The Importance of Consistent Supplementation A high-quality joint supplement may seem like magic the way they may breathe new life into an aggravated joint, giving a dog back their mobility and helping them heal following an orthopedic surgery. However, joint supplements aren’t a magic wand that, with a poof of sparkle, has your pup immediately…
Joint Supplements After Surgery When you and your pup are prepping for an orthopedic surgery, you want to know that your canine companion is in good hands-steady and knowledgeable hands to say the least! But did you know that what happens after the surgery is every bit as important as what goes on in that…
When your dog is holding up their hindleg and whining in pain, you just want to get them feeling better. You don’t want to think about how much it’s going to cost to do so. Unfortunately, when it comes to pet care, finances are a real concern. With differences between pet insurance and human health…
Dog Knee Anatomy Treatment What is TPLO Surgery What To Expect Visit Our Shop! Of the many acronyms used in veterinary medicine, TPLO may just be pushing its way to the front of the familiarity pack, especially for those mover and shaker-type dogs. That is because the TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) is becoming more…
Things to Know Before You Buy a Back, Hip, Leg, or Knee Brace for Dogs Dogs are driven to continue an active lifestyle and routine behaviors, even when they’re in pain. That’s why noticing pain or decreased mobility in your pet can be especially heartbreaking. You know it has to be bad if your dog…
What You Need to Know About MSM for Dogs: Common FAQs You may have heard great things about MSM for dogs, and with very good reason. But you may still have several questions about this sulfur-rich compound. Officially known as methylsulfonylmethane, MSM has primarily been used to enhance dog joint health, although its benefits extend…
MSM Benefits for Dogs: Going Beyond Joint Health You may be familiar with MSM as a top ingredient in dog joint supplements, but it also does so much more. Officially known as methylsulfonylmethane, MSM contains notable amounts of sulfur, an essential element your dog may not be receiving from his food or other sources. Sulfur…
TopDog New Developments Make Dog Health Easier (and More Fun) Although dogs tend to dig a routine, they’re also apt to get excited when you introduce them to something new. TopDog Health & Rehabilitation is bringing on the excitement with new developments – including a new look and brand new products – all designed to…
If your dog is regularly taking joint supplements, there is some good news and could-be-better news. The good news is that quality dog joint supplements can be helpful for your dog’s overall health, mobility and well-being. The could-be-better news is that the amount of MSM in the typical dog supplement is not enough to reap…
When it comes to dog supplements, ingredients matter. But something else matters just as much, if not more. That something else is your dog’s ability to access the nutrients from those ingredients. Nutrients in dog supplements are less absorbable than nutrients found in food, which is why you often see supplements containing astronomical amounts of…
When your dog is in pain, your first impulse may be to help relieve it. That impulse is a beneficial one if it results in a trip to the vet and a recommendation for the right pain medication for dogs. But that impulse can be disastrous if you decide to treat the pain yourself with…
Dog Splooting Explained Why Dogs Sploot When Splooting is Cute When Splooting May Be Cause for Concern What To Do If Concerned When Splooting May Be Cause for Concern Dogs are prone to amusing their owners in so many ways, and one of those ways is with a pose that’s become known as splooting. Dog…
What Is Muscle Atrophy? Muscle atrophy in dogs is the wasting or loss of the dog’s muscle tissue. It often occurs in the legs, particularly the hind legs, although it can show up in other areas of the body. When atrophy results from an injury or surgery, for example during the recovery period from TPLO…
Surviving Crate Rest for Dogs: Tips, Activities, Interactive Dog Toys To you, crate rest for dogs may mean a relaxing, quiet environment where your pets can recover from surgery in peace. However, to dogs, crate rest can seem like one unending stretch of boredom in a very small world. Your job is to not only…
Excessive Licking in Dogs after Surgery: Why They Do It, How to Stop It Getting through dog surgery is a big step, but it’s only the first step. The next step is ensuring your dog’s incision heals properly. One of the greatest impediments to proper healing can come from the patient himself. Excessive licking in…
If your dog suddenly goes lame in one of his hind legs, you want to take action as quickly as possible. More often than not, sudden lameness in a hind leg indicates a ruptured cruciate ligament in dogs, otherwise known as a torn ACL. The sooner you begin to treat the injured ligament, the better…
If your dog is recovering from injury or surgery, canine physical therapy is frequently the next step in the healing process. Dog physical therapy is an adaptation of the same types of techniques and modalities used for humans. The goal is to decrease pain while increasing increase mobility, function, and overall quality of life. Here…
