Dog Coughing? What It Means and What to Do

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 …

50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World

Wondering which are the most popular dog breeds in the world? This list of the 50 most popular dog breeds is one of the most comprehensive out there. What makes some dog breeds popular? Sometimes, dogs are popular despite having some health or other issues. Studies of dog choices reveal that breeds seem to be …

Cavapoo Dog Breed Information: 11 Things to Know

Combining the friendly nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle, the Cavapoo is an increasingly popular crossbreed. You shouldn’t get one if you’re not happy to be stopped in the street so that people can say hello to your cute little “teddy bear”, because without doubt …

Pomeranian Dog Breed Information – 13 Facts to Know

If you’ve heard of Pomeranians than you’ve likely heard of Jiffpom. He’s a world famous pomeranian dog who lives in L.A., has starred in a Katy Perry video, once held a Guinness World Record, and currently has more than 26 million (yes, million) on his various social media accounts. And if all that wasn’t enough, …

Best Dog Winter Gear – How to Help Your Dog Manage in Extreme Snow

Snow days can be great fun for you and your dog, but dealing with consistently harsh and long winters can take its toll.  If you have to have your dog out in extreme snowy conditions regularly, then there are certain bits of kit that will make walks much more enjoyable for you both. We have …

10 Dog Grooming Tools You Will Wish You Had Considered Sooner

If you have ever had a shedding or long-haired dog, you will be familiar with some of the challenges of managing their coat.  Whether it is dealing with copious balls of fluff that require twice-daily vacuum cleaning (see our article for best vacuum cleaners for dog hair) or keeping on top of mats and tangles …

Tripawds: Helping Your Three-Legged Dog Live Their Best Life

If you have a dog that has an accident or illness (often bone cancer or some other type of bone disease) that requires them having to have a leg amputated it can be extremely distressing for both you and your dog. Sometimes, even when amputation is being recommended as the best course of action, owners …

My Dog Almost Got Killed By A Moose. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Eira Vs. Two Moose For most of the month of February and a good chunk of March, two enormous young moose lived on my street. I live in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley in Southcentral Alaska, where thousands of moose roam forests and towns alike. They’re magnificent, gangly creatures, and it’s thrilling to watch them walk right …

The Best Healthy Dog Treats

Dog obesity is a huge problem across the Globe.  In North America alone, a 2017 report from The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) estimated that 56% of dogs are obese. This is truly shocking and many owners do not even realise that their dog is too fat and that they are doing their pet …

10 Awesome Gadgets for the Tech Loving Dog Owner

The world of technology is expanding rapidly and there are now a whole host of gadgets that are available for those tech geek dog owners too.  Even if you are not a collector of all the latest gadgets there are some extremely practical and useful products out there that could really benefit both you and …

22 Essential Items to Get Before Bringing Home Your New Puppy

When you are bringing a new puppy or rescue dog home it can be difficult not to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available on the pet store shelves.  Often you can come home with a car full of items, half of which you never even use. We hope that this article gives …

Mastering Crate Training: How to Crate Train Your Dog

Crate training can be a contentious issue in the world of dog behaviour and training.  Some people will be aghast if they see a crate in your home, exclaiming that it is cruel to imprison your dog in one! Crate training is NOT cruel – when done properly! If crate training is introduced carefully and …

Tug-Of-War Myth:  Why Playing Tug with Your Dog Is Not a Bad Thing

Has your dog ever shown an interest in playing a game of tug with you but you have quickly nipped it in the bud because you have heard that playing games like that may encourage your dog to become aggressive? Games of tug often satisfy your dog’s natural urge to pull and chew on things  …

Teaching Your Dog to “Say” Yes or No

We all know dogs are smart, but I recently learned that their intelligence goes beyond their ability to quickly learn different commands. Ones like “sit” and “come” and “stay”. My Alaskan shepherd, Eira, learned those within her first week home. But I wondered if there was something more I could teach her. Something that required …

Australian Shepherd Breed Information – 15 Things to Know

Australian Shepherds are one of the most instantly recognizable dog breeds in the world. With their unique eyes and their copper or merle coats, you know one when you see one. The dog breed is not just easily identified. They’re also a highly intelligent and very popular breed to own, currently ranking number 16 out …

How to Enjoy a Safe Outdoor BBQ Party With Your Dog

With warmer weather fast approaching, it’ll soon be time for fun outdoor BBQs. And while you should certainly invite Fido to join you for the party, an outdoor cookout could be a little dangerous for a curious (or always-hungry) canine unless you’re careful. Here are some things to keep in mind to make your BBQ …

Why Sniff Time Is so Important to Your Dog

So often when we go out with our dog it is a brisk walk down the street or to the park where we then play fetch with a ball or let them run around with some other dogs.  If your dog stops to sniff, I am sure we have all been guilty of feeling frustrated …

Is Playing With a Ball Thrower Good For Your Dog?

