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.
December 10, 2025
I always leave milk and cookies out for Santa. Can his reindeer eat milk and cookies, too?
2 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Leave Treats for Santa's Reindeer?
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
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How can treat my dog's diarrhea at home?
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
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is Chocolate Toxic for Dogs?
September 26, 2025
I've noticed my cat scratching and biting his skin a lot more than normal. Does he have fleas, or is there another cause?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is My Cat Scratching So Much?
September 3, 2025
I heard that you could determine a pet’s age by its teeth. Is that true?
5 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Can My Pet's Teeth Tell Me Their Age?
July 30, 2025
I found a nest of orphaned bunnies in my yard. How can I take care of them? What should I do to help?
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: How Do I Care for an Orphaned Bunny?
July 1, 2025
I've seen a lot of mushrooms growing in my yard lately where my dog likes to play. Are mushrooms bad for dogs? Should I be worried if he eats one of them?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Are Wild Mushrooms Dangerous for My Dog?
May 22, 2025
My dog is having watery diarrhea. I tried the boiled chicken and rice approach, and he is still having issues. Could the diarrhea be caused by an allergy to chicken, which is his main source of daily food?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: What Is Causing My Dog's Diarrhea?
April 11, 2025
The news keeps reporting stories of rising egg costs due to the Bird Flu. What can you tell me about it? Should I be worried about getting sick?
3 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: What is the Bird Flu? Should I Be Worried?
March 20, 2025
What do I need to know before getting a pet sugar glider? My daughter asked for one for her birthday and they look very cute!
4 min read
Read More Ask Dr. Jenn: Can I Keep a Sugar Glider as a Pet?