Vet buzz Blog

Welcome to the award winning Vet Buzz, DogTrekker.com’s pet health blog with the latest in veterinary medicine, valuable tips and seasonal guidelines to keep your dog safe and healthy at home and on the road. Whether it is caring for an elderly dog, holistic approaches to health care, toxic algae blooms or tick and rattlesnake warnings, our Vet Buzz contributors have you covered.

Balancing your dog’s diet

Helping your dog lose weight starts with cutting treats and adding low-calorie fillers like pumpkin. A veterinarian explains how to set realistic goals, swap in healthier snacks and track progress with monthly weigh-ins at the vet.

Vet Buzz: Car travel

A veterinarian shares practical tips for safe car travel with your dog, from using a restraint harness and taking test drives to managing motion sickness and making frequent stops. Proper prep makes road trips fun for everyone.

Canine dental health

Good dental care keeps your dog healthy for years. A veterinarian explains why professional cleanings require anesthesia, how retained baby teeth cause problems, and what you can do at home with dental food, treats and dog-friendly toothpaste.

Fourth of July dog safety tips

Fireworks can terrify dogs, so keep your pup safe this Fourth of July by staying home, creating a quiet indoor space, blocking outside noise and skipping the table scraps. Microchipping helps reunite you if your dog bolts.

Common questions about senior dogs

Senior dogs face changes that can puzzle their owners. A veterinarian answers common questions about weight loss, when to switch to senior food, how to tell aging from illness, and whether adding a puppy helps an older dog.

Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch

Gunner, a friendly pit mix who lost his home in the Napa earthquake, is ready for a new family. Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch in St. Helena pairs adoptions with community programs that help people and pets stay together.

Benefits of adopting an adult or senior dog

Adult and senior shelter dogs are often overlooked, but they come with real advantages. Their size and personality are already established, many are partially trained and they tend to be calmer, making them ideal companions for new owners.

Leptospirosis and your dog

Leptospirosis cases are on the rise in the Bay Area, and this bacterial disease found in standing water can cause serious liver and kidney damage in dogs. A veterinarian explains vaccination options, warning signs and why early treatment is critical.

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Tick-borne disease in dogs: Prevention and treatment

Ticks thrive after rainfall, putting dogs at risk for Lyme disease and other serious infections. A veterinarian covers the major tick-borne diseases in California, how to safely remove ticks, warning signs to watch for and the best prevention products.

Traveling with a puppy takes planning to keep your pup safe and content.

Tips for traveling with a puppy

Traveling with a puppy takes preparation. A vet tech covers the essentials, from making sure vaccines are current and scheduling frequent potty breaks to packing a Kong for crate time and keeping your adventurous pup safely leashed.

Microchipping your dog

A microchip is a tiny implant that links your dog to you through a registry database. Unlike collars that can be lost, microchips are permanent and have reunited pets with their owners even years after separation.

Halloween safety tips

Halloween brings hidden dangers for dogs, from chocolate candy and xylitol to spooky costumes that can cause stress. A veterinarian shares practical tips to keep your pup safe during the holiday, including what to do if they eat something toxic.

Ear infections in dogs: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. A veterinarian explains the causes, symptoms and treatments, from foxtails to yeast infections, and when recurring problems may signal an underlying allergy.

Understanding and treating arthritis

Arthritis is common in aging dogs and can cause pain, limping and reluctance to jump or play. A veterinarian explains the causes, symptoms to watch for and treatment options ranging from supplements and swimming to laser therapy.

Benefits of being a dog parent

Having a dog can lower your blood pressure, boost your social life, and get you outside more often. A vet tech explains why daily walks and canine companionship lead to a healthier, happier life for both of you.

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Heartworm disease in dogs

Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, is a serious but treatable condition that can damage your dog's heart and lungs. Learn how the parasite works, what symptoms to watch for and why regular prevention is the best defense.

Four ways to a happier deaf dog

Living with a deaf dog is more rewarding than you might expect. A vet tech shares four tips, from teaching hand signals and alerting your dog to your presence to keeping them leashed on hikes for safety.

Rehabbing your dog after surgery

What happens after your dog's surgery matters as much as the procedure itself. A veterinarian shares practical rehab tips, from preventing slips on hardwood floors with yoga mats to using harnesses and ramps for safe mobility at home.

Knowing first aid can save your dog’s life

A vet tech outlines the three most important first-aid skills for dog owners: CPR, applying direct pressure to wounds, and staying calm. Taking a pet first-aid class could buy your dog critical time in an emergency.

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Marijuana toxicity in dogs: Symptoms and what to do

With marijuana now legal in California, veterinarians are seeing more cases of dog intoxication. A vet explains the signs of THC toxicity, why dogs are more sensitive than humans, and what to do if your pet accidentally ingests cannabis products.

It’s winter: Dogs and mushrooms alert

Wild mushrooms can be deadly for dogs, and the toxic Death Cap variety is especially dangerous because its fishy odor attracts curious pups. If your dog eats any wild mushroom, seek immediate veterinary care and bring a sample along.

Is your dog itchin’ and scratchin’?

A veterinarian explains the three major types of dog allergies: food, fleabite and environmental. From flea prevention and limited-ingredient diets to medicated baths and omega-3 supplements, there are many ways to help your itchy pup find relief.

Six water safety tips

A veterinarian shares six essential water safety tips for dogs, from teaching your pup to swim gradually to using life jackets in deep water. Ensuring your dog is comfortable and vaccinated before hitting the water can prevent serious problems.

Choosing a final good-bye away from the vet’s office

Saying goodbye to a beloved dog is one of the hardest things we face. An SF SPCA veterinarian offers guidance on recognizing when quality of life has declined and explains options for compassionate euthanasia, including in-home services.

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