Dog orthopedic surgery can help with a wide scope of issues, restoring optimum mobility, health, and quality of life to your pet. But like any type of surgical procedure, it does come with possible complications. Potential complications can be categorized into three main areas: Complications during surgery Early post-surgical complications – typically occurring within two…
No one wants their dog to suffer, but sometimes, it happens without us knowing. Recognizing canine distress is the first step to alleviating it. When we identify the symptoms early, we prevent further or worsening pain. Consider how much easier it is to treat the beginning stages of a minor illness than managing a more…
Pet Proofing Your House in the Days, Weeks, and Months After Surgery When your beloved pet needs surgery, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and sometimes, even helpless. The thought of seeing your pup in pain or discomfort – unable to run, play, and do all the things their little doggy heart loves during…
Shifting the Veterinary Experience from ‘Terrifying’ to ‘No Big Deal’ Doctor visits are stressful for a lot of us. As humans, we understand that health is a priority, and a few minutes of uncomfortableness today only increases our odds of better health tomorrow. Unfortunately, dogs do not share our logic. Fear is Powerful For dogs,…
Enlisting your dog as a workout buddy can have some serious perks. First of all, it’s much harder to skip a sweat session when your pup is looking up at you expectantly, ready to get out there and run. And, just like it does for you, daily exercise does wonders for your dog’s health and…
ACL tears are the most common orthopedic injury in dogs, and it’s estimated that between 30% and 50% of dogs who tear one ACL will tear the other ACL within a few years. Why is this? Let’s take a closer look. What happens when a dog tears their ACL? When a dog tears their ACL…
Imagine, for a moment, that you’ve had a bad day. Think of how it would feel like to go through it alone – making dinner by yourself, maybe watching TV as an attempt at distraction, the feeling of being unable to sleep. Now, imagine going through it with a dog. Think of how a dog…
When a dog’s ACL (or cranial cruciate ligament) breaks, the stifle (AKA knee) becomes painful, unstable, and prone to arthritis – causing a limp. It’s important to understand that there are many degrees of ACL tearing that can occur in dogs. Here are some simple guidelines to follow: If your dog is not putting any…
The short answer is, yes! Heat therapy is an easy and effective way to relieve pain associated with injury, surgery, or chronic conditions like arthritis. Let’s get into more detail: How It Works Heat therapy works by improving the circulation and blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow promotes healing by supplying…
Working from home when you have a dog can be an interesting mix of wonderful and challenging. On the one hand, you can feel good knowing your pup is receiving a healthy dose of their favorite thing – being by your side. On the other hand, it can be difficult getting work done with a…
This is quite a common question for dog owners, likely because ACL injuries are the most common musculoskeletal issues orthopedic veterinary clinics see in canines – affecting more than a million dogs every year. And due to the vast amount of information on canine ACL tears on the internet, it’s no wonder there’s confusion on…
The unfortunate answer to this question is yes, small dogs can get hip dysplasia. While it’s certainly more common in large and giant breed dogs, certain breeds of small and medium-sized dogs are also prone to developing the disease. In ascending order from most affected (Pugs) to least affected (Tibetan Terrier) Small dogs that are…
Seeing your dog in pain is never easy, and of course, you want to do whatever you can to bring them relief as soon as possible. There are many safe and effective pain relievers made specifically for dogs. However, it’s very important to avoid giving your dog anything that comes out of your medicine cabinet.…
Yes – dogs can sleep, eat, drink, pee, and poop with a cone on. In fact, the stricter you are with the cone (officially called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar for short), the quicker your dog will get used to it. Plus, leaving the cone on at all times is one of the best ways…
Skin that looks folded A small round bump A long bump A balloon-like bump A hard, immoveable bump A puckered section of skin Red, angry, oozing bumps Any significant changes in your dog’s behavior If your dog has had surgery, a TPLO surgery for example, you know the immense feeling of relief when the procedure…
The days and weeks directly following your dog’s surgery can be a time of mixed emotions – you’re relieved the actual procedure is over, but you know you’re not necessarily out of the woods just yet. As your dog recovers, there’s always a risk that their surgical incision will reopen, become infected, or won’t heal…
