Featured
Seasonal Diet Changes for Rabbits
4 min read
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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
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
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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
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Pet Ownership
Keeping and Caring for Your Pet Gerbil
April 23, 2026
Gerbils make sociable, trainable, lovable pets, but they also have unique needs to stay happy and healthy. Learn how to care for a pet gerbil properly.
4 min read
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Health & Wellness
Springtime Parasites to Watch Out for in Dogs and Cats
April 10, 2026
Warmer weather brings more than sunshine. Learn how to protect your pet from common springtime parasites that affect dogs and cats so your pet can enjoy the season safely.
4 min read
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Lifestyle
Welcome to the World of Pet Exercise Equipment
April 10, 2026
Want to boost or maintain your pet's fitness? This basic guide to pet exercise equipment can help you keep your furry friend active and happy.
4 min read
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Lifestyle
Getting Your Pet Active Again After Winter
April 10, 2026
As the weather warms up, pets need time to regain their strength and stamina. Learn how to reintroduce exercise, manage weight, and create a routine that keeps your pet healthy and happy.
5 min read
Read More Getting Your Pet Active Again After WinterAsk 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: 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
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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
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Ask Dr. Jenn
Ask Dr. Jenn: Does My Norfolk Terrier Need a Doggie Coat in Cold Weather?
January 30, 2026
I have a Norfolk terrier. This breed has an undercoat and topcoat. Does she still need a doggie coat in cold weather?
3 min read
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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?
Behavior & Training
Basic Commands to Teach Your Dog
March 26, 2026
Dogs can learn many fancy tricks, but don't neglect the fundamentals. Start by teaching your dog these basic, all-important commands.
4 min read
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Grooming
Mud, Hooves, and Thrush: Spring Horse Hoof Care Essentials
March 26, 2026
Spring weather brings warmer temperatures, but it also creates muddy pastures and damp conditions that can challenge hoof health. Yet with the right care routine, horse owners can prevent common spring hoof problems.
5 min read
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