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AKC: Health

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Strollers for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Keeping your dog in tip-top shape is more than regular vet visits and well-balanced meals: it’s about offering consistent mental stimulation through engaging activity. For owners of senior dogs or those with immobilizing injuries, strollers offer a potential solution. A leisurely tour around the neighborhood in a dog stroller offers the same sights, sounds, and smells they would get on a walk. Learn more about the benefits, advantages, and considerations when using dog strollers. Dog Strol

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Happy Tail Syndrome in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

You love to see your dog wagging their tail. When they greet you, when they’re excited, when they’re playing – you know your dog is in a good mood when their tail is wagging! But too much tail wagging can actually be dangerous, and lead to a condition known as “Happy Tail Syndrome.” Despite the name, it can be pretty serious and painful for your dog. What Is Happy Tail Syndrome? In happy tail syndrome, dogs wag their tail so vigorously that it smacks into walls, furniture, brambles, or any

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How to Teach Your Dog to Trade Items With You

Every dog owner has watched their dog grab something they shouldn’t. It might simply be inconvenient, such as your slippers, but it could just as easily be hazardous, like dropped medication or a cooked chicken bone. So, what do you do when you catch your dog with an item you don’t want them to have? Forcing their mouth open is dangerous, and chasing them might cause them to swallow the item to keep it from you. However, retrieving that item will be far easier and safer if you teach your dog

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Best Dog Breeds for Hot Weather

The outdoor temperature where you live affects your dog’s comfort level. So what are the best breeds for hot weather if you live in a warm or tropical climate? Certain breeds, like Dalmatians, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Basenjis, love basking in the sun. Other dogs, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Pugs, prefer parking beside the air conditioner. Remember: hot weather can be dangerous for all dogs, and can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or even death. Dogs are

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Can Dogs Get Bird Flu? What to Know About Bird Flu and Dogs

A massive outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in the US has led to widespread rates of infection in both wild birds and farmed birds. With recent cases of the virus detected in humans, dairy cows, and other mammals, you might wonder about the risk of bird flu in dogs. Bird flu is highly contagious between birds and although rare, it can spread to humans. Fortunately, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current public health risk for bird flu is low. Still, it’s worth kee

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Hair Loss in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

The sight of fur on your clothes and furniture is inevitable when you have a dog. Shedding is part of your dog’s normal cycle of hair growth. What isn’t normal is when dogs experience hair loss due to an underlying health condition or nutritional imbalance. When dogs scratch themselves, they can damage the hair shaft, creating bald spots. However, there can also be hair loss in dogs with no itching or scratching. In the case of normal shedding, some dogs have a double coat, meaning they have

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Jaundice in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

If you’ve noticed that your dog’s eye whites are looking more yellow, it could be the first clue that your dog has jaundice. Jaundice in dogs can also cause yellowed gums, ear flaps and skin, or even yellowed blood serum. Humans can also have jaundice, and if you’ve heard of it before, it’s likely because human babies sometimes get short-term jaundice due to immature liver. When dogs have jaundice, it is similar, but shows up a bit differently. Jaundice (also called icterus) can be caused by

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Listeria Outbreak and Dogs: What to Know

When your dog gives you those big puppy dog eyes, it’s hard to say no to giving them high-value treats. People food like cold cuts and deli meats are a popular special snack for owners to give their dogs. If you frequently give your dog deli meat, you may want to put it on hold for a while. Listeria outbreaks have affected many cold cut brands recently, raising the question of how listeria affects dogs, if at all, and if owners should be worried. Listeria Outbreak in Deli Meats Listeria

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Albuterol for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Dirt and pollen can irritate a dog’s airways, leading to respiratory conditions. For example, dogs with allergic bronchitis may show symptoms that mirror those of people with asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Similar to when doctors prescribe medication for people with airway constriction, a veterinarian may recommend giving your dog albuterol to relieve coughing and help them breathe better. Also known as salbutamol, albuterol is a bronchodilator, which is a type of m

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Dog Calming Treats: Uses and Alternatives

Picture two dogs. One is an active Australian Shepherd who seems to run on an endless supply of energy. The other is a timid Italian Greyhound who constantly hides under the couch in the presence of strangers, fireworks, or the front door closing too loudly. While these dogs may seem different at first, they have one thing in common: both could benefit from over-the-counter calming treats. Many of these products rely on ingredients, such as melatonin and chamomile flower, to help anxious or h

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Amantadine for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Amantadine was initially formulated as an antiviral medication intended to treat influenza and combat infections. However, it’s also used off-label to treat chronic pain in dogs. In conjunction with other medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), amantadine can help dogs struggling with nerve pain or degenerative joint disease to live comfortably. While amantadine is one of many drugs both humans and dogs can take, you should only administer the drug when prescribed

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Does Your Dog Need a Massage? Benefits of the Canine Massage

Canine massage may sound like an activity for pampered dogs. But it’s not just a day at the spa. A dog massage is an effective way of dealing with pain, aiding recovery from injuries or surgery, and providing psychological relief. Learn about the important benefits of canine massage, whether your dog is a good candidate, and how to choose a canine massage therapist. What Is a Dog Massage? As with people, a dog massage involves manipulation of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, fascia, and lig