If you’re reading this article, it’s more than likely you agree that dogs are just the best. They’re the perfect snuggle buddy when it’s cold out, are always ready to celebrate at even the slightest provocation, and most of all, they love you unconditionally and treat you like the most important person in the world…
So, you’re a dog owner and you’re concerned about your pup developing hip dysplasia. First of all, good for you! We love seeing pet parents who are proactive about educating themselves on how to keep their furry friends happy and healthy. It is so much easier, more cost-effective, and less stressful to take preventative measures…
Ah, the pooping question. ???? At TopDog Health, this is one of the most common questions we hear from pet owners following their pup’s orthopedic surgery. And since a dog’s bowel movement patterns tend to be a little unusual after surgery, it’s not surprising that pet parents are wondering. So we’ve rounded up everything you…
Undergoing surgery – a tightrope surgery, an ACL, FHO, or TPLO surgery, for example – is no small feat. Many canine surgeries (even non-invasive ones) require full anesthesia, so it’s no surprise that your pup may not feel quite like themselves upon waking. And if your dog has had a serious procedure that requires a…
We know post-op can be a very stressful time but what better reason to add some laughs and cheer to this holiday season. We’ve compiled a list of adorable costumes for your post-surgery pup. Of course, as always, we want you to put your dog’s health and well-being first. So don’t force it if your…
If your dog undergoes surgery or sustains an injury, there’s a chance that they’ll come home from the veterinarian with sticky adhesive bandages covering the incision or injury. While this is good for healing, a problem can arise when it’s time to change the bandages or remove them altogether. Since these adhesive bandages tend to…
Did you know over 50% of people in the US have listened to at least one podcast in the last year? These days, with so much information available, it’s overwhelming to choose which of the thousands of podcasts to spend time with, so we’ve narrowed it down. Here are our top 5 dog podcasts: Steve…
If you have a dog who’s recovering from a surgery or injury, you know that the process is involved. You were likely sent home from the veterinarian with a long list of do’s and don’ts, aftercare instructions, potential problems to look for, and even physical therapy procedures. The last thing you need is a partner…
The Cone of Shame… the Lamp Shade… the Pet Radar Dish… such is the dreaded fate of post-surgery animals everywhere. If your dog is not a huge fan of the Elizabethan Collar or E-collar for short, you’re not alone. At TopDog Health, we hear this comment all day long. For loving pet parents, it can…
If you’re the parent of a senior dog, you may be coming to terms with the difficult reality that you may not have much time left with your gray-muzzled best friend. While this is heartbreaking, it can also inspire you to make their golden years some of the best of their life. Enter the senior…
Plenty of pet parents – and their dogs – are less than thrilled about the prospect of regular nail trimmings. But did you know that cutting your dog’s nails is one of the most basic and effective things you can do to help maintain their joint and bone health? Especially as your dog enters their…
Joint and mobility issues, like arthritis, are some of the most common health problems among dogs. Arthritis symptoms in your pup can range from being hardly noticeable to completely debilitating, and it can be difficult to watch your best friend’s mobility decline. While, unfortunately, canine arthritis can’t be completely “cured” (once the cartilage in your…
If your beloved dog has recently had or is about to have surgery, then you know just how much of a labor of love it is for you, the doting pet parent. Prepping for your pup’s surgery involves countless trips to the veterinarian, determining the best course of action, figuring out how you’re going to…
If you have a dog, you’ve probably heard the calculation that 1 dog year equals 7 human years, right? Well, not quite. While this idea of the 1:7 ratio has been prevalent for a surprisingly long time (since the 1950s!), it turns out the reality is not so cut-and-dried. How your dog ages depend quite…
First things first, don’t panic. For the most part, dogs shed – it’s what they do. Shedding is a normal process in which your dog’s body naturally removes old or damaged hair. Even shedding that seems excessive (i.e. when the lint roller has become your new best friend) can be normal, depending on your dog’s…
The Complete Guide to Weight Loss for Dogs Identifying an Overweight Dog Risk Factors for Weight Gain Are You Overfeeding Your Dog? Health Issues in Overweight Dogs Creating a Doggy Diet Plan Creating a Doggy Exercise Routine Weight Loss Tricks for Dogs Who Love to Eat The Complete Guide to Weight Loss for Dogs Be…
Giving medication to your dog after surgery can be a stressful part of the recovery process, but it doesn’t have to be! There are several ways to get the job done and we are here to help you find what works best for you and your dog. For starters, it’s important to check with your…
