Your dog’s skin is the largest organ he has, shouldn’t you make sure it stays healthy? Skin afflictions can be painfully uncomfortable for your dog and cost you hundreds at the vet. There are over 160 skin disorders, some of which are chronic, incurable diseases, while others are preventable. Help prevent what you can by following these tips to keeping your dog’s skin healthy. 1. Sun Protection Just like humans, overexposure to the sun is bad for your dog’s skin. … Read more

There really is not a better job in the world than getting to work and play with dogs every day. It might be one of the few jobs were you get paid to be around something that reduces stress, lengthens your lifespan, keeps you healthy, and doesn’t spread office gossip. But for many of us, the idea is just a pipe dream. If you have the guts to even tell your family, you are met with laughter, criticism and the … Read more

Some dogs were bred to dig out their prey, others are suffering with behavioral issues. Digging is merely a symptom of the problem at hand. Once the issue is resolved, the digging will either lessen considerably or disappear entirely. Listed below are the five most common reasons for digging and ways to eliminate them. Genetics Certain breeds were born to dig. Dachshunds and Terriers are designed to claw the ground, hunting for badgers, foxes and other woodland creatures. It is … Read more

Many dog owners find it easier to feed their dog either once a day or just to free feed them throughout the day—both of these can be dangerous to your dog’s  health. Free feeding can cause a obesities as most dog’s will continually eat if given the choice. In addition, it can be hard to monitor your dog’s health if you are not sure how much or even if he is eating. For example, if you feed your dog a … Read more

They come in all shapes and sizes. Long, short, floppy or cropped; a dog’s ears only need a quick clean every so often. Too much cleaning on normally healthy ears will lead to irritation and may bring on infection because there is no healthy bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria. If there are signs of infection (Acute scratching of the head or ear, foul smell, discharge) consult a vet. Less is More The way the canine ear is designed … Read more

With the recent recalls on dog food and treats, many pet owners are thinking it might be safer to just make their own. It can also save you money and for dogs with allergies, it can be easier than trying to find a commercial treat. But, if you are not a natural chef for a dog nutritionist, you may feel unsure about what ingredients to use or how to bake something for your pet. Here are some simple tips to … Read more

SHARE this important article!   If you’re going on vacation and leaving your dogs in the care of a trusted friend or daycare, you probably give them your veterinarian’s phone number. But what other numbers do you keep on file? We can’t call 9-1-1 when our dogs have an emergency, so who exactly should we call? What are the most important resources we should have on hand to be prepared for anything? This list will help you prepare for any … Read more

There is a great divide among animal activists, dog trainers and owners; to crate or not to crate? The question arises with each new dog owner. Is it safe for the dog or convenient for the owner? Does it help or hinder separation anxiety? Is it a useful training tool or an isolation tank? Some people believe that when used in a positive manner, a crate is no different than a dog having their own room to hang out and … Read more

For many places, this winter has been harsher than it has been in a long time, and it’s not over yet. Regardless of the weather, though, most dogs want to go outside. In fact, some actually revel in the snow, playing and rolling in it for hours. While it is fun to watch a dog romp in the drifts and try to catch snowflakes, walking when it’s icy and cold can be hazardous to both the dog and human. Follow … Read more

A common plight among dogs is car sickness. No fun for the owner, it also takes the joy right out riding in the car for your canine traveling companion. Many dogs that suffer car sickness get so upset they won’t go near the car, and who can blame them? Don’t you avoid boats if you get seasick or that certain carnival ride that makes you nauseous? Bring the joy back to your dog’s joy riding by trying some of these … Read more

With the number of dog bites that happen each year in the U.S. (more than 4.5 million), the public needs to be better prepared on how to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. Not only does it cause pain and sometimes costly medical bills, it can cost a dog its life. In most cases, it is not entirely the dog’s fault – oftentimes if the human had done something differently, or had not approached the dog at … Read more

