When you think of the word “bacteria” you might think of something you want to get rid of as soon as possible. But dogs, just like people, normally have microbes living on and in their bodies, and they can be beneficial rather than bothersome, especially for intestinal health. However, if your dog is sick or has an injury, there’s a risk these bacteria can go from run-of-the-mill to risky. Staphylococcus (staph) infections are the most commonly-seen bacterial skin problems in dogs. Learn more ab
Food poisoning is actually more common than is generally suspected in both dogs and people. While usually not life-threatening, it can still wreak havoc on your pet’s digestion. Here is what to look out for and how to prevent food poisoning in your dog.
Can Dogs Get Food Poisoning?
Dogs do get food poisoning, an illness usually involving gastrointestinal upset caused by bacteria or toxins in food. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose since there are a variety of causes for tummy upset in dogs
Being a savvy pet owner, you spent your dog’s entire life so far trying to be the best. Right from the start, you’ve worked with your veterinarian to ensure your puppy’s diet was appropriate, vaccines were up-to-date, your dog was parasite-free, and more. Many owners have even offered nutritional supplements for maximum health, such as multivitamins, oral joint health products (often containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), and even fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids for optimal ski
You likely know about the dangers of leaving your dog unattended in a hot car. But, what about when it’s cold outside? While you might think it’s safe to park your pet during the winter months, the potential for harm, while not as high as in the summer, is still substantial. Your dog may enjoy the winter weather and colder temperatures while on walks, but dangers still remain for a dog in a car that’s left unattended in any weather.
Risk of Hypothermia
A car can act like a greenhouse in the su
Staying active is important for both humans and dogs alike. The CDC recommends that an average healthy adult should get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week. Dogs also need regular exercise, but how much depends on your dog’s breed and age. Growing puppies are not yet ready to take on as much activity as adult dogs. And active breeds, such as Border Collies or German Shepherd Dogs, thrive on daily physical activity.
If you’re looking for a new way to get moving with your canine
While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are better than others for allergy sufferers.
By taking an allergy test, you can better determine the best dog for you.
There are multiple ways to reduce dog allergens, including grooming and keeping a clean home.
Sharing your life with a dog is a special experience. After all, they’re adorable, perceptive, and provide unconditional love. In fact, having a dog in the home can provide many benefits to kids in particular, such as greater compas
Dogs are incredibly smart, and they need mental exercise just like they need physical exercise. This is particularly true during times of the year when dogs find themselves stuck indoors. Boredom in dogs leads to frustration and destructive behavior. But giving your dog a cognitive workout burns off excess energy, provides entertainment, and prevents problem behavior. There are lots of fun cognitive training games you can play, but toys can challenge your dog’s brain as well.
There are tons o
Running can be great cardiovascular exercise for humans, but it can also be an excellent way for dogs that are in good health to have some fun while spending quality time with their owner. Running can help maintain weight, improve muscle tone, and build endurance, and it can also be beneficial for mental health while offering an outlet for your dog’s energy.
Certain dog breeds can tolerate different weather, surface conditions, and distances better than others, so it’s important to take into
Snow, sleet, ice, and wind: There’s a lot to prepare for when it comes to winter weather. Just like we’re affected by the cold, our dogs are, too. Here are a few simple measures you can take to make sure your dog stays warm, happy, and healthy throughout the winter.
1. Limit Your Dog’s Time Outside
Dogs can suffer from frostbite, especially on delicate earflaps and tail tips. In extreme cold, it’s a good idea to keep dogs inside, with the exception of the heavy-coated northern breeds that
After you’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home, it’s important to ensure you’re setting your puppy up for a long and happy life. Flea and tick protection for puppies is a critical part of that. Add flea and tick puppy prevention to your checklist, along with required and recommended vaccinations for your puppy, the socialization process, and initiating a regimen of quality preventive care, including heartworm preventatives.
Flea and Tick Protection for Puppies
Most flea and tick products
It’s not just humans that overeat during the holidays. Some of us may also be a bit indulgent with our dogs. But it doesn’t have to be the turkey bones or other not-so-great items from the Thanksgiving or Christmas menu. There are healthier choices to share with your dog. Plenty of fall favorites can be tasty (and safe) options for your dog to share in small portions during holiday festivities.
