Time for Pain Medication 101
©FatCamera | Getty Images Hearing your dog whimper or yelp can definitely jar you. Seeing your pup limp can worry you. Witnessing your senior dog with arthritis gingerly walk up steps can make you cringe. Like us, our dogs are not shielded from pain that is simply defined as any physical discomfort caused by injury or disease. Pain can be acute, such as suffering from a broken leg, or chronic, such as contending constantly with arthritis in the joints. And pain can definitely affect your dog’s behavior, shifting him from being...
Do You Need a Dog Muzzle? Behavior Clues Provide an Answer
Disclaimer: If you purchase items through links on our site we may earn a commission. Does your dog nip, growl, snarl, snap or bite? Lunge and bark at other animals or people? Do you think your dog might injure someone or another dog? Does he eat rocks or other inedible things? If you answer yes to any of these questions, your dog needs a muzzle. Don’t wait for a bite or foreign body surgery before getting your dog muzzle trained. What is a dog muzzle? Dog muzzles are similar to masks but with holes, designed to prevent a dog from...
Dear Mr. Muttley: If Dogs Wrote a Manners Column
©YinYang | Getty Images Dogs are very much like humans: Some have great manners; others have none. I don’t know about you, but I’ve known dogs whose looks of harsh judgment and superiority could make even the most poorly mannered people change their ways for the better. In my humble opinion, some types of dogs writing a manners column for wayward pups isn’t that far-fetched of a concept. I mean, not mine — mine would give advice on how to be a hooligan — but others could give “Dear Abby” a run...
What is Heterochromia in Dogs?
What does it mean when a dog has two-colored eyes? Are you the proud pet parent of a dog with two different colored eyes? You may think this is super cool, or super weird. And it’s probably a bit of both. But don’t worry, your dog is not alone. There are many dog breeds who are prone to this condition, and it’s called heterochromia. What is heterochromia in dogs? Heterochromia is the official term for dogs with two different colored eyes. In fact, this not only happens in dogs, but it can also occur in cats, horses,...
What Dog Owners Should Know About Dognapping
Two million dogs are stolen each year and about 10% are returned home, according to Petfinder.com. We call this dognapping — the crime of taking a dog from his owner, derived from the term kidnapping. Throughout the world, pets are stolen for a variety of reasons, like being resold as a companion pet, to collecting rewards from distressed owners or for fighting in dogfights, just to name a few. In the last two and half years, there has been an increase in dog thefts in order to make quick money by criminals looking to take advantage of...
Does My Dog Need His Anal Glands Expressed?
While some dogs occasionally or never need their anal glands expressed, others get chronic infections and require regular emptying of their anal sacs. Shake off the ick-factor and get ready to learn everything you never wanted to know about dog anal glands. Your pooch will thank you. What are dog anal glands? Dog anal glands, also known as anal sacs or scent glands, are specialized sweat glands located just under the skin’s surface near the dog’s anus opening. Small and oval-shaped, dog anal glands are tucked between the external...
10 Great U.S. Dog-Friendly Towns to Visit
Dreaming of the perfect getaway with your dog? Traveling with your canine companion is a fun way to spend quality time together, increase your bond and experience new areas of the country. Especially after the last two years, many of us are ready to stretch our legs and start exploring. Dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, beaches and laws make these towns tail waggin’. You and your pup are sure to enjoy these dog-centric vacation destinations! 1. San Diego, California Ready for fun in the sun? This dog-friendly city with lots of...
How to help an Aggressive or Reactive Dog
Do you think your dog might be reactive, or even aggressive? Some reactivity is normal and necessary for survival, but when is it time to get help? Maybe you’re frustrated or embarrassed by your dog’s meltdowns when deliveries come, or sad or even scared by your dog’s barking and lunging at neighborhood dogs. It doesn’t mean you have a bad dog, or that you’re a bad dog guardian. But it does mean your dog needs help handling her feelings about certain parts of her life. Emotions drive behavior. So, if your dog...
Energy Food & Drinks for Dogs On the Go
Disclaimer: If you purchase items through links on our site we may earn a commission. If your doggie-and-me travel plans include long walks, challenging hikes or your dog competing in such popular canine sports as agility or dock diving, don’t forget to pack his energy bar. You read that right. The energy bar market has expanded and is going to the dogs. And, it does makes sense. Why should your dog simply watch you eat your energy bar when you both take a break during a vigorous activity? A few pieces of kibble just won’t...
All You Need to Know About Probiotics for Dogs
Both good and bad bacteria can live inside the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. Probiotics are the good or friendly bacteria (and yeast) needed in the gut for healthy digestive and immune system function. Dr. Judy Morgan, a public speaker on pet health and an integrative veterinarian, who offers online consultations, says probiotics combat the bad bacteria and are the gatekeepers that stop pathogenic intruders. They keep the mucosal gut lining healthy so that the body can receive nutrients. When your dog has vomiting and diarrhea,...
