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. 3 cats with self-cleaning litter box, Litter-Robot 4

    The Best Litter Box for Multiple Cats

    Litter-Robot is the best litter box for a multi-cat home. Shared traditional boxes are one of the top offenders of...
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  2. Caring for a Disabled Cat: What You Need To Know

    Caring for a Disabled Cat: What You Need To Know

    Pet parents who’ve cared for cats with special needs agree: While challenging at times, it is incredibly rewarding...
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  3. Maine Coon eating raw cat food

    Raw Food Diet for Cats: Is It Safe?

    A vet discusses the downsides of a raw cat food diet and how to protect your cat from bird flu and food-borne illnesses...
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  4. young tabby cats and Maine Coons

    How Big Will My Cat Get?

    How big your cat gets mostly depends on their breed. Early physical characteristics also provide insight.
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  5. longhaired cat licking finger

    Why Does My Cat Lick Me?

    Here are 6 reasons why cats lick people, including attention, stress, and affection.
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  6. How To Find a Lost Cat: 12 Tips

    How To Find a Lost Cat: 12 Tips

    July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month: Learn why you should microchip your pet and read our 12 tips for how...
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  7. grey and white cat meowing

    Why Is My Cat Meowing So Much?

    Wondering why your cat is so vocal, or why cats meow at night? Learn more about these behaviors.
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  8. scared cat hiding under bed

    Why Is My Cat Scared of Everything?

    Find out why your cat may be scared and how you can create a more comfortable home for your skittish cat.
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  9. senior cat on the lap of a man

    Senior Cat Litter Box Solutions

    When it comes to the challenge of caring for aging cats, litter box problems are especially frustrating. Just one...
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  10. long-haired cat smelling leaves

    What Smells Do Cats Hate? 18 Smells That Cats Hate the Most

    What smells do cats hate, and why should you care? The answers may surprise you.
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  11. Scented vs. Unscented Cat Litter: What Does the Research Say?

    Scented vs. Unscented Cat Litter: What Does the Research Say?

    You'll be surprised at what research says about the benefits and drawbacks of scented vs. unscented cat litter.
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  12. tortie cat biting human finger

    Why Does My Cat Bite Me?

    Cats bite for many reasons, from pain to boredom. Explore why your cat bites and how to stop this behavior.
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  13. Why Do Cats Purr?

    Why Do Cats Purr?

    From hunger and happiness to growing pains and everything in between, cats purr for a wide array of reasons.
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