Has your shelty been shaking her head repeatedly? She's not being disagreeable, but she may have some type of ear infection. Have you become acutely aware of your basset hound's bad breath? Don't just wince and walk away, this may be the first sign of a serious dental disease. So, you and your golden retriever are both fighting the battle of the bulge and the bulge seems to be winning? No surprise. Obesity is a problem for dogs as well as humans, afflicting at least 25 percent of all pet dogs in the United States. Better hit the trail for an invigorating walk and learn how to count calories for you and your pooch. These are just a few tips gleaned from the newly published "UC Davis Book of Dogs," a veterinary medical reference book for everyone, from dog owners to professional breeders. It is published by HarperCollins and available for $27.50. "Most dog owners make as many trips to the veterinarian as they do to the pediatrician," said Dr. Donald Low, a professor emeritus of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis, who coordinated the efforts of more than 30 contributing UC Davis faculty and staff authors. "We hope that this book will, in a sense, enable dog fanciers to take the veterinarian home with them," said Low. The book was written by professors and researchers at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, one of the country's top veterinary schools, in conjunction with editor Mordecai Siegal, a nationally recognized author of dog books. Faculty members penned their chapters at night and on weekends, whenever they could sandwich in writing between treating patients, teaching university courses and doing cutting-edge veterinary medical research. Royalties from the sale of the book received by the School of Veterinary Medicine will be used to support the UC Davis Center for Companion Animal Health. "It is our hope that this book will provide basic, everyday information to dog owners who want a more complete understanding of their pet's health," said Dr. Frederick Murphy, dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. "Ultimately, our goal is to promote improved health among dogs." From an overview of dog breeds and their various traits to tips on how to deal with life-threatening emergencies, the book spans the broad spectrum of canine veterinary medicine. The authors explain the workings of various systems of the dog's body, describe symptoms of disorders, suggest preventive strategies and explain various medical treatments. Also included are colored, anatomical illustrations and a glossary of terms commonly used in veterinary medicine.