The Other Things Veterinary with Dr. Leah Whipple

09/23/2026

Check out Red Mare Animal Wellness LLC

When you see an advertisement for massage for animals, what is your first impression? Do you question how it may work? Do you question if your animal would even enjoy a massage? Do you laugh and think that is a silly idea? Massage for animals may not make sense to some, but the results will always speak for themselves.🫶
I have a deep passion for helping dogs and horses feel their best and helping their people better understand their animal from the inside out. Massage can be a wonderful addition to your dog or horse’s overall wellness routine, not just for seniors or animals recovering from an injury, but also for active animals, athletes, working dogs, performance and show horse and even everyday companions or pasture puffs.
Our horses and dogs use their bodies constantly, whether they’re running and playing, grazing in the field, competing in sports, showing, going on long walks, trail rides, or simply keeping up with family life. Just like us, they can develop areas of muscle tension, stiffness, or soreness that may not always be obvious.
My approach is very individualized. I take the time to listen to each animal, respect their comfort level, and work at their pace. Some dogs walk right in ready to relax, some horses fall asleep in the aisle right away, while others need a little more time to understand what’s happening. There is never a rush. ❤️

Reach out today to schedule your horse or dog’s next session🫶
Home and farm visits: 484-719-1491
West Lehigh Veterinary Care: 610-477-4909

09/21/2026

We will be hosting a pop-up massage clinic for dogs on Thursday October 15th, 9am - 2pm at our office in Phoenixville with Alyssa Benfield of Red Mare Animal Wellness LLC
If you are interested, please feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a massage for your dog. (484) 719 - 1491

Meet Allysa, owner of Red Mare Animal Wellness LLC.
Allysa is a National Board Certified Canine Massage Therapist and Certified Equine Massage Therapist with a deep passion for helping animals feel their best and supporting the special relationships they share with their people.
Her approach to bodywork is rooted in compassion, patience, and truly listening to each individual animal. Allysa believes that every animal has their own personality, experiences, preferences, and ways of communicating, and she takes the time to meet them where they are. Her goal is not only to provide quality bodywork, but to help animals feel safe, understood, and comfortable throughout the process.
With a lifelong background in horseback riding, dog training, and veterinary medicine, Allysa has developed a well-rounded understanding of animals and the many factors that influence how they move, feel, and behave. She especially enjoys helping pet parents and equestrians better understand their animals from the inside out, giving them the knowledge and confidence to recognize what their animals may be communicating.
For Allysa, one of the most rewarding parts of this work is watching the relationship between an animal and their person grow. She loves helping owners better understand their companions and creating opportunities for stronger communication, trust, and connection.
Outside of Red Mare Animal Wellness, Allysa shares her life with three Border Collies and her horse. Her own dogs and horse are a huge part of her life and continue to teach and inspire her every day. When she isn’t working, you’ll often find her horseback riding, hiking, or training with her dogs in various sports.
At Red Mare Animal Wellness, Allysa hopes to create a place where both animals and their people feel welcomed, heard, and cared for. Because helping an animal feel their best starts with understanding the individual animal in front of you.

09/15/2026

Has your dog or cat been diagnosed with arthritis?
Arthritis in our pets is very common and it affects both dogs and cats. Changes in behaviors and abilities can be seen, such as stiffness and soreness after exercise or rest, difficulty on stairs or jumping up, reluctance to stand or trouble getting up. Most often we see it in older pets but younger animals can also be affected.
Osteoarthritis by definition is inflammation of the joints. On
x-rays we see it as deformation of the bones in the joints. What we don't see on x-ray, however, is the destruction of the bone just under the cartilage. This bone named subchondral bone is responsible for nutrition of the cartilage since cartilage has no blood circulation of its own. So early on in arthritic changes the subchondral bone is damaged which leads to destruction of the joint cartilage which causes pain, then swelling.
Acupuncture is quite effective in helping reduce the pain of arthritis as well as slowing down the destructive process. It has the ability to decrease pain by affecting the spinal cord pathways and by releasing neurotransmitters which help to manage pain. Over time acupuncture can bring blood supply to the joints thus helping to nourish the tissues involved.
Herbs are a second prong in helping our patients with osteoarthritis. Not only are they capable of being pain relievers and anti-inflammatory but also circulation boosters.
The cool thing about using alternative modalities as a first defence for arthritis is that there are no side effects and the rate of deterioration of the joints can be decreased.
[email protected]
610 574 0101

08/20/2025

We are taking new patients for acupuncture and herbal medicine! We also offer Class IV laser therapy and nutritional consults.
Dr. Leah Whipple, VMD, CVA, VWHM has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine for over 25 years. The Other Things Veterinary offers acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutritional support in person or remote consultations for a number of different diseases and other ailments. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

08/19/2025

Clyde visits us for acupuncture every other week. Clyde is an avid sheep herder. Here he is with his son, Dune!

08/01/2025

Kidney failure or chronic kidney disease is not uncommon in our pets. Kidney issues have some similarities between dogs and cats but there are also differences and we treat accordingly. One size does not fit all.
Some early signs of kidney disease are increased water drinking, decreased appetite, vomiting and weight loss. These
signs are not specific to kidney disease so blood work should be performed for accurate diagnosis. Urine testing is also important to help understand the condition.
Integrative medicine can increase quality of life and longevity in patients with kidney issues. Herbs, acupuncture and supplements can help ease blood flow to the kidneys among other things.
If your pet is experiencing some form of kidney disease and you are interested in some integrative help, feel free to email or call us!
610 574 0101
[email protected]

07/24/2025

Slippery Elm Bark is a very useful and very safe Western herb. The powder is made from the inner bark of the Slippery Elm tree, Ulmus Rubra. Its most important constituent is mucilage which is quite soothing to many body tissues.
Dr. Whipple uses it most often in her patients for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. But it can also be helpful with some coughs, sore throat, skin lesions, and urinary tract inflammation.
This Elm tree is native to North American (Dr. Whipple just happens to have one growing in her yard!) and was used by Native Americans as medicine because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Because it is considered an "at risk" plant we try not to overuse it and often mix it with Marshmallow, a similarly acting herb.

07/22/2025

Look at Diamond go!

05/15/2025

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrRLNGOKg2/?igsh=d2ZtNnh3MmhuOGNj

04/23/2025

Thistle is in for acupuncture!