Joint pain in dogs is rather common, with arthritis being the main source of such pain and discomfort. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 20% of all dogs will develop arthritis at some point in their lives, prompting the need for some form of treatment protocol to manage their pain. Of course, there are other …
Traveling with your dog, whether by plane, train, or automobile, always requires careful planning. The decision to fly your dog in the cargo hold of the plane is one many pet owners don’t take lightly. If you’ve weighed your options and decided your dog is fit to fly, here are some tips to prepare them …
Did you know that dogs can contract canine influenza, AKA the Dog Flu? That’s right. It may be surprising information to some, but to professionals in the pet care world, dog flu is becoming more and more common. Dog flu is also no joke. Canine influenza is a relatively new virus in the canine kingdom, …
I think it goes with little argument that the universal toy for dogs is a ball. Whether your dog prefers the fuzziness of a tennis ball or the rubber tenacity of a Chuckit! ball, dogs just can’t resist the temptation of chasing, chewing, and fetching those little round rascals. Brands that specialize in dog-related merchandise …
Many pet owners strive to provide mental stimulation for their dog, but they don’t understand why mental exercises are so important. We all love our dogs, and we know that they love chews and toys, but mental stimulation is so much more than tossing a few bones their direction. The best way for you to …
We love our flat-nosed dogs, from pugs to bulldogs. They’re loyal and friendly dogs that you can’t help but become attached to. Unfortunately, flat-nosed dogs come with a myriad of health and breathing problems. The first time I heard my pug reverse sneezing, I thought he was having an asthma attack. I was terrified and …
Back when I taught obedience classes, the heel command was one of my favorite behaviors to teach. If there are communication problems between dog and owner, training this command will make them obvious. Teaching your dog to heel without a leash is key to creating a reliable behavior that can be used in very distracting …
What Is Melatonin? Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone that is created by our pineal glands when we are in darkness. Melatonin is the result of the amino acid tryptophan being converted to serotonin, which is known as a “happy” neurotransmitter, which is then converted to acetylation, methylation, and finally melatonin. Melatonin is produced in …
Like humans, dogs are also prone to ear infections. Since they will probably suffer in silence, make a point of regularly checking on their ear health. The good news is, dog ear infections are common and easily treatable. The bad news is, they cause your pup pain and discomfort. If your pooch has floppy ears, …
If you’re looking for an ideal career that will allow you to stay home, hang out with dogs all day, and pay the bills, you should definitely consider dog sitting. Just about every dog owner out there will need a reliable sitter from time-to-time, and many dog owners need dog care on a regular basis. …
The Tetons, near Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park, are one of the most photographed mountain ranges in Wyoming. Wyoming may have the smallest population of people of all the states in America, but it’s a place big on opportunities for having fun! So, get ready to hit the road for a visit to …
In this article, we will discuss the importance of maintaining a good dental hygiene regime for your dog and look at some of the best dog toothpastes that are recommended for the job. Periodontal Disease is a MAJOR Issue Most owners do not realise how important dental hygiene is for their dogs. Periodontal disease (also …
If you’ve ever experienced a situation involving anaphylaxis, you know how terrifying it can be. Whether the victim is a dog or a human, the situation can turn deadly in the blink of an eye. Anaphylaxis can strike anywhere from a field full of buzzing bees to dinner time in the house. Knowing what your …
So you’ve confirmed that your dog is pregnant and now your watch has begun! Sure, sometimes it can be confusing and stressful especially if it’s your first time dealing with a pregnant dog. However, taking care of an expectant dog isn’t much complicated as long as you know the basics. Just for the heads up; …
Growing up with two German shepherds meant that I had to find plenty of ways to keep them active, because with German shepherds, activity equals happiness. Neither of my German shepherds wanted to stick around for hours to cuddle. Instead, they’d bring sticks, twigs, even leaves sometimes, and drop them at my feet and then …
On a recent trip to visit with friends at Alaska’s well-known Red Eagle Lodge—which is near the United States’ largest national park, the 13-million-mile Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve—I found myself in a conundrum. I’d brought Eira on the trip because she’s part of our family and deserves to relax and play away from …
Does your dog hide in the bathtub during thunderstorms or bark excessively when guests enter the house? Or do they spend most of their day trembling and looking for dangers behind every corner? If so, you understand the hardships of living with an anxious dog. The destructive behavior. Accidents in the house. Maybe even a …
