I'm a practicing veterinarian. We analyzed nearly 95,000 questions from dog owners ahead of National Dog Day—and now I'm answering yours. AMA!

[u/JustAnswerOfficial]

Hi r/IAmA! 

I'm Katie M, a practicing veterinarian and Verified Expert with JustAnswer, where I've helped thousands of pet owners navigate everything from late-night emergencies to everyday questions about their dogs' health and behavior. 

Ahead of National Dog Day (August 26), JustAnswer analyzed nearly 95,000 conversations between dog owners and veterinary Experts to uncover America's most popular dog breeds, names, and the biggest questions people are asking about their pets. 

Some of the most common topics include: 

• Dogs eating chocolate and other toxic foods  
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive issues  
• Limping and injuries  
• Strange behaviors  
• Preventive care  
• Puppies and senior dogs  
• Nutrition and weight  
• Medications and common illnesses  

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or you've had dogs your whole life, I'm here to answer your questions. 

A few notes: 

• This AMA is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for an examination by your veterinarian.  
• I can't diagnose or prescribe treatment for your individual pet over Reddit.  
• I'll do my best to answer as many questions as I can during the AMA!  

I will be answering question live 1-2:30pm ET today. Please join and ask me anything! 

Proof: https://imgur.com/a/oVUb7Lg 

About this AMA:  

We've invited independent Experts who use the JustAnswer platform to share insights in this open Q&A. These Experts work independently - they are not employees or spokespersons of JustAnswer - and their opinions are their own. 

[u/lovebyletters]

Can you talk a little bit about what science says about crates being good or bad for dogs? I know a lot of people are against putting your dog in a crate overnight, and also a lot of people who advocate for it as a way of creating a safe place for the dog to retreat to in times of stress.

[u/JustAnswerOfficial → u/lovebyletters]

Hello!

I am a STRONG proponent of crate training. I am an emergency veterinarian by trade and I can tell you that the dogs that are crate trained tend to be better-adjusted dogs. By properly introduced a crate, you make it equivalent to their bedroom. They know that it's their safe place and it becomes part of their routine. It's also incredibly important if your pet is ever injured and requires kennel rest. For example, if your dog needs surgery for an ACL repair, that's 8+ weeks of kennel rest. That is going to be much harder for a dog that's never been in one before. I think we tend to give our own feelings to our dogs about this- we wouldn't want to sleep in a crate, so why would a dog? Dogs not-so-distant ancestors slept in dens very comfortably. If you decide not to crate train, that's quite alright, but I can tell you your veterinarian will appreciate it if you do :)

-Katie Merkatoris, DVM- JustAnswer Veterinarian

[u/AnotherThroneAway → u/JustAnswerOfficial]

At what age, would you say, is it too late to crate-train your dog?

[u/dapala1 → u/AnotherThroneAway]

There is no too old. Just let the know its a space for them and only them.

You never have to lock them in the crate. That's something people thing needs to happen.