Tackling the Shortage of Veterinarians in America
As the number of pet parents increases, so does the strain on the veterinary workforce. According to a Mars Veterinary Health Report, the United States is experiencing a veterinarian shortage that, if not addressed, could leave 75 million pets without care by 2030. Why are we having a shortage of veterinarians? Experts agree that the increase in families bringing pets into their homes during the COVID pandemic put a strain on the services required from the veterinarian community. Aside from there not being enough physical space to care for...
Holiday Dog Costume Queen Amazing Gracie Doodle Shares Her Secrets
Decorative, colorful, imaginative: Those are the qualities of Amazing Gracie Doodle’s Instagram and TikTok pages, where you’ll find the 6-year-old Australian Labradoodle Gracie dressed in elaborate costumes, ranging from a Christmas tree wrapped in garland and ornaments, “grilling” for the 4th of July and roses in her fur for Valentine’s day. “Holiday photos are my obsession,” says Gracie’s pet mom Fanny Karpman, who celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah and each year has Gracie decked out in...
Are There Side Effects of Anesthesia in Dogs?
There are many reasons that your dog may need to undergo anesthesia in her lifetime. Anesthesia has a scary reputation among pet parents, and it only takes a few Google searches to find a scary abyss of anesthesia horror stories from fellow pet parents. Even though proper anesthesia is generally very safe, the idea of our pets “going under” is nerve-racking, and side effects of anesthesia in dogs can appear concerning. Having an informed understanding of anesthesia can help you feel more comfortable for your dog’s next...
How is Fido Feeling? Understanding Dog Emotions
Emotions drive behavior, so understanding dog emotions is key to our relationships with our furry friends. But can dogs cry? Do dogs have moods? Modern studies reveal dogs enjoy rich emotional lives. By investing in dogs’ emotional health, we can greatly improve their quality of life. Tune in to your dog’s emotions and emotion signs. Tuning in helps you understand their behavior, better support their needs and help them cope, when necessary. What emotions do dogs feel? Recent research in canine cognitive science confirms what most...
Dug Up at Dogster: October 2022 Dog Events and Dog Holidays
There are lots of events to bark about this October, including a couple opportunities to raise money for pets while getting your – and your pup’s – steps in. Show us how you and your #dogsterdogs are enjoying your October fall days by tagging us in your photos on social media. Don’t see your dog event on the list? Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com and we will include your dog event. Month-long October 2022 Dog Holidays Adopt a Dog month Animal Safety & Protection month Weekly October 2022 Dog Holidays October 1-7,...
Donut Bed is Right for Your Dog?
Dogs are natural denning creatures, and donut beds are great for dogs to feel cozy and secure while sleeping. A dog donut bed has a circular shape specifically designed to accommodate a dog’s natural inclinations to nest and burrow. Donut dog beds are especially great for: dogs who have anxiety dogs who feel cold brachycephalic dog breeds (snub-nosed breeds) senior dogs dogs with mobility or joint issues Calming dog donut beds provide a safe place for dogs who tend to sleep curled up — a dog’s “fetal position.”...
Guide to Today’s Dog Chews
Chewing is as natural to dogs as wagging their tail when they are happy or barking when they hear your keys in the front door. Unfortunately, dogs’ instincts to chew can quickly turn them into a “bad dog” if they decide to chew on the wrong item, such as your table leg or your favorite shoe. Luckily, dog chew products can help redirect your dog’s natural desire to chew into something positive. With so many options available, picking the best dog chews for your pup can be confusing. This guide helps you understand why...
How to Clean Dog Ears
When your dog shakes her head, is it a sign her ears need to be cleaned or could there be a bigger problem? Cleaning your dog’s ears at home can be a simple process with the right tools. But knowing how to clean dog ears at home, how often to clean your dog’s ears and when to call your vet are factors to consider. How often should I clean my dog’s ears? As with all-things health related when it comes to our pets, talking to your veterinarian is an important first step in understanding your dog’s specific needs....
Tis the Season for Giving Back to Dogs
Melissa L. Kauffman Covering the pet world for more than 30 years, Melissa L. Kauffman has been an editor/writer for a wide variety of pet magazines and websites from the small critters and parrots to cats and dogs. Her advisory team of pets — rescue dogs Tampa Bay and Murphy Brown, plus Cirneco dell’Etna Liberty Belle and rescued parrots Deacon and Pi-Pi — help keep her on top of the latest and greatest pet health research, training and products, anything to give keep them in the high life...
What Are Pet Transportation Services?
Pet transportation services help with scheduling concierge services for animals, including veterinary visits, pet relocation and cross-country travel via car or airplane. Whether you are seeking a local destination or figuring out how to transport a dog across the country, this guide to navigating pet transportation services will help you choose the right agenda for your best bud. How to find the best pet transportation services There are numerous services nationwide assisting with both ground and air transport services for dogs (and their...
