Book excerpt: As a companion animal veterinarian, Dr. Lee Pickett is committed to improving pets’ health and quality of life. She believes one of the best ways to accomplish this is to educate their families about veterinary medicine. In Ask the Vet, Dr. Pickett provides concise answers to the most important questions about keeping your dog healthy, addressing behavior concerns, managing common diseases, protecting your dog from toxins and other hazards -- and even some offbeat canine topics. The more you know about these issues, the better prepared you’ll be to care for your dog and communicate with your veterinarian, enhancing the care your dog receives. This book is an ideal addition to your bookshelf and makes the perfect gift for a dog-loving friend.