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AKC: Health

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Entries in this blog

My Dog Ate My Pills! 10 Most Dangerous Human Medications for Pets

One of the most dangerous rooms of the house with regard to accidental poisonings is the bedroom, on account of the nightstand next to the bed. Many adult dogs and teething puppies sleep in the bed with their humans, and thus have easy access to the drugs on that nightstand. Medications left on counters in kitchens and bathrooms find their way into the stomachs of bored dogs, too. If your dog ever does happen to ingest human medication, bring the original container to the veterinarian. The orig

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The Complete Guide to Traveling With Your Dog

Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable. Health And Safety Health Checks. Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up-to-date; take shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel. Ask your veterinarian if your dog is in proper mental and physical shape to travel. Reme

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How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Extreme Heat Without Air Conditioning

The summer heat can be stifling for both dogs and humans! And when we lose power, it is not only stressful on our own bodies but on our dogs’ as well. There are a few steps you can take to keep both you and your dog cool in extreme heat. Most Dogs Aren’t Built for Heat Most breeds are built to conserve rather than dissipate heat. They don’t have sweat glands, and most of their body is wrapped in fur with little or no exposed skin; they lose heat through the pads of their feet and through their

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How to Keep Pugs, Frenchies, & Other Flat-Faced Breeds From Overheating

As with all “brachycephalic” breeds, precautions must be taken to ensure flat-faced dogs such as Pugs don’t become overheated. But first, let’s define what brachycephalic means, and which breeds fit this description. In layman’s terms, it refers to those breeds with a flat and wide skull shape, giving the dog a flat-faced appearance. Other breeds in this category include Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Boxers. All dogs must be kept well-hydrated and cool whe

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Warning Signs of Dehydration in Dogs

What Is Canine Dehydration? Dehydration in dogs occurs when the body loses more fluid than it’s taking in. All mammals rely on water to keep their bodies functioning properly, and dogs are no exception. In fact, water is necessary to virtually every important body function, including lubricating joints, cushioning internal organs, aiding digestion, and regulating body temperature. When we think of nutrition, we generally think of food. But water is a critically necessary ingredient that allows

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Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

Marshmallows are one of those treats that can be hard to resist — and it’s nearly impossible to eat just one. But, can dogs eat marshmallows? The answer is no. Though not all marshmallows are toxic to dogs, they certainly aren’t good for your canine companion. Made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, vanilla extract, and coated with either cornstarch or confectioners’ sugar, marshmallows contain very little, if any, nutritional value or health benefits. Xylitol in Marshmallows Dr. Carly Fox, a st

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What to Do if Your Dog Eats Ladybugs

A few years ago, a photo showing what appears to be dozens of ladybugs embedded onto the roof of a dog’s mouth was shared around social media, warning pet owners. But should dog owners be worried about letting their dogs eat ladybugs? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there’s no real reason for concern. The AVMA explained on Facebook that the bugs in question were not ladybugs, but an invasive species called Asian lady beetles, which caused a problem in a dog who consume

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Summer Grooming Tips to Keep Dogs Cool

Warmer weather typically means spending more time outdoors with your dog. These grooming tips will help keep your dog feeling cool and comfortable. As a bonus, they will also enhance the relationship you have with your pet. “Grooming is one of nature’s strongest ways of bonding,” says Jorge Bendersky, a certified master groomer and best-selling author. “It’s a way to show our love.” Even if you have a designated groomer, there are things you can do at home in-between visits. Brushing Your Dog

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How to Make Vet Visits (Almost) Stress-Free for Your Dog

Regular veterinary visits are essential for your pet’s health and wellness, but they can be stressful for dogs. And it’s no wonder. They usually only go a few times a year, and when they do, they get poked, prodded, and stuck with a needle. But vet visits aren’t optional, so try these simple at-home exercises and tips to make your dog’s future vet visits stress free. The Importance of Handling Exercises Hopefully, your puppy has already had at least one positive interaction with a veterinarian

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Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs?

When it comes to the lifespan of dogs, researchers have found that size matters. Owners of small dogs can expect to enjoy several more years with their pets than the owners of large dogs. It doesn’t seem to make much sense: large mammals, like elephants and whales, tend to live longer than small ones, like mice. So why, then, do small dogs have a longer average lifespan than larger breeds? This phenomenon has baffled scientists for years, and although the reason why is still uncertain, there a

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Dog Coughing: Causes and Treatment Options

The sound of a dog coughing sends alarm bells ringing in most dog owners’ heads. Is your dog sick? Is he choking? Should you call your veterinarian? A dog cough can have many causes, some of which are potentially dangerous. Here is what you need to know about the causes of coughing in dogs and what you can do about it. Why Do Dogs Cough? Dogs explore the world with their nose—and occasionally their mouth. Your dog comes into contact with all kinds of things, including dust, germs, and the occa

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How One Senior Samoyed Filled His Bucket List

What’s that? A few white hairs in your dog’s muzzle? Come to think of it, your BCF (Best Canine Friend) catches more zzz’s than usual, and unlike the puppy years, doesn’t fly into a frenzy every time the doorbell rings. Your senior dog is slowing down. Now might be a good time to make a bucket list of all the things you wanted to do with your dog but kept putting them off. Making Every Day Count On a Friday in 2013, that’s precisely what Heather Stevenson of Thousand Oaks, California, did. Af

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Can You Use Neosporin on Dogs?

