Thinking about matching holiday pajamas for your pets? Learn how to choose the right outfit, keep your pet comfortable, and decide whether this festive trend is worth the hype.

4 min read

Grooming

Preventing Matting & Shedding During Sweater Season

December 8, 2025

Prevent matting and shedding during sweater season with practical, pet-friendly grooming tips for dogs and cats. From better sweater choices to regular brushing, you can keep your pet comfortable, warm, and healthy.

4 min read

Behavior & Training

The Holiday Party Survival Guide for Reactive, Shy, or Anxious Pets

December 8, 2025

Use these practical tips to help reactive, shy, or anxious pets navigate holiday parties with confidence and comfort. Learn how to prepare your home and create a stress-free environment that keeps your pet safe and relaxed.

4 min read

Diet

Should You Feed Your Pet Raw, Homemade, or Commercial Pet Food?

December 2, 2025

What kind of food should you feed your pets ? Take a look at the world of raw food, homemade food, and commercial pet food diets.

4 min read

Diet

Winter Diet for Reptiles: Feeding Schedules for Cold-Blooded Pets

December 2, 2025

Winter can shake up your reptile’s routine, especially when it comes to appetite, metabolism, and feeding habits. Learn how to safely adjust your cold-blooded pet’s diet while keeping them thriving all season long.

4 min read

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.

ASK DR. JENN A QUESTION

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 Leave Treats for Santa's Reindeer?

December 10, 2025

I always leave milk and cookies out for Santa. Can his reindeer eat milk and cookies, too?

2 min read

Ask Dr. Jenn

Ask Dr. Jenn: How can treat my dog's diarrhea at home?

November 20, 2025

During the holidays, at least one dog always ends up with diarrhea no matter what I do. How can I treat their GI upset at home without an emergency vet visit?

4 min read

Ask Dr. Jenn

Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is Chocolate Toxic for Dogs?

October 23, 2025

I've heard chocolate is bad for dogs, but I've known dogs who have eaten it and been fine. How much chocolate is toxic for a dog?

4 min read

Ask Dr. Jenn

Ask Dr. Jenn: How can treat my dog's diarrhea at home?

November 20, 2025

During the holidays, at least one dog always ends up with diarrhea no matter what I do. How can I treat their GI upset at home without an emergency vet visit?

4 min read

Health & Wellness

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Dogs and Cats

November 18, 2025

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can affect dogs and cats as well as people. Get the facts about this form of anxiety.

4 min read

Lifestyle

Best Smart Litter Boxes for Cats

November 18, 2025

Smart, self-cleaning litter boxes offer a variety of benefits, from ease-of-use to hands-off convenience. Explore the top features and models to find the right fit for you and your pet.

4 min read

Sit. Stay. Read.

Your Pet Care Advisor

The Best Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Pets

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