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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.
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: Can I Leave Treats for Santa's Reindeer?
December 10, 2025
I always leave milk and cookies out for Santa. Can his reindeer eat milk and cookies, too?
2 min read
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Ask Dr. Jenn: What Kind of Dog Does Santa Have?
December 10, 2025
I've been wondering what kind of dog Santa has at the North Pole. Do you know?
3 min read
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Ask Dr. Jenn: How can treat my dog's diarrhea at home?
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
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Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is Chocolate Toxic for Dogs?
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
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Ask Dr. Jenn: Why is My Cat Scratching So Much?
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
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Ask Dr. Jenn: Can My Pet's Teeth Tell Me Their Age?
September 3, 2025
I heard that you could determine a pet’s age by its teeth. Is that true?
5 min read
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Ask Dr. Jenn: How Do I Care for an Orphaned Bunny?
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
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Ask Dr. Jenn: Are Wild Mushrooms Dangerous for My Dog?
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
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