Even under the best circumstances, a dog's life is too short. It's a difficult subject, but one every pet owner must face eventually. As the end of your dog's life approaches, whether due to illness or old age, you might be contemplating some difficult choices. But while euthanasia was long considered the most humane option […]

Holistic medicine treats the person (or, in this case, animal) as a whole: mind, body, spirit. It uses several different practices, including acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, chiropractic treatment, aromatherapy, nutrition, acupressure, and even sound therapy to address a variety of ailments and conditions. Americans spend more than $30 billion a year on alternative treatments for […]

Dogs are known for their stoicism, and even the most loving owner might miss signs that their pet is suffering. Progressive, persistent pain that creeps up on a dog is often tricky to spot. Referred to as chronic, it can dramatically impact their quality of life. Understanding the Differences Between Acute and Chronic Pain Dr. […]

Acupuncture is one of the most common natural therapies used by holistic veterinarians. The practice involves stimulating the nervous system by penetrating “acupuncture points” with needles, injectable liquids (such as vitamins or homeopathics), or electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is most effective for dogs suffering: Musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and […]

Could an Ancient Chinese Medical Therapy Work for Your Dog? Acupuncture is one of the most common natural therapies used by holistic veterinarians. The practice of acupuncture involves stimulating the nervous system by penetrating “acupuncture points” with needles, injectable liquids (such as vitamins or homeopathics), or electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is most effective for dogs suffering: […]

It’s a pitiful sight. Your dog’s tail is squeezed between his legs, he’s straining against his leash like he’s being pulled over a cliff, his eyes are pleading up at you: “Pleeease don’t make me go to the vet’s office!” Dogs who dread going to the veterinarian have an uncanny way of sensing when it’s […]

The Michigan House of Representatives will likely soon consider a bill that makes numerous changes to the state’s veterinary laws. These changes include amending the definition of “practice of veterinary medicine”.  Current law states that practicing veterinary medicine includes “prescribing or administering a drug, medicine, treatment, or method of procedure.”  As passed by the House […]

Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. But can you use Neosporin® on dogs? The answer isn’t completely straightforward. In some instances, applying the topical, antibiotic ointment can help heal your dog’s wound, but there are situations when it is not advisable or […]

We had Jaco less than 10 months when it happened. Jaco was a German Shepherd Dog exported from the Czech Republic when he was 16 months old. I wanted him to be my next scent-detection dog, a partner in the work I’ve done for more than a decade, finding the missing and the dead. He […]

One of the amazing things about dogs is their noses and their ability to detect and remember scents, long after being exposed to the original odor. When a person is pregnant, the hormones in their body are likely to alter their scent in some way. So, can dogs sense pregnancy? Because of their keen sense of smell, […]