Most of us do not give our dog’s nails much thought. If you take your dog to the vet or groomer’s for bathing, you may never think of them. But, a dog’s nails are more like our toes – if they go bad, it can affect the entire way they walk. In the case of a puppy, it can actually harm their conformation and lead to a host of problems. Allowing a puppy’s nails to grow too long will cause … Read more

Inclement weather can make exercising your dog a chore or even impossible. When your best friend can’t get outside, pent up energy can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing, zooming through the house, getting into the garbage, etc. So how do you tire out your dog when you can’t go outside? Here are a few ideas to help get your dog’s energy out, without destroying your home. 1. Indoor Obstacle Course. Clear out a space in a room (be sure … Read more

Commonly called “doggy breath,” it is something most of us find repugnant. In fact, a lot of owners confess they don’t let their dogs kiss them solely because of the smell from their favorite canine’s mouth. While a dog’s mouth will never smell like roses, there are a few things you can do to fix it…and a very good reason why you shouldn’t ignore it! Symptom of a Disease Dog owners should never ignore bad breath, especially if it is … Read more

Lethargy Some dogs are inherently lazy, but you may notice it to be more extreme than usual. Lethargy is a very common sign that your dog is not feeling well. And who can blame him? You don’t want to do much when you’re sick either. If the lethargy lasts more than a few hours, you should probably take him in for a check-up. Lethargy is a symptom of many ailments, some minor and others very serious. Lack of Appetite Most … Read more

It’s not if you will have an emergency with your dog, but when – Are you prepared? Not being ready could cost your canine his life, so be sure you have the proper items on hand and know what needs to be done should you find yourself in an emergency situation. Emergency Information Time is of the essence when it comes to an emergency – one minute could be the difference between saving and losing your beloved pet. Make sure … Read more

The American Kennel Club’s® (AKC®) Canine Good Citizen® (CGC®) test was created in 1989 to recognize dogs that are well mannered both in the home and out in society. The idea is to create a standard for responsible pet ownership and outline the basic behaviors every dog should have. Each dog that passes the test is eligible for the AKC CGC title and will receive a passing certificate from the Kennel Club. The test contains 10 elements: 1. Accepting a … Read more

Volunteers are the backbone of any animal shelter. They are counted on to walk dogs in all types of weather, clean up messes, and of course the hardest part of all, socializing puppies through play and cuddling. There are some truly awesome volunteers who deserve a medal for their dedication and determination. Then there are some who could use a few lessons on proper volunteer etiquette. This list is for anyone who strives to stand out as an extraordinary volunteer; … Read more

With a new dog comes new responsibilities, including finding the right veterinarian. When starting out on this quest, there are many things an owner can do before scheduling an informational appointment. Check out the practice’s website, facebook page, twitter page (if one is available.), look at the online yellow pages, read the reviews by current and former clients. Jot down questions as they arise during research; if the practice looks promising schedule an introductory appointment and if possible, a tour. … Read more

Training your dog can be a fun, rewarding experience. It can also be a frustrating situation for both you and your dog. Top trainers know how to get the most of their training session and, by extension, their dog. Beginners often struggle with things like how to keep their dog engaged, what happens when a session goes wrong, and why their dog will listen to them at home, but nowhere else The following tips will let you in on some … Read more

With the large number of dogs that now live in urban settings where they come in daily contact with dozens of people, it’s not really surprising (though it is sad) that dog bites are on the rise. Approximately 4.7 million dog bites happen in the U.S. each year. 50% of those were children under the age of 12 years (www.Americanhumane.org). Just because a dog lives in the city does not mean it is comfortable with strangers, children in particular. A lot … Read more

SHARE this! Dogs develop fears throughout their lives. Seemingly harmless events during the formative puppy stages could plague a happy go lucky dog throughout their life. Dogs also pick up on and exhibit fears of their owners. They watch how the pack leaders react to certain situations and will become fearful themselves over something as harmless as a broom falling over. Below are five common phobias dogs face and how to work with them. 1. Loud Noises (Thunderstorms, Fireworks, Vacuuming, … Read more

