Why Do Dogs Side Eye? Vet-Approved Behavior Explanation
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Life would be so much easier if our dogs could tell us everything they’re thinking and feeling. But until science finds a way for us to communicate with our pets, we just have to get good at reading their body language and facial expressions. The side eye is an interesting facial expression that can have many different meanings. While sidelong glances in humans are often used to convey emotions like skepticism,...
6 Pros & Cons of Putting Water in Kibble: Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Rehydrating dog food can be a really beneficial habit. It sounds like the perfect thing—you spice up your dog’s food bowl while providing extra moisture in the diet. Plus, it helps dogs who may have issues with chewing or appetite. But there are downfalls, too. It can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other potential problems. We will dig into the positives and negatives of putting...
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Ice Cream? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead The first thing most of us learn about raising a dog is that chocolate is harmful, regardless of the format. As tasty as it may be for us on a hot day, chocolate ice cream is one treat that dogs should never eat. How bad is this popular frozen dairy dessert? Let’s find out as we explore the science behind whether dogs can eat chocolate ice cream. Why Can’t Dogs Eat Chocolate Ice Cream?...
10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons to Get a Puppy: How it Can Improve Your Life
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Puppies are adorable animals that can become some of the best companions for people. There are many benefits to living with a puppy, such as reduced isolation and an increased sense of purpose and responsibility. While puppies are cute bundles of joy, we can’t overlook the fact that bringing home a puppy is a significant responsibility and lifestyle change. Dogs have an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years, which...
How Old Is 8 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 “Seven dog years for every human year” may be easy to follow, but owners are often surprised to learn this outdated rule is only practical for a short period in a dog’s adult life. Many dogs enter their senior years when they turn eight, with approximate ages ranging from 48 dog years for small breeds to 64 dog years for giant breeds. Eight years is a transitional age requiring...
Get more pets home (or back home) this fall
Whether you want to help find more pets homes or get lost pets back home this fall – Maddie’s Online Instructor-led Courses has something for you! And #ThanksToMaddie, they’re all free. Harnessing People Power to get Lost Pets Back Home is back for the first time in two years and is instructed by Jenifer Reed, Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Program Implementation Trainer. Attendees can expect to leave with data-backed solutions and tools for implementing lost pet reunification programs like short-term foster...
My Dog Ate Grease: Our Vet Explains Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead We’re all guilty of indulging in a greasy meal now and then, but we’re unlikely to lose control of ourselves and devour the contents of the grease tray. Our dogs, on the other hand, won’t hesitate to scarf down as much greasy goodness as they can. Although cooking grease is typically not toxic for your dog, it can send them on a journey of gastrointestinal discomfort and pain,...
How to Groom A Golden Retriever: 12 Vet-Reviewed Tips & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Golden Retrievers are virtually the perfect family pet. They are loving, playful, and intelligent. They will typically get along with all family members, can usually be kept with other pets, and their aim in life is to please their humans. They’re also hardy, have endearing faces, and a stunning coat. But that beautiful flowing coat comes at a cost. While they’re generally classified as...
Do Dogs Have Vocal Cords? Canine Vocalization Explained (Vet-Reviewed)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead We have a unique relationship with our canine companions because of our ability to communicate with our pets. Dogs can interpret and respond to our emotions. Some dogs, like Siberian Huskies, seemingly sing and “talk” with their vocalizations. You can even see something similar in their wild counterparts, like the howling and yelping of wolves and coyotes. This may make you wonder how...
How Big Do Rottweilers Get? Vet-Verified Average Size & Growth Chart
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Rottweilers get a bad rap, but the truth is these canines can make fantastic companions for the right dog owner. However, this breed is large, so before adopting a Rottweiler, you should be aware of exactly how big they can get to see if you have enough room and physical capacity for one. You should also know when they’re supposed to reach their full size so you can ensure your Rottweiler...