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Esophagitis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Have you ever drank a hot beverage too quickly or swallowed a pill and felt as though it was stuck in your throat? If yes, then you can imagine what it’s like to have esophagitis (i.e., inflammation of the esophagus). When you eat, food mixes with saliva and passes through the esophagus on the way to the stomach. Esophagitis occurs when this food pipe is inflamed. Esophagitis in dogs has many causes, like chewing foreign materials like toys or sticks, or ingesting chemicals (or drugs) that ir

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How to Tell if Your Dog is Underweight

Obesity in dogs is so common that owners may not recognize when their pet is overweight. Often, a healthy dog should be much leaner than many people think. But how do you know if your dog is too lean? Maintaining your dog’s ideal weight and feeding them the appropriate nutrients and calories is essential to your dog’s health. We investigate how to know if your dog might be underweight and, if so, what you can do about it. Is My Dog Underweight? A dog who looks too thin is often actually

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Black Fly Bites on Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Ticks aren’t the only external parasites that feed on our canine companions. Black flies also suck dogs’ blood, leaving behind a bullseye-like rash on the feed site. Don’t worry, there’s good news: black flies are nothing more than a common nuisance, and they don’t spread life-threatening diseases like ticks do. Most of the time, black fly bites resolve on their own within a few days, causing nothing more than minor skin irritation and itching. Still, some circumstances may call for a veterin

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Amitriptyline Hydrochloride for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Amitriptyline, which goes by the brand name Elavil, is a medication that’s used to treat depression in people. When a veterinarian prescribes an antidepressant to a dog, often it’s due to anxiety or a behavioral issue. If your dog seems lethargic or inactive, you might describe them as being depressed. However, it’s not accurate to characterize a dog as having clinical depression. Instead, a veterinarian may prescribe amitriptyline as an off-label treatment for generalized anxiety or separati

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Anaphylaxis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, immediate allergic reaction that can occur rapidly in response to exposure to an allergen, usually a medication, insect sting, or food. Without immediate emergency treatment, some affected dogs can die. It’s vital that dog owners learn to recognize its signs so they can get their dog to an emergency veterinarian without delay. What Causes Anaphylaxis in Dogs? Cases of anaphylaxis in dogs are increasing, likely because of the widening range of substances,

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Hypothyroidism in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

If your dog is rapidly gaining weight, even though you haven’t changed their diet or portion size, their coat is brittle or thinning, and they don’t have their usual get-up-and-go energy, they could have an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism in dogs is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases. Although it can be tricky to diagnose and usually needs lifelong management, this disease is relatively easy to treat. What Is Hypothyroidism in Dogs? The thyroid glands are on either

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New Study Updates Guidelines When Considering Spaying or Neutering Popular Dog Breeds

A study recently published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science has updated the ideal timeline for choosing to spay or neuter popular dog breeds in an effort to prevent the development of certain joint disorders or cancers. While the original 2013 study included data about 35 popular dog breeds, the newest guidelines add in data for six* additional popular breeds: Siberian Husky, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Newfoundland, and Mastiff. Waiting to Al

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Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Does your dog have mushrooms in their diet? These fungi may not be magic, but there’s a reason that ancient and modern health practitioners use them in medicine. Mushrooms have historically been one of the largest groups of herbal remedies. In ancient times, physicians in the Far East, Egypt, Algeria, and Mesoamerica used mushrooms to combat a host of human illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, cancer, asthma, and night sweats. But just because they’ve been used for centuries doesn’t

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What Is Health Testing for Dogs?

Every dog owner wants their pet to be healthy and live a long life. Whether you’re new to owning a dog or planning to add another pet to your family, it’s important to know more about the breed you’re considering to make an informed decision. That’s where health testing for dogs comes in. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to certain health issues than others. Health testing can identify genetic or lifestyle factors that increase your dog’s risk of disease. These tests can also help you tak

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Acepromazine for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives

If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms or experiences motion sickness, your veterinarian might suggest giving them a mild sedative. One option is a drug called acepromazine, which is a common sedative prescribed for dogs. Acepromazine isn’t intended for human use. If a child or adult takes acepromazine by mistake, make sure to call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, as the drug can make them drowsy and cause their breathing to slow down. When given to dogs at the appropriate dose, acepromazine

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Renal Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Renal dysplasia (RD), also known as renal malformation, refers to a type of congenital chronic kidney disease. It’s present at birth but usually takes weeks or months for an owner to suspect a problem. The affected kidney or kidneys are usually abnormally small, with a diminished renal cortex and immature glomeruli (the structures that remove waste from the blood.) The nephrons, which are the urine-producing structures, are also malformed. Unfortunately, the condition’s effects are progressive a

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What to Know About Dog Fecal Tests

Dealing with dog poop isn’t the best part of being a dog owner. But a veterinarian might ask you to bring a sample of your dog’s poop to the office for a dog fecal exam. If they do, it’s helpful to understand the purpose of a dog fecal test and why your vet is asking you to bring it in. What Is a Fecal Test For Dogs? During a dog fecal test, a vet examines a canine stool sample under a microscope. This can help the vet determine if a dog has intestinal parasites like worms (such as hookwor

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How Cognitive Traits Vary Breed by Breed

When an American Hairless Terrier stands next to a Newfoundland, the physical differences between the breeds are obvious. It’s hard to believe that all the many shapes and sizes of dogs are members of a single species (Canis familiaris). But when you compare the genetic makeup of different dog breeds, they are actually very similar. So why do cognitive traits vary by breed? Some dogs more sociable, better problem solvers, or easier to train than others, but why? To a certain extent, knowing t

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