My Dog's Symptoms : Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.

Laser Therapy for Dogs: Can Photon Power Help Your Dog?

The word “LASER” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is emitted through a “LED”: Light Emitting Diode. Lasers are one of the most underutilized treatment modalities that we have to offer animals in the veterinary world. Yet it is one of the safest and most effective devices to utilize. Fortunately, laser therapy is rising…

by Susan E. Davis PT

IVDD Diagnosis in a Dog: Bulging Disc and The Importance Of A Second Opinion—Jingle's Story

When the cushioning disc between the spinal vertebrae bulges or herniates and press on the spinal cord, it is referred to as intervertebral disc disease. It is an extremely painful condition and it can lead to lameness, weakness, and paralysis; not to mention a severe reduction in quality of life. Thank you, Luanne, for sharing Jingles’ story. Jingles’ story Jingles…

by Jana Rade

Snake Bites in Dogs: Protect Your Dog From Snake Bites

Do you live in or travel to areas that are home to venomous snakes? Do you know how to protect your dog from snake bites? I’ve been neighbors with rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins, and have treated dogs that have been bitten by some if not all of these species. These cases can be incredibly rewarding or heartbreaking. It all…

by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM

Canine Massage–Every Dog ‘Kneads’ It.' Benefits and Techniques of Dog Massage

Massage has always been a “cornerstone” treatment for physical therapists. The benefits of massage to human beings having various medical conditions has a proven record. Dogs can now benefit as well. Dog massage physiological benefits The benefits dogs receive from massage are many of the same benefits that humans do, The benefits include: reduced tension decreased pain reduced inflammation increased…

by Susan E. Davis PT

Dog Lameness Assumption Trap: Tosha's Snake Bite

Acute and chronic lameness are likely to have different causes. That doesn’t mean that figuring out what happened is easy. Past experiences, things we read and hear breed biases. When your dog starts limping, don’t jump to conclusions; make sure you know what is really happening. Thank you, Kevin, for sharing Tosha’s story. Tosha’s story It all started with a…

by Jana Rade

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of American and an award-winning author. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Endless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care in my own hands. I learned the hard way that simply seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to finally get a diagnosis for her initial issue. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people how to recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to save others the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way as I did. That is the mission behind my blog and behind my writing. That is why I wrote Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog, which has turned out being an award-winning guide to dog owners . What I'm trying to share encompasses 20 years of experience.

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