Ball throwers are a very popular dog toy.  A lot of dog owners will take their dog to the park and let them burn off some steam by playing with their beloved ball.  It can save the owner from having to pick up a muddy, wet, saliva-covered ball, it saves your back and it can …

Best Dog Training Equipment Reviewed

Looking for the best dog training equipment? Even if you have the most well-behaved dog on the planet, it can benefit them to have some basic training.  Not only can it be great brain food, helping them to stay stimulated and entertained, but it can also greatly increase the bond between you and your dog. …

Best Dog Food: High Quality Dog Food Reviewed

Looking for the best dog food? As a dog owner, you likely think of your pet as a family member.  So you want to do whatever you can to ensure he has a long and healthy life. You probably already know that one of the best things you can do for your dog’s health is …

Dog Limping and When to See a Vet

Is your dog limping? Have you noticed that your dog seems to be limping?  It may not be something you need to panic about but, depending on the severity of their lameness and other environment and physical conditions, it could be something that requires veterinary intervention. They are many causes of limping in dogs – …

The Best Dog Chews

The dog chew market is BIG business.  There are lots of great chew toys out there but it can be hard to know what the best thing to give to your dog is. What is safe, what is good for them nutritionally, what is best for their tummy and your purse?  In this article, we …

Borzoi Breed Information – 12 Facts to Know

Chances are if you’ve seen a Borzoi, you’ve likely thought that it was just a Greyhound with long hair. The reality is that the Borzoi is an entirely distinct breed all its own, a mix of Arabian Greyhounds and a thick-coated Russian breed of dog. While it’s got some features that resemble Greyhounds for sure, …

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Breed Information – 11 Things to Know

Appearances can be deceiving, even in dogs. One of the best examples of this is the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. With the shaggy fur around its face and eyes and an overall unkempt appearance, this breed might fool you into thinking it’s not smart and it’s not paying attention to what’s going on around it. In …

Silver Lab Breed Information – 13 Things About Silver Labs to Know

You’re about to meet one of the greatest mysteries of the dog world, and just maybe one of its biggest controversies: the Silver Labrador Retriever or Silver Lab. Silver Labs are a type of Labrador with a silver-grey-blue coat. Like other Labradors, they are intelligent, needs lots of exercise and highly trainable. Their coat color …

10 Best Tough Dog Toys

Every dog is different with what they like to play with.  Some dogs love indestructible dog toys and treat them like little babies, carrying the indestructible dog toys around like a comforter,  taking them to bed and occasionally nibbling on their ends. Other dogs love something they can chew on, they may have very strong …

18 Incredible Dog Related Careers

When we think of a career working with animals we often think of low paid jobs or years of hard study.  It is true that some careers working with animals are not the best paid, but who needs lots of money when you are doing something so vocational, that you love and that is so …

10 Smartest Dog Breeds in the World

Looking for the smartest dog breeds? It is actually really difficult to rate a dog’s intelligence.  Whilst there have been a number of studies on the smartest dog breeds, most of these concentrate on how trainable a dog is.  So, this list has been pulled together to give us an idea of some of the …

Dog Obesity Is More Common Than You Think: Tips for Helping Your Dog Lose Weight

What is the most common killer of dogs?  Would you be surprised to know that it is obesity-related problems? The Statistics Are Concerning Just look at the statistics and there can be no denying this worldwide trend.  The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) reports that, in 2017, an estimated 56% of dogs in North …

Fleas: How to Keep Your Pet and Home from Getting an Infestation

It may not be something you have given too much thought to but, let me tell you, having volunteered with a number of dog rescues across Europe, dealing with a flea infestation, is not only icky but it can be extremely detrimental to the health of your pet and possibly even your wider family.  They …

16 Tips for Helping Your Dog Cope with a Hot Summer

It can be really exciting when the warm weather comes around and it may seem like there could be nothing better than getting out to enjoy a long walk and some warm sun with your dog.  Often people forget that it can actually be quite a risky time for your pup if you don’t help …

How to Choose the Best Dog Harness

Looking for the best dog harnesses? You are going through your list of To Dos for your new puppy/adopted dog and you are feeling overwhelmed.  You have the collar and leash right at the top of the list but then someone asks you if you have a harness. You thought that a collar was enough. …

When Is It Appropriate to Use Dog Coats or Other Clothing for Your Dog?