Compulsive behaviors in dogs are more common than you might think. Sometimes you may actually be inadvertently encouraging these behaviors to develop in your own dog. Sometimes there may be a medical reason that needs to be addressed, other times it is about management and training, or simply just making sure that your dog has …
The dog training world can be a passionate and widely divisive one. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of training. Those that rely on using force-free, positive reinforcement techniques, and those that rely on aversives techniques and punishment (sometimes used alongside some positive training too admittedly). In this article, we hope to help you …
It’s not something dog owners usually want to talk about. But it is something all of them will experience at one time or another. It’s the big D word: Diarrhea. For some dogs, diarrhea is a frequent occurrence. For others, it’s a rare and unnerving experience. No matter where your dog lies on the spectrum, …
Ocean waves crash against rocky shorelines. Sandy beaches expose seashells of varying colors, shapes and sizes. White gulls hover over waves and wade through shallow tidal pools. A highway twists and turns for more than 360 miles north and south. Picnic areas, campgrounds, lighthouses, hiking trails and small communities abound along this stretch of road, …
Does your dog flee to the bathtub every time the sky darkens with a summer storm? Or shake uncontrollably with every bang from fireworks on the fourth of July? If so, you’re not alone. Noise phobia is a serious problem that can lead to a sharp decline in your pooch’s quality of life, especially if …
The time following surgery for your dog can be confusing and distressing for you both. Depending on what the surgery was, there will be different requirements in terms of wound care, recovery and rest time, and the medications or supportive therapies they may need post-surgery. This guide offers some practical general guidance, but make sure …
The best qualities of big dogs—their love of play, their strength, their protectiveness—also make it difficult to find toys that suit them. You can’t just hop over to the grocery store and grab a couple of fluffy stuffed toys. The moment your big dog gets ahold of them, they’ll be destroyed. That’s where Kong comes …
Colorado, its capital, Denver, and the city of Colorado Springs rank high in pet-friendliness. Unleashed dog parks abound, greenways offer delightful walking paths, and your furry friend is welcome in many human-occupied areas. The Rocky Mountains offer a scenic backdrop to much of Colorado and provide a variety of activities for people and their pets …
One of the most frightening moments as a dog parent is noticing strange behavior and distress in our dogs and not knowing the cause. Especially in the case of seizures, it is often difficult to determine when a seizure is benign or a sign of an underlying dangerous health disorder. According to an article by …
Working dog breeds are popular pets today, but they have always been bred to work tirelessly alongside humans. Hunting dogs are bred to live for the hunt. Herding dogs are bred to think for themselves, or obey the commands of their masters, while they run up and down hills gathering livestock. Sled dogs are bred …
It is estimated that anywhere from 1 in 500 to 1 in 100 dogs will develop diabetes during their lifetime. While the exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, two things are certain: diabetes in dogs is a fairly common occurrence and diabetes is life-threatening when not managed properly. I spoke to veterinarian Katie Ebers from …
The sense of smell of dogs is strong, which is why sniff time is incredibly important for them. And unfortunately, for some dogs, it’s also the other way around. Some dog breeds don’t have foul odor. Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and Maltese smell pleasant by nature. Then there’s your dog. Wherever you go, he …
In the not-so-distant past, people didn’t think dogs were capable of much feeling. They relegated canines to farm dog status, not taking much stock in their pups’ thoughts, feelings, and emotions. People rarely considered the idea that their dog may be depressed. If your dog seems depressed, read on to find out what common signs …
Golden Retrievers are among the most beautiful, popular, and instantly recognizable dog breeds in the world. Known for its sweet nature and charming personality, this dog breed has been sought after in America for almost a century. But what do you really know about the breed? Is it right for you when you consider your …
There are a lot of adjectives to describe the Italian Greyhound: little, strong, agile, fast, smart, stubborn, loyal, and athletic top the list. The Italian Greyhound goes by at least two nicknames: Iggy and IG. They’ve been associated with royalty practically from the time that they were first bred, and, just like their relative the …
Are you looking for an amazing activity that you can do with your favorite canine? Agility training is a great way to build a stronger dog between you and your dog, plus it’s fabulous exercise, great for solving behavioral problems, and a whole lot of fun. You don’t need to be an expert dog handler …
Dog coughing? Don’t panic. Occasional coughing in dogs or a small cough is generally not something to worry about and even something more persistent will not always be serious and can often be very easily managed if prompt treatment is received. At the same time, dog owners should not ignore a serious cough and it …