Ask Dr. Dog
The Scoop from Canine Health Care Professionals
This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.
My Dog Loves the Ball: How Bad Can That Be?
As a veterinarian focused on muscular skeletal problems, I have a love/hate relationship with the ball.
Dog Meets World: Key Phases in Puppy Socialization
Many things that seem normal to us can be initially overwhelming to a young puppy facing something new for the first time. That’s why socialization is crucial for the success of any dog, whether a working dog or family pet.
Pass the Needles, Please: What to Expect at Your Dog’s First Acupuncture Appointment
As an animal acupuncturist, I’m often asked how I get dogs to sit still during their appointments. In Ed’s case, this included a nicely chilled can of Reddi-Wip.
Smile! A Guide to Dental Care for Your Furry Friend
If you’re a pet owner, you probably know how difficult it is to clean your furry friend’s teeth without feeling frustrated, winding up with toothpaste in your hair, or accidentally hurting your pet’s mouth.
Is My Dog Overweight? How to Help Your Pup Trim Down for Health and Happiness
Do you ever wonder if your furry friend is getting too chubby?
Is Your Dog Injured? Consider Shockwave Therapy
My dog avoided a leg amputation thanks to a newer modality called extracorporeal shockwave therapy - or Shockwave for short.
Woof! Winter Wisdom from Chinese Medicine
If you’ve noticed your bones are aching a little bit more on these chilly winter mornings, your senior dog is probably feeling it, too.
Why Love is the Best Medicine
Nothing permeates my consciousness other than gratitude. Maybe that’s why people like working with and being with animals.
The Grieving Dog: What To Do When a Canine Sibling Dies
When a member of their pack passes away, the surviving sibling may need your support.
Go With or Stay Behind? Prepping Your Pet for Fall Travel
Whether you take them with you or leave them behind, we’ve got tips to make sure they are comfortable and happy.
Summer’s Here! Tips to Keep Your Pup Healthy and Happy in the Dog Days
With warmer weather here, we developed these safety tips for our working dogs at Guide Dogs for the Blind - but they're good for every dog, too!
By the Numbers: How Old is Your Dog in Human Years?
Just this past month, Bobi, the world’s oldest dog according to Guinness World Records, celebrated his 31st birthday in the Portuguese village of Conquieros.
An Uphill Climb: “Everesting” for Not One More Vet
The veterinary profession is often romanticized as a job that allows people to work with animals and improve their health and well-being. It does that, certainly, but veterinary care can also take a heavy toll on those who provide it.
The Sporting Life: How To Keep Your Dog At Peak Performance
Sports specific conditioning, and even general conditioning, can help keep your canine athlete from getting injured and keep any dog at the top of their game.
How Young Is Too Young? New Research Shifts Thinking on When to Spay or Neuter
Recently, a friend asked me when would be the best time to neuter his male German Shepherd puppy, Kyiv.
Calling All Pet Parents! The Veterinary Community Needs Your Support
Hard to believe, but some people assume all veterinary professionals get to spend their days playing with animals.
Doggie Dementia: What Every Human Should Know
Have you noticed changes in your older dog’s behavior lately? More accidents inside, loss of interest in favorite activities, changes in sleeping patterns?
Grace and Gratitude: Caring for Your Older Dog
Gratitude. It’s one of my favorite words and emotions that have helped me become what I am today: the person and the veterinarian.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure…Even When You Only Weigh a Few Pounds
Coco is a darling, cocoa-brown Chihuahua and a full-time beloved companion. Last Christmas Eve, she fell gravely ill.
The Food of Love: A Dog’s Last Meal
We rarely want to think about our dog’s last day or his last meal. But this is an inevitable truth: someday our beloved friend must leave us.