Sally Jones

Sally has over 25 years of professional research, writing, and editing experience. Since joining Canine Journal (CJ) in 2015, she has researched and tested hundreds of dog accessories, services, and dog foods. In addition, she brings decades of experience in health sciences writing and communications and is the CJ resident expert on canine health issues. Sally holds a BA in English from James Madison University and an MA from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism & Mass Communications. Her work has appeared in several notable media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entrepreneur, People, Forbes, and Huffington Post. Sally is currently a pet parent to a rescue dog, Tiny, and three rescue cats.
Why Do Dogs Not Like Certain People? Discover What Your Dog Might Be Sensing
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Not Like Certain People? Discover What Your Dog Might Be Sensing

Do dogs pick favorites? Absolutely — and while many pups form strong bonds with one person in the household, they’re…
10 Common Border Collie Health Issues Every Owner Should Know
Conditions

10 Common Border Collie Health Issues Every Owner Should Know

From sudden limping to seizures and hidden genetic risks, here are the most common Border Collie health issues and what…
Best Companion Dog Breeds: 24 Loyal Lovebugs Built For Closeness
Breeds

Best Companion Dog Breeds: 24 Loyal Lovebugs Built For Closeness

While some dogs were bred to herd, guard, or hunt, others were simply made to love (with other traits, of…
Think A Pet Savings Account Is Enough? The Math Says Otherwise
Pet Insurance

Think A Pet Savings Account Is Enough? The Math Says Otherwise

A few hundred dollars saved. A multi-thousand-dollar vet bill. Here’s why “just saving” doesn’t always work the way people expect.
12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person
Behavior

12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person

You know that feeling when you stand up, and your dog stands up, too. You walk to the kitchen, and…
7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!
Behavior

7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!

There’s nothing more heart-melting than watching your dog sleep—until they suddenly look like a tangled pile of misplaced limbs. One…
59% of Dogs Struggle with This—Does Yours?
Wellness

59% of Dogs Struggle with This—Does Yours?

You might find fat dogs adorable for their roly-poly appearance, but obesity is a serious health threat for dogs and…
Does Your Dog Eat Like A Furry Vacuum? 8 Genius Hacks To Slow Them Down!
Food

Does Your Dog Eat Like A Furry Vacuum? 8 Genius Hacks To Slow Them Down!

If your dog eats so fast that you barely have time to blink before the bowl is empty, you’re not…
Why Is My Dog Acting Starving All Of A Sudden?
Conditions

Why Is My Dog Acting Starving All Of A Sudden?

Your dog just ate… so why are they acting starving? From normal reasons like activity and behavior to medical causes,…
New Puppy? You’ve Got 12 Weeks To Get Puppy Socialization Right
Puppies

New Puppy? You’ve Got 12 Weeks To Get Puppy Socialization Right

Your puppy’s brain is on a timer. And if you miss the next few weeks, you might raise a dog…
Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Chihuahua Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Conditions

Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Chihuahua Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their personalities are anything but — bold, opinionated, and intensely loyal to their people. That…
Is Roundup Safe for Dogs? What Pet Owners Need to Know
Household

Is Roundup Safe for Dogs? What Pet Owners Need to Know

Roundup can pose a risk to dogs, especially during and shortly after application. This guide explains the symptoms of exposure,…
Why Do Doodles Look Like Tiny People In A Dog Suit?
Mixed Breeds

Why Do Doodles Look Like Tiny People In A Dog Suit?

