My Dog's Symptoms : Page 27 of 176 : Dog care, symptoms, health issues, and dog health advocacy from an owner's perspective. In loving memory of Jasmine.

Weird Things We Do for Dogs: The Wackiest Thing I Ever Did For My Dog

What is the weirdest thing you ever did for your dog? Over at Keep the Tail Wagging, Kimberly wrote a post 11 Ridiculous Things I Do for My Dogs. I went through the memories of my time with Jasmine, I thought about the whackiest thing I ever did for her. The weirdest thing I did for my dog It was…

by Jana Rade

Hemangiosarcoma in a Dog: Fast Decline—Joey’s Hemangiosarcoma

Canine hemangiosarcoma usually attacks the dog’s spleen but can metastasize to other organs. That, unfortunately, includes the brain. This cancer is almost exclusive to dogs, though other species can also get it. It is a highly invasive cancer of the cells that form blood vessels. This story is shared by a friend who wants to remain anonymous. Joey’s story I…

by Jana Rade

Functional Dog Ramps: The Ups And Downs Of Dog Ramps

Dog ramps are an indispensable tool for dogs with mobility issues as well as in the prevention of injuries and wear and tear on the joints. Not all ramps, however, are created equal. There are considerations to keep in mind to ensure your dog’s ramp is safe and functional. Thank you to my hubby for weighing in from a jack-of-all-trades…

by Jana Rade

Dog Health Internet Research: Should You Curb Your Internet Research Enthusiasm?

Is internet research a good thing, or is it a bad thing? The internet is a wonderful tool. But make sure you use reputable sources and a discerning mind. I research things on the internet all the time. But, at the end of the day, internet research bought Jasmine years she wouldn’t have been with us. Is internet research a…

by Jana Rade

Canine TPLO Post-Op: Coco’s Diary

Obtaining and carefully following post-surgery instructions from your veterinarian/surgeon is essential for a positive outcome. Make sure you ask for a detailed, day-by-day recovery plan. You’d be surprised how often surgeons allow dog parents to go home without them. You can see an example of a cruciate ligament (ACL/CCL surgery post-op care plan looks like here. There are some…

by Jana Rade

Jana Rade

I am a graphic designer by day, dog health advocate, dog writer, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an award-winning author in my spare time. 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 into 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 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 use 20 years of hard-earned experience to save others from the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way, as I did.

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