Update: Recent research has suggested that sweet potatoes, while not poisonous, may not be appropriate for a dog's diet.  From the UC Davis School of Medicine: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued an alert about reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as […]

Everyone agrees that the worst thing about dogs is that they don’t live long enough. But these easy, common-sense tips can help extend the time we have with our canine pals. 1. Find the Right Breed What’s your perfect dog? Like a spouse, a dog is a partner who will be with you for a […]

Orthopedic problems in dogs, like hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament ruptures, can be painful and costly to treat. But when detected early and given proper veterinary attention, affected dogs have a high chance of a successful outcome. Also, proper testing by breeders helps to prevent these problems in offspring. Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Jennie led […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

We love spending quality time with our dogs. But there may be days when we wonder, “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?” The answer has to do with their animal instinct,  pack mentality, and a few other variables. Canine companions that follow their humans everywhere are often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because of […]

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. […]

Learn how to identify arthritis in dogs, obtain a diagnosis from a veterinarian, and explore the various techniques to manage and treat the disease.

Wondering how to tell when your dog is in pain? Usually, there are signs. Here's what to look for and how to help if you suspect chronic pain.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

In recent years, many AKC breeders have begun to share their knowledge of the importance of pet insurance with their new puppy owners.

Canine physical therapy, known as canine rehabilitation therapy, is a growing field of alternative veterinary treatment that can be beneficial for dogs.

Make no mistake about it, Joe Pete is a stellar search and rescue dog. But the plucky 9-year-old Doberman Pinscher also gives new meaning to the word rescue. “There is a saying that you get the right dog at the right time,” says owner-handler Cris Bean, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan. “I had always been a busy […]

Regular exercise and keeping your dog in good physical condition is important for all canines, and essential if you are thinking about participating in any dog sports together. Human athletes prepare their bodies before hitting the court or field, and it's the same for canine athletes. Well-conditioned dogs are less likely to be injured than […]

Your dog’s dental health is just as important as your own and should be one of the things you take care of on a daily basis, especially since it’s not something your pup can do for himself. As you think about your best friend’s dental care, have you ever wondered exactly how many teeth dogs […]

The individual journeys that dogs and their handlers take to the American Kennel Club Obedience Classic in Orlando follow a variety of paths. Whether their goal is to achieve a perfect performance or to build an enduring relationship, their hard work will be on display when they compete on December 15 & 16. All 243 […]

What you may consider an indulgent spa service can benefit your pet’s mental and physical health. Massage may reduce stress and anxiety, increase circulation, decrease pain, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Also, it can help to identify new growths at an early stage. The best part? You don’t even have to […]