It’s important to remember that no single symptom here is necessarily indicative of cancer. They are however, good reasons to make an appointment with your vet. (graphic courtesy of ParkerPup.com) 11 Possible Signs of Cancer In Your Dog: Straining to poop/thin, ribbon like stools Lethargy or no appetite Any new bump or lump Drainage or odor from ears (note: this is also very common with ear infections) Runny, bloody nose Unusually foul breath & excessive drooling Increased thirst and urination … Read more

Walking is an integral part of a dog owner’s life. The explosion of pet pampering products in the past ten years has introduced hundreds of different styles of leashes for every breed and occasion. Style statements are made with rhinestone encrusted leashes or thick strips of spiked leather. Retractable leashes are available everywhere, sold by most pet supply stores and online. They come in various lengths, strengths, colors and designs to satisfy anyone’s personal fashion tastes. Retractable leashes are corded, … Read more

Thinking of something fun to do during the hot summer months? Does your dog love water? If the answer is yes to those questions, consider Dock Diving! Dock Diving, or dock jumping, is a fun sport in which dogs compete for jumping the highest and farthest into a body of water. Any breed of dog is welcome, and any level of dog handler. But competitive teams fear not, for there are plenty of exciting competitions in this sport. Dock diving … Read more

Stay is one of those tricky behaviors that alludes many dog owners. After all, most dogs do not find anything particularly rewarding about having to stay in one position while other family members or people outside get to move around. We have to show our dog that stay can be rewarding in order to get a rock solid one. Stay is hard for dogs, especially young or high-drive ones, because its takes self-control. They have to physically make themselves stay … Read more

If you are thinking about bringing in a new puppy to your family, do not forget to take into consideration your current dog. Before you start looking for another dog, make sure the one you already have will be happy that you have added to the family. Especially older dogs who have always been an “only child.” They can be fear or aggressive to a new dog in their domain. Does your dog get along with other dogs at the dog parks, … Read more

These delicious and simple jerky recipes make great treats for your dog, that you can share! Made with human ingredients by you, you won’t have worry about recalls or where the product was manufactured. You can also alter the recipes according to your dog’s personal tastes, so you can make a treat what will be sure to make him drool! How to Make Dog Jerky While you can buy a dehydrator, which are not very expensive and will make this … Read more

Our dogs share a lot of common ailments with us, and one of them is hypothyroidism. Most of us are familiar with “thyroid problems,” in that we hear the phrase spoken around us. But if you do not understand the disease and the symptoms, it’s possible your own dog could be suffering from it and you would not even know. What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that is caused when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones … Read more

The plants are blooming and that means the bees are out again. While we are often careful about our children and ourselves getting stung, we do not always think about our dogs. However, dogs can be stung by bees just as easily as us, if not easier, with the same results. Do you know what to do if your dog gets stung? What to do Immediately try to remove the stinger with a pair of tweezers. Look for an area with swelling. … Read more

Most of a dog’s odd behavior is a genetic predisposition from their days as wild, untamed dogs that fended for themselves and had no human to answer to. From killing their stuffed animals to feeling the rush of wind on their face, owners are constantly amazed and amused by their furry four legged companions. Listed below are five peculiar habits that have their roots based deep within their DNA. Teeth Shake Ever wonder why a dog picks up a toy … Read more

One of the most common complaints about dogs from both owners and non-owners is barking. It can be loud, incessant, and ear-piercing. Even the most loving owner has found herself wondering what life would be like without their dog due to barking that just won’t quit. The pet product industry has capitalized on this problem, selling all kinds of so-called training equipment or management tools to keep your dog quiet. They make big promises to stop barking “easily” and “for … Read more

In honor of this year’s National Puppy Day, Aimee Gilbreath, Executive Director of Found Animals has a few tips to help you make an informed decision about choosing your next family member. 1.  Consider the Benefits of Adopting a Puppy The mere presence of a puppy can melt your heart immediately, so it is very important to understand that your new pup will require a lot of time, energy and patience before making any decisions. With that in mind, puppies … Read more

It’s been a very long day, the last thing an owner needs when walking in the house is to find a huge mess. Garbage strewn across the floor, pillows emptied, a favorite pair of shoes obliterated. What would be worse is coming home and finding the dog unconscious from something he got into. Below are five easy tips to keep dogs safe while they’re home alone. Set Limits To crate or not to crate, that is a tricky question. Some … Read more

We have all heard the common myth that a wagging tail means a happy, friendly dog. While it is true that dogs do wag their tails to express happiness at seeing a person (or dinner!), dogs also wag their tails to show other emotions. In fact, dog tails are more like human faces, showing their emotions through movement and position much like we do with smiles, frowns, pursed lips, etc.Knowing what to look for in a dog’s tail can help … Read more

We are all aware that some breeds, like the Australian shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, and the Viszla, have a tradition and/or standard of either a docked tail, cropped ears, or both. Recently, as more and more pet parents have begun to question whether we should do these alterations. And, in some places, such as many countries in Europe, they have already banned the procedures. But there are those who say the alterations serve a purpose other than looks, and that they are … Read more

Dogs can have environmental allergies just like people, often to the same things. You might be surprised that allergens in your house can make your dog as miserable as they make you. And, you may have been mistaking the symptoms for something else, including food allergies. Environmental allergies outside your house can also affect your pup. As the weather warms up and spring comes, grass grows, flowers and trees bloom, and the world smells amazing. But with all the good things it … Read more

The wolf brings forth thoughts of majesty, independence, spirit and drive. It is only natural that some would want the unbridled splendor of a wolf, paired with the loyalty of a domesticated dog. Before anyone knew it, the wolf hybrid came onto the scene. Wolf advocates praised the advances in trying to preserve the wolf’s lineage. Evolutionary biologists shake their heads in dismay. The wolf is a wild animal, plain and simple. No amount of hybrid cross breeding can change … Read more

Many of us like the idea of spending our lives helping animals, but may not have the time or resources to go to veterinary school. The next best thing, then, would be a veterinary technician.  Vet Techs help out in surgery, perform x-rays and basic “nurse” functions like taking temperatures, giving vaccines, and collecting samples for tests. It’s a rewarding job…but it’s also a highly-sought after job with a lot of applicants. Make sure you are doing all you can … Read more

Canine massage?! That’s the response most people have when they hear you talk about massaging your dog. However, just like with people, massaging your dog can relieve pain and stress, calm nerves, and strengthen the bond you have with your dog. Rubi Sullivan, CSAMP (certified small animal massage practitioner) explains that “massage is a gentle and non-invasive therapy that is a great way to maintain your dog’s health and well-being, as well as regular veterinary visits.” What are the Benefits? … Read more

It’s been decided, being a dog trainer is the way to go. But how does one even get started? There are a fair number of people out there who decide they know enough about dogs, have read enough books and promote themselves as trainers. Without proper training or mentoring, an uncertified trainer may do more harm than good when it comes to a dog’s education. Related: Review of Spirit Dog Online Training   Certified Professional Trainer Certified Professional Dog Trainer … Read more