Reviewer
Justin Shmalberg, DVM, CVA, ACVN, ACVSMR
Board-certified veterinary nutritionist and rehabilitation specialist; Chi University faculty, University of Florida Small Animal Hospital Integrative Medicine; Chi University faculty · Gainesville, Florida
University of Florida integrative medicine service chief focused on nutrition, supplements, integrative medicine, oncology nutrition, rehabilitation, and acupuncture research.
Areas of focus
- integrative canine nutrition
- food therapy
- veterinary acupuncture
- canine sports medicine and rehabilitation
- supplement literacy
112 guides by Justin
- Greater Swiss or Bernese Mountain Dog: Which Moves Better?
- Do Tick Collars Work for Dogs in Tick Country?
- Dog Food for Underweight Dogs: Start With Causes
- Durable Dog Crate: Latches, Welds and Crash Safety
- How to Make Your Dog a Legit Service Dog
- How to Add Fat to a Dog Diet for Active Dogs
- Indoor Dog Park: A Backup, Not Real Conditioning
- Is Salt Bad for Dogs: Beach, Trail, and Treat Risks
- Metal Dog Crates Hold Airflow When Plastic Holds Heat
- PTSD Service Dog Work Demands More Than Breed
- Quality Engraved Dog Tags That Stay Readable in the Field
- A Cool-Down Routine After a Hard Run With Your Dog
- Rest Days Keep Hard-Working Dogs Sound and Ready
- A Warm-Up Routine Keeps Off-Leash Play Safe
- Dogs Can Use the Ocean Safely With the Right Plan
- Yes, Boxer Dogs Can Swim — But Safety Comes First
- How to Add Hill Work to Your Dog's Routine
- 7 Steps to Build Your Dog's Fitness Before a Long Hike
- How to Choose a Travel Crate for Working Dogs
- How to Introduce Scent Work Games to Dogs
- 7 Steps to Prep Your Dog for First Agility Class
- 5 Steps to Put a Halter on a Dog Without Stress
- 7 Safety Checks Before You Cycle With Your Dog
- 7 Safety Checks Before a Day at the Beach
- Rocky Trail Hikes with Dogs: Safety Checks That Matter
- Paddling With a Dog: Safety Checks Before Launch
- 7 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Dog's Collar
- Best Harness for Small Dogs on Trails 2026
- Which Dog ID Tags Stay Legible on Tough Trails?
- Dog Leash and Collar: Match Gear to Activity
- Dog Slow Feeder: When Speed Eating Needs Brakes
- Which Dog Sports Are Best for Beginners to Start?
- 5 Dogs Day Out Plans That Tire Brain and Body
- How Do You Read a Dog Food Feeding Guide?
- Which Dog Sport Fits Your Dog's Drive and Build?
- 5 Ways Lure Courses Give Chasing Dogs Real Exercise
- Can You Keep Up With a Portuguese Water Dog?
- Which Running Leash for Dogs Protects Joints at Pace?
- Do Shock Collars Work Safely for Large Dogs?
- Which Summer Fruits Make the Best Dog Treats?
