Get reimbursed on your pet's routine care with Mint Wellness by Pet Assure! Enroll Today >

Sit. Stay. Read.

Ask Dr. Jenn - Pet Care Advice from a Licensed Vet

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: Should We Use Radiation for Our Older Dog Who Has Cancer?

November 19, 2024

Our dog Rocco, age 16 1/2, was diagnosed with oral melanoma. Would you subject him to local radiation treatment at his age, which is the suggested care, or use other modalities?

3 min read

Ask Dr. Jenn

Ask Dr. Jenn: My Dog is Having Urinary Problems. How Can I Tell What's Wrong?

November 1, 2024

My 12-year-old Staffie male dog has started peeing in the house and in his sleep. He's moans in pain, but I don't know why. How can I help?

3 min read

Ask Dr. Jenn

Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is My Red Eared Slider Turtle Losing Scales?

September 26, 2024

I've noticed that my red-eared aquatic turtle is starting to lose her large underbody scales. What does this mean and how can I help?

4 min read

Ask Dr. Jenn

Ask Dr. Jenn: My Pomeranian Scoots on the Carpet and Cries. How Can I Help Her?

August 27, 2024

I've taken her to the vet and give her medications for severe gastritis, but it doesn't seem to be solving the problem. What else can I do?

4 min read

Ask Dr. Jenn

Ask Dr. Jenn: How Can I Protect My Dog From Rattlesnakes?

August 2, 2024

I just moved to the Southwest United States near lots of hiking trails. I want to take my dog on the trails my but I have heard there are rattlesnakes in the area. What can I do to help protect my dog?

3 min read