Corey at Pawshake Pet Services

29/07/2026

Ovaries and te**es aren’t just reproductive organs, they’re endocrine organs involved in metabolism, behavior, and musculoskeletal health.🦴

⚠️That does not mean dogs shouldn’t be spayed or neutered. Sterilization can provide important health benefits, including protection against pyometra, mammary disease, testicular disease, and benign prostate enlargement, and in some situations traditional spay or neuter may be the only choice.

But there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Talk with your veterinarian about whether it makes sense to wait until your dog is physically mature before removing the go**ds, or whether a gonad-sparing sterilization procedure that prevents reproduction while preserving natural hormone production, such as a vasectomy or ovary-sparing spay, could be appropriate.

✂️ Already spayed or neutered? You can’t change the surgery, but you can change what you watch for. Research suggests that dogs who have undergone traditional spay/neuter may have different lifelong risks for obesity, urinary incontinence, orthopedic disease, and certain cancers. Those risks vary by breed, size, s*x, and age at surgery.

For example, some studies have reported 1.5–3.3× higher odds of obesity following gonadectomy, while early gonadectomy has been associated with increased orthopedic risk in some medium, large, and giant breeds. In female dogs, urinary incontinence is another important concern, particularly following early spay.

The goal isn’t to say “don’t spay or neuter.” It’s to ask a better question: What’s the best sterilization choice, and the best timing, for this individual dog? 🙌

Today at 12pm EDT, Dr. Kären Marsden joins us to explain different sterilization options, the long-term effects of sterilization, common urinary and reproductive disorders, and integrative strategies to help prevent and manage UTIs, incontinence, pyometra, and prostate problems.

👉 Drop SCOOPERS below and we’ll DM you the link to join our Inside Scoop community, where you can watch the episode at any time and explore past shows, expert interviews, download ebooks, and more.

11/07/2026

A different and fascinating approach to how to be with your dog....

⁠Cesar Millan⁠ is a world-renowned dog behavior expert. We discuss ...

23/06/2026

Is there something wrong when dogs eat grass?
by Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

Is there something wrong when dogs eat grass?
What dogs know about keeping themselves healthy
I love how things transpire! Today, I was wondering which topic to write about and, at that moment, my dog walked right by my side, skillfully picking out blades of green sedge grass from an array of other plants.

People often wonder if it is normal for their dog to eat grass. They often associate grass-eating with digestive problems or another disease, but in most cases the dog is not unwell.

There are many health benefits of grass-eating:
Grass is rich in chlorophyll and antioxidants and dogs intuitively know this.

Grass-eating balances your dog's body and balances out a diet that is rich in meat protein and fat.

The canine species has a strong tendency to develop spleen imbalances and spleen cancer.

Grass has a very positive effect on the spleen and blood cleansing.

Wheat grass and wheat grass juice are considered among the most potent superfoods in human nutrition and it is my impression that dogs intuitively know this.

Sedge grass and other sharp-leafed grasses are dogs' favourites. Grass is also rich in fibre, which improves digestion and frequency of bowel movements.

Finally, dogs benefit from the minerals, vitamins and other nutrients in grass.
Some sources claim that the purpose of sharp grass-eating is to get rid of parasites in the intestinal tract.

As I mentioned before, only a small portion of grass-eating dogs are unwell.

My observation is that dogs who eat kibble and other processed foods, are generally more likely to suffer from metabolic imbalances and deficiencies, hence, they are more likely to eat grass and vomit. It makes complete sense that dogs who eat food that has been sitting on a shelf for months and sometimes years would eat grass more often.

Although eating grass is a natural behaviour for dogs, most of us aren’t harvesting grass and blending it in our dogs food.

There are other, more convenient plant-based options — especially during the vibrant months of spring and summer.

Adding fresh, seasonal produce in your dog’s food, will satisfy their instinctual cravings and also provide beneficial nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.

Let's explore some of the best fruits and vegetables you can safely share with your dog to keep them healthy, happy, and thriving!

Safe fruit and veggies for dogs ---
Beneficial fruits and vegetables you can share with your dog:
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Bok Choy, Dandelion greens, kale, cilantro, and other leafy greens — rich in fiber and minerals.

Raspberries, blackberries and blueberries: Powerful antioxidants for liver and immune support.