Ever feel like a Doodle is about to respond to you? There’s a surprising reason these dogs can seem so…
Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What Actually Helps Fast
Wellness

Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What Actually Helps Fast

Looking for home remedies for fleas on dogs? Here’s what may help fast, what to avoid, and how to stop…
Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”

Dogs covering their face with a paw can look adorable, dramatic, or slightly suspicious, depending on the timing. Most of…
Flea Eggs On Dogs Exposed: What They Look Like & How To Kill Them
Conditions

Flea Eggs On Dogs Exposed: What They Look Like & How To Kill Them

Think you’ve beaten a flea infestation? If you haven’t tackled the flea eggs, you’re only halfway there. These nearly invisible…
8 Everyday Household Items That Can Lead To A $3,000 Vet Bill
Pet Insurance

8 Everyday Household Items That Can Lead To A $3,000 Vet Bill

The laundry basket, kitchen trash, and coffee table may look harmless, but to your dog, they’re a buffet. These common…
Is Your Doodle At Risk? 10 Common Labradoodle Health Issues
Health

Is Your Doodle At Risk? 10 Common Labradoodle Health Issues

From allergies and ear infections to hip dysplasia and bloat, Labradoodles can face several health challenges. Here are the most…
Is Your Senior Dog Acting Strange? These Could Be Early Signs Of Dog Dementia
Conditions

Is Your Senior Dog Acting Strange? These Could Be Early Signs Of Dog Dementia

Perhaps you’ve already noticed it. Your senior pup stands in the hallway staring at a wall or forgets which door…
Busy Schedule? These 20 Dog Breeds Handle It Best
Breeds

Busy Schedule? These 20 Dog Breeds Handle It Best

Being busy doesn’t mean you can’t have a happy, well-adjusted dog. These 20 breeds tend to adapt best to full-time…
The Emergency Room Mistake 90% Of Dog Owners Make — And Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late
Pet Insurance

The Emergency Room Mistake 90% Of Dog Owners Make — And Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late

When your dog ends up in the emergency room, the hardest moment often isn’t the diagnosis — it’s the estimate.…
Which Dog Breeds Handle Being Home Alone The Best?
Breeds

Which Dog Breeds Handle Being Home Alone The Best?

Leaving a dog home alone all day can feel uncomfortable, even when everything else is going well. The routine works.…
Adopting Two Puppies Together Sounds Perfect. Here’s The Part No One Talks About.
Behavior

Adopting Two Puppies Together Sounds Perfect. Here’s The Part No One Talks About.

Two puppies sound twice as fun, but raising littermates can come with unexpected challenges. Here’s what littermate syndrome really is…
10 Common Cocker Spaniel Health Problems: What Every Owner Should Know Before Issues Start
Conditions

10 Common Cocker Spaniel Health Problems: What Every Owner Should Know Before Issues Start

From allergies and ear infections to eye, heart, and liver disease, Cocker Spaniels are prone to several health concerns. Learn…
The 20 Happiest Dog Breeds (Did Yours Make The List?)
Breeds

The 20 Happiest Dog Breeds (Did Yours Make The List?)

Certain dogs greet every day like it’s a celebration. Discover 20 of the happiest dog breeds and what fuels their…
6 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking At Other Dogs (And How To Help)
Behavior

6 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking At Other Dogs (And How To Help)

You’re walking your dog when it happens: another pup appears, and suddenly your calm companion turns into a barking machine.…
Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face
Behavior

Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face

You lean down and, before you know it, your dog’s tongue is all over your face. Sound familiar? Whether it’s…
What Dogs Bark The Least? 24 Surprisingly Quiet Breeds
Breeds

What Dogs Bark The Least? 24 Surprisingly Quiet Breeds

Some dogs bark at the mailman. Others bark at leaves, the wind, or their own reflection. And then there are…
Is Your Dog In Silent Pain? How To Spot & Treat Arthritis Before It’s Too Late
Conditions

Is Your Dog In Silent Pain? How To Spot & Treat Arthritis Before It’s Too Late

Dog arthritis isn’t just about sore joints; it’s a progressive condition that can quietly chip away at your pet’s mobility,…
What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?
Behavior

What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?

