Penny’s Chew Bones: How Many Is Too Many?
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. Most of us dog owners give our dogs dental chews to help keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh. Greenies are a popular choice, but for some reason, Penny doesn’t tolerate Greenies well, so we give her Minties instead, but we just call them her “chew bones.” According to the feeding instructions on the bag of Minties, I should give her one per day. That’s what I try to do, but Penny sometimes has...
Scoop the Poop, Friends
Aug 26, 2024 Picking up dog poo isn’t anyone’s favorite activity (not that we’ve come across anyway), but it is a necessary must. And we’re trusting that everyone in Austin, and beyond, understands that this is a dirty job that can’t be ignored. Leaving dog waste sitting around is actually damaging to our environment. It is not the same as cow manure, as many may think. It doesn’t offer healthy growth to the grass and in fact, can be pretty damaging. Beyond damaging the grass, letting dog poop sit means...
How Long Do Rottweilers Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
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 highly intelligent, confident, and courageous dogs whose size and appearance often make them intimidating. However, any owner will tell you just how sweet, affectionate, and playful they are. If you’re considering welcoming a Rottweiler into your home, you’re probably curious about what to expect in terms of lifespan. Since Rotties are large dogs, they live shorter lives...
Why Are German Shepherds Police Dogs? 7 Traits That Make Them Perfect for the Job
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead German Shepherds are commonly employed as working dogs, engaged in a variety of noble jobs, such as search and rescue, scent detection, and service dog work. It’s no accident that they’re frequently seen in police K-9 unit teams. German Shepherds possess a number of skills and traits that make them excellent candidates for police dog work. Their intelligence, loyalty, stamina, and...
Top Reasons to Try Mixed Feeding for Your Dog or Cat
Mixed feeding for dogs and cats has many benefits, including adding more nutrients and moisture to their diet. Let’s find out the easy way to get started! When it comes to feeding your dog or cat, it’s easy to find food that works and stick with it for weeks, months, or even years. But imagine how bland life would be if you had to eat the same food, flavor, and texture all the time. Dogs and cats can become bored with their food too, but mixed feeding (combining a dry food with a wet topper) is an easy method that breaks up the...
Can Dogs Get Drunk? Vet-Verified 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 Dogs don’t naturally have a taste for alcohol, but some sweet alcoholic drinks or those made with milk or cream can be particularly appealing for them. Some dogs are just curious and others might end up accidentally consuming an alcoholic beverage in their rush to steal food from your dining table. Dogs are very sensitive to the effects of alcohol. They experience alcohol intoxication faster...
Can Dogs Swim Without Training? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Purebred dogs were bred to have specific qualities to help them complete tasks efficiently and effectively. Certain dog breeds, such as the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Water Dog, were specifically bred to work in water and swim. These types of dogs have physical features that help them swim better than many other dog breeds. They also usually take to swimming quite naturally. However,...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Online Instructor-Led Courses registration, $500,000 in grants awarded and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Registration for Online Instructor-Led Courses ends on Friday!Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses! The fall 2024 application window closes on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 5PM ET. View the Offerings $500,000 in grants awarded to 107 animal organizations for reducing barriersTwenty-three...
Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Tongue Out? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Our pups can do some pretty cute (and kind of weird) things when they’re asleep. Whether it’s twitching paws while they dream about chasing critters or hilarious sleep positions, dogs can be awfully funny while resting. Sometimes, though, they do things that dog parents find concerning, like sleeping with their tongue out. Why do dogs sleep with their tongues out? Is it perfectly normal, or is there a...
Do Dogs Have Bones in Their Tails? 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 A dog’s tail is a powerful communication tool, but it is also used to help keep insects away, spread their scent, and balance. The tail is an extension of your dog’s spine, and it does contain bones—typically around 20 of them in a typical dog. There are various injuries and ailments that can affect your dog’s tail, some of which are very painful, and some that require...