Just like their owners, dogs are susceptible to minor injuries and are not immune to getting cuts, scrapes, or burns. But can you use Neosporin® on dogs? The answer isn’t completely straightforward. In some instances, applying the topical, antibiotic ointment can help heal your dog’s wound, but there are situations when it is not advisable or necessary to use it on your canine companion. Since most people immediately reach for some type of ointment when an incident occurs, it’s not unusual that

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Are Mixed-Breed Dogs Healthier Than Purebred Dogs?

For more than 30 years, I have served as a veterinarian at one of the largest veterinary emergency hospitals in the country. Each year, our hospital treats more than 11,000 cats and dogs in our emergency room. Thousands more see our veterinary specialists. As you might guess, I’ve taken care of a lot of dogs and have likely seen just about every type of canine illness you can imagine. I am also a longtime owner and breeder of Afghan Hounds. One thing I’ve learned through my experience is that wh

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How to Find the Best Veterinarian

Choosing the right veterinarian for your dog is a serious decision. You’ll want to consider factors such as your canine companion’s age, underlying medical conditions, or previous injuries and surgeries. Your dog may need a veterinarian with specialty training, with state-of-the-art equipment, or one who offers special services. Here are a few tips on what to do when selecting a veterinarian: Get Recommendations Talk to neighbors, friends, and family. Find out whom they use and are willing to

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Why It’s Worth Having Your Dog Groomed Professionally

Although many dog owners prefer to groom their dogs at home, having your dog professionally groomed can save you time and energy. It takes a lot of care and patience to groom a dog, especially a fluffy one, a puppy, or one with behavioral issues. Let’s take a look at what professional groomers offer. They Do It All A professional grooming session typically consists of the dog being brushed, bathed, and dried, as well as trimmed or clipped with clean, sanitized brushes and clipper blades. Groom

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5 Ways to Save Money on Pet Expenses

We love our furry friends, but sometimes pet expenses can cause an unexpected dent in our wallets. Being unable to afford the cost of pet maintenance is one of the top three reasons dogs are relinquished to rescue networks, according to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy. But like most things, a little planning and preparation can help you keep the bills low and manageable. Here’s how: 1. Be proactive Don’t cut corners when it comes to preventive medications and vaccinati

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Can All Dogs Swim? How to Teach a Dog to Swim

Does your dog run with excitement to every body of water in sight? Maybe you can’t walk past a creek or pond without your pup diving in. Or maybe your dog treats water like the enemy and will do anything to stay dry. Every dog is different and not all are born with a love of getting wet. But can all dogs swim? Depending on the breed, your dog might be a natural in the water or swimming might be challenging. However, whether your dog enjoys taking the plunge or prefers staying on land, it’s esse

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Why Is My Dog a Picky Eater?

Does it seem like your dog suddenly has lost interest in eating food? Knocks over their bowl out of boredom with their food? While it could mean you have a picky eater on your hand, changes in appetite could also signal a greater health problem that should be addressed right away, particularly in young puppies, senior dogs, or pets with known underlying health conditions. Is My Dog a “Picky Eater” or Behaving Normally? “The saying goes, ‘Some dogs eat to live, other dogs live to eat,'” says Dr

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How to Care for Your Large-Breed Dog

From the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever, to the German Shepherd Dog and the German Shorthaired Pointer, some of America’s most popular dogs are large breeds, achieving an adult weight in the range of roughly 45 to 90 lbs. These large dogs are different from smaller dogs and extra-large breeds in more than just size and appearance. From puppyhood through adulthood, they have special care needs and considerations. Physical Activity for Large-Breed Puppies AKC Breeders of Merit Kare

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How to Care for Small-to-Medium Dogs

From the French Bulldog to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, small-to-medium dog breeds are some of the most popular dogs in the world. They’re a great in-between dog. While many still act like lap dogs, they can play like bigger dogs. These pups love to play, be close to loved ones, and protect their families. Like all dogs, they require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a regular health routine. Here’s what you should keep in mind if you’re adding a small-to-medium sized dog to your family.

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How to Groom a Dog at Home

Good grooming will help your dog look and feel his best. Routine grooming sessions also allow you to examine your dog’s coat, teeth, eyes, ears, and nails for signs of problems. How often you need to groom your dog depends on his size, breed, and type of coat. While good hygiene habits are essential for a healthy dog, unlike humans, most dogs do not require daily hygiene and grooming habits. What is required, and how often, depends on the breed. The Afghan Hound, Poodle, and Komondor — just to

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Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?

Most anyone who’s ever come into contact with poison ivy knows the aftermath (i.e. an itchy rash) is not fun. But, can dogs get poison ivy? Yes, dogs can be affected by poison ivy, but it’s rare. Dr. Hayley Adams, a veterinarian and board-certified diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Microbiology and the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, agrees that while it’s not common, dogs can react to poison ivy. Your vet may prescribe topical, oral, or injected steroid medica

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Do I Need a Dog Walker? How to Find & Choose One

Whether your dog is an active pup who requires a few miles of jogging each day or a couch potato, exercise and mental stimulation are important for all dogs. So, what happens if you work long hours, have an erratic schedule, or are physically unable to give your dog the required exercise? As a responsible pet owner, you might want to consider hiring a dog walker. Like hiring a babysitter, choosing the right dog walker is serious business; he is responsible for your dog’s well-being and safety d

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What Every Puppy Owner Needs to Know About Parvo in Puppies

The last thing any new puppy owner or dog breeder wants to hear is a diagnosis of parvo. Parvo in puppies is unfortunately a common disease with deadly consequences, which is why it is important for anyone dealing with puppies on a regular basis to be aware of the symptoms of parvo and what to do about it. What Is Parvo? Parvo in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a cont

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