Estate Planning For Pets: What To Do
Not many people like to talk about death. But if you died today, who would take care of your pets? Do you have a plan? Experts say having an estate plan for your pets — a will for your dog or a pet trust — isn’t morbid or only for the wealthy; it’s smart — and could even save their life. “It’s imperative to have a plan for your pets. If you leave their care to chance, you don’t know where your pets may end up — which could include a shelter,” says attorney Jennifer Cona, founder and...
Are Homemade Dog Food Recipes Right for Your Dog?
While many pet parents would love to cook homemade dog food, veterinary nutritionists explain why cooking up a recipe of your own could actually harm your hound. They explain why the best food for many dogs is ones you can buy. But in special cases, home-cooked dog food could be just what the doctor ordered. We’ll guide you through all the nutritious and doggy-licious details. Canine nutrition can be a fuzzy subject. As pet parents, many of us care about our furry friends’ nutritional needs. But the simple fact is that the vast...
What Is a Dog Life Jacket?
Boating, surfing, kayaking, rafting, paddle boarding — these popular water sports are even more fun with your dog. Water safety is as important for dogs as it is for children. Your dog should always wear a dog life jacket in case he tires, needs an extra lift and to prevent a water-related drowning. Many people refer to canine floatation devices as dog life jackets or dog life vests. Criteria for best dog life jackets Look for a dog life jacket, or canine floatation device, with a strong handle on top that’s easy to grab....
Keep Up with the Spanish Water Dog Breed
The Spanish Water Dog was developed on the Iberian Peninsula (which covers Spain and Portugal) to hunt, help farmers, herd and assist fisherman. Although his name makes him sound like he’d belong in the Sporting Group (and indeed he does like both water and sports), the American Kennel Club placed him in the herding group because of his strong herding history and instincts. The breed was fully recognized by the AKC in 2015. The dog was ranked 145th in popularity in 2021 by the AKC. How much does the Spanish Water Dog weigh? Male Spanish...
Anaphylaxis in Dogs: What You Should Know
Anyone who has ever seen a dog suffering from anaphylaxis, or even just watched a social media video or looked at a photo, won’t soon forget it. Dogs experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to something like an insect bite or bee sting can have dramatic facial swelling in addition to other symptoms like difficulty breathing, itchy skin and hives. A dog with his face or lips blown up to extreme proportions might look funny, but anaphylaxis in dogs is very serious, requiring emergency treatment from your veterinarian. Read on to find out...
How to Care for a Blind Dog
The idea of caring for a blind dog can be intimidating: What special care needs to be taken? Is it possible to treat him as a normal dog? Are there extra financial stresses with the care of a blind dog? The care for a blind dog shouldn’t be any more imposing than that of a regular dog, says Paula Biancone, Director of Animal Welfare for Speak for the Unspoken, a nonprofit group based in Ohio, dedicated to caring for dogs with special needs. “Blind dogs, especially those who are born blind, have no idea they are blind,” says...
Biewer Terrier: One of America’s Newest Toy Breeds
The Biewer Terrier became a fully recognized breed with the American Kennel Club in 2021. Since then, his striking appearance and charming personality have won over many dog lovers in this country. How do you pronounce Biewer? Just like “beaver.” Now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Biewer Terrier’s history, size, temperament, activity level and care. Where does the Biewer Terrier come from? The breed originated in Germany. How did the Biewer Terrier get his name? From the creators of the breed,...
Does Your Dog Make the List of the Dumbest Dog Breeds?
(Updated by the Dogster Editors) The Border Collie is widely considered to be the world’s smartest dog breed (with the Poodle coming in close second). If some are the smartest, it only makes sense that some dog breeds are the dumbest, right? What makes a dog dumb or smart So, what is the criteria to determine dog breed intelligence? A study on canine intelligence was published in 2022 in Scientific Reports by University of Helsinki researchers entitled Breed differences in social cognition, inhibitory control, and spatial...
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate
Humans aren’t the only ones with a sweet tooth. Dogs often like the smell of chocolate, making it a tempting treat to taste. However, because dogs cannot digest and eliminate the main toxic components — the methylxanthine alkaloids theobromine and caffeine — as quickly as humans, they experience poisoning when indulging in the sweet stuff. If your dog eats chocolate, regardless if it’s milk or dark, consider it an emergency and call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately. If your dog eats chocolate,...
5 Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Like You
Dogs are supposed to be our best friends, but do you have a dog who doesn’t like you? This breakdown in the relationship between dog and owner can be stressful for all. How do you know if your dog doesn’t like you? Your dog’s body language is a clear indicator of how your dog is feeling about you in the moment. 5 signs your dog doesn’t like you 1. Stiff body language. Dogs use their bodies to communicate with each other and people. One of the first signs that your dog doesn’t like you or is uncomfortable...
