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. More...

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.

The advantages of a yearly check-up are so vital, Dr. Sarah has devoted an entire episode of Pet Talk to the topic, providing all the motives why you shouldn’t put it off. In her clear and no-nonsense style, our good doctor walks you step-by-step through a typical annual wellbeing examination, revealing exactly what veterinarians are thinking when they’re investigating your pet kid’s health … and, why each step is vital to the long-term health and happiness of your companion animal.

Don’t miss this month’s episode of Pet Talk, and be sure to click on the ‘Email’ link to share this important message with friends and family!

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. More...

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

Have you ever wondered, "Why does my dog bow sometimes?" The answer is more complicated than you might think!

Dog bows serve as building blocks of dog communication and also have a physiological function in the stretching referred to as pandiculation. The reason behind each bow depends on when the dog engages in the behavior. Let’s talk about this unique form of stretching first.

Why do dogs bow?

• Dog bowing is most commonly expressed with what we refer to as the ‘play bow’. This common posture serves as a cornerstone of dog communication. Most often, it functions as an expression of ‘let's play!”
• It can signal an apologetic tone, such as, "Oops, I didn't mean to bite so hard. I wasn't trying to hurt you. Let's keep playing!”
• When two dogs meet for the first time, they may initiate interaction with play bows as a way of making friends.
• Sometimes as part of the mating ritual, canines will initially assume the play-bow position to communicate amorous intent.
• Dog bowing or stretching in the morning “wakes up” the muscular system, activating the connection between the brain and the muscles. 

Want to try something fun? Try doing your own version of the play bow to your dog, and watch your pup go from serious to goofball in a heartbeat. Use a silly voice, plop down and invite your dog to play - you will likely be delighted at your dog’s response!

If your dog invites you to play with a bow, accept the invitation! Chances are that you’ll boost her well-being, as well as yours, by simply engaging in purposeful play for only five minutes. It’s a great way to take a break from the day and begin a game of tug of war, tag or fetch.

Remember: if dogs are not properly socialized, they may not know how to respond to another dog’s play-bow invitation. Rather than responding in-kind, they may feel threatened and growl fearfully. If you witness any fearful or aggressive reactions, I recommend working with a professional dog trainer.

In this month’s episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah reviews one of those I’ve-heard-mentioned-before-but-don’t-know-very-much-about canine health topics, Parvovirus. Sadly, with spring comes a seasonal increase in this potentially lethal disease, so you and your pup need to be prepared. Our staff veterinarian explains what the disease is, how it’s transmitted, tips about how to hinder its spread, symptoms to look out for, as well as what to do if your dog contracts this illness. And, be sure to watch the entire video, to learn how you can prevent your sweet pup from ever getting parvo. Thanks for watching this installment of Pet Talk, and check back next month for another brand new episode.

There's one rule in this house ... the dog is not allowed on the bed. What the pet parents couldn't figure out was, why was there so much dog hair on the bed every time they came home from work. So, clever people that they are, they set up a video camera to find out.

You can probably guess what comes next ... but not how much fun the pup has when breaking the rules.

February is National Pet Dental Month, and a great time to talk to your veterinarian about the state of your pet’s mouth and, if needed, schedule a dental cleaning.

There is a price to pay for neglecting your companion animal’s dental health. It’s a long-term cost that’s potentially much higher than the short-term fees associated with a dental cleaning. Several problem areas can develop as a result of poor dental care: excessive tartar, tooth decay, periodontal disease and oral abscesses. These conditions can be the gateway to other major medical conditions involving the heart, liver and kidneys. As with humans, such advanced dental disease can diminish your pet kid’s quality of life and even shorten lifespan. More...

If your dog routinely chews for 10-20 minutes or more at a time, you’d better be sure that it’s something safe, as anything this repetitive can have significant wear-and-tear on teeth and gums.

Many pet parents can identify with the zoned-out expression of a dog who’s relishing a good chew experience. The benefits of blissing out on a good chew are many – exercise, mental stimulation, the promotion of dental health … some chew treats are even vehicles for superior nutrition.

In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah offers up her reviews of popular chew toys and treats, revealing which ones she does not recommend, and great alternatives. By the end of this episode, you’ll be an expert on the best options available to you, to make sure that chewing time is also safe time for your sweet pup. As a bonus, we’re revealing one of our newest products, an all-natural buffalo chew that can actually help to improve dental health, and it’s on sale! View all of our new buffalo chew treats now!

Be sure to share this helpful episode of Pet Talk with friends and family by clicking on the ‘Email’ link below.