One positive side effect of the pandemic is that many shelters across the U.S. were cleared, as families decided that more time at home meant that they could finally pull the trigger on the pet that they’d long wanted to make part of their brood.

Many clients come to our veterinary clinics, heads held low, as they are embarrassed about their dog's dental care. Look, we're veterinarians—not robots! We understand that taking care of your dog's dental care isn't always a priority, and life happens. However, we're also here to tell you that waiting because you're embarrassed can only cause more harm. It's best to get your dog's dental care under control sooner rather than later to avoid a painful mouth and possibly big vet bills down the line if the dental disease gets too far advanced.

So your pet’s been diagnosed with diabetes. Don’t panic! As veterinarians, we understand how distressing this diagnosis can be but, with proper treatment, exercise, nutrition, and monitoring, your pet can still lead a long, happy, and primarily healthy life.

Congratulations on your new pup! As veterinarians, it’s our job to help you and your puppy bond and develop a healthy relationship from day one. The wonderful thing is that puppies arrive ready to be taught how to live with a family—a blank slate. You have the opportunity and responsibility to teach your puppy proper behavior for life as part of your family.

Stinky Dog Syndrome. The struggle is real. As veterinarians, it’s our job to tell you that there is no such syndrome, per se, but, as pet owners, we get it. Whew, do we get it! There are some grooming and bathing habits you can practice to improve your dog's olfactory output. Some breeds of dogs require grooming to maintain their coats but even those dogs could often benefit from good hygiene in between appointments.

You might not have realized that February is Responsible Pet Owner's Month—let's be honest, it's not something the average person hears about a lot. As veterinarians, however, responsible pet ownership is something we are very passionate about. We see far too many heartbreaking situations in our daily lives due to mistakes that could have been prevented. One of those things is pets that go missing. And trust us—we know that accidents happen. Both dogs and cats can be escape artists, which makes microchipping your pets one of the best things you can do to honor this month.

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.

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.