Featured
Seasonal Diet Changes for Rabbits
4 min read
Sit. Stay. Read.
Your Pet Care Advisor
Hi, Max here sharing my favorite tips, tricks, guides, and more. Don't see what you're looking for? Ask Dr. Jenn!
Health & Wellness
What Dog Owners Should Know About Water Bowl Biofilm
May 19, 2026
Biofilm on a dog's water bowl poses a potential health hazard. Get the facts on water bowl biofilm threats and prevention.
4 min read
Read More What Dog Owners Should Know About Water Bowl Biofilm
Health & Wellness
Veterinary Diagnostics: A Guide for Pet Owners
May 19, 2026
Diagnostic tests are a key element in veterinary care. Learn how different diagnostic procedures can help protect your pet's health.
4 min read
Read More Veterinary Diagnostics: A Guide for Pet Owners
Pet Ownership
Keeping a Hermann's Tortoise as a Pet
May 19, 2026
Could a Hermann's tortoise be your next pet? Learn how to take proper care of this popular, colorful, mild-mannered reptile.
4 min read
Read More Keeping a Hermann's Tortoise as a Pet
Grooming
Spring Shedding Season in Cats: How to Manage Fur at Home
May 12, 2026
Spring shedding in cats can quickly lead to excess fur around your home if not managed properly. Get practical pet care tips on how to reduce shedding, support coat health, and maintain a clean living space.
5 min read
Read More Spring Shedding Season in Cats: How to Manage Fur at Home
Behavior & Training
Socializing Your Dog After a Long Winter Indoors
May 12, 2026
Dogs often lose some social comfort after months of limited winter activity. This guide explains how to safely rebuild dog socialization skills and support a balanced pet lifestyle through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement.
4 min read
Read More Socializing Your Dog After a Long Winter Indoors
Diet
Can Pets Eat Spring Fruits and Vegetables? What’s Safe and What’s Not
May 12, 2026
Spring produce can be a healthy seasonal treat for pets, but not every fruit or vegetable is safe. Learn which fresh foods support better pet care and which ones pose a danger to dogs and cats.
4 min read
Read More Can Pets Eat Spring Fruits and Vegetables? What’s Safe and What’s NotAsk Dr. Jenn
Jennifer Shepherd received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 2000. She completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at the Ontario Veterinary College before entering private practice. Dr. Shepherd owns Cloquet Animal Hospital in Northern Minnesota where she practices full time.
In her free time she enjoys writing, photography, running and spending time with her husband, three children, two dogs, and one spoiled cat. She is pictured here with her best running dog Apollo, a Portuguese Water Dog who can’t swim but loves playing in snow.
IMPORTANT : If your pet is ill or experiencing a medical emergency, please contact your local veterinarian. Dr. Jenn is not able to answer questions immediately and her answers are more general so that other readers may benefit as well. She is not meant to take the place of your pet’s veterinarian.
Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Give My Dog Pepto-Bismol?
May 6, 2026
Are over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol and Pedialyte safe for dogs? What other home remedies can I use instead?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Give My Dog Pepto-Bismol?
Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: Do Straws Really Kill Sea Turtles?
March 31, 2026
I've heard that straws can kill sea turtles. Is there any truth to that?
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Do Straws Really Kill Sea Turtles?
Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Adopt a Service Dog Dropout?
February 27, 2026
My family is thinking about adopting a German Shepherd, and we wanted to know the steps to adopting a service dog dropout.
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Adopt a Service Dog Dropout?
Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Give My Dog Pepto-Bismol?
May 6, 2026
Are over-the-counter Pepto-Bismol and Pedialyte safe for dogs? What other home remedies can I use instead?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Give My Dog Pepto-Bismol?
Health & Wellness
When to Choose Telemedicine for Your Pet
April 23, 2026
Pet telemedicine offers many advantages, but it isn't the answer for every issue. Learn how and when to make use of telemedicine for your pet.
4 min read
Read More When to Choose Telemedicine for Your Pet
Grooming
Spring Molting in Pet Birds: What to Expect and How to Help
April 23, 2026
Bird molting can leave your pet looking and acting differently, but it is a normal and necessary process. Learn how to recognize the signs and provide the right care to keep your bird comfortable.
5 min read
Read More Spring Molting in Pet Birds: What to Expect and How to Help