BY DR. MARTY BECKER DVM | JUNE 22, 2015 As soon as you get your new puppy, love on him and let him hear the sound of your voice. You want to know the first two thoughts of a new puppy owner? I got a new puppy! Now what do […]
By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant Some dogs do fine living with cats; others simply cannot live safely with felines. Sometimes, a dog can live with certain cats (depending on their age, temperament and activity level), but not others. Even if your dog has successfully lived with cats […]
5 Tips to Protect Your Dog This Holiday Season Posts by: Dr. Mike Paul, DVM Well, here we are again. While it seems we were just preparing for summer vacation, it’s the holiday season already. The holidays bring much with them, including celebrations, decorations and unfortunately, potential hazards for our […]
by Aly J. Yale Updated on 12.05.18 Overcrowding is a serious problem in America’s animal shelters. According to the ASPCA, an estimated 1.5 million animals are euthanized every year due to overcrowding — and that’s only dogs and cats. If you’re considering bringing home a pet in the new year, […]
Cold rains and frigid winds, along with winter’s snow and ice can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin and coat when you take him for his daily walks. It’s the most difficult time of year for maintaining your best friend’s grooming routine. What’s the best way to protect your dog’s […]
Extreme low temperatures can cause a dog’s body temperature to fall, leading to hypothermia. A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101°F and 102.5°F, so anything below 100°F is considered hypothermia in dogs. If sustained, hypothermia in dogs may lead to several complications and can even become fatal. To prevent […]
Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also a time for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink. Check out the following tips […]
Dr. Sophia Yin gives some sage advice on breaking up a tussle between dogs. For more from Dr. Yin, find her on Facebook or at drsophiayin.com! If you have a dog and he goes to the dog park, lives with doggie housemates, or otherwise socializes with other dogs, chances are […]
Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1. Stash the Treats The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, […]
Do you feel guilty that your pet doesn’t get enough time with you? It’s a trap that happens to most of us, but one that can be easily remedied. Here are some guidelines for enriching your pet’s life and health through exercise. Why Exercising Your Dog Makes Sense Big or […]
The word “compulsive” describes the repetitive, irresistible urge to perform a behavior. A dog who displays compulsive behavior repeatedly performs one or more behaviors over and over, to the extent that it interferes with his normal life. The behavior he’s doing doesn’t seem to have any purpose, but he’s compelled […]
For some pet parents, a trip is no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come along. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your pets. If you’re planning to take a trip with pets in tow, we have some tips to help ensure a […]
I’m on the front line, fighting that most foul habit: coprophagia. Here are a few of my strategies to stop it. Helen Ubinas | Aug 2nd 2012 My rescue Goldens and I are locked in a battle of wills that can only be described as the Poop Wars. On one […]
Warm weather is a natural draw for getting out and enjoying the bounties of summer before the next cold arrives in the fall. And naturally, our dogs want to get out and enjoy the warm weather, too. But a day out in the sun is only fun when everyone is […]
Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior problem in dogs. It’s also the number-one reason why pet parents seek professional help from behaviorists, trainers and veterinarians. What Is Aggression? The term “aggression” refers to a wide variety of behaviors that occur for a multitude of reasons in various […]
By Sandra Ketcham Being overweight or obese poses significant health threats to your dog, but being underweight is not healthy either. A quick body check can determine if your dog is too thin. If your dog seems too skinny to you, regardless of what the body check indicates, consult your […]
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are red, moist, hot and irritated lesions that are typically found on a dog’s head, hip or chest area. Hot spots often grow at an alarming rate within a short period of time because dogs tend to lick, chew and scratch the […]
It’s not just the right thing to do; adoption is a reward. Pet lovers know: Adoption is the snuggliest option. Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are ten reasons to adopt your new best friend. 1. Because you’ll save a life. Each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs […]
In September it’s not just our kids that have to adjust By Natasha Ashton, Petplan pet insurance co-founder and co-CEO When lazy summer days give way to structured schedules in September, one family member can have a particularly tough time weathering the transition: our pets! Many pet parents see a […]
Too much time in the sun poses similar health risks for our dogs and cats as it does for ourselves. Like humans, pets can experience sunburns — which not only can be painful, but also can increase risk for certain types of skin cancer. Topically applied sunscreen can protect your […]
Air travel is not just stressful for animals. It can be dangerous, no matter how smooth the landing, timely the departure or friendly the flight attendants. By Alastair Bland SMITHSONIAN.COM If you think flying is stressful, just imagine how the experience must impact an innocent, unknowing dog or cat when […]
Pancreatitis in Dogs The pancreas is part of the endocrine and digestive system, which is integral for the digestion of foods, producing the enzymes that digest food, and producing insulin. When a condition occurs to cause inflammation of the pancreas, the flow of enzymes into the digestive tract can become […]
Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks, but they can be terrifying and overwhelming for pets, and possibly hazardous. On the Fourth of July, so many pets are frightened and try to escape the sights and sounds that animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic […]
We love to share food with our dogs, and since fruits and vegetables are healthy for us, we often assume that they’re healthy for our pets, too. This is often the case, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s always the case. In fact, there are some fruits and vegetables that […]
