Dr. Sharon Butzke DVM (Veterinarian)

It is probably not hard to recall the last time you brushed your teeth, but how about your pup’s pearly whites? Dental disease is incredibly common, affecting more than 80% of adult dogs1. However, cavities are pretty rare. The dogs’ diet, oral bacteria, saliva pH, and the shape and spacing of their teeth are different from […]

Dogs never fail to surprise us with the random things they eat, like moisturizing cream, for example. What could possibly be appealing about that? If your curious pup has helped themself to a taste of Aquaphor, the good news is that it does not contain any toxic ingredients, and a small amount is unlikely to

If you have just witnessed your dog eating all or part of a squirrel, your initial reaction could fall anywhere along the spectrum from horror and disgust to, “What’s the harm in that?” Coyotes and wolves probably eat squirrels all the time! While there is some truth to this (so if your dog ate a

Border Collies are bred to be active! Their intelligence, athleticism, and herding instincts make them incredible working dogs, but they can also be great family pets (as long as you can match their energy!). They might not be the first breed that comes to mind when you think of hip dysplasia, but unfortunately, they can

Can dogs have pollen allergies? Yes, they absolutely can! Just like people, dogs can react to pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. We may not always recognize the signs right away, however, because their symptoms are often quite different from ours. While people tend to sneeze, feel congested, and have itchy eyes, pollen allergies in

If your pup has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, they are probably feeling pretty yucky. Naturally, you want to do everything you can to help them! It is important to remember that pancreatitis is a condition that requires medical treatment. Affected dogs often benefit from a hospital stay, at least initially, to ensure they are hydrated,

French Bulldogs are adored around the world for their cute little faces and playful personalities. They make wonderful companions and have become increasingly popular family pets. In fact, in 2022, they earned the number one spot on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds! Just like many other purebred dogs, however, Frenchies

Colostrum is the first milk produced by pregnant mammals, starting a few weeks before they give birth and continuing for a few days afterward. It is often referred to as “liquid gold” because of its yellow color and amazing health benefits, not only for newborns but for animals of all ages! In this article, we

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an important antioxidant that is known to offer a variety of health benefits for people. It is a common ingredient in multivitamins, and a supplement many of us reach for during cold and flu season to support our immune systems. Unlike people, dogs are able to make

Anyone who has watched a friend or family member face pancreatic cancer understands the fear associated with this diagnosis. Unfortunately, dogs can also get pancreatic cancer and, similarly to people, it does not usually have a good prognosis. Thankfully, it does not occur commonly in our canine friends. In this article, we will discuss the

When you walk into a pet store, the vast array of food options can feel intimidating for new and experienced dog owners alike. While it is great to have choices, it can be hard to know what food is best for your pup. The decision is an important one because most dogs eat the same

Many dog owners can attest to the excitement that follows when they pick up a leash and their pup realizes it’s walk time! Walking is not only a great form of exercise, it also offers important mental benefits for dogs as well. A study has even shown that performing regular scent work promotes a more

Stomach (gastric) ulcers in dogs occur when the protective lining of the stomach, known as the mucosal barrier, becomes damaged. The purpose of the mucosal barrier is to protect the lining of the stomach from its acidic contents. Anything that increases the amount of stomach acid or changes the mucosal barrier can lead to an

Ataxia is a symptom, rather than a disease, which can be defined as general incoordination. At first glance, ataxia can look like muscle weakness. However, the problem lies within the sensory nervous system. Motor nerves and the patient’s strength are not affected. What Does Ataxia Look Like? Clients often describe their dog as looking intoxicated.