The Good Dog Pod

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!