There are many things to consider when deciding to open your home to a dog. Does it matter whether the dog is a pure breed, or would a mutt (combination of two or more breeds) be alright? Is age a factor? There are thousands of amazing dogs available for adoption at local animal shelters. Here are some reasons to consider adoption over purchasing a dog from a breeder. Loyalty Most dogs are relinquished by previous owners due to circumstances beyond … Read more

Dog dander can put a damper on any home. Contrary to popular belief, dog dander causes allergic reactions, not fur. Excessive dander is not only annoying, but it can also be a sign that your dog is not as healthy as they could be. Minimizing dog dander is a great place to start, especially if you have allergies. It’s also a great way to keep your house clean and your dog healthy. Master Groomer Serena Marshall, the owner of Shantel … Read more

You fell in love with a cute bundle of fur and brought it home. Her big brown eyes and sloppy tongue pretty much guarantee that you will give in to her every whim. But soon those behaviors you found irritatingly cute are now just irritating, and the new habits she’s forming are less than ideal. This could be your future, if you make these common new dog owner mistakes. Avoid them, and you will be well on your way to … Read more

There is the normal licking; ice cream dripped on the kitchen floor, many happy (and not so welcome) kisses when an owner walks through the door. Then there is the questionable tongue bath; constant licking of an owners hand or the licking of their paw. How does one tell the difference between harmless grooming and a compulsive behavior? Attention seeker Sometimes dogs like the scent of a soap or hand lotion and can’t seem to get enough of it, so … Read more

Losing your best friend is always difficult. Our dogs bring love, happiness, and companionship to our lives without asking for much in return. As such, their own lives are just not long enough.  After they’re gone, we all work hard to preserve the memories we have of them. Below are some unique ways to honor your faithful companion and remember them forever.  1. Sponsor a Dog Park A great way to keep your best friend in the hearts of everyone … Read more

Houseguests are both a blessing and a curse. It is wonderful to visit, hang out, and reconnect. However, the preparation before the guest arrives can be stressful, even downright exhausting. More so if the guest is allergic to dogs and the hosts resides with one. With a little planning and a lot of elbow grease, it is possible to have a memorable visit, in a good way. The one word to keep in mind… CLEAN. Clean everything, and then clean … Read more

Service Dogs are a common sight. We see them everywhere, from sporting events to airports, schools to restaurants. As commonplace as they are, the vast majority of Americans do not know or fully understand the purpose of a Service Dog or the proper protocol to follow when you encounter one. Help educate your children about Service Dogs to make sure they treat them for what they are: a working animal extension of their handler, who deserves respect and consideration. What … Read more

Columnist Dave Barry was once quoted as saying, “Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear.” Dogs bark, sometimes for reasons unknown to their owner. A plastic bag could be blowing in the wind a mile away, the dog needs to tell somebody. Or the motivation may be more obvious, a door knock, a thunderstorm, an owner … Read more

Puppies are cuddly, endearing and amusing to watch. They explore their world with wide eyed innocence, often with hilarious results. Puppies are babies that need to be nurtured, loved, and trained. Some people love the sweet aroma of puppy breath. When they are done exploring, puppies want to curl up in the closest lap and sigh contentedly. At some point those charming, innocent, delightful little puppies grow. They move into their adolescence where they test boundaries. It no longer holds … Read more

What does one look for in a guard dog? Do they want a dog to attack on command? Or merely bark excessively to scare off would be robbers? There are certain breeds that would lick someone into submission. Of course enthusiastic tail wagging has been known to cause serious injury. It is possible to train almost any dog to be an effective protector, but certain breeds were genetically designed to be protective and downright scary. Here is a list of … Read more

You’ve probably walked in on this scenario more than once, and you may have reacted with the utmost disgust and discomfort. The slobbery lips, the big puppy smile, and that cool, porcelain bowl…that’s right, we’re talking about toilet water. If you’ve had dogs, you’ve likely realized they can’t get enough of it. We know you’re probably feeling a little better now that we’re all sharing the disdain together. But it’s not just that drinking toilet water seems inherently distasteful, it’s … Read more