There are many therapeutic aspects to living with a dog. Studies done on sensory therapy with autistic children showed a marked improvement in development. Another study done concerning children with ADD and ADHD showed that the therapy dogs had created a calming effect in the participants who are not currently medicated. These studies have marked what dogs offer children, what health benefits do dogs offer to the average adult? A lot! Below are five health benefits dogs give freely everyday … Read more

There are many diseases and ailments involving the canine eye. However, some are more prevalent than others, and it is likely you will deal with at least one of these five at some point during your dog’s life. Knowing the signs can speed up treatment and in some cases prevent the disease from getting worse. 1. Conjunctivitis This may be the most common eye ailment that most dogs get at one time or another in their life. It is an … Read more

The Dangers of Anesthesia Every day, hundreds of dogs go under for routine procedures – dental cleanings, spays, neuters – without owners ever giving it a second thought. But, there are risks with anesthesia that can cause complications including death. Being aware of the dangers, learning the precautions you can take and weighing whether the procedure is worth the risk can help you avoid a tragedy. What Are The Dangers? There are many side-affects and risks associated with anesthesia that … Read more

There is nothing quite as obnoxious as a dog who has learned to get what he wants by whining and barking at you. In fact, there are many dogs in shelters because the owners (or their neighbors) just couldn’t handle the barking. Before you give up on your dog, tries these tips and tricks to get your dog to listen instead of talk. 1. Ignore it This is the HARDEST thing to do BUT it WORKS BETTER than anything else. Remember, … Read more

Ever brush a dog and wonder what to do with the bags of hair left behind? Wonder no longer. There are several uses for the left over fur that is considered environmentally friendly. From simple gardening tips to national awareness, dog fur has come a long way. Gardening Dog fur may be used as a natural pest repellent. After brushing, collect the left over fur and make a nest. Fit this nest of fur around the base of a plant … Read more

For centuries dogs have been using distressing signals to their humans and to each other. Unfortunately the humans look at these signals and decode using human emotions. While dogs do have emotions, they may not feel them the same way humans do. This is where the confusion and miscommunication come in. When an owner sees their dog sit and look away while being reprimanded, they may assume that the dog is disregarding them. “Whatever”. But to a dog, sitting and … Read more

We all joke about “doggy breath,” but the fact is that nasty breath may be telling you something is wrong in your pup’s mouth. According to Dr. Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP, “a full 85% of pets have periodontal disease by age 3.” (www.veterinarypartner.com)  The Signs Unfortunately, periodontal disease has really no signs except for halitosis (bad breath) in its early stages (http://www.avdc.org). The Stages “In progressed cases your pet may refuse to eat, unable to chew. Look for redness … Read more