In the latest episode of Pet Talk, we’re wading hip deep in watery fun as Dr. Sarah dives into the subject of canine swimming safety. Regardless of the venue – poolside, lake or beach - you won’t want to miss these important, helpful tips.

With summer fully upon us, many of us are spending more time outdoors. Some of us may even be entertaining thoughts of beginning a new exercise routine.

We love our companion animals. But sometimes their actions are mystifying, if not altogether baffling. Fortunately, our own Dr. Jane is on-hand to offer some rationale behind some of the most perplexing pet behaviors.

Recent estimates put the number of dogs suffering from joint disease and chronic pain at nearly ten million, a significant percentage of the population. And, with more and more senior pet kids in American homes, those numbers are likely to remain high. Fortunately, veterinarians have adopted a treatment previously used only for humans, and it’s one that is dramatically improving the quality of life for pet patients. In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah explains how laser therapy offers a ray of hope for dogs and cats dealing with the pain associated with degenerative joint disease. Be sure to share this important message on alternative therapies with your fellow pet parents!

If you’ve ever noticed a foul odor wafting from your pet’s hind end, there's a chance that anal sacs may be the source of the problem. As any pet parent will tell you, nothing smells as uniquely terrible as the material emitted from these glands.

Pet parents postpone annual health exams for their dogs and cats for all manner of reasons. For some, it’s a fear of what your veterinarian will find during the examination. Others worry about the expense of the exam itself. And some seek only to avoid the stress a vet visit causes their pet kids. Regardless of the rationales behind not going in, the benefits far outweigh the more immediate costs of inaction.

Imagine walking down the road. Suddenly, you are confronted by a large, snarling dog heading directly for you. Try to imagine your level of fear. If you were once terrorized by a dog earlier in life, multiply that fright by a factor of ten. Your heart would race, your body would start to shake and your breathing would become shallow and rapid. These reactions are caused by a surge of hormones, such as adrenaline, often referred to as the ‘fight or flight response’. It’s how your body reacts to a perceived threat, and it’s totally normal.

This Golden Retriever pup loves watching televised sports, especially tennis. Here is a clip of him spectating and 'participating in' the Australian Open.

If you've ever wondered why your dog bows, we've got answers. And it's more complicated than you might think! Read this fascinating post by Dr. Jane Bicks.