Stinky Dog Syndrome. The struggle is real. As veterinarians, it’s our job to tell you that there is no such syndrome, per se, but, as pet owners, we get it. Whew, do we get it! There are some grooming and bathing habits you can practice to improve your dog's olfactory output. Some breeds of dogs require grooming to maintain their coats but even those dogs could often benefit from good hygiene in between appointments.

You might not have realized that February is Responsible Pet Owner's Month—let's be honest, it's not something the average person hears about a lot. As veterinarians, however, responsible pet ownership is something we are very passionate about. We see far too many heartbreaking situations in our daily lives due to mistakes that could have been prevented. One of those things is pets that go missing. And trust us—we know that accidents happen. Both dogs and cats can be escape artists, which makes microchipping your pets one of the best things you can do to honor this month.

We won’t name names but, as veterinarians, we’ve heard confessions that some of you love your dog’s breath! We get it, especially when it comes to puppy breath. The truth is, though, stinky dog breath can be a sign of poor dental health and, despite many dogs’ ability to hide the pain, this can also be an excruciating problem for them. We also know that taking care of your dog’s teeth at home can feel like one more thing to add to your to-do list. The benefits your dog will reap, however, and later vet bills you’ll avoid will make this well worth it.

We all know having pets around helps decrease stress and creates a positive environment...at home. When it comes to bringing your dog to work, you might envision your little fur baby sleeping the day away next to you on their pet bed, disrupting you only with a tiny dog paw scratch to let you know that they have to go to the bathroom...or perhaps a kitty stretch and yawn. This idea sounds amazing, but you know this is Kitty and Doggy Dreamland, right?

As you fire up the woodstove, gas up the generators, load up on flashlights and firewood, and other winter storm preparation, remember that your pet needs special preventive care and prep, too. Follow these six tips to keep your pet safe and warm in the face of an upcoming storm. 

From their goofy grins to their silly head tilts when we talk to them, dogs are, quite frankly, the best. As veterinarians, we know that dogs hold a special place in our clients' hearts, which is why canine cancer is certainly a topic we hope to avoid having to discuss.

Poison prevention week is March 20th - 26th. This week focuses on educating pet parents on some of the common things poisonous to pets. Pet poison prevention week ties into National Poison Prevention Week and spring! This is a good time to remind everyone about the dangers found in spring such as cleaners, plants, fertilizer, pesticides and so much more. The ASPCA lists many household products and food that can be lethal to pets. Those include chocolate, grapes, mushrooms, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other over-the-counter drugs.

Acupuncture is a type of medicine that has been around for thousands of years. In human and veterinary medicine, it is used as an alternative method for treating chronic pain. This traditional Chinese medicine refers to the insertion of a tiny needle or thin piece of metal into pre-established points in the body. From a western viewpoint, acupuncture points correlate with areas where we have a bundle of vessels and nerves. The insertion of the needle often causes an increase in blood flow and the release of some anti-inflammatory mediators.