Why Do Chihuahuas Burrow? Facts & Explanation
Click to Skip Ahead From their unmistakable look to their endearing personalities, Chihuahuas are a breed that most owners will tell you are in a class of their own. They’re perky, loyal, and pleasantly trainable, with an oversized confidence that makes their habits all the more delightful. Adding to the fun are their tendencies toward off-beat behaviors, including their strange desire to burrow. While burrowing isn’t unique to Chihuahuas, the breed is more likely to dig into bedding and other materials when the mood strikes. If...
What Can Shih Tzus Eat? Vet-Approved Feeding Guidelines
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Anyone who’s lived with a Shih Tzu can attest to the fact that it’s really hard to resist feeding them when they’re giving you the sad, puppy dog eyes. These toy breed dogs have big personalities, and they’re exceptionally talented at getting their own way. In addition to their regular dog food, Shih Tzus are able to eat a variety of foods that humans eat, particularly...
Can Dogs Have Stevia? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info
Click to Skip Ahead Most of us know that sugar is only allowable for dogs in small quantities, but the diverse sugar substitutes available today can leave many unsure about which sweet additives are safe. Since they’re low- or no-calorie alternatives that don’t affect blood sugar to the same degree, they undoubtedly seem like a better alternative to offer our dogs some sweetness. However, even “naturally derived” sweeteners like stevia, while not toxic to dogs, can still be problematic when dogs eat too much. While...
The Importance of Industry-Wide Education to Establish a Gold Standard Across Animal Sheltering.
Oct 02, 2024 Animal Shelters have been around for over 100 years, and one thing remains constant: there is a lack of transformation and innovation that leads to shelters operating archaically and killing thousands of pets a year. This is not the fault of shelter workers but the system and rules in place that led us here. Innovation is at the heart of every Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) program; our training and education program is no different! Officially named Austin Pets Alive! Training and Education (APA!Tec), this program was launched to...
How Old Is 2 In Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Thinking of every dog year as equal to seven human years is a convenient way to gauge a dog’s age, but it’s rarely accurate, especially in a pet’s early years. By this equation, a 2-year-old dog will be roughly 14 years old in dog years. The truth is that this drastically underestimates their relative age, as dogs are closer to 22–24 in dog years when they reach their second...
How Old Is 1 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Many people are surprised to learn that, contrary to popular belief, one year of human life isn’t actually equal to seven dog years. Depending on their size, a one-year-old dog would be around 12 to 15 years old in human years. While the 7:1 calculation is easy, it’s not entirely accurate as it doesn’t take a dog’s size into account. Dogs age differently depending on their...
Understand aging in pets
Understand aging in pets, ensuring your dog or cat’s health and quality of life are enhanced for comfortable and meaningful later years. Aging is something every living being goes through, including our dogs and cats as well as ourselves. But what precisely is aging, and what are the different ways it can affect our animals? More importantly, understanding aging in pets can shift how we care for them and make the final stages of life less difficult and painful for both ourselves and our four-legged companions. Every Animal’s...
Are Alaskan Malamutes Aggressive? Temperament & Dominance Explained
Click to Skip Ahead Intelligent working dogs often bear a unique balance of benefits and challenges, and breeds like the Alaskan Malamute present both sides consistently. The ancient all-purpose canine earns adoration for their talents and devotion to family, but their independence creates plenty of training challenges. Without firm leadership, Alaskan Malamutes often take matters into their own paws or become prone to boredom and unwanted behaviors, potentially including aggression. An aggressive Malamute can become a danger to others and...
11 Vet-Verified Reasons to Get a Dog: Why They Are the Best Pets
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » While any avid owner can gladly expound on the meaning their pets bring into their lives, would-be pet parents can’t always see the rationale in getting a dog. After all, dogs cost money and time, often hampering social plans and seemingly limiting personal freedom. There’s no doubt that they’re cute and deserving of a good home, but is owning a dog a net benefit for their human? The truth is that...
