7 Ways to Keep Walks Peaceful
Walking a dog is one of life’s pleasures and while my dogs and I look forward to our daily excursions, I am well aware that many people don’t feel the same. I have worked with countless dogs over the years who pull on the leash, bark at people, lunge at other dogs and generally make walking a chaotic and unpleasant experience. But with a bit of work and a whole lot of understanding, walks can become enjoyable again for both ends of the leash. Here are some ways to make walking your dog a walk in the park. Stop the pull The No. 1...
8 Telltale Signs Puppers Is Too Plump
Ugh — who wants to read more about weight loss, keeping weight off, what to eat, what not to eat? As painful as it is to you, it’s even more painful for pooches who carry unnecessary extra pounds. The following indicators mean it’s time to turn your pup from fat and frumpy to phat and fabulous. Someone asks when your dog will deliver her puppies Ouch! If your dog could understand language and conversation on that level, he (or she) would dig a deep, deep hole and crawl in it of shame. With a bone. Covered in meat. Whether...
Healthy Heart, Healthy Start
Rachel Phelps will never forget the urgent call she got from her veterinarian shortly after she dropped off her beloved Westie, named Preston, for minor surgery to remove a lump. “The vet was like, ‘Something happened. We put him under anesthesia, and suddenly his heartbeat plummeted,’” Rachel says. “I was in total shock. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.” The medical team immediately brought Preston out of anesthesia, but his heart rate remained low. Rachel and her husband raced Preston from their...
All Hail Jaqweenie!
Jaqweenie caught my eye after seeing his popular TikTok video, which showed his world being “rocked” by a cut on his foot. His human, Jean Mosher, says, “He was shaking, panting and licking his paw.” Thinking it was pretty serious, Jean rushed him to the vet but it turned out to be just a tiny cut. “Even though Jaqweenie was totally OK, I want to remind people that when in doubt, it’s really important to bring your dog to the vet. Excessive vocalizations, constant localized grooming, differences in...
New World Record for Longest Ears
Jackie Brown Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet...
Saving Guadalajara’s Street Dogs
Each year, millions of Americans travel to Mexico in search of warm and beautiful beaches, colorful little towns, shopping and, of course, delicious traditional Mexican cuisine. One of the best food destinations is Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, located in the tequila-rich state of Jalisco. But traversing through the city and surrounding rural towns reveals another group of hungry food seekers — Guadalajara’s street dogs. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography states that nearly 70% of Mexican...
Dog Walking Habits by State
Jackie Brown Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet...
Pet Rescue Music Radio
Phillip Mlynar Phillip Mlynar spends his days writing about cats, hip-hop and food, often while being pestered by his rescue, a mackerel tabby named Mimosa. His work appears in Vice, Pitchfork, Red Bull, Bandcamp, VinePair and Catster. He’s won various awards at the Cat Writers’ Association Communication Contests, some of which are proudly on display at his local dive bar in New York City. Source:...
Holiday Foliage Safety Facts
Green and red are definitely the go-to colors during the holidays. But which holiday plants are safe to mingle with your dog? (For other pets, check ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.) Dr. Lee assesses these popular holiday decorations: Poinsettias: Dr. Lee says, “They are not poisonous to dogs. The milky sap when you break open a leaf may cause a little bit of irritation if ingested, but it is not going to be a big deal.” Mistletoe: “It can potentially be poisonous, but rarely results in any heart arrhythmias. If ingested,...
DIY Holiday Fundraising
This holiday season, I wanted to do something meaningful for my dogs. Sure, they seem to always love their presents, but how many Hanukkah sweaters are really appropriate for California weather? With a creative idea and a wide social media outreach, you can make a significant impact on the lives of our furry friends — many who don’t have a family to give them unnecessary sweaters. First, choose a charity or shelter to support and confirm your plans, making sure the organization is on board. Then it’s time to get the creative...