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates? Vet-Reviewed 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 Pomegranate is widely billed as being a superfood for humans, thanks to the diverse range of vitamins and minerals it contains, and the concentration of them. They are particularly known for being high in fiber and potassium as well as being a rich source of antioxidants. Dogs can also benefit from eating foods that are rich in these, but can they eat pomegranates? Pomegranates are not toxic to...
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells? Vet-Reviewed 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 Peanut butter is considered a healthy, tasty treat for dogs, although it should only be fed in moderation and owners should avoid sweetened or salted peanut butter. The nuts themselves are not considered toxic, either, but their high-fat content means you should really avoid feeding peanuts to dogs regularly. But, for some owners, that leaves the question of whether it is safe to feed peanut shells...
How to Get a Dog to Drink More Water: 11 Vet-Reviewed Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Staying hydrated is one of the most fundamental factors in a dog’s immediate and long-term health, and sometimes our pets don’t drink enough water throughout the day. An underlying health condition might be at fault, but other times we don’t offer water in a way that appeals to our dogs. In either case, owners have some level of control over how much their pets consume, though the...
Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Paper? Risks & Prevention Tips
Click to Skip Ahead Dogs do a lot of strange things, but eating toilet paper must be up there with some of the most bizarre canine behavior. There are several potential reasons why dogs eat toilet paper, including behavioral causes like boredom, stress, and instinctual behaviors, and medical issues like nutrient deficiencies and pica. Unfortunately, this habit can result in severe health complications and very costly medical bills. Read on to learn why dogs eat toilet paper, why it’s so dangerous, and what you need to do to prevent this...
Why Do Golden Retrievers Like Socks So Much? Risks & Prevention Tips
Click to Skip Ahead Golden Retrievers are well-known for their happy-go-lucky personalities and affection for people. A lesser-known fact about them is that many Golden Retrievers love playing with socks. This behavior is so common that you can find numerous videos of Golden Retrievers searching for socks and playing with them. There are also plenty of forums with concerned Golden Retriever owners whose dogs won’t stop chewing on their socks. It’s likely Golden Retrievers like playing with socks because they carry their family...
How to Make a Dog Happy: 13 Tips to Make Your Pups Day
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » As dog owners, we are more than just caretakers for our canine companions. We are our dogs’ worlds, which means we are responsible for ensuring they are fit and healthy, but also fulfilled and happy. While your dog can’t directly tell you if they’re happy or not, there are signs that you can learn to recognize. If your dog sleeps and naps peacefully, has a good appetite, and is generally well-behaved...
Can Dogs Eat Syrup? Vet-Reviewed 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 Our canine companions are pros at begging our food off us, and they aren’t picky either. Our pups are more than interested in eating everything we eat. But not all people foods are healthy for dogs; in fact, some foods can seriously harm or even kill a dog. So, you always need to be careful when giving your food to your pet. If you find yourself enjoying a breakfast of pancakes and syrup and...
Why Do Dogs Lick You Before Bed? 5 Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Sometimes, our dogs’ affection can ramp up when the night winds down. We settle in for bed, pull the covers up, and, as if on cue, our pets run in for a load of puppy kisses. While there’s no question that we’ll graciously accept all the love they offer, your dog’s habit of licking your hands and face may leave you wondering if your dog is simply showing devotion or...
Why Do Dogs Beg for Food? 4 Reasons & How to Prevent This Behavior (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 Begging is a fairly common behavior in dogs, and while it can seem cute when a new four-legged family member stares dolefully at you while you’re eating, that feeling can soon change to one of annoyance. Generally, dogs beg simply because they like food, and they especially like human food because it packs more of a punch than their boring kibble. Some dogs may also beg because they have...
Why Do Dogs Noses Turn Pink? Vet-Reviewed Causes & Concerns
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Scientists have discovered several genes that affect coat and nose color in canines, although more research is needed. Most dogs have either a brown or black nose, although some dogs may have pink noses or even white in the case of albinism in rare cases. However, the color usually doesn’t change much until a dog ages when it may start to lighten. If your dog’s nose has turned pink it may have a benign...
