Accessibility Statement

About

Dr. Laria Herod is a full-time veterinarian and the content creator behind Squally Muffin, a lifestyle brand with an emphasis on human and pet parenting. She shares engaging content on several social media platforms with the help of her doting husband, their adorable daughters, adopted family dog, and chatty cat. After completing her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, Laria left her home state to enjoy 300+ days of summer in the greater Phoenix area.

Education

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
  • University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 2016 - 2020
  • Bachelor of Science, Animal Sciences
  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • 2012 - 2017

Experience

Dr. Laria Herod is Small Animal General Practice Associate Veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Queen Creek, Arizona. She began her journey as a blogger turned influencer turned content creator while in veterinary school. When she is not creating new memories with her family, she likes to fill in at various veterinary hospitals across the greater Phoenix area to help with the great veterinary shortage.

Articles

  1. Siberian cat walking couch with plant in background

    Hypoallergenic Cats: Facts, Details, and Breed Guide

    No cat is 100% hypoallergenic. These 8 cat breeds produce less Fel d 1 or have minimal shedding, making them ideal...
    Read More
  2. calico cat open mouth flehmen response

    What Is the Flehmen Response in Cats?

    Why do cats open their mouths when they smell something? This is called the flehmen response in cats.
    Read More
  3. Maine Coon cat unhappy in litter box

    Crystals in Cat Urine: Signs, Causes, & Treatment

    Crystals in cat urine are small minerals that may cause pain and lead to urinary blockage. Learn the signs, causes...
    Read More
  4. calico cat sitting under blanket

    Cat UTI Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

    Dr. Justine Lee explains why it's important to prevent, recognize, and treat a cat UTI. Learn how to tell if your...
    Read More
  5. cat paws in litter box

    Why Do Cats Use Litter Boxes?

    To avoid being attacked by predators, ancestral cats had to cover up their tracks. Using a litter box is instinctual...
    Read More
  6. tuxedo cat and orange tabby cat play fighting

    Are My Cats Playing or Fighting? Cat Behavior Guide

    Cats play and fight in very similar ways. Body language and more will be able to tell you if your cats are playing...
    Read More
  7. two orange tabby kittens learning to use the litter box

    How to Litter Train a Kitten in 5 Easy Steps

    Teaching your kitten to use the litter box isn’t very difficult, but it is essential. Learn how to litter box train...
    Read More
  8. munchkin cat in front of self-cleaning litter box

    How Often Should Cats Pee? Why You Should Monitor Your Cat's Litter Habits

    Whether you scoop daily or have a self-cleaning litter box, it’s important to pay attention to your cat's litter...
    Read More
  9. Kitten kicking litter everywhere outside the litter box

    Cat Kicking Litter Out of Box - How to Stop It & Best Litter Box for Messy Cats

    The best litter box for cats with messy habits is enclosed and self-cleaning with accessories that help further reduce...
    Read More
  10. brown tabby cat

    How to Tell How Old a Cat Is (and Understand Cat Years)

    Get tips on how to determine your cat's age and learn about a cat’s life stages to provide the best care for them...
    Read More
  11. orange tabby cat sniffing newborn baby

    How to Introduce Your Cat to a Newborn Baby

    Learn how to prepare your cat before your baby arrives, plus how to introduce cats and newborns.
    Read More
  12. cat and dog looking at fireworks out the window

    Why Cats and Dogs Are Afraid of Fireworks—and How to Help

    Find out why our pets are afraid of fireworks and other loud noises, plus tips to help them stay calm.
    Read More
  13. why does cat pee smell so bad

    Why Does Cat Pee Smell So Bad?

    Why does cat pee smell so bad and how do you get rid of the cat pee smell? Learn all you need to know about cat urine...
    Read More
Posts loader