Looking for the best dog coats? Doggy fashion is a booming business these days.  Pictures of dogs in cute outfits regularly go viral on social media.  Whilst many of these outfits are an indulgence for us as owners rather than for the benefit of our dogs, there are times when dressing up your dog can …

When to use Dog Muzzles and How to Get Your Dog Used to Wearing a Muzzle

I owned and ran a specialist dog shop in Edinburgh in Scotland for ten years and muzzles were frequently discussed but often in embarrassed, secretive tones or, if a dog was wearing a dog muzzle, other dog owners would dramatically retreat out of the shop in a hurried fashion. There are a lot of unfair …

13 Things You Should Know about the Vizsla

When you think of the fastest dogs in the world, you’re probably not thinking of the Vizsla. You should be. The Vizsla is tied for the third fastest dog in the world with the Afghan Hound. Instead of being known for their speed, though, This breed is known and recognized more for their beautiful red-brown …

Dog Neutering: The Pros and Cons

Looking to spay and neuter your dogs? Spaying and neutering can be very difficult decisions to make. Dog neutering can be an extremely emotive subject and there can often be strong opinions on both sides of the fence; for and against. I am generally an advocate for spaying and neutering although much of my decision-making …

How to Choose the Best Dog Bowl: 10 Types of Dog Bowls

You have just got a new dog and you head to the pet store to buy a few essentials.  You head to the aisle with the dog bowls. Who would think that something as seemingly simple as a dog bowl could turn up so many questions? There are hundreds of different dog bowl options. Which …

6 Dog Sports and Their Benefits

There are a whole host of great dog sports that you and your pooch can get involved in.  This article will delve into what is involved in the likes of agility, flyball and competition obedience and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these subjects. Why would you get involved in a dog …

My Dog is a Digger: Why do They do it and How to Prevent / Stop Digging?

Are you super proud of your beautiful green lawn and pretty plant borders?  Have you introduced a new puppy or rescue dog to your family? Have you discovered that your dog has an obsession with digging and now your once well-manicured lawn has turned into a potholed mess? It can be incredibly frustrating but at …

Boston Terrier Breed Information – 14 Facts about Boston Terriers

You’ve probably never heard the phrase “as American as apple pie” applied to a dog before. Maybe that’s because you’ve never met a Boston Terrier. The Boston Terrier, an all-American dog, is instantly recognized by its unique black-and-white coat, the breed’s distinctive markings and large eyes. If you’re considering adopting one of this special breed, …

Goldendoodle Dog Breed Information – 12 Facts About Goldendoodles

For an animal that’s only been around for the last 20 years, the Goldendoodle is a very popular dog. But just what traits do Goldendoodles have? What should you know about Goldendoodles before deciding if they are right for you, especially since it’s such a new type of breed? Read on for everything you need …

11 Things You Should Know about the Boxer

Intelligence. Protection. Devotion. Great with your kids. If you’re looking for the breed that embodies all the best characteristics of a dog, you might want to start – and end – your search with the Boxer. One of the first breeds used for police training in Germany, the Boxer is a talented guard dog developed …

Gerberian Shepsky Dog Breed Information: 11 Facts to Know

You may not have heard of the Gerberian Shepsky, but it is highly likely that you have heard of the two breeds of dogs that give rise to this increasingly popular hybrid. After all, they are two of the most well loved breeds of dogs out there – the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky. A …

Raw Meat Diet for Dogs

Considering a raw diet for your dog? Treating your pet like your baby only makes sense. You care for it in every way it needs. From grooming and medication, to exercise and food diets for dogs. You have a duty to your pet to keep them happy and healthy as they depend on your timekeeping …

Dog Parks: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

In principle, dog parks sound like a fantastic idea.  A secure area where your dog can blow of steam whilst having a great time playing with other doggy friends.  It also means you get to socialise with other dog owners that you get to know in the dog park and don’t have to go walking …

“My Dog Hates Being Groomed!”: 10 Essential Dog Grooming Tips

For many dogs and their owners, the regular grooming session can become a battle of wills and one that ends up as a real struggle.  It can end up with the dog trying to hide whenever they see the brush coming out and the problems can escalate quickly to the point where there is a …

The Essential Dog Hiking Gear List

Looking for the best dog hiking gear? Is there anything better than strapping on your backpack, leashing up your dog, and heading outside for a day of dog hiking? Dogs make the best adventure partners for many reasons — they are happy to venture just about anywhere, provided you are by their side, they don’t …

13 Things You Should Know about the Great Dane

The gentle giants. The Apollo of dogs. The Great Dane. By whatever name you call it, this very large breed or gentle giant is instantly recognizable and can be very imposing to those who don’t know that its big body holds a huge capacity for loving its people. But what does owning a Great Dane …

Teacup Poodle Breed Information Guide – 12 Things to Know

Whoever said “good things come in small packages” must have owned a Teacup Poodle. These little dogs have captured the hearts of dog owners everywhere and their popularity is on the rise. The teacup poodle has the same temperament and personality as a standard poodle or miniature poodle, but in a much smaller package. Here’s …