Great Pyrenees Bite Force: Vet-Verified PSI Measure & Facts
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs have different measurements of bite force. Some of them barely hurt at all, while others can literally rip off a finger. Knowing the bite force of your dog can help you determine what kind of chewer they will be, if they can do real damage in an altercation, and many other factors. Let’s get into what bite force is and how the Great Pyrenees measures up. What Is Bite Force? Bite force,...
Weird Quirks My Dogs Have: Splooting, Digging & More
Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Have you ever looked at your dog doing something and thought, “Wow, they are strange.” We all have. I am convinced that all dogs have some odd little quirks. Otherwise, what would people’s social media feeds look like? Personally, my Instagram would be a barren wasteland of joylessness without videos of dogs doing silly stuff. Thankfully, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic all have...
New Netflix Show Explores How Puppies Who Ask Humans for Help Make Better Service Dogs
Using a game called The Impossible Task, which is featured on a new Netflix show called Inside the Mind of a Dog, canine cognition researchers demonstrate that some dogs instinctively know how to ask humans for help. And with the right training, those dogs are more likely to become service dogs. What’s more, pet parents can also use the game with puppies to strengthen their connection. Training service dogs requires considerable time and resources. Work being done at Duke Puppy Kindergarten—which you can see on...
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Cookies? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead For humans, oatmeal cookies are generally considered a healthier alternative to other cookies because they contain whole-grain oats, which are high in fiber, however, oatmeal cookies will still contain sugar and butter which are not healthy for dogs. Oatmeal cookies aren’t toxic to dogs unless they contain harmful additional ingredients like chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or macadamia nuts....
What Do Rottweilers Eat? Vet-Approved Feeding Guide
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Rottweilers are big dogs with big appetites to match, so it’s essential to feed them appropriately to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need to thrive. However, the number of dog food products available can make choosing the right diet feel impossible. If you’re unsure what or how much to feed your Rottie, keep reading. We’ll help you with everything you need to know...
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Fries? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Better Options
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If you’re coming to this article concerned and ready to call the vet—just know that sweet potato fries aren’t toxic for your dog. However, if they are already made into fries, and you haven’t just cut up a fresh, sweet potato, they might contain other ingredients that are toxic or certainly not healthy for your pooch. In this article, we’re going to go over all of the...
How Many Puppies Can a French Bulldog Have? Vet-Verified Average Litter Size & Pregnancy Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead French Bulldogs certainly are an interesting breed. They are one of the most popular dogs for a reason, touting the squishiest, cutest faces, and the best personalities! You might’ve noticed if you’ve been browsing that these dogs cost a pretty penny! In fact, they are one of the most expensive popular dog breeds to buy. There is a reason for this, other than just their popularity. A...
How Long Do Jack Russell Terriers Live? Vet-Verified Average Lifespan, Data & Care Guide
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Jack Russell Terriers are happy, energetic, and inquisitive little dogs with a bold and confident demeanor. These tenacious pups can make fantastic family pets for the right family. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of adopting a Jack Russell, you’re probably also curious about their average lifespan. If you decide to welcome one into your home, you can expect to receive a solid 12...
Do Dogs Have Different Blood Types? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If you have been thinking about your own blood type recently, you may have been wondering if dogs have different blood types too. Blood can be classified into different groups and these can also be called types. Like humans, dogs do have different blood types, but they are not the same as we have. Humans are known to have four main blood groups using the ABO system—A, B, AB, and O, and each...
Do Male Dogs Go Into Heat? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If it’s your first time owning a dog and they’re nearing the age of sexual maturity around 6 months, you might not know all the ins and outs. If you have a male dog, there’s certainly some changes you are going to encounter once they get to this stage. However, if you’re wondering if a male goes into heat the way a female does, you’ll be happy to know the answer is no....
Do Dogs Get Jealous of Babies: Vet-Verified Facts & Prevention Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs quickly develop a deep bond with their owners and rarely take kindly to any threats that might affect them. While many of us know unfamiliar pets can cause some conflict in the home, dogs often become equally jealous of new babies. Owners with newborns will discover as much when their dog displays frustrating attention-seeking and stressful behaviors when the latest family member comes home....
