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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Scrub Pet's Food and Water Bowls Daily Sep 11, 2025

Q: A houseguest watched me refill my dog's food and water bowls without washing them, my usual procedure unless there's obvious grime on them. She pointed out the slime covering the inside of the water bowl and told me it's dangerous because the slim... Read More

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Many Animals Have White Bellies Sep 04, 2025

Q: I notice that many cats have white bellies and some also have white paws, even when the rest of the coat is another color. Are white bellies as prevalent among cats as they seem? If so, why? A: White bellies are indeed common among cats, dogs and ... Read More

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Ensure Hamster Is Friendly Before Adopting Aug 28, 2025

Q: How do we find a nice hamster for our daughter? A friend of hers has a hamster that bites, and we don't want that. Also, do hamsters need vaccinations? A: Veterinarians often refer to hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats and guinea pigs as "pocket pets."... Read More

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Long Fingernails Harbor Germs Aug 21, 2025

Q: At my Yorkshire terrier's recent wellness visit, we saw a new veterinarian, a woman with surprisingly long fingernails. My Yorkie needed to have her anal sacs emptied, as she often does, and I was afraid the vet's long nails would hurt her, so I a... Read More