These days, there is an app for everything, even your furry baby! We’ve compiled some of our favorites below. Best Dog First Aid Apps 1. ASPCA Pet Safety App for Lost Pets, Disaster Prep, and Emergency Alerts “This free app shows pet parents exactly what to do in case of a natural disaster. It also…
Dogs Don’t Always Show Their Pain Here’s the thing: dogs don’t cry. They’ve evolved to hide their pain. In their pack mentality, pain is a sign of weakness – it means you could be left behind by the group, not be able to pull your weight or become a liability to the pack as…
First things first: we get it. It can seem hard to justify spending money on preventative joint supplements for your dog when your dog doesn’t have joint problems (yet!). But we’re here to convince you: it’s more than worth it, for both of you. First, take into consideration the fact that it’s been estimated that…
If your dog is suffering from joint pain, you may have heard that glucosamine can help. Glucosamine is one of the most popular supplements for canines (and with good reason), but because of this, all the information out there can feel overwhelming. So to help you out, we’ve done the work and compiled all the…
Our pups can’t exactly tell us what’s on their minds, but they do have ways of communicating. The problem is that we can’t always understand. Not to worry…we’re here to help! Here are 25 secrets your dog can’t necessarily tell you but wishes you knew. 1. I don’t always understand what you’re saying Even though…
Being a pet parent requires you to be a translator of sorts for a language you can’t always understand. Sometimes what your dog is trying to say is obvious. That tail-wagging, jumping up on you, bursting out of their skin happy dance they do when you come in from getting the mail? Nothing is lost…
Dog joint health can be an overwhelming topic. With all the info out there, it can be hard to know exactly what your dog needs. We’ve narrowed it down to give you the best ingredients, nutrients, and foods to keep your dog’s joints happy and healthy. As always, we encourage you to talk to your…
It can be difficult for many TopDog Health clients to know if their dog needs both a glucosamine supplement and an omega supplement. We’re here to tell you: YES! The pet parents that provide their beloved pets with both, instead of just one, of these essential supplements, see much better results in not only their…
Before we go any further, here’s your answer: YES! Your dog’s health and happiness will benefit hugely from the simple addition of an omega supplement to their diet. It will promote heart health, reduce discomfort from chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, help soothe skin diseases, promote brain function, and more. And who doesn’t want that…
Glucosamine and chondroitin are the main ingredients found in most canine joint supplements. These two natural cartilage building blocks are essential for maintaining healthy joint function and for helping to lessen the aches and pains so many dogs experience with canine arthritis. But you know what they sometimes say about too much of a good…
If you’re a human who has arthritis, you may notice that the first ingredient in your joint supplement is glucosamine. And if you have a dog with arthritis, you might have seen that the first ingredient in their joint supplement is, also, glucosamine. So this begs the question – what’s the difference? The short answer…
In recent years, we’ve seen a revolution in the way we humans approach health and healing in the West. With more and more evidence of just how strongly linked the mind and body are, practices that decrease anxiety and promote calm such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are growing in popularity. We now know that…
When your beloved pet has to have joint surgery, we’re willing to bet you want to make it count. After going through prepping your house for the homecoming beforehand, physical therapy afterward, and the surgery itself (not to mention the cost), it’s worth your while to do everything in your power to get the most…
Everyone understands puppies have behavior problems and need to be taught “the rules.” But what about older dogs who understand the rules but become increasingly unable to follow them? The root cause of behavioral issues in older dogs is often anxiety, which can increase as they enter their golden years. And just like puppies, senior…
Picture this: It’s finally the weekend. On Saturday morning, you pack your pup into the car, venture out into nature, and embark on a 10-mile hike. On Sunday you have a morning run together, then head to the dog park for a serious game of fetch and some playtime with the other pooches. But once…
We can all agree puppies are wonderful, but there’s nothing quite like the sweet soul of an old dog. As your canine companion enters their golden years, it may seem like more of a challenge to keep them comfortable. But when you understand what’s happening in the body and mind of your senior dog, just…
You’ve heard that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but we don’t believe that for a second. It turns out that the key to slowing cognitive decline in your senior dog is exactly that: teaching them new tricks. Recent research by psychologist Norton W. Milgram at the University of Toronto shows giving older…
