By Mary Jo DiLonardo Summer can mean lots of fun outside with your dog. But when the temps soar, take steps to protect your pet. Whether you take him for a walk down the street, a ride in the car, or just out in the yard to play, the heat […]
Pups communicate for many reasons, but sometimes you just need them to shush. Mary Jo DiLonardo Barking is a dog’s way of communicating everything from danger to boredom. It’s a lose-lose situation no matter which side of the fence you’re on. Whether it’s your dog that’s barking or your neighbor’s […]
Posted on March 4, 2019 under Pet Health & Safety It’s always important to bring your pets to the veterinarian annually to be examined, and even more important for senior pets. But when should you consider making that appointment a little earlier? Being able to recognize the clinical signs of […]
Many plants that are poisonous to dogs are very common in backyards. These toxic time-bombs range from being only mildly toxic (for example, causing vomiting) to being responsible for serious canine health problems. If you wish to err on the safe side, thoroughly research all the vegetation and berries that […]
By Marianne Lipanovich, Houzz. Dogs and outdoor spaces go together naturally. But with their penchant for digging holes, carving runway paths worthy of an international airport and eating plants, some dogs can wreak havoc on landscape design. Knowing what some of the most common problems are and how to overcome […]
Find a way that is meaningful to you to honor your pet, like placing pictures throughout your home or planting a memorial garden. Nothing can prepare you for losing a beloved family member. When that family member is your pet, though, there is a unique set of emotions you must […]
Fears, Phobias, and Anxieties in Dogs Fear is the instinctual feeling of apprehension resulting from a situation, person, or object presenting an external threat — whether real or perceived. The response of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for the freeze, fight, or flight syndrome. It is considered to […]
For some of us, spring represents a time of rebirth: winter thaws, budding blossoms, cute ducklings and chicks. But for those of us with seasonal allergies, spring is less benevolent and more horror movie: runny noses, itchy throats, constant sneezes. If you think humans are alone in suffering when spring […]
Written by John Walton Grooming is a natural part of a dog’s daily routine, from licking himself clean to shaking off the blades of grass after a good roll on the lawn. But it’s no longer grooming when the behavior becomes incessant. If you notice your dog constantly licking his […]
BY KRITESHANAND PUBLISHED ON 06/06/2015 It is a well-established fact that dogs are intelligent creatures. They are also more aware about their surroundings as compared to humans, and can easily pick up what is going through the minds of their owners. According to some people, dogs can even sense some […]
New study reveals the risks, but these tips will keep you on track. Mary Jo DiLonardo March 8, 2019, 8:24 a.m. Having a dog can motivate seniors to go for a walk, which is smart for overall health — but there’s a risk of serious injury, too. Dogs are awesome. […]
When Janet Sinclair made the cross-country move from California to Massachusetts in July 2013, she arranged for what she thought would be the safest travel plan for her six-year-old Bengal cat, Alika, and five-year-old greyhound, Sedona. United’s PetSafe program promised a climate-controlled and pressurized cargo environment, specially trained staff, and […]
Annie Phenix, CPDT-KA | Jan 21st 2016 There is no need or valid reason to shock, poke, hang, hit, or throw chains at your dog, or to spray water in his face or hurl him to the ground on his back (called an alpha roll). None. Please read that sentence […]
Think your cat’s meows, chirps, yowls, and purrs are just random gibberish? Think again. She’s actually communicating to you information about her world and about how she feels toward you. The good news is that if you listen closely, you just might begin to understand what the sounds your cat […]
Find out which Valentine’s Day treats could be dangerous to you pet! Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care. As pet parents, it’s in our instincts to shower our furry friends with love and affection too. However, as you indulge in the Valentine’s […]
Posts by: Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM Each New Year we’re inundated with lists of things to do, buy, and become. We read these lists, make promises to ourselves, and then promptly forget it ever happened by February. This year I’m taking the opposite approach: Here are the things you definitely […]
By Paula Fitzsimmons You already know that not taking care of your dog’s teeth can lead to periodontal disease, a condition that results in bleeding gums, bad breath, and ultimately tooth loss. “Periodontal disease starts under the gum line with a substance called plaque, which is made up of bacteria,” […]
It began subtly. You noticed some gray fur on the snout of your black lab. Your once spry playmate stopped jumping after his tennis ball. And your formerly vigorous walks with him turned into leisurely strolls. Then your vet said a word you hadn’t heard before: “senior.” Pet care changes […]
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 […]