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Dr. Jenny Max, DVM
Lead Veterinary Editor & Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM

DVM, Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

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Professional Biography

Dr. Jenny Max, DVM is the Lead Veterinary Editor at ShowDogsWest, dedicated to translating complex veterinary science into clear, actionable guidance on pet health, nutrition, and responsible care.

Credentials

  • DVM
  • Small Animal Nutrition Specialist

Editorial Standards

ShowDogsWest documents its sourcing, corrections, update process and standards for pet-health content in the editorial policy. Read the editorial policy.

Latest Publications

178 Articles
A large brown tabby Maine Coon cat resting on a wooden floor in a sunlit room, displaying tufted ears and a bushy tail. Cat Breeds

What’s a Maine Coon Cat? Breed Traits, Size, and Care Guide

When asking what's a Maine Coon cat, the answer is a large, rugged native North American longhaired cat breed that originated in the state of Maine. Famous for their friendly "gentle giant" disposition, tufted lynx-like ears, and bushy plumed tails, they are one of the largest domesticated feline breeds in the world. Adult males typically weigh between 18 and 22 pounds, while females range from 12 to 15 pounds. Unlike average domestic cats that finish growing around their first year, Maine Coons develop slowly over several years before reaching full physical maturity.

Aug 24, 2026 10 min read
Prospective pet owner reviewing official breeder documentation with a young brown tabby Maine Coon cat. Cat Breeds

Where Can I Buy a Maine Coon Cat? Breeder Vetting, Adoption, and Costs

Prospective owners asking where can I buy a Maine Coon cat can purchase directly through registered catteries verified by official feline registries such as the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), or adopt through specialized feline rescue networks and shelter databases. Expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a healthy pet-quality kitten from an ethical breeder who provides parental cardiac ultrasounds, complete genetic panels, age-appropriate vaccinations, and an enforceable written health contract.

Aug 24, 2026 9 min read
Calm and friendly Maine Coon cat resting peacefully indoors, illustrating non-aggressive temperament Behavior & Training

Are Maine Coon Cats Aggressive? Temperament, Triggers, and Care Guide

Maine Coon cats are not naturally aggressive. Renowned across the feline fancy as "gentle giants," the breed is celebrated for its friendly, laid-back, and highly social temperament. When an individual Maine Coon displays aggressive behaviors such as hissing, biting, or scratching, the reaction is almost always driven by acute medical pain, environmental fear, territorial stress, petting overstimulation, or redirected frustration rather than an inherent genetic trait.

Aug 24, 2026 9 min read
A healthy Maine Coon cat sitting on an examination table during a routine veterinary wellness checkup. Health

Do Maine Coon Cats Have Health Issues? Common Risks, Symptoms, and Care Guide

Do Maine Coon cats have health issues? While they are generally hardy and sturdy companion animals with a long life expectancy, they carry genetic predispositions to specific inherited conditions. The most notable conditions include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), feline hip dysplasia (HD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef). Responsible breeding screenings, routine veterinary echocardiograms, joint monitoring, and disciplined weight management significantly reduce health risks and ensure a high quality of life.

Aug 24, 2026 12 min read
Fluffy Maine Coon kitten sitting on a clinic table next to health assessment records and a digital scale. Cat Breeds

How Much Do Maine Coon Kittens Cost? Price Guide and Ownership Expenses

A pet-quality Maine Coon kitten from a reputable, registered breeder typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500. Show-quality kittens and those with breeding rights range from $2,500 to $4,000 or more. First-year supplies and veterinary setup add $800 to $1,500, while ongoing annual expenses average $1,200 to $2,000 for high-protein nutrition, oversized gear, grooming tools, and preventative healthcare.

Aug 24, 2026 10 min read
Golden Retriever puppy sleeping peacefully inside a cozy crate lined with a soft blanket Behavior & Training

How Much Sleep Do Puppies Need? Age Guide & Daily Schedule

Exactly how much sleep do puppies need depends on age, but young puppies typically require 18 to 20 hours of sleep every 24 hours. Their daily rest is divided between short daytime naps lasting 30 to 120 minutes and longer nighttime stretches. Sleep requirements change as puppies grow, decreasing from 20 to 22 hours in newborn litters to 12 to 14 hours by adulthood. Establishing a structured daily rhythm of feeding, playtime, potty breaks, and crate naps ensures puppies get adequate restorative rest.

Aug 21, 2026 10 min read
Owner gently inspecting a French Bulldog's upright bat ear before cleaning. Care Guide

How to Clean a French Bulldog’s Ears Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding how to clean a French Bulldog's ears safely involves inspecting the outer ear for redness or odor, applying a vet-approved liquid cleaner to a cotton pad or directly into the canal, gently massaging the ear base for 20 to 30 seconds, letting your dog shake, and wiping away loosened wax using soft cotton gauze no deeper than one knuckle. Never insert cotton swabs into the canal.

Aug 21, 2026 9 min read
A fawn Pug sitting happily next to a friendly small dog on a sunny green lawn outdoors. Behavior & Training

Do Pugs Get Along With Other Dogs?

Yes, most Pugs get along exceptionally well with other dogs. When dog owners consider how do Pugs get along with other dogs, breed history explains their friendly disposition: bred for centuries primarily as companion animals, Pugs have low territorial and hunting drives, making them naturally sociable, gentle, and cooperative around other canines. Their success with housemates or new playmates depends on structured puppy socialization, respectful introductions, and matching energy levels to prevent physical fatigue.

Aug 20, 2026 6 min read
A fawn French Bulldog looking at fresh banana slices on a plate Nutrition

Can French Bulldogs Eat Bananas?

Yes, French Bulldogs can eat bananas safely in small, controlled portions. If you are wondering whether French Bulldogs can eat bananas as a daily treat, moderation is essential. Fresh banana pulp is non-toxic to dogs and supplies beneficial nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. However, a medium banana contains roughly 14 grams of sugar, which can trigger digestive upset and weight gain if overfed. For an adult French Bulldog weighing 16 to 28 pounds, safe servings are limited to one to three thin slices once or twice per week. Always peel the fruit completely before feeding, as banana peels cause intestinal blockages and choking.

Aug 19, 2026 8 min read
A fawn French Bulldog sitting on a kitchen floor next to a bowl of fresh blueberries. Nutrition

Can French Bulldogs Eat Blueberries? Safe Amounts and Risks

Yes, French Bulldogs can safely eat fresh, frozen, or pure dried blueberries in moderation. So can French Bulldogs eat blueberries as regular training rewards? Yes, provided total treats remain under 10% of daily calories. For a French Bulldog, start with 4-5 berries, wash them thoroughly, and mash them if needed to prevent choking.

Aug 19, 2026 9 min read