If your dog is suffering from arthritis, you are probably aware that there is a lot of information out there. A quick Google search for “arthritis in dogs” produces a whopping 63 million results in under a second! This is no surprise, as dog arthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting our pets. It…
The carefree run that becomes a slow shuffle… the defeated look at the bottom of the stairs… the deep groans when settling into bed… the signs of arthritis in an older dog are enough to tug at any loving pet parent’s heart. It can be easy to feel helpless as you observe the things your…
Summer is here, the mercury is rising, and your old dog is definitely feeling it. When it’s hot outside, it’s especially important to protect senior pets from soaring temperatures. Older dogs have special needs, and as they age, they become more susceptible to heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Here are our 5 favorite ways to help…
Think your arthritic dog can’t enjoy some summer fun in the sun? Think again! Several summer activities can help your dog’s joint pain. When it comes to exercising an arthritic dog, the keyword to keep in mind is balance. Too much movement can cause them pain, while lack of activity can worsen their condition, causing joints…
If you’re not yet familiar with the green-lipped mussel, its very name may conjure up all sorts of questions: “Mussels have lips?” “Why are they green…?” But we’re confident that the more you get to know these small but mighty mollusks, the more you’ll come to love them. If you’ve got a dog suffering from…
You’ve noticed your dog is limping – a gradual hobble that has developed over time – and you’re wondering “What should I do?” Maybe it’s a small limp that’s always there, an on-again/off-again limp, or a limp that seems to be worse in the morning, when the weather’s cold, etc. The most immediate answer to…
There’s more to keeping your dog’s joints healthy than just glucosamine. Whether you have a younger dog and are ready to get proactive about taking care of their joints (good job dog mom/dad!) or have an elderly pup who is starting to slow down from arthritis, these 10 nutrients – are all completely natural –…
Spring is in full swing, which means warmer weather, longer days, and more outdoor adventures with your pup. It also means tick season is upon us. Most conscientious dog owners will give their pup a once-over for ticks after a trail run or a romp in tall grass, but ticks are tricky little guys. If…
As a veterinarian, I often hear the same question from pet parents who are wondering how to best help their dog suffering from sore joints: “Should I use ice or heat?” So I decided to clear things up once and for all. Here is everything you need to know about cold vs. heat therapy, how…
If you look on Google for advice about keeping senior dogs healthy, you’ll see that one of the most common questions people search for is “How to make my dog live forever.” This is proof that indeed, almost every pet parent harbors a fantasy that their beloved pup will never leave them. While we haven’t…
Whenever the subject of pet insurance comes up with one of my clients, the question they’re most likely to ask is: “Is pet insurance worth it?” Every time, with every client, my answer is always a resounding “absolutely.” Usually, my clients will then express concerns over “wasting” money on pet insurance premiums, or say something…
If you know anything about me, you know that client education is a topic that I am extremely passionate about. If you do not know me, then hold onto your britches because this ride is going to get a little bumpy. First off, let me say that I love my profession and I love the…
This month is all about love. Being the doting pet parent that we know you are, there’s no doubt your pup feels the love daily in the form of belly rubs, games of fetch, and well-deserved treats. But there’s one thing even the most devoted pet owners often tend to neglect: their dog’s joints. In…
As is the case for any pet parent whose dog is suffering from arthritis, you know the symptoms all too well. You’ve watched your beloved pet slow down, see their difficulty getting up, and looked on as they limped (especially after exercise and at night). So, it’s not surprising if your first instinct may be…
Who hasn’t heard the famous Hippocrates quote, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”? Although we usually think of this as applying to us humans, it’s just as relevant for man’s best friend. And it especially holds true if your canine companion is suffering from arthritis. Here at TopDog Health, we believe…
If your dog is suffering from arthritis, you’re certainly not alone. Arthritis is one of the most common degenerative diseases I see in my canine patients. In fact, by the time a dog reaches 8 years of age, they have an 80% chance of having arthritis. So the burning questions I hear from my patient’s…
