Sally Jones

Sally has been a writer and copy editor for Canine Journal for many years. She has 25+ years of professional writing and editing experience. She also has years of experience in public relations, marketing, and fundraising communications, specializing in health care communications. Her past work history and major freelance clients include the UVA Health System, the VCU Health System, the MCV Foundation, and various local and regional publications. Sally holds a BA in English from James Madison University and began her writing career as a graduate student at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism & Mass Communications. She’s been researching and writing about dogs for Canine Journal since 2015, specializing in dog health articles. But she also has written extensively about dog accessories, pet insurance, training, and many other dog subjects. Her work has appeared in several notable media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entrepreneur, People, Forbes, Huffington Post, and more. Sally has never lived in a home without pets. Now, she and her two daughters, who live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, are proud pet parents of all rescued pets (one dog and four cats). If they had room, there would be many more! They can’t imagine life without a home full of their fun and loving furry companions.

shih tzu dog looking up at a hand holding food

Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Wet, Dry, Puppy, For Allergies & More

Shih Tzus are consistently one of the most popular small dog breeds in the U.S. and a family favorite for their highly affectionate and easy-going temperaments. These low-energy puffballs make perfect lap dogs, but, due to their sedentary nature and some common health issues, ShihTzus have special dietary needs. We explain all the nutritional and feeding requirements for Shih Tzus at every life stage and how specific ingredients can be beneficial for your furbaby’s overall health as well as potential health problems common in this adorable breed. Finally, we’ve researched hundreds of dog food brands and formulas to give you our recommendations for the best wet and dry dog food for Shih Tzus.

Cat and dog on bed (caption: How to Socialize Your Puppy)

Our Expert’s Guide On How To Socialize Your Puppy

You might think it’s wise to wait until your very young puppy gets a little older to start socializing them. Don’t wait! You have a pretty small window of opportunity to socialize your puppy correctly, and ideally, you should start when they are only three weeks old.
So, where do you start? What do you need to know? We’ll answer all your questions about how to socialize your puppy, so he grows up to be a secure social butterfly…

Dog being licked on the ground (caption: Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?)

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?

We’ve all heard the expression “licking one’s wounds” (meaning to recover after defeat or embarrassment). It’s believed that this saying originated hundreds of years ago from people observing animals licking their injuries after a predator’s attack. Have you ever wondered why dogs and other animals lick wounds in the first place? And is it beneficial or harmful to their healing?…

White medicine pills spilling out of bottle on wooden floor with blurred cute Shih tzu dog

9 Best Dog Allergy Supplements: Anti-Itch Chews, Oils, Vitamins & More

Itchy skin and digestive issues are common problems with our pups. And sometimes, allergies or intolerances to environmental or food allergens are to blame. If you suspect your dog’s symptoms are due to allergies, you’re certainly not alone. That’s why the commercial market is flooded with supplements that claim to relieve dog allergies. As with all consumer products, some allergy supplements for dogs are of higher quality and more effective than others. We’ve done our research to weed through your options. We hope you can find allergy relief for your furry friend with one of our top picks.

Dachshund with lump on throat in front of white background

Lymphoma In Dogs: Types, Symptoms, Treatment, Life Expectancy & More

You’re likely familiar with the term lymphoma, a fairly well-known type of cancer that affects many people, especially at younger ages. Unfortunately, our canine companions are also susceptible to this life-threatening cancer. In fact, it’s one of the most common types of cancer in dogs. In our furry friends, lymphoma can develop with minimal or no initial symptoms of illness, yet some forms can spread aggressively if not caught early. We’ll help you learn how to spot early signs, most commonly enlarged lymph nodes, and everything else you should know about this serious disease.

sad dog laying in the grass with leaves

Spleen Cancer In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & More

One of the most common and deadly forms of canine cancer is hemangiosarcoma, a malignant growth of blood vessels that most frequently affects the spleen. While any age, breed, or size can develop this type of spleen cancer, older and larger breeds are more at risk. We share the most important information you need to know about spleen cancer in dogs, including signs, types, treatment options, and outcomes.

Orivet Dog DNA Test (Caption: Orivet Dog DNA Test Review)

Orivet Dog DNA Test Review: Pros, Cons, Pricing, Features & More

While dog DNA testing has come a long way over the last few years to identify mixed breeds and genetic health risks, not all testing kits are created equal. Orivet’s at-home dog DNA tests are some of the most affordable you can find. But do they give you the accuracy and results you want? Find out in our Orivet DNA test review.

Embark DNA Test )Caption: Embark Dog DNA Test)

Embark Dog DNA Test Reviews: Is Your Dog’s Breed A Mystery? (With Our Personal Experience)

Have you been pondering about giving your dog a DNA test but heard that they’re unreliable? You’ll be happy to know, that’s not the case with Embark’s newest at-home dog genetic testing kit. Thanks to recent scientific advances, Embark now offers the most accurate at-home dog DNA test available on the market — for breed identification and genetic health risks. They also sell oral and gut health tests as well as purebred tests. There’s something for every dog owner to learn.

scientist looking at dog dna under a microscope

Best Dog DNA Tests 2023: Embark vs Wisdom Panel vs Ancestry vs DNA My Dog vs Orivet vs EasyDNA & More

Have you been dying to know what breeds make up your one-of-a-kind pup? Are you concerned about certain hereditary diseases your dog might develop one day? DNA dog tests are a fun and informative way to understand who your pooch is and help you develop a better health plan for their future. According to a survey by Wisdom Panel, the primary reason pet owners decide to do a dog DNA test is out of curiosity (56%), followed by a desire to determine and gain a deeper understanding of possible health outcomes.

dog sitting next to dna strands in the background

DNA Testing For Dogs: What You Can Learn, Cost, Accuracy, How They Work & More

We love our dogs regardless of the breed, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to know who Fido’s mom and dad were (and what breed your pup is). With the advent of DNA testing for dogs, finding out your pup’s lineage and breed(s) is now a reality. World DNA Day takes place on April 25 and National DNA Day is an official proclamation in the United States since 2003. A dog DNA test is a fun way to celebrate the holiday while helping to understand your pet better.

Pet pug in a veterinary clinic

Brachycephalic Syndrome In Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & More

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs, such as French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pugs, are among the most popular breeds in the United States. Unfortunately, all of these sweet, smushy-faced pups suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, a genetically inherited condition that compromises their ability to breathe normally. Also called brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) and brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS), this health problem can be mild, moderate, or severe. If you have a flat-faced dog, you should know how to spot the symptoms, which can worsen as your pup ages, treatment options, and ways you can help minimize your dog’s breathing problems with everyday care.

Two dogs laying in the grass

Embrace vs Lemonade: Which Is Your Best Bet For Pet Insurance?

Embrace has a longstanding solid reputation and is known for its extensive coverage and faster-than-average claim payouts. Lemonade is newer to the industry but is already making a name for itself with its unique and speedy Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven claims processing and more affordable premiums. Which provider is better suited for your pet’s unique health needs and your budget? We compare coverage, customer service and reputation, claim processing, pricing, and customizations and explain which company we think is better in most cases. But remember that each pet and household budget varies, so obtaining quotes from multiple companies for your unique situation can help ensure you get the best policy and price to meet your needs.

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