- 5 Lean Meats That Make Better Training Treats
- A Trip to a Secure Field on a Rainy Weekend: A Sports-Medicine Checklist
- Best Activities for a High-Energy Puppy
- Common Mistakes When Exercising a Puppy
- Fitting a Y-Front Harness: Step by Step
- Fun Activities for Deaf or Blind Dogs That Protect Body and Confidence
- How to Keep Your Dog Calm in a Tent Overnight
- How to Start Forest Foraging Walks With a Dog
- How to Start Paddleboarding With a Dog
- How to Wear Out a Working-Breed Dog in a Small Home
- Kiddie-Pool Water Games for Hot Days
- What to Do if a Dog Overheats on a Long Climb on a Day Out
- What to Do If Your Dog Meets Wildlife on a Hike
- When to Replace a Basket Muzzle
- When to Replace a Fabric Harness
- When to Replace a Leather Lead
- A Garden Treasure Hunt on a Rainy Weekend: A Sports-Medicine Way to Play Wet
- A Short Village Walk With a Dog That Tires Quickly
- Bonding Activities With a Newly Adopted Dog
- How Much Exercise a Rescue Dog With No Fitness History Needs
- How to Choose a Crate That Fits a Small Car
- How to Choose a Head Halter
- How to Paddleboard With Your Dog
- How to Protect Your Dog From Hot Sand
- How to Start Running With Your Dog Without Overloading Joints or Gut
- Low-Impact Exercise for an Older Dog That Tires Quickly
- Returning to Exercise After Your Dog's Surgery: A Load-Smart Recovery Guide
- Safety Checks Before a Walk in Tick Season
- Slow-Feeder Difficulty Levels Explained
- What to Do if a Dog Runs Off After Wildlife on a Day Out
- What to Do if a Dog Will Not Settle for Hours After Exercise
- What to Do When Your Dog Suddenly Refuses to Walk
- Backpack Carrier for a Small Dog: When a Ride Beats the Walk
- How to Start Cycling With a Running Dog
- Indoor Exercise for a Dog in a Small Flat: A Load-Smart Guide
- Low-Impact Exercise for a Rainy Week
- Low-Impact Exercise for a Very Anxious Dog: A Load-Smart Guide
- No-Pull Gear That Actually Works
- Should the ID Tag Go on the Collar or the Harness? Where It Stays Readable
- What to Bring for Camping in a Tent With a Dog
- What to Do if a Dog Pants Far Longer Than Usual After Exercise
- Why Labrador Retrievers Are Prone To Cruciate Ligament Tears
- Should You Rotate Your Dog's Supplements? What Load and Recovery Say
- What to Watch For After Switching to a Single-Protein Recipe
- Doggy Daycare or Working From Home: How to Decide
- How Much to Feed a Dog During a Working Season
- Signs Your Dog Is Overheating During Exercise
- Are Table Scraps Actually Bad for Dogs?
- How Much Chicken and Rice to Feed a Dog by Weight
- The Complete Guide to Feeding Your Dog: A Load-Based Approach to the Bowl
- Switching Dog Food Without Upsetting Their Stomach
- Packing Meals for a Camping Trip With Your Dog
- Softening Food for an Older Dog: A Load-Management Approach to a Tired Mouth
- Why Cooked Bones Are Dangerous for Dogs — A Sports-Medicine Read on Splinters, Blockages, and Recovery
- Healthy Food Toppers for Dogs: What Actually Belongs on the Bowl
- How to Measure and Fit a Basket Muzzle
- How Much Should I Feed My Puppy? A Load-Management Read on Growth
- How to Make Homemade Dog Food Without Wrecking the Skeleton Underneath It
- Dog Treadmill vs Outdoor Walking: What Actually Builds Fitness and Protects Joints
- Front-Clip vs Back-Clip Dog Harness: What the Biomechanics Actually Say
- How to Find Dog-Friendly Patios and Breweries (Without Overloading Your Dog's Body)
- Is Kayaking Safe for Dogs? A Sports-Medicine Read on Load, Water, and Recovery
- Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? The Field Rule for Grocery-Bin vs. Backyard Fungi
- Can Dogs Eat Avocado Safely? What the Fat, the Persin, and the Pit Actually Mean
- Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A Sports-Medicine Read on the Potassium and Sugar Tradeoffs
- Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? What They Actually Add to an Active Dog's Bowl
- Can Dogs Eat Ham? What the Salt and Fat Actually Cost a Working Dog
- Can Dogs Eat Turkey? A Sports-Medicine Vet's Take on the Safe Way to Do It
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? A Sports-Medicine Read on the Season's Easiest Treat
- Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato? A Vet Nutritionist's Guide for Active Dogs
- Exercise Ideas for Toy and Small Breeds: A Load-Smart Guide
- How to Change Food for a Senior Dog: A Step-by-Step Transition Guide