Quick Tips with Dr. Paul
Dr. Paul Reifenrath, DVM, offers us a wealth of information every other Friday on the Up A Level K9 Academy YouTube channel.
Q&A (PART 3)
Some of the biggest health issues in dogs don’t start with obvious symptoms; they show up in small ways that are easy to brush off.
In this video, Dr. Paul breaks down 6 common warning signs dog owners overlook every day, including weight changes, low energy, increased thirst, dental issues, and signs of hidden pain.
These aren’t just “normal aging” behaviors. In many cases, they’re early indicators of serious conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, heart issues, or chronic pain. What you’ll learn:
The difference between normal vs. concerning weight changes
Why exercise intolerance isn’t just “slowing down”
What increased drinking and urination can really mean
Subtle signs your dog may be in pain
How dental health impacts the entire body
Catching these early can add years to your dog’s life—and improve the quality of those years. If something feels off, it’s worth paying attention.
Q&A (PART 2)
In this Q&A session, Dr. Paul answers common questions from dog owners about vaccines and hot spots.
He explains how vaccines work, how safe they are, and what the real risk of reactions looks like. While most reactions are mild and rare, vaccines play an important role in protecting dogs from serious diseases like parvo, distemper, leptospirosis, and rabies.
Dr. Paul also discusses hot spots—what causes them, how to prevent them, and when they can be treated at home versus when a veterinary visit is necessary. Subscribe for more dog health and training insights from our team!
Q&A (PART 1)
What’s actually dangerous for your dog? And which everyday items should you be more cautious about?
In this Q&A, Dr. Paul answers questions from Karen’s clients about common household risks, treats, and chews, and how to tell when something is a minor issue versus a true emergency.
If you’ve ever second-guessed something your dog ate or chewed on, this conversation will help you think through it more confidently. Drop your questions below for the next Q&A!
DOG JOIN PROBLEMS EXPLAINED PART 2
Limping, stiffness, or slowing down—many of the most common orthopedic issues in dogs start earlier than you think.
In this video, Dr. Paul breaks down the most common joint and mobility conditions affecting dogs, from young puppies to aging companions.
He covers:
Hip dysplasia and what it actually means for your dog long-term
Elbow dysplasia and other developmental joint issues
Cruciate ligament (ACL) tears—one of the most common causes of sudden lameness
Patellar luxation and why small dogs skip or “hop”
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and cartilage damage
You’ll also learn how these conditions are diagnosed, when surgery is necessary, and what effective long-term management looks like—including weight control, exercise, rehab, and newer treatment options.
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort or you want to stay ahead of joint issues, this gives you a clear, practical overview of what to watch for—and how to support your dog’s mobility for the long haul.
DOG JOIN PROBLEMS EXPLAINED PART 1
Limping, stiffness, or slowing down—many of the most common orthopedic issues in dogs start earlier than you think.
In this video, Dr. Paul breaks down the most common joint and mobility conditions affecting dogs, from young puppies to aging companions.
He covers:
Hip dysplasia and what it actually means for your dog long-term
Elbow dysplasia and other developmental joint issues
Cruciate ligament (ACL) tears—one of the most common causes of sudden lameness
Patellar luxation and why small dogs skip or “hop”
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and cartilage damage
You’ll also learn how these conditions are diagnosed, when surgery is necessary, and what effective long-term management looks like—including weight control, exercise, rehab, and newer treatment options.
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort or you want to stay ahead of joint issues, this gives you a clear, practical overview of what to watch for—and how to support your dog’s mobility for the long haul.
TICK TALK WITH DR. PAUL
Ticks aren’t just a nuisance—they carry diseases that can seriously impact your dog’s health (and yours).
In this video, Dr. Paul breaks down the most common tick-borne diseases in dogs, including Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
He covers:
How ticks transmit disease—and how fast it can happen
What symptoms to watch for (and why some dogs show none at all)
How these diseases are diagnosed and treated
Why reinfection is common without consistent prevention
The real risks to humans as well
You’ll also get practical guidance on prevention, including vaccines, monthly flea and tick control, and what actually works (and what doesn’t anymore).
If you live in a tick-heavy area or spend time outdoors with your dog, this is essential information to keep both of you protected year-round.
SPAY & NEUTER CONSIDERATIONS
When should you spay or neuter your dog—and do you even need to?
In this video, Dr. Paul breaks down the updated thinking around spay and neuter timing, especially as new research continues to shift long-standing recommendations.
He walks through:
Why the “early spay/neuter” approach is changing
How timing impacts growth, joint health, and long-term development
Key differences between small, large, and giant breed dogs
The real benefits—including cancer prevention and behavior changes
Potential downsides like joint issues, weight gain, and certain health risks
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Dr. Raven explains how to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual dog, your lifestyle, and what responsible ownership looks like.
If you’re trying to make the best long-term decision for your dog’s health, this gives you a clear, balanced starting point—and the right questions to ask your vet.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies in dogs are more common than most owners realize—and managing them can feel overwhelming fast.
In this video, Dr. Paul breaks down what’s really going on when your dog is constantly itching, licking, or dealing with recurring skin issues. From common triggers like pollen, dust, and mold to why certain breeds are more prone, he walks through what causes these reactions and what they actually look like day to day.
You’ll also learn:
How to tell the difference between seasonal and year-round allergies
Why skin infections make everything worse
The role food allergies can play
What effective treatment really looks like (and why it’s not one-size-fits-all)
Simple things you can do at home to reduce flare-ups
If your dog struggles with itching, ear infections, or hot spots, this gives you a clear starting point—and a better understanding of how to keep them comfortable long-term.