Pet Wellness Advocate
Canine “Survival” Tips for (Very) Cold Winter Weather We've been having some bitter cold days recently in parts of the country and there are a number of things you can do to keep your dog comfortable --- and safe --- outdoors. Do not assume they have the “common sense” to come indoors when they begin... Read more »
On this week's Dog Talk I interviewed Kim Dower, a wonderful California poet who read aloud many of her dog-themed poems. I was struck by one in particular, that will be appearing for the first time in her upcoming third book of poetry, Last Train to the Missing Planet. She gave me permission to reprint... Read more »
Dogs Are Naturally Generous with Their Treats We all know how difficult it is for the parents of human children to teach them to share with their siblings. How often have we heard (as children ourselves or as parents) “Share with your brother,” or “Give half to your sister” --- with less than stellar results?!... Read more »
A “Medication Cocktail” for Senior Dogs --- in a Tasty Activphy Supplement Ball The good news for us and our aging dogs is that modern veterinary care has increased their life spans so that they can spend more years giving and receiving love. The bad news for senior dogs is that with age comes arthritis---which... Read more »
Happy New Year and Heartfelt Thanks to My Listeners I recently received an utterly pure expression of gratitude and kindness from a listener that caused me to stop and reflect on the comfort and joy her words gave me, but also to recognize how inspiring and satisfying it is for me, selfishly, to produce and... Read more »
Itchy Dog? Don't Blame the Food! Get the SPOT Test! Does your dog scratch and lick and/or bite at her ears, feet, flanks or neck? Skin problems are probably the number one reason pet owners go to their vets. I get numerous emails asking for advice and suggestions about resolving skin issues like hot spots,... Read more »
Homemade Salt Dough Ornaments Dangerous for Dogs Who would have imagined that something as family-fun as decorating your home over the holidays could pose a deadly threat to your pets? No, I'm not talking about the usual seasonal dangers we've all heard about one time or another, which I list in my book The Dog... Read more »
Shelter Dogs Help Protect Endangered Species There is a detection-dog program called Conservation Canines (CK9), part of the University of Washington's Center for Conservation Biology, that is putting to a brand new use the amazing sense of smell that dogs possess. These CK9 dogs are trained to help conservationists detect the presence of endangered animals... Read more »
Adopted Pets Teach Us Patience (“Love Don't Come Easy” for some) Sometimes you hear the story of someone who adopted from a shelter and discovered the dog or cat was really timid and shy. They might have expressed disappointment, or even made the fatalistic judgment “this animal must have been terribly abused and will never... Read more »
One Senior Springer Spaniel has Reason to Give Hearty Thanks This Thanksgiving Imagine what it feels like to be a 6-year-old doggy past the prime of life, whose owner got old, too, and couldn't take care of you anymore? Think how lucky you would be if you were a breed of dog that happened to... Read more »