The holidays are here, which means the season of wonderful times with family, friends, and food is upon us. Since our dogs are part of the family, it’s only natural to want to share the festivities (and the food) with them… and we say the more the merrier! Here at TopDog Health, we believe that…
Increased Joint Stiffness and Discomfort Greater Danger of Slipping/Falling and Exposure to Toxins Difficulty Regulating Body Temperature in Sick or Elderly Dogs Increased Risk of Disorientation Altered Metabolism Susceptibility to Frostbite Potential Skin Irritation Risk of Being Left in Cold Cars While it’s tempting to think your dog’s fur coat will provide everything they need…
What if we told you there was an effective, non-invasive, drug-free, and relatively inexpensive way to treat joint issues like arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, surgical wounds, and a host of other conditions in your dog… one that would cause them absolutely no pain and that they may even like? Enter Cold Laser Therapy. Although…
In recent years, with the explosion of Amazon and other large online retailers like Chewy, there has been a massive surge in the number of dog joint supplements marketed directly to consumers like yourself. It used to be that when you noticed a problem with your dog’s joints, you would simply go to your veterinarian.…
Every day in my practice, I encounter overweight pets. And year after year, when these dogs and their owners return for their health and wellness check-ups with me, these animals have never lost a pound – or in most cases, have gained even more weight. The majority of the time, the clients will look at…
Many people seek alternative methods for their pets and acupuncture tends to be a sought-out therapy now more than ever. Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years to treat several conditions as well as to maintain overall health. Veterinary acupuncture started with treating horses over a thousand years ago and as time…
I often get asked, “Why did you want to become a veterinarian?” As many of you know, my father is also a veterinarian. He just recently retired after over 50 years in practice. What an amazing professional career he had devoted all those years to helping heal animals and keeping them well. I wish all…
Just like in human medicine, there are specialists for every part of your dog’s body. If you have a back problem you go to a neurologist, for a bone problem you go to an orthopedic specialist and both of them almost always will refer you to a physical therapist to complete or manage your recovery.…
It’s no secret that a healthy, balanced diet is one of the best ways for us humans to enjoy longer, happier lives. It’s also no secret that obesity amongst humans in the U.S. is on the rise. Despite being aware of the serious, potentially fatal health risks associated with overeating, poor food choices, and lack…
Summer is a wonderful time of year, bringing longer days, less stress, and more adventures. It also means soaring temperatures and sometimes unbearable heat. As much fun as this time of year can be, it also comes with challenges and potential danger for our furry friends. Here are 10 tips to help your dog beat…
It’s hard to overstate the importance of your dog’s joint health. Healthy joints are what allow your beloved pet to enjoy long walks, chase after balls, and play in the yard with your kids. So when it comes to this important issue, I’ll tell you right off the bat that it’s something you need to…
A glossy coat and lustrous skin are some of the most recognized signs of a happy and healthy pup. Such dogs seem to emanate a glow from the inside out, shining from tip to tail. So, what to do if your dog’s skin and coat are lacking in luster? Here are our top tips to…
Have you ever witnessed the pure joy of a lab belly-slamming into a lake after a tennis ball, a border collie cooling off in the ocean on a hot day, or a Newfoundland proudly saving his human companion from the backyard pool – even when they don’t actually need saving? Many dogs love to swim,…
Why is it that an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury in dogs is the most common orthopedic injury in all veterinary medicine? Did nature not make this ligament strong enough in dogs? Is it simply due to bad breeding, or are there other factors in play here with relation to this injury? This question comes…
As much as some humans may try to deny it, a good night’s rest is as vital to our health as the air we breathe or the food we eat. We’ve all experienced the night and day difference between 8 hours of undisturbed shut-eye versus 8 hours of tossing and turning, but the benefits of…
This is a topic that I hold near and dear to my heart, and one that I hope will capture your attention because this is an extremely valuable concept that will have a direct impact on your dog’s quality of life. One thing is very clear to me: no dog owner ever wants to see…
Chances are you’ve heard of using fish oil as a supplement to support joint health. For years fish oils have been widely accepted as the most potent source of omega-3 fatty acids to naturally help with joint pain and inflammation in both humans and dogs… until now. Enter the green-lipped mussel. The words “green-lipped mussel”…
