Dog Years to Human Years Explained
Chances are you’ve heard the dog-years-to-human-years tall tale about dog aging: “One year in a dog’s life equals seven in human years.” Despite the continued efforts of veterinarians over decades, that fallacy persists. It’s unclear how the “1- equals-7” calculation was derived. My guess is that sometime during the past 100 years, folks observed that many dogs lived to be about 10 to 12 years of age. These were likely larger dogs living outdoors with little, if any, medical or preventive care. They...
Can I Bring My Dog to Canada?
Although dogs don’t need passports to go to Canada, you’ll need to show vaccination records and documentation that you are the pet owner, regardless if you are traveling by car or plane. Dogs are welcome to visit our northern neighbor, but they must be vaccinated against rabies, and otherwise in good health. Can I bring my dog to Canada by car? You and your dog will be stopped at the border crossing and based on the dog’s age, be asked to share vaccine records. If your dog is under 8 months old, you will need to show a...
Types of Cysts on Dogs and How to Treat Them
Cysts are abnormal growths that can appear pretty much anywhere on a dog’s body. What cysts on dogs look like, how they are diagnosed and how they are treated depends on the type of cyst. Dr. Debra Eldredge, veterinarian at SeniorTailWaggers and author of “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,” and Dr. Chyrle Bonk, veterinarian at SeniorTailWaggers, talk to Dogster about the types of cysts on dogs. Dog got a cyst? Your veterinarian must first diagnose it because the type of cyst affects the type of treatment needed to...
Why Does My Dog Stand on Me?
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:...
How Much Canned Food to Feed a Dog?
Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, veterinarian director at SeniorTailWaggers.com and Kingsgate Animal Hospital, says how much canned food to feed a dog per day is based on kilocalories (kcals), the scientific term for a measurement of food. This is how pet food calories are measured. Each can of food, or bag of kibble, will have a recommended daily feeding guide. If you have never fed canned food to your dog, you may wonder whether the same calorie counting guidelines apply to wet food versus dry food. While breed, age, health, activity level, pregnancy...
Pet Safe Dyes: Tips for Use and Top Brands
It’s trendy to add bright colors to your hair. So why not let your pooch ride this beauty wave, too, with pet-safe dye? You can color-match with your dog for special occasions, seasonal fun and sporting events. Can I use human hair dye on my dog? Is it pet safe? Never use human hair dyes on your dog. Look for dyes manufactured specifically for pets for home use. These typically come in the form of color shampoos, blow pens (you physically blow the color onto your dog) and chalks. “Most pet-safe dyes are known as depositing...
How to Train the Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a strong working dog breed who needs extensive training and regular exercise to thrive. Early socialization and ongoing training beyond puppyhood are extremely important for this high energy dog, who was bred for strength and endurance. Here are the most important steps to take when training your Catahoula: Give them the right job Catahoula Leopard Dogs were bred to work. These dogs thrive when given an opportunity to train and learn new skills. Catahoulas like to be kept busy, and if your lifestyle...
Why Do Dogs Like Belly Rubs?
While not all dogs like belly rubs, many do, says dog behavior expert and VCA Animal Hospitals Licensed Veterinary Technician Laura Pobursky. “It’s for the same reason humans love a big hug,” she says. “Belly rubs release ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain that strengthen the bond between you and your pet.” What’s does a dog that likes belly rubs look like? Laura says the belly is a vulnerable and sensitive area for dogs, so offering their bellies can mean many things. It could be a sign of...
Australian Cattle Dog: Training Tips and Breed Information
The Australian Cattle Dog is a busy, strong-minded herding dog, who needs daily physical and mental exercise. As his name implies, this dog breed was developed in Australia to move cattle long distances and he maintains that rugged work ethic to this day. How to train an Australian Cattle Dog Begin training in puppyhood and continue through the life of your dog. Even the Australian Cattle Dogs who live as pets maintain a strong herding drive. His desire to chase animals and moving objects is strong. To help cattle dogs succeed, focus training...
Can Dogs Eat Tuna?
Fish, itself, is not dangerous for your dog to consume. However, industrial pollution and toxins accumulate in fish, which makes them unsafe to eat. Large fish, such as tuna, can build up high levels of mercury over the course of their lifetime. Both fresh and canned tuna (or tuna in soft packets) rank among the top in high levels of toxins. Dogs fed tuna regularly are at risk for mercury poisoning. Tuna should be considered a treat and therefore, fed in moderation, advises Lissa Cannady, RVT, Hospital Manager for VCA. It is okay to feed your...
