Meet Dogdom’s “Gray Ghost” — the Versatile Weimaraner
Everything about the Weimaraner telegraphs speed, stamina and clean-cut beauty. Once seen, this striking dog is never forgotten. Here are seven fun facts about the wondrous Weimaraner. The Weimaraner dog breed backstory The Weimaraner dog breed needs lots of daily exercise and prefer to do it with you. ©Bigandt_Photography /Getty Images The noblemen of Weimar (today in the state of Thuringia, in modern-day Germany) were keen hunters who pursued a variety of big game, including bear, boar and deer. The original Weimar Pointers appeared in...
Why Do Dogs Pant?
All dogs pant. Many times it just means they’re hot. California-based dog trainer Ash Miner, a certified trick dog instructor (CTDI) working on a master’s degree in animal behavior, says panting is the best method dogs have to disperse heat considering they can only truly sweat through glands located in their paw pads. But there are other reasons dogs pant. Why do dogs pant so much? Dogs pant when they’re hot and tired. They pant to disperse heat by expelling the trapped hot air inside their bodies and breathing in the...
How to Stop Your Dog from Digging
Does your dog dig every chance she gets? Digging is a behavior that many dog owners find frustrating, but the behavior is extremely natural for dogs. To change your dog’s behavior and train your dog to stop digging under the fence requires making sure your dog’s enrichment needs are being met. You’ll also want to teach your dog new habits and behaviors while they are spending time in the yard. Why is my dog digging holes? Some dog owners may become surprised when suddenly, their dog starts digging. Dogs dig for a variety of...
All You Need to Know about Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Finding out that your dog has elbow dysplasia can feel absolutely devastating. Elbow dysplasia in dogs is hereditary, abnormal development of the elbow joint causing malalignment of the forelimb bones. Even if you don’t know exactly what elbow dysplasia looks like in your dog, you likely know that it’s incurable and can greatly impact your dog’s life. Understanding which dogs are more susceptible to elbow dysplasia, as well as symptoms, diagnostics and treatment options, will help you identify what’s happening with...
What Dogs are Low Maintenance?
Can dogs really be low maintenance? Likewise, are some dog breeds truly high maintenance? Yes and yes — although some of the reasons may surprise you. Here are some helpful factors to consider, along with a list of breeds that are generally the best low maintenance dogs to consider as your next best bud. First, what makes a dog low maintenance? Honestly, this question makes many experts chuckle! There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all, low maintenance dog — that was the first reaction from Dr. Bruce F. Smith, professor...
Why is My Dog Throwing Up Black or Dark Red Vomit?
If your dog’s vomit is black or dark red, there could be a problem in need of immediate medical attention. Black is the most concerning color your dog can vomit. When there is bleeding inside your dog’s digestive tract, it appears as black or brown in color, with a coffee ground texture. This is cause for concern and warrants a call to your veterinarian right away. The most common cause of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract is ulceration of the stomach or intestine. Your dog could also have cancer along the gastrointestinal...
Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?
If your dog suddenly starts spinning around, chasing and even biting his own tail, you likely wonder why. There are several possible reasons why your dog is chasing or biting his tail, some behavioral and others medical. According to California-based dog trainer Ash Miner, a certified trick dog instructor (CTDI) working on a master’s degree in animal behavior, it could simply be a game. Ash says this is a game dogs usually invent out of boredom. She says because they have poor hind-end awareness, many dogs don’t even realize that...
Why Does My Dog Pee When Excited?
It’s common for puppies and young adult dogs to pee when excited. Instead of squatting or lifting a leg, they may urinate while standing, walking, jumping or running. They may also involuntarily pee during active playtime, petting sessions and high-energy greetings. Excitement urination is not something your dog can control, says Holly Lewis, founder of Cold Nose Canine. You should not scold your dog because he may become fearful of peeing in front of you. Why do dogs pee when excited? Puppies also urinate when they are keyed up because...
Can Dogs Get Monkeypox?
As the number of monkeypox cases grows in the U.S. and around the world, many dog parents are asking, “Can my dog get monkeypox?” or “Can I give my dog monkeypox?” and even “Can I get monkeypox from my dog?” Let’s examine the facts about monkeypox in dogs and how you can keep your family safe. What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a virus related to human smallpox. After human smallpox was globally eradicated in 1980, monkeypox has become a most important public health virus and is closely monitored...
How to Choose an Easy Walk Harness
Choosing an easy-walk harness for your dog requires you to look at your dog’s current training needs, age, level of pulling and size as well as your budget. The PetSafe Easy Walk Harness is one of the most popular ranging in price from $20 to $30. It is available in most pet supply stores, brick and mortar and online, as well as the Petsafe website. What is an Easy Walk Harness? An Easy Walk Harness’ most prominent feature is that the dog’s leash is clipped to the front of him. The advertisement of being a “no-pull dog...