One of the concepts I come across frequently in my practice is pet owners’ perception that “people food” is bad for their dogs. Here are my typical sarcastic responses: So let me ask you this: does “dog food” grow in a different land or place than “people food”? Are there crops in the United States…
As a pet parent, you know firsthand the deep bond that exists between you and your beloved dog. When the people we love hurt, we hurt – and it’s no different with the members of our family that just happen to be covered in fur. I’m confident that if I asked each client that came…
Protein is an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet – for both you and your dog – and it is especially important for dogs in recovery. But with so much information out there, it’s often difficult to figure out how much protein your canine companion needs. Is their protein intake high enough? Are they…
So, once a year you get that notice in the mail that your dog is due for a physical exam or yearly check-up and annual vaccinations. And every year you march into the chaos of the veterinary office with your dog in tow for your whole 15 minutes with the doctor… Let’s face it, 15…
‘Tis the season for cozy clothes, curling up by the fire and waking up to the magic of a world transformed by snow. As much fun as this time of year brings, the winter season also comes with challenges and potential dangers for our four-legged friends. Here are 10 tips to keep your dog feeling…
We all know that wonderful feeling of relaxation you get after a really good massage, but massage therapy can do so much more than that – and it’s not just for humans. Canine massage provides a wide range of physical and psychological benefits for your dog, and a basic massage you can do at home…
As pet parents we all have one thing in common, we love our dogs like they are our children. With that parental love comes a subconscious mindset to protect them. Naturally, this internal protection mechanism gets heightened when they’ve been injured, have had surgery, or when they are older and more fragile. During these times,…
As featured on Grey Matters Blog for the Grey Muzzle Organization In my first two blog posts on the Grey Matters Blog, we discussed simple signs to look for to identify if your dog has joint pain. We then introduced the concept of “The Pain Trial” which every dog owner should know about and be…
(As featured on Grey Matters Blog for the Grey Muzzle Organization) In my last post on the Grey Matters Blog, I described the “Silent Signs” of how dogs show us that they are potentially dealing with chronic pain specifically related to their joints or spine. We discussed that it is critical for us, as pet…
(As featured on Grey Matters Blog for the Grey Muzzle Organization) As pet parents, we’ve all most likely been in situations where our dogs have gotten hurt. Whether you accidentally tripped over your dog or stepped on their paw carelessly, you’ve probably heard your dog let out a quick yelp or cry and runoff. Was…
Guest Blog by Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D. Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization Summer Smile Campaign and Calendar Contest SUMMER SMILE UPDATE Last month we launched our Summer Smile Campaign and Calendar Contest. Thanks to the generosity of more than 130 supporters, this past Sunday we hit the $10,000 goal for our brand new dental…
Guest Blog by Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D. Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization Summer Smile Campaign and Calendar Contest Every Senior Dog Deserves a Reason to Smile! We at the Grey Muzzle Organization can’t help but smile! Last week we hit our $7,500 goal for our all-new dental fund for at-risk senior dogs! Better yet–to…
Guest Blog by Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D. Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization Summer Smile Campaign and Calendar Contest Every Senior Dog Deserves a Reason to Smile! TopDog Health is dedicated to promoting dogs’ health and well-being. We at The Grey Muzzle Organization appreciate that commitment because we provide funding and resources to animal welfare…
Did we mention that we would be so happy to add you to our directory! Since 2004 TopDog Health has been promoting and supporting professional rehab practitioners like yourself by educating pet owners about the importance of canine physical therapy performed by a licensed professional. We want you to succeed because then dogs succeed and…
Understanding and recognizing the early warning signs of dog arthritis is the key to helping your dog before this horrible disease takes over their life. In this video, we cover the 12 subtle signs of arthritis in dogs. The most common misconception by pet owners is that their dog is slowing down because they are…
It always amazes me how many patients come into my canine rehabilitation facility, TopDog Health & Rehabilitation, that were referred by their veterinarian for issues related to hind end weakness. Yet, when I ask the client about whether or not they have had any X-rays taken they say…NO! How the heck can you treat something…