Dogs don’t choose favorite toys at random. The toy your dog fixates on often reflects how they handle excitement, comfort,…
Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Boston Terrier Health Issues
Conditions

Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Boston Terrier Health Issues

Boston Terriers pack a lot of personality into a small, sturdy body. They’re playful, people-focused, and incredibly lovable, but they’re…
Iams vs Pedigree: Which Dog Food Is Better For Your Pup?
Food

Iams vs Pedigree: Which Dog Food Is Better For Your Pup?

Choosing between Iams and Pedigree often feels like a toss-up. Both brands are affordable, easy to find, and marketed as…
Meet The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: The New AKC Breed Everyone’s Curious About
Breeds

Meet The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: The New AKC Breed Everyone’s Curious About

Curious about this new AKC-recognized breed? The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier blends terrier instincts with a surprisingly steady personality. Here’s what…
Your Dog’s Stare Is A Message. Are You Reading It Right?
Behavior

Your Dog’s Stare Is A Message. Are You Reading It Right?

You feel it before you see it — that unmistakable weight of canine attention. You glance up, and there it…
Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On
Behavior

Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On

Sound familiar? Your dog ignores commands they clearly understand, pushes past you through doorways, and seems perfectly comfortable deciding how…
Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You
Behavior

Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You

If I so much as scratch another dog behind the ears, my own pup, Tiny, materializes out of nowhere and…
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? And How To Stop This Nasty Habit
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? And How To Stop This Nasty Habit

As if dog vomit isn’t already enough to turn an owner’s stomach, what about those precious pooches who consider their…
Does Pet Insurance Cover Behavioral Or Physical Therapy?
Pet Insurance

Does Pet Insurance Cover Behavioral Or Physical Therapy?

Our furry friends experience many of the same health issues as us owners, and pet insurance is a fantastic way…
From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs
Behavior

From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs

Most of the time, when you see an aggressive dog, he was not born that way. An owner of this…
How To Prepare Your Dog For Your New Baby
Household

How To Prepare Your Dog For Your New Baby

Bringing your newborn home? Your dog might not be as thrilled as you think. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean disaster…
What Is Reverse Sneezing In Dogs? (And How To Stop It)
Conditions

What Is Reverse Sneezing In Dogs? (And How To Stop It)

One of our nicknames for our family dog is Mr. Piggy because he has these strange snorting spells that come…
Why Dogs Reverse Sneeze (And The Home Remedies Owners Swear By)
Conditions

Why Dogs Reverse Sneeze (And The Home Remedies Owners Swear By)

Reverse sneezing can sound alarming, but it’s usually harmless. Learn what triggers it, how to stop an episode at home,…
Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely
Behavior

Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely

Resource guarding isn’t about dominance or defiance. It’s a response to perceived risk. This guide explains why dogs guard food,…
How To Teach A Dog To Sit Using The Ancient Art Of Butt Placement
Training

How To Teach A Dog To Sit Using The Ancient Art Of Butt Placement

Yes, there’s an ancient method for getting your dog’s furry butt on the floor, and it’s surprisingly effective. And it's…
How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public
Training

How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public

Yelled “Come!”, but got a tail flick and a disappearing butt instead? You’re not alone. Here’s how to teach a…
When Your Dog Ignores You: What’s Really Going On
Behavior

When Your Dog Ignores You: What’s Really Going On

If your dog listens sometimes and tunes you out other times, it’s easy to wonder what changed. In most cases,…
Can Dogs Smell Fear? Science Explains How Dogs Sense Human Emotions
Behavior

Can Dogs Smell Fear? Science Explains How Dogs Sense Human Emotions

Your dog stiffens before you even realize you’re nervous. Your palms sweat, your heart rate rises, and suddenly your pup…
Sick Dog Symptoms: 10 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Conditions

Sick Dog Symptoms: 10 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

You know your dog better than anyone. So when they move more slowly than usual, skip a meal, or just…
How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating? The Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Health

How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating? The Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

There’s nothing more unsettling than watching your dog turn her nose up at her food bowl, especially when mealtime is…