Dogs gravitate towards treats just as we gravitate towards the dessert table. Much like humans, dogs are at risk of becoming overweight or obese at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that nearly 56% of dogs are overweight, which increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, puts unnecessary strain on their bones and organs, and decreases their overall life expectancy. As veterinarians who are also dog owners, we know those extra rolls are ripe for belly rubs, but we also want your dog to be at peak health every time we see them for their wellness visits.

As much as we wish they could, dogs can’t communicate pain, illness, or discomfort with words or even woofs. Instead, changes we notice in their demeanor, eating habits, or shifts in their routine hopefully make us stop and take notice of a potential problem. Dogs instinctively avoid revealing that something is wrong, so it’s up to the dog owner to stay consistently alert and spot illness early to avoid complications.

Introducing a new dog into a pet-filled home can be an overwhelming experience for the pet owner, the new dog, and the current pets – leaving all involved feeling anxious. As veterinarians, we understand that your dog’s emotional health is just as important as their physical health. Following are some proven tips for introducing your new dog into your pet-filled home, and lessening the emotional distress that comes along with it.

Since our dogs are much-loved members of our families, it’s only natural that we want them along for the fun when it’s time for a family vacation. However, that often means a long road trip to the beach, campsite, mountains, or other destination. As veterinarians, we understand your goal is to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible for your dog, and we want nothing more than to help this effort with some expert insight. Following are our recommendations for ensuring a smooth road trip, so your dog enjoys both the vacation and the journey.

You’ve brought your much-anticipated new puppy home and are delighted with this adorable little creature who just wants to play, cuddle, love you, and let you revel in that heavenly puppy breath. However, within the first hour, you’re reminded of the daunting task of potty training after they leave their first “present” on your carpet.

With the prevalence of online shopping and the everyday consumer looking for the best deal, it's no wonder cat and dog medications are the latest product to be sold on marketplace sites. But did you know that not all websites are created equal? As veterinarians, we must make you aware of this disturbing trend. When it comes to buying your pet's medications and preventions there is a good reason we try to sell you them in the clinic.

There are many veterinary issues that we can easily relate to human ones. For example, just as discussing weight problems with people is uncomfortable, we veterinarians often dread having to bring up pet obesity with our clients. The truth is, though, it’s time to get uncomfortable in order to nip this growing epidemic in the bud and keep our pets as healthy as possible.

One positive side effect of the pandemic is that many shelters across the U.S. were cleared, as families decided that more time at home meant that they could finally pull the trigger on the pet that they’d long wanted to make part of their brood.