Cucumbers: Cooling, hydrating, and gentle on the stomach.

Zucchini: Light and easy to digest, great source of vitamin C.

Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene for skin and coat health but before of overfeeding them - they have to be blended for easier digestion.

Watermelon: A hydrating treat (remove seeds, serve in moderation).

Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts (small amounts): Detoxifying, but should be cooked.

Parsley, Cilantro and Basil: Rich in chlorophyll, aid in detox, and freshen the breath.
Tip: Always introduce new foods gradually and ensure they are pesticide-free!

In summary, it is absolutely okay for your dog to eat grass if she or he has had regular check-ups, is healthy and eats a natural raw or cooked food diet supplemented with natural vitamins, minerals, probiotics and omega oils.

22/04/2026

From Barbara Lloyd:

"Everyone expects the dog to stay calm.
Very few people expect it of themselves.

We talk a lot about consistency in dog training. Use the same cue. Reward the right behavior. Follow through. But most people never stop to look at themselves in that equation.

Who are you when you’re training? Because that’s what your dog is actually learning from.

It’s easy to stay steady when things are going well. When your dog is focused, when the picture is clean, when you feel like you’re both on the same page. In those situations, most people feel like good trainers.

That doesn’t tell you much. You really know who you are when things start to fall apart.
When your dog drifts off and you can’t get them back. When they hit a point where they don’t know what to do and everything starts to unravel. When what you thought they understood just isn’t there.

And at the same time, you can feel yourself getting wound up and frustrated. Your timing is off. You start trying to fix it. The plan you walked in with isn’t working anymore, but you keep pushing it anyway because you don’t know what else to do.

And then your voice changes. It gets sharper. There’s an edge to it now. You start repeating yourself, and before you even realize it, the volume is increasing exponentially.

Not because you decided to do that, but because you’re losing your grip.

Dogs notice everything. Not just what you ask, but how you show up while you’re asking it. And what they’re paying attention to is not whether you followed a plan perfectly. It’s whether you’re still the same person when they’re not at their best.

Can they trust that you’re still safe when they make a mistake?

Can they trust that the rules won’t suddenly change because you’re tired or irritated?

Can they trust that the version of you they get when they’re doing well is the same version they get when they’re struggling?

If your responses change, even a little, the whole situation shifts. Now your dog isn’t just trying to figure out the task. They’re trying to figure out you.

You can see it when it happens. They start watching instead of working. They hesitate. Or they rush. Or they check out completely.

The thinking drops off because you aren’t the same person anymore.

That’s why so many training sessions go sideways even when people are doing the right things on paper. The cues are the same. The rewards are the same. But the person delivering them isn’t.

Dogs pick up on that immediately.

This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. Nobody is. But you do need to be aware of what you’re bringing into the session.

If you’re frustrated, notice it. If you’re tired, adjust what you’re asking. If you feel things starting to slip, slow yourself down instead of trying to fix your dog faster.

Those choices matter more than people think.

Consistency at this level isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about being steady enough that your dog knows what they’re walking into every time.

You build that over time. Taking a breath before you step in. Supporting your dog. Choosing to stay level instead of reacting.
Owning your own emotions.

That builds trust.

Your dog starts to understand that you don’t change on them when things get hard. They don’t have to brace for pressure or guess what version of you is going to show up.

That’s what lets them stay and work through the hard stuff. That’s what lets them try, make mistakes, and keep going without falling apart.

So yes, be consistent in your cues. Be consistent in your rewards. But more than anything, be consistent in yourself.

That’s what your dog is reading. That’s what shapes how they learn. And that’s what determines whether they can stay in it long enough to figure things out.

And I’m telling you, it’s the hardest part of the equation, so spend more time on that than trying to fix your dog."

13/04/2026

Spring may be in full bloom, but some of the most beautiful plants in your home and yard could be putting your pet at serious risk. Many of the most toxic plants aren’t even rare; they’re the everyday ones sitting on your windowsill or planted in your garden. Lilies, azaleas, and even parts of aloe can cause problems for pets.
Do you know which plants are most dangerous to dogs and cats, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do if your pet is exposed? In my latest article on toxic plants, I share simple steps you can take right now to create a safer environment. See link in comments.🐾