This is my review of "The Complete Healthy Dog Book" by Betsy Bervitz DVM. This book, published by Workman Publishing, spans almost 500 pages and covers everything dog-related, from puppyhood to senior dogs. Is this a useful guide for your bookshelf? Find out in this review.

If you have read this book, please add your review!

Related Reading:
Guide-Reviewed Items for Pets and Their People

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Dogs and cats are naturally curious and sometimes they are hunters. This combination can lead to bites and stings from insects, spiders, scorpions and snakes. If you suspect your pet has been bitten or stung, call your veterinarian immediately for specific advice. A photo or specimen of the pest is helpful for proper identification and possibly treatement.

Please share your pet's story and outcome here to increase awareness for other pet lovers.

Photo: The Arizona Bark scorpion will fluoresce under a regular UV flashlight. © Brian Basgen/Wikipedia

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I can't classify this as a "frequently asked question" (FAQ) because this one was a first. Coupled with the fact that I have never even seen a scorpion in real life (thank goodness), I needed to do a little research first. Learn about scorpion stings in pets and read the firsthand account of Bailee, a two-year-old Maltese who was stung by a scorpion.

Photo: Arizona bark scorpion © Brian Basgen/Wikipedia

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Yesterday's post about veterinary behaviorists and Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) got viewers talking about dog training methods.

Leaving the debate aside, have you worked on a specific behavioral issue with your dog? Do you have any experiences with medically-based behavior problems that were solved once the underlying problem was addressed? Was your dog's history (abuse, neglect, abandonment) part of the reason for the behavioral problem(s)?

Whatever the cause, what worked for you and your dog? Please share your pet's behavior problem and how you modified it, either on your own or with the help of a veterinarian or trainer.

Photo: Daisy © Jay McDaniel on Flickr

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In recent weeks, there has been a lot of talk on Twitter about Cesar Millan, otherwise known as The Dog Whisperer, and his dominance-based training methods for dogs.

In February 2009, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) issued a "position statement" about the use of punishment for behavior modification in animals, detailing 9 possible adverse effects of negative reinforcement (punishment) training. While not naming any trainers by name, the statement was written to counter Millan's techniques featured on his National Geographic channel show, The Dog Whisperer.

Read more...

The most notable sign seen with HGE is a very sudden onset of bloody diarrhea in a previously healthy dog. Vomiting, not eating (anorexia), and listlessness are also seen. Dehydration is not usually clinically seen on initial presentation, but shock can develop quickly without treatment. Read more about HGE in dogs

This sudden and serious disease has been an active topic on this site for many years. I recently added a "Readers Respond" section so viewers can share their stories about HGE. Here are a few comments that show the power of sharing experiences to help others be aware and seek treatment for their dog.

Deanna Moore: Because of this website and the information I learned from the experiences of other people, my dog received treatment today. I have brought him home because he is not too dehydrated.

Allison T: My three year old foster Greyhound developed HGE symptoms so quickly! She started vomiting and having bloody stools out of the blue. I knew nothing about HGE but knew the bleeding was serious. If I hadn't gotten her to a vet in a timely manner, she would have died.

Wayne: We echo the recommendation that prompt care is crucial. We had Nicky in the hospital within an hour of the time he first vomited blood. If we'd waited till morning, we could have lost him.

For all who have submitted your stories - both happy and sad - thank you.

Read more HGE stories and submit your own
Index of all Readers Respond topics

Photo: Sick Dog on IV Fluids © Miguel Vera on Flickr

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Originally discovered in 2004, this canine influenza virus is believed to have jumped from horses to dogs in Florida. This virus, H3N8, is a subtype of the influenza A virus, a highly contagious pathogen that can cause disease by itself or in conjunction with other respiratory pathogens.

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BBBBB27 asks: "I'm really interested in becoming a vet, but I am unsure of how many hours the students have to work at vet school. I would like to be able to participate in sporting activities daily and was wondering if anyone at vet school could share their experiences from their studying and give me a typical timetable of a day at university and the amount of homework / revision set, so that I can decide whether vet school is right for me."

Diaries and Journals - Getty Image

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A question that is commonly asked after a routine spay surgery is: "should I be concerned about the lump in the incision area?" This is especially true for cats. Is a post-operative swelling "normal" or cause for concern? Find out the facts in this FAQ.

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As many pet owners know, fireworks and thunder storms can cause a great deal of stress for some animals.

Are your animals afraid of loud noises? Please cast your vote below.

Find tips on managing your noise-phobic dog during fireworks and thunderstorms here. If you have a tip or story to share about pets and loud noises, please submit your information here: Fireworks and Thunder - Share What Works for Your Pet

Elsa cowering because of the fireworks - credit: Ken Mayer on Flickr