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    Dr. Jan Pol is not your ordinary veterinarian. Born and raised on a dairy farm in the Netherlands, Pol got an early start helping animals. He has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 35 years and, in 1981, started his own practice with his wife, who was also a veterinarian. Dr. Pol has dedicated his life to ensuring that the declining population of family farmers stay in business and that their livestock remain healthy and happy.

    Now, he is the star of National Geographic Wild's No. 1 series, "The Incredible Dr. Pol." As an accomplished veterinarian and lifelong animal advocate, Dr. Pol knows the ins and outs of nearly every kind of animal, and has helped over 19,000 clients, from reindeer to alpacas. We asked Dr. Pol to help answer some of the most perplexing canine behavioral questions. See what the expert had to say.

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    I am going to get my puppy spayed, but I am really nervous about the anesthesia. Do I have anything to worry about? How can I ensure that someone is monitoring my dog while she's under? 

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    ANSWER: 

    Every clinic has their own anesthesia protocols. Most times, when using our combination of tranquilizers, the need for monitoring is not as necessary, as the dog breathes easily on their own. However, on older dogs or when using a gas anesthesia, monitoring becomes necessary. If you are worried about your older dog's health and safety, ask your veterinarian to run a preanesthetic test. At our clinic, we allow our clients to request gas anesthesia and monitoring if they are uncomfortable with our combination of tranquilizers. 

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    Why does my dog like to roll around in a certain patch of grass? My friend says it has to do with the fact that he's still not neutered. Is this true?

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    ANSWER:

    There are several reasons that dogs will roll in the grass. However, it's more than likely your dog is trying to hide their own scent.

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    Do dogs have to worry about springtime allergies or getting sick due to seasonal changes like humans do? 

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    ANSWER:

    Not commonly. Most allergies in dogs are either related to food or ectoparasites rather than seasonal allergies. 

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    My dogs are always more excited and active in the springtime than they are in the winter. Why is that? Can they tell that the seasons have changed? 

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    ANSWER:

    Yes, absolutely. Dogs can definitely tell when the seasons have changed. 

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    My puppy sleeps in bed with me, and I try to put her on top of the comforter, but she insists on being buried underneath the covers. I feel like she won't be able to breathe! Why does she do this?

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    ANSWER:

    Your dog can breathe fine under your covers. Most likely your dog likes your body warmth and wants to sleep next to its pack leader. If you are bothered by your dog sleeping in your bed, break this habit before it becomes a routine. 

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    Next: Dogs Decoded: Relationships!

    Be sure to catch Dr. Pol's show "The Incredible Dr. Pol" on National Geographic Wild, Saturdays at 9 p.m.