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The Hidden Costs of Spaying and Neutering Dogs

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The Hidden Costs of Spaying and Neutering Dogs What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Learn how early spay/neuter can shorten your dogs life. Discover hormone-sparing alternatives and what every pet owner should know before making a decision to desex. For decades, the veterinary community has widely accepted the belief that spaying and neuteringdogs as early as possible is the best way to ensure their long-term health. This practice has been deeply ingrained in veterinary education and shelter policies, driven primarily by the goal of controlling pet overpopulation. However, groundbreaking research over the last two decades has challenged this long-standing belief, revealing that removing a dog’s gonads may have unintended health consequences that can shorten their lifespan and contribute to chronic diseases. One of the leading voices in this research is Dr. Michelle Kutzler, a reproductive specialist whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of the physiological effects of s...
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Understanding and Managing Megaesophagus in Dogs

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Understanding and Managing Megaesophagus in Dogs Esophagus Enlargement: Why Your Dog Can't Swallow Properly and Regurgitates Recently, my friend (author Ted Kerasote) emailed me and asked for help for his 16-year-old dog, Pukka. Pukka was diagnosed with megaesophagus two years ago and can no longer tolerate his elk meat and bones diet, so I decided to write an article about my suggestions that may also help others.  If you’ve ever witnessed your pet regurgitate their food without warning, you know how concerning it can be. While occasional regurgitation might not indicate a serious problem, frequent or consistent episodes could signal a condition known as megaesophagus, or ME. This disorder is one many dog owners fear because of its potential consequences. The good news is that, with the evolution of treatments and a deeper understanding, there is greater hope than ever before for managing megaesophagus and providing affected pets with the quality of life they deserve.   Recen...
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Natural Remedies for Dog & Cat Ear Infections

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 Natural Remedies for Dog & Cat Ear Infections Discover evidence-based, natural ways to prevent and treat ear infections in dogs and cats with tips from Dr. Karen Becker. Is your pet constantly scratching their ears or shaking their head? Chronic ear infections in dogs and cats may be more than a surface issue—they’re often a sign of deeper immune, dietary, or microbiome imbalances. In this evidence-based guide, Dr. Karen Shaw Becker explains how to prevent and treat ear infections naturally using species-appropriate nutrition, gentle ear care, and science-backed botanical remedies. Don’t just manage symptoms—discover the root cause and help your pet heal from the inside out. Includes 4 Functional Care Solutions & Natural Ingredients For Prevention! Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the veterinarian’s office. For pet parents, recurring red, itchy, inflamed ears can feel like a never-ending cycle of discomfort and treatment failure. But the goo...
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Blessings, not Burdens

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Blessings, not Burdens Celebrating Special-Abled Pets Day​ May 3rd is Specially-Abled Pets Day—a day that speaks directly to my heart. It’s a time to pause and celebrate animals who, despite facing physical or neurological challenges, live vibrant, joy-filled lives. These remarkable souls remind us of something essential: life isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance, love, and adaptability. May 3rd is Specially-Abled Pets Day—a day that speaks directly to my heart. It’s a time to pause and celebrate animals who, despite facing physical or neurological challenges, live vibrant, joy-filled lives. These remarkable souls remind us of something essential: life isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance, love, and adaptability. Whether blind, deaf, missing a limb, or managing chronic illness, specially-abled pets are not broken. They are whole beings with enormous capacity to give and receive love, to thrive with support, and to teach us about resilience in the purest form. contin...
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Words of Wisdom About Doodle Grooming

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Words of Wisdom About Doodle Grooming There is no official doodle clip. Every groomer establishes their own standard, according to what they like to do. Words like ‘short’ or ‘long’ are totally subjective. To a groomer, they are meaningless. One person’s long is way too short for someone else. Instead use inches. I want his body 1” Long. his legs 2” long and blended to the body. Ears, 2” longer than the ear leather. Beard, 1” Top of head, 2” That is groomer speak and your groomer will cry with gratitude. Keep in mind that the longer the haircut, the more often you have to come in for grooming. Hair grows at the same rate and the long style gives it a head start. It’s the exceptional pet owner who can maintain coat longer than 4”. You don’t have the skill or equipment. It’s a challenge, even for a professional. That’s why it costs. Take a metal comb through after your brush.  Just to be sure. Tell the groomer you want the longest guard comb. (1” ) if that’s to long ask to go down 1 ...
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Gentle Relief for Dog Anal Gland Issues

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Gentle Relief for Dog Anal Gland Issues Dr. Karen Becker’s Guide Get the scoop about the scoot. Dietary tips, supplements, and remedies to restore and promote healthy gland function. Anal gland issues in dogs (and sometimes cats) are a common modern problem, often stemming from dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors. In a healthy pet, these scent glands help with communication and should express naturally during defecation. However, many dogs (and some cats) today suffer from chronic gland issues due to recurrent inflammation, poor diet, allergies, and microbiome imbalances. These tiny glands are located just inside your pet’s rectum at around the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. These sacs are lined with oil and sweat glands and produce a thick, yellowish-brown liquid with a distinctly fishy odor—once you smell this odor you’ll never forget it. Normally, when your dog (or cat) has a bowel movement, the pressure of the stool naturally squeezes these glands, releasing a small a...
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The Slow Creep of Kidney Disease in Pets

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 The Slow Creep of Kidney Disease in Pets And What You Can Do About It Acute and chronic kidney disease can sneak up on our furry companions, often with subtle signs like increased thirst, weight loss, or a lackluster coat that we might miss until things get serious. Did you know that one in three cats and one in ten dogs may face kidney challenges in their lifetime The good news is that with the right knowledge, diet tweaks, and natural support, we can help our pets live longer, happier lives—even with kidney issues. If you’re living with a cat or dog, especially one that’s getting a little older, there’s a silent threat you should be aware of: kidney disease. It’s one of the most common and underdiagnosed issues, particularly in cats. The tricky part? It often progresses slowly—so slowly, in fact, that by the time symptoms show up, significant damage has already occurred. continue reading and access the full video…. Author: Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, CVH, CVA, CCRT  About The A...
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