WebMD veterinary expert answers commonly asked questions about joint problems in dogs. By Sandy Eckstein Dogs’ joints take a pounding, from running after tennis balls to jumping off the back deck. And for some dogs, that’s a problem. More use means more injuries and can lead to joint-related problems such […]
Skip Dean/First Light/Corbis Dogs are born with strong natural instincts, including barking, digging and being totally lovable to humans. Some people also think that swimming is a skill that all dogs naturally have. Why would they call it the “doggie paddle” unless it was something all canines could do? But […]
WebMD discusses common dog eye problems, and offers tips on helping clear up your pooch’s eye issues. By Hilary Parker Your snow-white poodle is so cute — but he’d be even cuter without those reddish-brown streaks under his eyes. Dog eye discharge and tear staining are common problems, especially with […]
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a disease of the hip in which the ball and socket joint is malformed. This malformation means that the ball portion and its socket don’t properly meet one another, resulting in a joint that rubs and grinds instead of sliding smoothly. Canine Hip Dysplasia in […]
Many of us allow our pets to sleep with us, but is it healthy? Are there health risks to letting your dog or cat share the bed with you? How does it affect your relationship with your pet? Below we’ll cover the trends and facts about sleeping with your pet, […]
Your dog’s tear stains are caused by liquid secretion from his eyes, which gradually permeates the fur around his eyelids. While most dogs have at least some tear stains around their eyes, the problem is much more visible on dogs with white or light-colored fur. Many dog owners are concerned […]
One of the best things about summer is cooling off in your local swimming hole, especially if you can have a swimming buddy! If you live near a dog friendly lake or beach, or you have a backyard pool, you should definitely encourage your dog to join you for a […]
Your dog’s skin is a telltale—or telltail, as the case may be—sign she has had too much sun exposure. If your dog is sunburned, her skin will look pinker than normal. It might be more sensitive to the touch, too. Your dog’s sunburn is more than unsightly and uncomfortable; it’s […]
One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dogs are disruptive or destructive when left alone. Their dogs might urinate, defecate, bark, howl, chew, dig or try to escape. Although these problems often indicate that a dog needs to be taught polite house manners, they can […]
By Lynn Buzhardt, DVM Care & Wellness I’ve heard that dogs can only see black and white. Is that true? When you look at a rainbow in the sky, you see shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Can your canine friend distinguish the same range of […]
Spring is in the air! And so are pesky allergens that can cause allergies in every family member including your four-legged friends. While dogs and cats, like humans, can have allergies any time of year, they can also have seasonal allergies. These arrive with the warm weather as nature comes […]
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the weight of your dog, it could cause a serious medical emergency. That said, if your dog ate a small amount of milk chocolate, you don’t necessarily need to panic. Learn how much is […]
I’ve done it, and I know better. You’ve done it, and you probably know better too. I’ve written against it and recommended products that will prevent it. But I bet the majority of pet owners still do it. In fact, I know they do. What am I talking about? Letting […]
Heidi Clark | August 22, 2016 Does your dog spend a good deal of the day with his head on a pillow? Thought so. While it may seem excessive, sleeping for long periods is a natural part of the canine lifestyle. Dogs tend to spend 50 percent of the day […]
Q: We took a puppy class, and the trainer told us that she couldn’t recommend any of the local dog parks — or, in fact, the idea of dog parks at all. She said that no puppy should ever go to a dog park and that she wouldn’t take her […]
Like medical coverage for people, pet insurance policies are complicated. Here’s what we found when we analyzed the coverage from three health insurers. By Mandy Walker Last updated: March 30, 2016 Two years ago, Elizabeth Newsom-Stewart’s cat Fawkes ate part of a lily plant leaf. Newsom-Stewart, then a veterinary student […]
Dogs love chewing on bones and antlers. This fact is reinforced in cartoons, the media, advertising, and even in our speech. Ever heard the expression, “like a dog with a bone”? On the surface, antlers seem like the perfect object for dogs to chew on. Antlers do not appear to […]
Longer days, warm weather, and weekends spent frolicking with your furry friends all mean one thing–spring is here! As we emerge from our winter hibernation and prepare our yards, gardens, and home for the upcoming months, we don’t want to forget our pets. Increasing temperatures also mean the return of […]
We love our pets for many reasons, including their loyalty and devotion to us. They are often happiest when standing faithfully by our side, and a little sad to see us leave home for any reason. However, some pets can suffer from stress and panic in the absence of their […]
By Dr. Rob Spooner, DVM Crunching on kibble and chewing on raw bones and dental treats will definitely help scrape calculus from teeth, but it’s nowhere near as effective as regular brushing and dental cleanings. Here are 8 reasons you need to do something about your dog’s dental health: 1. […]
It’s not just the right thing to do; adoption is a reward. Pet lovers know: Adoption is the snuggliest option. Photo by iStockphoto Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are ten reasons to adopt your new best friend. 1. Because you’ll save a life. Each year, […]
Bringing home a new puppy is truly one of life’s joys. Thoughtful pre-puppy preparations and a well-planned first 24 hours can give your fuzzy bundle of promise a head start and make your dreams of the perfect family dog come true. Before the Big Day Once household discussions have established […]
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435 Our Animal Poison Control Center experts have put together a handy list of the top toxic people foods to avoid feeding your pet. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount […]
Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold […]
Fireworks have been a traditional part of America’s celebrations since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. But as popular as fireworks displays are, animals don’t understand that the bursts of light and deafening explosions are just for fun. To them, Independence Day seems more like the end of […]
The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be […]