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.

Traveling with a blind or deaf dog

Deaf and blind dogs can be wonderful travel companions with a little extra planning. Stick to familiar routines, keep them leashed in new places, bring bedding that smells like home, and maintain regular feeding schedules for comfort on the road.

Tips on traveling with a senior dog

Older dogs can be sensitive to changes in routine, so traveling with a senior pup requires extra planning. From packing familiar items and medications to keeping vet records handy, these tips help your companion stay comfortable.

The importance of play for your dog

Play keeps your dog healthy, mentally sharp and bonded to you. Whether it is walks, swimming, fetch or puzzle toys, regular fun activity helps prevent obesity, anxiety and destructive behavior while keeping both of you in good shape.

Water safety guidelines

Before heading to the pool, beach, or lake with your pup, brush up on water safety. Not all dogs can swim, and even strong swimmers face risks from waves, rip currents, and pool exits. These tips help keep everyone safe.

Finding the right vet

Finding the right vet starts with recommendations from fellow dog lovers. Meet a few veterinarians before choosing, bring your dog's medical records, and look for someone who communicates well, shows empathy, and connects genuinely with your pet.

Disaster preparedness for pets

September is National Preparedness Month, and your pets need a disaster plan too. From evacuation kits with food, water and medical records to arranging safe shelter, here is how to keep your furry family members protected.

Winter woes and wags

Cold weather doesn't mean your dog's exercise routine has to stall. An SF SPCA behavior expert shares tips for rainy-day walks, indoor fetch, and mental enrichment like frozen Kongs and snuffle mats to keep your pup happy all winter.

Vet Buzz: Pyometra

Pyometra is a life-threatening uterine infection in unspayed female dogs, most common two to eight weeks after a heat cycle. Know the warning signs, including lethargy, discharge, and fever, and get to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect it.

How to remove a tick

Ticks carry serious diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichia, so removing them quickly is important. Grab the tick close to the skin, pull firmly, seal it in a bag, and wash your hands. A tick removal tool makes the job easier.

The street vet

Dr. Kwane Stewart, known as The Street Vet, walks California's streets treating pets belonging to homeless individuals. Since 2011, he has cared for about 400 animals, covering vaccination and medication costs out of his own pocket.

Vet Buzz: Protect your dog from foxtails

Foxtails are a serious warm-weather hazard for California dogs. These sharp grass seeds can penetrate skin, lodge in ears, noses, and between toes, and travel deep into tissue. Check your dog thoroughly after every outdoor outing during foxtail season.

Veterinary surgeon and corgi dog at vet clinic

Diets for diabetic dogs

Diabetes in dogs is manageable with the right diet. Fresh, whole-food meals low in carbohydrates and rich in lean protein can make a real difference. This article covers nutritional guidelines and includes a balanced turkey and sardine recipe.

Good and bad of dog kisses

Before signing your dog up for a kissing booth, consider what's going on in that mouth. A veterinary technician explains how dental bacteria can lead to bad breath, abscessed teeth, and even heart problems, and why regular cleanings matter.

Vet Buzz: Dangers on the trail

Summer hikes with your dog are wonderful, but watch out for foxtails, heatstroke, bee stings, and rattlesnakes. Know the warning signs for each hazard and how to respond quickly so you can keep having fun on the trail.

Vet Buzz: Fireworks anxiety

Fireworks can terrify dogs whose sensitive hearing makes the explosions overwhelming. Talk to your vet about calming medication, keep your dog indoors during displays, and make sure ID tags and microchip info are current in case of a panicked escape.

How we know dogs can feel our emotional stress

Research shows dogs are highly attuned to their owners emotions and can mirror long-term stress levels. When you are calm and relaxed, your dog feels safer too. A deep breath before greeting your pup can make a real difference.

Vet Buzz: Keeping the golden years golden

Dogs age much like humans, only faster. The top concerns for senior pups are obesity, arthritis, heart enlargement, cataracts, and hearing loss. Keeping your dog slim and active with regular vet checkups ensures comfortable golden years.

Vet Buzz: Oh no\! My dog is limping\!

If your dog suddenly starts limping on a walk, stop and let her rest. Check paws for foxtails, cuts, or debris. Common causes range from soft tissue sprains to joint disease, so a vet visit is important for proper diagnosis.

The pros and cons of sleeping with your dog

Should your dog share your bed? An SF SPCA behavior expert debunks the dominance myth, weighs legitimate safety concerns, and explains how co-sleeping can strengthen your bond and even improve your rest.

Vet Buzz: Healing, health and happiness for your dog

The Assisi Loop is a safe, non-pharmaceutical device that uses pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to reduce inflammation and pain in dogs. It can help with arthritis, soft tissue injuries, anxiety, and neurological conditions right at home.

Canine cruising: A dog lover’s guide to RV travel

Hitting the road in an RV with your dog can be a fantastic adventure with the right preparation. From gradual acclimation to packing comfort items, these tips will keep your pup happy on the open road.

Keeping your California home safe for pets

Pet-proofing your California home goes beyond hiding the shoes. Secure windows and heavy furniture, store toxic plants and chemicals out of reach, use pet-safe cleaning products and create a comfortable space your dog can call their own.

The difference between emotional support animals and service animals

Emotional support animals and service animals have very different legal protections. California's AB 468 law cracks down on fraudulent ESA letters, and understanding the distinction matters for dog owners navigating housing, travel, and public access rights.

Protect your pup when snowflakes fly

Cold weather, deicers, and icy surfaces can be tough on your dog. Protect their paws with balm or booties, wipe feet after walks, and consider a waterproof coat for short-haired breeds when snowflakes start to fly.

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