Best Hot Weather Dogs: Why These 9 Breeds Love the Sun
If you live in a hot climate and want a dog who can tolerate the heat and accompany you in all this fun, there are particular breeds who like — and even thrive — in warmer temperatures. “Certain breeds stand out for their ability to cope in warm climates,” says Dr. Alex Schechter, founder of Burwood Veterinary. “Breeds better suited for hot weather have developed a range of physical and behavioral characteristics that allow them to tolerate high temperatures and humidity levels. These traits include a thinner...
How to Treat a Broken Dog Nail
Kristina Lotz Kristina Lotz has been a writer on all-things animal for over a decade. A former CPDT-KA dog trainer, she has competed in agility, herding and rally with her dogs. Now, she clicker trains her horse! Follow life on her farm @MeridaTheBitless. Source:...
Borzoi Dog Breed Temperament
Some dogs have a job and love to work, but ancient breeds bred for hunting like the Borzoi are not that type of dog, says longtime breeder Pamela Jo Leichtnam from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “They love the fun of the chase. They love to run, and they need to exercise,” she says. “But, once they are done with their run and their exercise, they can come in and be a couch potato just like other breeds. They don’t have to be active all the time. They don’t run all day; they can go out and have their exercise and then they...
Chronic Hepatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Astra, the 6-year-old Cocker Spaniel exhibited several vague clinical signs like not eating every few days and occasional vomiting. Blood tests showed significantly elevated liver enzymes. Many conditions can cause an increase in these values, but one enzyme caught my attention: ALT. ALT stands for alanine transaminase and is usually part of routine screening blood chemistries. Whenever a dog has a high ALT and no other liver enzyme elevations, it indicates chronic hepatitis could be the cause. Because Astra’s other liver tests were...
Common Beagle Mixes
Beagles are easily identified by their black, tan and white short fur, big brown eyes and floppy ears. Not to mention that howl. They’re also one of the smallest members of the Hound group, broken into two categories: measuring either 13 inches (or less) at the shoulder or between 13 to 15 inches. The Beagle’s cuddly temperament, strong sense of smell and hunter demeanor makes for a great, but often unpredictable, mixer with another dog breed’s amped up drive or feisty personality. Beagle mixes can often be the best of both...
How to Stop a Dog from Marking in the House
Marking in the house is a smelly and frustrating issue that’s challenging for dog owners to address. The key to stopping a dog’s marking is to understand your dog’s motivations for peeing inside. Then, consistently utilize positive reinforcement training methodologies and management to prevent the marking behavior. Let’s start with the first step: Figuring out the why behind the behavior. Why is my dog marking in the house? Although your dog lifting a leg on your couch, wall or in the corner of the living room...
The Best Biodegradable Poop Bag
Rachel Phelps, MBA, MPA, Dip. PDT, Pet Product Expert Rachel Phelps, “America’s Pet Parent,” is an award-winning writer, photographer and certified dog trainer. She manages the career of her internet celebrity dog Preston from PrestonSpeaks.com. She has three Westies, who think they are mini-humans, and a cat, who rule the house. Learn more at rachelphelps.com. Source:...
What’s Required to Travel to Hawaii With Your Dog?
In order for pets to leave the Hawaii airport, there’s a multi-step process of showing proof of two rabies vaccinations and passing an OIE-FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) blood test measuring the response of the immune system to the rabies vaccine, after a 30 day waiting period. Then, you must meet specific island requirements. Following the state’s checklist ensures your pet won’t get stuck at the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station. When should I start planning my trip to Hawaii with my dog? Plan early,...
How to Become a Pet Sitter
Professional pet sitting organizations like Pet Sitters International offer pet-sitter education and certifications that pet sitters like Doug Keeling of Bad to the Bone Pet Care can use to show how their service is top dog. © Doug Keeling Bad to the Bone Pet Care How do you become a pet sitter? What if you have no experience? We’ve got answers from some of the nation’s top experts. “You should take an inventory of your pet-care experience and knowledge,” says Beth Stultz-Hairston, president of Pet Sitters...
Help! My Puppy Doesn’t Want to Walk
Debbie DeSantis, BAH, CPDT-KA Debbie DeSantis, CPDT-KA, is an award-winning dog trainer and behavior specialist. In addition to working with shelter dogs, she shows her nationally-ranked obedience and rally dogs in competitions. Besides spending time with her five canine companions, she enjoys cooking. Source:...
