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.

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.

“That’s a face only a mother could love.” Perhaps this has been said about your dog, and it’s true—even if your dog’s got an underbite and googly eyes, they are likely perfect to you. You love them unconditionally and think they’re perfect...that is, perhaps, until you take them for a walk. This trouble with dog-walking is an all-too-common scenario that we veterinarians hear about, and in honor of this being National Train Your Dog Month, we’d love to help you nip this bad behavior in the bud.

The holidays are behind us and, if you’re like a good portion of our country or even the world, you may very well have brought a new puppy or dog home. You’ve got their dog bed in the perfect spot, you’ve hopefully found a nutritious brand of dog food they like, you’ve set up your veterinary appointment and gotten them on a vaccination schedule, and you’ve surely had your share of top-to-bottom face kisses.

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably heard a bit about pet insurance in the past, but it seemed as though those choosing to go that route were more the exception than the rule. It’s becoming much more common, and for good reason—pet insurance makes solid financial sense and offers peace of mind when it comes to our beloved fur babies. As veterinarians, we are huge proponents of pet insurance, which is why we’ve taken the time to answer some frequently asked questions about it below.

As we reflect on 2020 and what has happened during this tumultuous year, it's time to take stock of what we learned regarding pet care. Many of us had to change our routines that we’ve happily been doing (or not!) for years—wake up, make coffee, take the dog for a walk, shower, and commute to work. On the way home, we stop at the store for a quick few ingredients for dinner, grab the kids from school, ask about homework, and settle in for the night. Our pets love routine and having us home, so this was a banner year for our fur babies.

Adopting or buying a puppy is no fly-by-night decision. You hopefully spent a lot of time deciding on the best dog breed for your family, settled on your veterinary and/or pet insurance budget, and of course, agonized over the most magnificent moniker for your precious pup.

Don’t you think Andy Williams should have sung, “Whoop de do, and dickory dock, has anyone caught a glimpse of my sock?” It’s the holiday season! And if you own a dog, you know that anything around your house could potentially become their favorite toy—even those high-end slippers you splurged on. Why not get your doggo something special this year, just for them? Perhaps this will leave your belongings intact. Hey, it’s worth a shot! Plus, pampering your pooch is something most of us love to do, and, thankfully, there are plenty of items to choose from.