My Dog Ate Weed! Here’s What to Do
With the increase in states legalizing marijuana, weed is not only more accessible to humans, but also increases instances of a dog ingesting it. Dog ate weed? First, don’t lie about it. Dr. Anna Robinson, a small animal veterinarian in New Braunfels, Texas, stresses that you need to be completely honest with everyone when speaking about the issue. “No veterinary professional worth anything cares if you are illegally (or legally) in possession [of marijuana],” she says. “It’s against our code of ethics and AVMA...
How Do Dogs Get Mange?
Mange in dogs is caused from mites, which are parasites that result in hair loss and skin inflammation. Two different types of mites cause mange in dogs— Demodex species and Sarcoptes scabiei. Puppies are born with Demodex mites, while Sarcoptes mites are contracted from exposure to other dogs, wildlife or contaminated bedding. Sarcoptic mange is contagious to other dogs and humans, but demodectic mange is not. Is dog mange contagious? Sarcoptic mange is; demodectic mange is not Sarcoptic mange is caused by the mite named Sarcoptes...
When to Take a Cone Off Dog After Neuter
In general, a dog’s cone can usually be removed seven days after surgery but depends on several factors, says Dr.Natalie Isaza DVM, and owner of Access Veterinary Services in Florida. “First and foremost, follow your veterinarian’s instructions before removing the cone,” she says. When to take cone off dog after neuter: What to consider Although it’s tempting to take the cone off early because your dog may not like it around his neck, removing it too early can cause more harm than help. Before removing your...
How to Train Mixed Breed Dogs
When training a mixed breed dog find out what motivates him. Rewards vary, but all dogs respond to food. Experiment! Add some breed-specific enrichment when possible and leave room in your routine for his personality to shine. Teach your mixed breed dog basic cues such as: And to really know a cue, your dog should generalize that cue to different environments with various levels of distractions. For example, your dog should be able to sit in your living room as well as he does at the vet’s office or outside on a walk. Breed-specific dog...
Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks and How to Stop It
That moment when you witness your dog happily bounce around and pick up what looks like a rock is likely a mix of confusion and annoyance for most pet parents. Who does that? Well, dogs. Dogs eating rocks is actually a very common occurrence with a number of possible causes, says Dr. Adriana Fisher, of VCA Animal Hospitals. “I have seen a standard Poodle eat 10 pounds of loose gravel because frying oil was dumped on the gravel driveway,” says Dr. Fisher. Why do dogs eat rocks? 5 common reasons Possible reasons for dogs chewing...
DIY Cupcake Topper: Easy Dog Birthday Party Idea
Linda Facci Linda Facci is a graphic designer, fiber artist and all-around crafter. Her work can be found on Etsy.com, faccidesigns.com and on Instagram @faccidesigns. She lives in Woodstock, New York, with her husband and rescue dog, Cocoa. Source:...
Pandemic Dogs and Puppies: Socialization and Behavioral Issues
You may have heard dogs born in 2020 called pandemic puppies or dogs. These dogs developed behavioral issues related to growing up on lockdown. If this describes your dog, he may need help navigating a world outside COVID lockdown, since he did not get to socialize with other dogs during that important formative time. This resulted in adult dogs who struggle with socialization, overreactivity and separation-related issues. What is a pandemic dog? Commonly known as “pandemic puppies,” these young dogs were brought into homes during...
5 Dog Training Tips for Beginners
Gone are the days of strict obedience dog training, so unless you aspire to compete in obedience, relax. Cues like sit, come and manners are important, but first, you need to establish a solid foundation. This includes teaching your dog to exist harmoniously with you and your family and fit comfortably into our human-centered world. How do we do this? Here are 5 dog training tips for beginners to point you (and your dog) in a zen-like direction: Become versed in dog speak Dogs are nonverbal, constantly communicating how they feel and what...
Top Dog Breeds Prone to Bloat
Deep chested dogs who look narrow from above but have a lot of space between their backbone and sternum are more prone to bloat, says Dr. Kizzy English, medical director at VCA Urgent Care in Colorado. Top dog breeds prone to bloat include: What is dog bloat and why does it happen? Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas or food and stretches to the point of causing severe pain. When this happens, the stomach bloats but also twists, which can cut off blood supply and prevent any gas or food from exiting, Dr. English explains....
Dog Play Bow: What Is It and What Does It Mean?
If you’ve seen pups playing you can’t miss the dog play bow: butt in the air, elbows and maybe even the chest on the ground, loose tail, smiling face, maybe a lolling tongue and probably a shimmy from side to side. Everything about this fun pose shouts, “I’m up for fun, let’s play!” Dogs play bow for a number of reasons: Let’s play. Dogs often communicate to other dogs in this way to let them know “everything’s cool, let’s be friends and play together.” They may also play...
