The Good Dog Pod

Gain practical knowledge about the essentials of safely managing the whelping process and supporting puppies through their earliest, most critical weeks. Learn about preparation, hands-on techniques, early health monitoring and best practices for setting puppies up for a strong, healthy start.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT explore facts and fiction regarding some of the most common myths in canine reproduction.Watch the video version of the presentation here.

Capture the science behind the next generation of specialized Pro Plan nutrition. Pro Plan AdvantEDGE Digestive Support Plus Salmon & Oat Meal and Pro Plan Advantage Senior Support Plus Chicken & Rice are powerful, triple-action formulas backed by years of research to deliver life-changing support for digestive health or healthy aging. These breakthrough formulations target the nutritional needs of adult dogs and include formulas for small-breed and large-breed adult dogs.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

What is the earliest age at which you should breed a female? How should you house brood females and stud dogs? What routine testing or veterinary care should be provided over a female or stud dog’s breeding life? Peggy Root Kustritz, DVM, PhD, DACT reviews common practices and recommendations from reproduction veterinarians to help you make informed decisions in your breeding program.Watch the video version of the presentation here.

Transcervical insemination has evolved to become an efficient breeding tool since its beginning in the 1970s. Joshua Trumble, DVM discusses a study conducted by theriogenologists at Ohio State University which looked at using semen and sedation types to predict pregnancy rate and litter size.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Learn from the president of the OFA, Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT, about the history of the Canine Health Information Center and how breed health tests can be used in your breeding program to produce healthy dogs. Find out who the specialty groups are who validate the tests and how they can help you learn to use these tests to benefit your dogs.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Andrea Hesser, DVM DACT gives a step-by-step walkthrough of a frozen semen appointment to help you understand what to expect. In addition, learn what can be done to save sperm postmortem or in crisis situations.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dr. Smith, Dr. Barstow, and Dr. Cecere joined us for a Roundtable Q&A where they answered your questions about breeding. Learn about everything from progesterone to artificial insemination in this session.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Discover the differences between neonates and adult dogs and why the first few weeks of life are critical. Learn about optimal husbandry, emergent conditions, support of the neonate and when to involve your veterinarian.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Assessing a dog’s health and genetic background prior to breeding are key to minimizing the risk of passing on inherited diseases to offspring. Dr. Carla Barstow explains what’s involved in making informed breeding decisions.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT discusses how to avoid common problems with breeding. The number one cause of reproductive failure is improper timing. Learn about normal cycling behavior, cycle intervals and progesterone testing to help you determine the ideal time to breed your female. Learn about breeding options from natural service to side-by-side AI to chilled and frozen semen.Watch the video version of the presentation here.

RuthAnn Lobos DVM, CCRT, CVAT addresses the common claims made around supplements, explaining the quality, safety, and efficacy of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Victor Stora DVM, DACT, reviews the the art and science of keeping your stud dog fertile. Dr. Stora covers libido fluctuations, semen collection tips, nutritional support, infection prevention and aging strategies.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Andrea Hesser, DVM DACT joins us from Purina to discuss what to do in the case of an unplanned breeding, including the medical options for terminating an 'oops' pregnancy.Watch the video version of the presentation here.

Understanding normal oral anatomy will help you detect common abnormalities to look for when evaluating the oral health of puppies. Christopher Smithson DVM, DAVCD, & Emily Duca, DVM join us to discuss malocclusions, missing teeth and periodontal teeth along with some recommendations for new puppy owners on when to seek veterinary care and treatment.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT, joins us from Purina to discuss current DNA technology, including single versus panel tests. Learn how to understand risk assessment from a single gene disease test and how to know if a test result is meaningful.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Martha G Cline, DVM DACVIM (Nutrition), joins us from Purina to discuss how to read pet food labels effectively, and how you can make informed dietary choices for your dogs.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dr. Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT, joins us from Purina to teach us about the most common ailments in canine breeding programs that affect conception and carriage of pregnancy, including diagnosis and treatment options.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Breeders hold the blueprint of their dogs’ future in their hands. Understanding the hereditary links and the role of selective breeding is vital to reducing cancer prevalence. Being proactive, rather than reactive, is important. Every decision a breeder makes shapes the next generation of dogs. Hear from Victor Stora DVM, DACT to learn what you can do to improve your breeding outcomes.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

RuthAnn Lobos DVM, CCRT, CVAT joins us from Purina to host an in depth discussion about proper life stage nutrition.Watch the video recording of this presentation here.

We're joined this week by Dr. Micah Halpern, the founder and principal scientist at GenSol Diagnostics, to discuss how genetic health testing works and how it can lead to better breeding decisions. Learn about the basics of genetic health testing, the pros and cons for different testing options, and how to make breeding decisions based on genetic test results.

Dr. Julie Cecere, DVM MS DACT, joins us from Purina to discuss common prescription drugs and whether they are suitable for breeding dogs and neonates.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT joins us from Purina to explain how a dog’s anatomy can cause patellar luxation, or a “slipped stifle.” Learn about the prevalence of this painful genetic condition and how it is diagnosed and treated.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Martha G Cline, DVM DACVIM (Nutrition) joins us from Purina to discuss the impact of probiotics on a dog's health at all life stages.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dr. Carla Barstow explains the clinical signs and best practices for dealing with common emergency conditions in females including pyometra, dystocia and post-partum complications. Dr. Barstow also addresses common emergencies in males.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dr. Laurie J. Larson, DVM, a veterinary immunology expert, explains how canine core viral vaccines work and what nomograph analysis can do to help improve our puppies’ chances of reaching full immunity.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dr. Fran Smith, DVM, President of the OFA, teaches our community how canine health testing can benefit your breeding program. She also shares insights into the history of OFA, its mission, and process for selecting health tests.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Drs. Kate Aicher and Lea Poellmann discuss the emerging parasite (heterobilharzia americana) that causes canine liver flukes, also known as canine schistosomiasis. This presentation covers the life cycle of the parasite, how dogs become infected, as well as symptoms of, testing for, and treatment of infection.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dr. Andrea Hesser, a veterinarian specialized in theriogenology, provides a comprehensive overview of what you need in your whelping toolkit. The presentation covers essential and emerging approaches to pregnancy management, whelping equipment and support, and early puppy care. This review is not only for people with free-whelping breeds, but also for those who are planning elective C-sections.Watch the video version of the presentation here. We'll be back in January for more educational podcast episodes!