It may be tempting to offer up the turkey bones to include your dog in your family’s celebratory fe
If you have ever eaten yogurt with live cultures, you may have taken a probiotic. The term refers to beneficial or “friendly” gut-dwelling microbes (bacteria and yeasts). There are billions of them in the gastrointestinal system of all animals, and they aid in the digestion of food, fight off potential pathogens, make nutrients and vitamins, and bolster the immune system. The word itself is derived from the Latin word “for” (pro) and the Greek “life” (bio). Probiotics for dogs are a nutritional
When it comes to the dog flu, it’s important to always be prepared. While most cases are not fatal, the canine influenza virus can make your pup uncomfortably sick, causing them — and you — a lot of stress and time spent at the vet’s office. If you are a dog owner, you don’t need to panic about the dog flu. You should, however, familiarize yourself with the symptoms so that you know what to look for in the event of an outbreak in your area.
What Is Dog Flu?
Dog flu, or canine influenza vir
As a pet owner, you may have caught your dog eating (or attempting to eat) some pretty weird stuff. But have you ever observed your pet snacking on straight-up dirt?
Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?
Holistic veterinarian Dr. Laurie S. Coger, DVM, explains, “Dirt eating is a form of what is termed ‘pica,’ the ingestion of nonfood materials. There are many causes, including nutritional, behavioral, and physical. Stress or boredom can also lead to eating all sorts of things, including dirt.”
If your
Sugary tree sap can be the bane of a dog owner’s life during the spring and early summer when it flows most freely. This super-sticky substance is notoriously tricky to remove from fur. Plus, scratchy pine needles and other debris can get glued to it, turning your dog’s coat into a matted, tacky, uncomfortable mess.
Thankfully, you don’t need to avoid your daily woodland dog walks at this time of year. You’ve likely got all the tools you need to get sap out of your dog’s fur at home. And, if
When there are so many brands, ingredients, and ways to prepare dog food, it’s no wonder figuring out that what diet is best for your pet can get confusing. So what purpose do common ingredients like soy in dog food serve?
Soy Isn’t Just a “Filler”
One of the most prominent assertions about soy is that it’s a cheap filler with low nutritional value. Dr. George Fahey, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explains
Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming, and trim nails are one clear sign of your dog’s good health and hygiene. Professional groomers will perform the task for squeamish owners, but dog nail trimming is a simple procedure if done correctly.
Since nail trimming can be an anxiety-laden experience for many dogs, start handling your puppy’s feet and trimming their nails when they’re young, so they become accustomed to the process. Some dogs will sit in your lap or on a table while yo
You are likely familiar with antidepressants for humans, but their use in dogs is less commonly understood. We tend to think that dogs live in the moment and find joy in the simplest of things. Why would they need drugs to lift their mood? In fact, antidepressants aren’t usually used to treat depression in dogs. Instead, they are most often prescribed for canine anxiety and can serve as an important component of a behavior modification plan.
If your dog is nervous or fearful, antidepressants
A recent TikTok trend shows owners joking that their dog stopping to sniff is their version of social media, which changes owners’ perspective of allowing their dog to abruptly stop the stroll and actually allow them to “see what’s up.” While sniffing a tree isn’t the same as reading a tweet, sensory walks do offer dogs many benefits without the online pressure of putting your best life on display.
Benefits of Sniff Time for Dogs
You might find it frustrating when your dog wants to stop an
Just like people, dogs can suffer from hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Systemic hypertension refers to high blood pressure throughout the body, while pulmonary hypertension refers to higher-than-normal blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.
Pulmonary hypertension, in particular, can dramatically shorten your dog’s life and cause sudden death. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and the steps you to take if you suspect your dog is suffering from this co
Have you ever wondered: why does my dog lick my feet? For some owners, this behavior may seem odd. And for those with ticklish feet, it can be downright unpleasant, especially if your pup’s licking becomes a regular occurrence. But licking is a perfectly normal behavior for dogs. They lick to communicate and to take in their surroundings.
Your dog has an additional sensory organ, called the Jacobson’s organ, which connects their nasal cavity to the roof of his mouth. This organ allows them to t
Scooting a bottom across the floor is a common dog behavior often indicative of an anal sac issue.
Anal sacs may become clogged or injured for a variety of reasons, which can lead to scooting.
Visiting your vet is recommended to ensure scooting isn’t due to a serious issue like allergies or parasites.
Many dog owners can recall a certain dreaded scenario. You’re sitting around your living room with a few guests when suddenly, your dog starts scooting their bottom brazenly across the floor in