes of chronic pain, especially in senior dogs and large breeds. Many dog parents often assume slow movement, stiffness, or hesitation on stairs reflects normal aging.

Why Is My Dog Limping? Causes and When To See A Vet
A limping dog often leaves pet parents feeling worried and uncertain, wondering, “Why is my dog limping?” and what it truly means. Limping, or lameness, in dogs often indicates discomfort or an underlying issue with their limbs.

Hookworms and Roundworms in Cats: What to Know
Roundworms and hookworms rank among the most common intestinal parasites affecting kittens and adult cats. These roundworms in cats and hookworms in cats interfere with digestion, hinder healthy growth, and disrupt overall wellness.

Cat Ear Mites or Fleas: What’s Bugging Your Cat?
Many cat parents look for answers when a cat starts scratching, shaking its head, or acting uncomfortable, unsure whether the problem stems from cat ear mites or fleas.

Fleas on Cats: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next
Fleas on cats are among the most common external parasites veterinarians encounter, affecting both indoor and outdoor pets equally. These insects trigger itching, skin irritation, flea dirt on cats, hair loss, and, in severe cases, anemia or allergic reactions.

Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas or Worms? The Surprising Answer
Many cat parents assume indoor living provides complete protection from parasites, yet this belief creates a false sense of security. If you ever ask yourself, ‘Can indoor cats get fleas?’

Common Parasites in Cats and How to Prevent Them
Parasites in cats, both internal and external, remain extremely common in kittens and adult cats, including those living strictly indoors. These organisms disrupt digestion, irritate the skin, dull the coat, and undermine overall health.

What Are Roundworms in Dogs? Signs and Treatment Tips
Roundworms rank among the most common intestinal parasites in dogs, especially puppies, and understanding them matters for every household. These long, spaghetti-like worms grow several inches and live inside the intestinal tract, where they steal nutrients and create a heavy burden that disrupts digestion.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know
Ticks have become increasingly widespread due to climate shifts and changes in wildlife populations, posing a significant threat to dogs across many regions.

Hookworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Dangers, and How to Protect Your Pup
Hookworms are among the most common intestinal parasites affecting dogs, and hookworms in puppies pose the greatest concern. These tiny worms attach to the lining of the small intestine and feed on blood, leading to significant health problems.

Fleas on Dogs: What They Look Like and How to Stop Them
Fleas on dogs are fast-moving, blood-feeding parasites that trigger intense itching, restlessness, and skin irritation, making quick action essential for a dog’s comfort and health. Many dog parents struggle to distinguish normal scratching from signs of fleas on dogs, especially when symptoms resemble seasonal allergies or sensitive skin issues. Clear guidance helps reduce confusion and supports early intervention.

Heartworm in Dogs: How to Prevent This Silent Killer
Heartworm in dogs is a serious yet preventable disease transmitted through infected mosquito bites. Immature worms travel through the bloodstream, settling in the heart and lungs, causing damage often unnoticed until advanced stages. This “silent killer” leads to subtle or absent symptoms of heartworm in dogs in the early stages. As the disease progresses, signs include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing.

Pyrantel Pamoate for Dogs and Cats