Dr. Cheryl Lopate continues our discussion about providing optimal care of a brood female throughout pregnancy and lactation. We review whelping box considerations to help you set up a dam, so she can provide excellent care for her neonates.Watch the video recording of the presentation here.

Dr. Cheryl Lopate discusses the best age to breed a female, why health clearances are important, and how genetic testing can help evaluate potential mates.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dr. Carla Barstow joins us for part two of her discussion about the tips & tricks you need to know for the best possible breeding outcomes. We close this year's symposium with an invaluable discussion on the myths and facts surrounding breeding.Watch the video recording of this presentation here. You can also catch part 1 here.

Dr. Carla Barstow joins us to share tips and tricks to have the best possible breeding outcomes. She'll also review what diagnostic tests and supplements are needed and what can be skipped.This is the first session of Good Dog's 4th Annual Health Symposium. Watch the video recording here.

Dr. Cheryl Lopate, MS, DVM, DACT continues the conversation on raising a stellar stud dog. This part focuses on how to effectively manage the breeding of an aging stud dog, including mitigating fertility issues, using reproductive supplements, and more.Starting at middle age around 5 years old, stud dogs may begin to have health concerns that can impact their breeding soundness. Physical health also can affect a stud dog’s libido. This episode focuses on how to effectively manage the breeding of an aging stud dog. A review of changes in semen quality, its impact on fertility and how frequently semen should be evaluated will be discussed. Ways to mitigate fertility issues and the use of reproductive supplements also will be reviewed.Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Hear from certified theriogenologist, Dr. Cheryl Lopate, MS, DVM, DACT, in this reproductive health podcast episode! Optimal performance in a stud dog requires proper nutrition, exercise, parasite control and vaccinations. A stud dog should pass the breed’s health clearances and genetic testing as well as a breeding soundness examination. Effectively managing a stud dog requires understanding his semen evaluation and methods to maximize and best preserve his future genetic potential. Part I of this series focuses on weaning through age 4.Watch the video version of this episode here.

Dr. Julie Cecere reviews some common causes of infertility in brood females and discusses the importance of checking both the male and female prior to breeding, in addition to guidance on nutrition and fitness.Watch the video version of this webinar here.

Growth is a challenging life stage. Understanding how key nutrients can support healthy growth and lifelong health helps to ensure puppies get off to a good start in life. It is essential to provide puppies with specific nutrients for healthy immunity, brain development and gastrointestinal health during development. Listen to Dr. Catherine Lenox, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) explain everything you need to know.The website that Dr. Lenox references is: www.purinainstitute.com/centresquareWatch the video version of this presentation here.

Expecting a litter of puppies? Now what? When does pregnancy care start? Should you have lab testing, radiographs and ultrasounds to help monitor the pregnancy? Learn from Dr. Fran Smith, DVM what you need to know about guiding your female through a safe pregnancy and delivery of healthy puppies. This review of the basics of pregnancy care will help put your mind at ease.Watch the video recording of this presentation here.

When it comes to raising an outstanding pet dog, one of the most important tools in a breeder’s arsenal is socialization. Dr. Annie Valuska discusses what socialization means and why it’s important and provides step-by-step instructions for how to establish a strong behavioral foundation for your dogs.Watch the video version of this webinar here.

This is an audio version of a recent Facebook Live we hosted where Nicole, Lauren, Cat, and Josh discuss the recent decision to bring back the application on Good Dog. To watch the video version of this presentation, click here.

Dr. Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT discusses how nutrition for the pregnant & postpartum dam can impact the growth and development of her puppies. Learn about all aspects of a litter's first year of life, from birth to adolescence, and the required nutrition to ensure a litter's rapid growth is supported through every stage.This episode is an audio version of a recent webinar we did with Purina. To watch the video version, click here.

Dr. Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT, teaches us about the latest research and innovations in canine reproduction techniques to maximize successful breedings.This is an audio version of a webinar we recently held with Purina. To see the video version, click here.

Dr. Kristina Belton gives an overview of the whelping process with an emphasis on ways responsible breeders can provide support, as well as techniques to identify when intervention is needed.This episode is an audio version of a webinar. To watch the video version, click here.

Dr. Jason Gagné, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Purina, speaks about the mechanisms and impact of pre and probiotics on gut health, the immune system, and the microbiome. Watch the webinar version of this podcast here.

Tony Johnson, DVM, from the Veterinary Information Network hosts a great discussion about first aid basics for dogs, including first aid kit essentials, basic triage, when to see the vet, and more.This episode is taken from a webinar - to see the accompanying video, click here.

Dr. Fran Smith dives into the everyday medications that can be potentially harmful to a canine pregnancy, and help breeders learn how to provide the best treatment for a pregnant dam that has the lowest risk for her fetuses.This episode is an audio version of a webinar. Click here to view the video presentation.

Learn about why dog breeders should consider insuring their programs and how business insurance can protect you and your breeding program.This episode is an audio version of a webinar Good Dog hosted about business insurance. To see the video recording, click here.