Do Dogs Have Tonsils? Vet-Verified Canine Anatomy 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 Dogs have a lymphatic system which is part of their immune system. Tonsils are a part of this lymphatic system, and they can be found at the back of the throat. When their tonsils are healthy and functioning properly, they’ll help defend your dog’s nose and mouth from harmful bacteria and viruses. Sometimes, the tonsils can get inflamed, and your dog can develop tonsilitis. Tonsilitis...
How Long Do Great Pyrenees 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 The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest dog breeds of all. They are considered a giant breed and have the reputation for being very gentle, protective, and playful. These dogs make amazing family companions in the right living circumstances. Before you make a choice to pick a particular breed, you are probably finding out all there is to know about it. In this particular scenario, because...
Why Are Doodles Unethical? Vet-Verified Facts & Controversies
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead The first intentionally bred Doodle appeared in 1989, and their popularity quickly rose in the 1990s. Today, you can find all kinds of dog breeds that have been bred with a Poodle, and you can now see Doodles of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Doodles are adorable and make wonderful companion dogs, but both dog lovers and advocates have mixed feelings about them. Doodles themselves aren’t...
How to Clean French Bulldog Ears: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » French Bulldogs are adorable pups, especially with those overly large ears of theirs! But as cute as this breed’s bat ears are, their ear canals are narrow and prone to wax buildup and ear infections. So, it’s vital to know how to clean your French Bulldog’s ears to keep them healthy. It might seem like a quick wipe of the ears with a damp cloth would get the job done, but there’s more to...
Can Dogs Have Tourettes? 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 Humans and dogs have a lot more in common than you may realize. After all, we all share 84% of our DNA. We have many common illnesses, including some mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). One thing we probably don’t have in common, though, is Tourette syndrome (TS). TS is a kind of tic disorder characterized by involuntary sounds or movements. It could be...
Are Great Pyrenees Aggressive? Breed Facts, Temperament & FAQ
Click to Skip Ahead The Great Pyrenees is a popular breed, as these canines are large, loyal, protective, and gorgeous. However, due to their size and protective nature, some believe that the breed is aggressive. The Great Pyrenees is not aggressive, but they do have certain tendencies that can be misconstrued as aggression at times. And, of course, any dog that isn’t properly socialized may very well end up having behavioral problems, including aggression. However, overall, this breed is a rather gentle one. If you’re considering...
Why Does My Dog Itch So Much But Has No Fleas? Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons & What to Do
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead A lot of the time, when a dog starts scratching away, it’s because they’ve gotten fleas. As horrible as that is, it’s fairly easily resolved with flea medication and lots of vacuuming and cleaning. But what if your dog is itching a lot, and there are no fleas to be found? What does that mean? If there isn’t a flea in sight, but your pet is constantly scratching, there are...
Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves? Vet-Verified Reasons & When Its a Concern
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs lick themselves; it’s just a fact of life. But why do they lick themselves so much? After all, it’s a bit of a gross habit! There are actually a few normal reasons dogs lick themselves, which we’ll look at below. Perhaps a better question, though, is whether you should ever be concerned about your dog licking themselves. If you’re trying to determine whether your pup is...
My Dog Swallowed an AirPod: Risks, Signs & Next Steps (Vet Answer)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If your naughty hound has swallowed an AirPod, you’re likely feeling two things: annoyed and worried. While we can’t help you out with the first one (that’s between you and your dog), we can hopefully put your mind at ease about the second. In most cases, AirPods will pass through your dog without incident, and they might even still work. Of course, you may not want to use them...
Why Are Dachshunds So Long? Vet-Reviewed Anatomy & Special Considerations
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » There’s no doubt the Dachshund is unique among canines. From their independent personalities to their short legs and long bodies, this is one truly distinctive dog breed. And though they’re known for their personalities, these dogs are probably most well-known for their intriguingly long body shape, which has earned them such nicknames as “Wiener Dogs” or “Sausage Dogs.” But why are...
