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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Excessive Sun Exposure Causes Sunburn and Skin Cancer in Dogs Nov 13, 2025

Q: I recently adopted Rosie, a greyhound who is mostly white. Earlier this summer, she was out in the sun too long and got sunburned. When we go on vacation together later this summer, I'll try to keep her inside as much as possible between 10 a.m. a... Read More

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Foxglove Plants Toxic to Pets Nov 06, 2025

Q: I planted foxgloves because I love their spikes of colorful, speckled, bell-shaped flowers. My cat Stormy is walking through them, rubbing her face on them. Should I worry about this? A: If she only walks through your foxgloves and doesn't chew on... Read More

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Prevent Pet From Drinking Windshield Washer Fluid Oct 30, 2025

Q: While adding windshield washer fluid to my car's reservoir, I spilled some on the ground and my dog started licking it. I sopped up the liquid before he got more than a taste, but afterward, I wondered: Is windshield washer fluid actually toxic to... Read More

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Limit Pet's Weight Gain After Sterilization Surgery Oct 23, 2025

Q: I have had cats and dogs for years, and all of them have been spayed or neutered. I've noticed that they — and my friends' sterilized pets — are almost all overweight, whereas friends' dogs that are not sterilized usually remain slim. ... Read More