We are what we eat. It’s a common saying about human nutrition, acknowledging the critical link between our health and our diet. And it’s true of dogs, too. The question of canine nutrition has garnered increasing attention over the last couple of decades, bringing an ever-burgeoning pet food market in its wake. The choices are… Read more »
Bad breath is a common but highly treatable problem in dogs. The smell, caused by bacteria in your dog’s mouth, stomach, or lungs, most often signals a dental or gastric issue. Sudden or unusually foul breath, however, can indicate serious illness. In all cases, a visit to the vet is important. Don’t assume that unpleasant… Read more »
We humans have been “taking the waters” for our health for thousands of years, and over the last decade, more dogs have been getting their paws wet for the same reason. Canine hydrotherapy (also called aqua or swim therapy) is essentially warm-water swimming and/or massage for curative purposes—and it’s very effective. Many veterinarians recommend hydrotherapy… Read more »
Even if you make regular trips to the groomer, there are good reasons to also groom your dog at home. A dog with a clean, healthy coat feels better in herself, and brushing and bathing your dog promotes skin health and gives you quality time together. Nothing says, I love you, Daisy, like a good… Read more »
Prompt and informed first aid saves lives—for dogs as well as humans. Losing a dog to an asthma attack or a common type of poisoning is all the more tragic in cases where CPR skills or knowledge of first aid could have kept the dog alive until his owners reached a veterinarian. And not just… Read more »
There are five types of canine allergies: Bacterial, contact, flea, inhalant, and food. The least common are bacterial and contact. Bacterial allergies result in skin disease and require antibiotic treatment. Contact allergies are reactions to substances in the dog’s environment, such as wool or cleaners, and often disappear when the irritant is removed. Flea allergies… Read more »
Doing your homework is key to making traveling with your dog a healthy and stress-free experience. First, research the area(s) you’ll be visiting: Are there weather advisories in place, or disease outbreaks or risks you’re unfamiliar with (water parasites, ticks, rabies)? Are there permissions or vaccinations your dog will need to travel there? Next, be… Read more »
Rabies is a fatal infection that is contagious to all warm-blooded animals, including people. It’s caused by a virus that affects the nervous system, producing symptoms such as fever, seizures, paralysis, slack jaw, inability to swallow, excessive salivation (hence the trademark foaming at the mouth), lack of coordination, unusual aggression or shyness, and other awful… Read more »
Awkward as the subject is, excessive flatulence in dogs is no joke. Of course, some gas production is perfectly normal, in dogs as well as humans. But too much of it is not just a nuisance for those living with the afflicted pooch, it’s a sign that something isn’t working as it should in the… Read more »
Snakebite readiness and prevention isn’t just for rural dogs. Urban pooches visit yards and sometimes go on vacation or road trips, so here’s a primer on what to know: Prevention. Beware of yards that have undergrowth, brush, or shrubs where snakes can hide. Ditto spilled birdseed or fruit; food attracts rodents, which attract snakes. On… Read more »
Treats are an essential part of doggie life—ask any dog. Not only great for every teachable moment and training session, treats can help you build a positive reaction in your dog to something new or scary. But by definition, treats are delicious and desirable, and treat makers often achieve this with extra fat, salt, and… Read more »
