Michelle Schenker

Michelle is the proud co-founder of Canine Journal and a dog lover through and through. She oversees the business's day-to-day operations, insurance, and marketing and brings over two decades of corporate business experience. Michelle is a licensed insurance professional and holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University. She is a member of Dog Writers Association of America and her expert advice and opinions have appeared in outstanding media outlets, including Newsweek, The New York Times' Wirecutter, Forbes, People, Reader's Digest, and more. Michelle led strategic planning, marketing, and growth efforts for national brands including Bank of America, Mattel, Hanes, and licensed products including Harry Potter and Batman. However, her first job in the canine field started in 1999 at a dog bakery! Since the day she was born, Michelle has lived in a home full of dogs. Her adult home in North Carolina is no exception, where she and her husband (Alex) live with Lily and Barley, their two adorable rescue pups. Her favorite moments include walks in nature with the dogs, watercolor painting, practicing yoga, traveling the globe, and dancing her butt off at Jazzercise.

old dog sitting next to woman's hand with benadryl pills in her palm

Benadryl For Dogs: Is It Safe? What’s The Recommended Dosage?

If you have a dog, you’ve probably experienced a time when he’s been itchy for one reason or another. There’s nothing more frustrating as a pet owner than watching your pup scratch away with no relief in sight. Just like us, dogs are susceptible to minor allergies and reactions. Luckily, there’s an over-the-counter medication that veterinarians and pet owners can trust to take the edge off. In this article, we’ll discuss the many uses of Benadryl and the safe ways to add it to your beloved companions’ routine.

Girl looking at photos of dog with urn of ashes on floor (Caption: dog cremation process & cost)

Dog Cremation Process: How Much Does It Cost And Other Questions Answered

Taking care of your pet’s remains is the last thing you want to think about after your pet passes away. So, it’s best to prepare yourself by knowing your options, and maybe even making your choice, beforehand. With more pet owners choosing cremation over burial — partly due to city ordinances in urban communities — cremation has become more affordable and available than ever.

Woman in kitchen preparing food feeding piece to dog from cutting board

What Can Dogs Not Eat? Lists Of Safe & Toxic Foods For Your Dog: Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Human Food, Fish, Meat, Bones, Etc.

Dogs aren’t picky eaters by any stretch of the imagination. However, this doesn’t mean that everything that they eat is good for them. As a dog parent, you should know how certain foods affect your dog. All too often, our dogs get into foods they shouldn’t. Some of those foods are toxic to dogs and require immediate vet treatment, which can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you have pet insurance, accidental poisoning may be covered, which can help save you money and focus on your dog’s health. But whether you have pet insurance or not, you need to be aware of which foods are unsafe for your dog, so you can keep them safe. We help you by giving you lists of foods dogs can’t eat and some they can eat safely.

Girl sitting at desk with computer and dog in her lap (Caption:  Mental Health Accommodations At Work)

Mental Health Accommodations At Work & Benefits Of A Pet-Friendly Office

Over 46 million adults in the United States are currently living with a mental health condition. As these adults navigate their professional lives, there are times when many will need to request mental health accommodations at work. Reasonable accommodations are made by an employer when a disability (like a mental health condition) infringes on an employee’s ability to perform their job to their fullest potential. 

Steve Siadek

Interview With Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Co-Founder Steve Siadek

We are pleased to present our interview with the Co-Founder of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation, Steve Siadek. The goal of the foundation is to help all pets, including homeless and adopted ones. When you insure your dog with Healthy Paws, you are also helping a homeless pet…

Man carrying a puppy (caption: Bringing Home A New Puppy)

Bringing A Puppy Home: Your Complete Guide

There are many things to think about when you look at bringing a new puppy into your family. From how to pick out the right puppy to what you will need to prepare for your puppy’s arrival, there is so much to plan for! The planning doesn’t stop after your newest family member comes home either. The life of a new puppy owner is almost as hectic as the life of a new parent. Fortunately for a puppy owner, the baby phase is much shorter and much less expensive than having a human child.

puppy chewing on a Nylabone in the grass

Nylabone Warning: Are Nylabones Safe For Dogs?

I was rushing my dog to the emergency veterinarian. All I knew is that she had ingested part of her Nylabone. I just wanted her to feel better. Was it as simple as letting it pass through her? Did she need medication? surgery? I had no idea what was in store for us…

Lily playing in dirt: How a Poisonous Snake Bite Nearly Killed My Dog

How A Venomous Snake Bite Nearly Killed My Dog

It was one of the scariest moments of my life when my dog Lily was bit by a venomous Copperhead snake. All I could do was rush to the vet and pray for the best. But this very frightening experience has made me a huge pet insurance advocate and I hope my story helps you know what to do if you are faced with the difficult life and death pet decision…

Human hands on desk with dog (Caption: Veterinary Financial Assistance Resources)

Do You Need Help With Vet Bills? Where To Find Pet Financial Assistance

If you’ve run into financial troubles, you may be worried about how you can pay for veterinary care for your pet. You don’t want to have to sacrifice your pet’s health if he becomes ill or injured. So what can you do? If you need help with vet bills, we’ve got some tips for you. We suggest looking into resources in your area if your pet is ill or hurt and you can’t afford to treat him as you may have in the past. Below is a list of some national organizations and charities for help with vet bills. But be sure to check for local resources on the internet, through your vet, and also local colleges and universities. You may be surprised to find just how many people are willing to help care for your pet in your time of need.

Close-up of an allergic reaction on a dog's skin (Caption: Allergies In Dogs)

Dog Allergy Symptoms: 5 Common Types & Treatments

If you have ever suffered from allergy symptoms, you know how miserable they can make you feel. The world is foggy, your brain is dull, your eyes and skin itch incessantly, your sinuses are like a dripping faucet and you are tired and lethargic. In a word, allergies make you feel miserable. Dog allergy symptoms are very similar, and they can feel miserable too.

Dog portrait holding a basket of candy for Halloween outside

8 Halloween Safety Tips For Pets

Fear, anxiety and unusual activities and visitors can all pose threats to our pets during this holiday. Here are some Halloween safety tips to keep your dog safe and happy…

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