Obesity amongst humans is obviously on the rise and the media is having a field day with this growing epidemic. Due to poor food choices, lack of exercise, and sheer lack of education, we as the human race are killing ourselves and our children with food. So what about our pets? Are they all lean,…
Once a year you get that notice in the mail that your dog is due for their year physical exam and vaccinations. Every year you march into the chaos of the animal hospital with your dog in tow for your whole 15 minutes with the doctor. Lets face it, 15 minutes is not a whole…
Question: My dog tore his ACL last year, I had it repaired and I followed you guys and was very happy with the outcome. Now his other leg might need to be repaired. I am seeking advice. In 12 weeks I am taking him to the beach. I have rented a beach house to allow…
Answer: Flexerna Omega is an amazing addition to our joint supplement suite of support products. This is the purified extracted oil from the Green-Lipped Mussel of New Zealand (GLM). Though GLM powders have been available for a few decades, it has been shown that the amazing value is the oil itself. The oil which we…
Her name was “Kali” and she changed my life. August 1, 2004, was the first day the doors opened at our newly constructed TopDog Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness facility. It was a 2400 sq. ft. facility with all the bells and whistles. I was pumped that day for sure. It was my first business and…
Pet Life Radio Interviews TopDog Health: Listen: Your dog has just come home from having major surgery on its knee, back or hip. There is so much to remember…antibiotics, pain medication, keeping it quiet…now how long was it supposed to be on leash walks only? How are you supposed to flex the joint? When can…
This is a topic that I hold near and true to my heart and one that I hope will capture your attention because this is an extremely valuable concept that will have a direct impact on your dog’s quality of life. Betsy James is a patient of mine whom I love dearly. She is a…
Before we start, I, Dr. James St.Clair, 100% believe in a balanced nutritious diet for dogs. I also believe that there are very high-quality comprehensive diets available on the market to consumers. In no way am I advocating discontinuing your dog’s normal diet. It is a fact that certain foods are potentially very dangerous to…
So once a year you get that notice in the mail that your dog is due for a physical exam or yearly check-up and annual vaccinations. And every year you march into the chaos of the animal hospital with your dog in tow for your whole 15 minutes with the doctor. Let’s face it, 15…
Not too long ago, veterinarians had to be proficient in all aspects of veterinary medicine and animal health. For example, my father, a veterinarian whom I still practice with today, will soon be crossing the 50-year mark in veterinary practice. When he began his career there was no such thing as a board-certified veterinary surgeon.…
Why is it that an ACL injury in dogs is the most common orthopedic injury in all veterinary medicine? Did nature not make this ligament strong enough in dogs? Is it due to bad breeding or are there other factors in play here? This question comes up a lot in discussions with my clients. At…
Every day in practice I encounter overweight pets. And year after year these dogs and their owners return for their health & wellness checks with me. They have either never lost a pound or in most cases, they have gained even more weight. Most of the time, the client says “I know what you are…
I often get asked, “What were your reasons for wanting to become a veterinarian?” Though a simple and direct question, my answer to this now addresses more the question of, “Why do I love being a veterinarian?” As many of you know, my father is also a veterinarian. Come next year he will have devoted…
When it comes to the joint health of your dog, I will tell you right off the bat that you need to take this into your own hands because there is no better advocate for your dog than you. With that being said, you first need to have a broad understanding of all the pieces…
If you know anything about me, you know that this is a topic that I am extremely passionate about. If you do not know me, then hold onto your britches because this ride is going to get a little bumpy. First, let me tell you a brief story: In my last year of veterinary school,…
Understanding and recognizing the early warning signs of dog arthritis is the key to helping your dog before this horrible disease takes over their life. In this video, we cover the 12 subtle signs of arthritis in dogs. The most common misconception by pet owners is that their dog is slowing down because they are…
It always amazes me how many patients come into my canine rehabilitation facility, TopDog Health & Rehabilitation, that were referred by their veterinarian for issues related to hind end weakness. Yet, when I ask the client about whether or not they have had any X-rays taken they say…NO! How the heck can you treat something…
Obesity amongst humans is on the rise and the media is having a field day with this growing epidemic. Due to poor food choices, lack of exercise, and lack of education, we as the human race are hurting ourselves and our children with food. So what about our pets? Are they lean, healthy, and in…
