Sally Jones, Researcher/Writer & Editor

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.

grain free dog food on black background (Caption: Grain Free Dog Food)

Best Grain-Free Dog Food & Is It Bad For Your Pup?

Chances are you know at least one person who has gone gluten or grain-free, who cites the benefits of the Paleo Diet or quotes from the bestselling books Wheat Belly and Grain Brain. Grocery stores have made shelf space for gluten-free pastas, crackers, cereals, cookies, and cake mixes and restaurants offer gluten-free pizza and beer to appeal to grain-free customers. But what about our four-legged fur babies? Learn more about the pros of going grain-free and how it can benefit your pup…

Best Grain-Free Dog Food & Is It Bad For Your Pup? Read More »

A dog playing with brain game puzzle.

Brain Games For Dogs: How To Keep Your Pup Mentally Stimulated (And Behaved)

Many dogs were bred for specific jobs, like retrieving, tracking, herding, and guarding. These various instincts have become innate, but today, many dogs don’t satisfy these instincts in their daily lives, becoming bored. Bored dogs can exhibit bad or even destructive behavior.

Does this sound like your furry friend? If so, we’ll give you some ideas to keep your pup mentally stimulated and happy. Learn more about brain games for dogs and how to keep your dog mentally active.

Brain Games For Dogs: How To Keep Your Pup Mentally Stimulated (And Behaved) Read More »

Sad dog laying next to bowl of dog food with sensitive tummy

Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Puppy, Adult, Senior Diets & More

If your pup suffers from ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, including vomiting, loose stools, or flatulence, his dog food could be to blame. Sometimes, a simple change of diet will clear up the symptoms. So, we’ve found some of the best dog food for sensitive stomachs you may want to consider. We also explore what you can do to identify the specific food items that are causing your pup’s symptoms.

Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs: Puppy, Adult, Senior Diets & More Read More »

Plate of chicken and rice (Caption: Chicken & Rice Recipe For Dogs)

Chicken And Rice For Dogs: A Simple Homemade Recipe

For us humans, chicken noodle soup is a go-to when feeling ill. For dogs, many veterinarians suggest feeding your pup chicken and rice to settle an upset stomach. How much chicken and rice should you feed your dog to help him feel better? And how should you cook it? We’ll help you figure out how to help your pup’s ailing tummy with some tips and an easy recipe for boiled chicken and rice for dogs.

Chicken And Rice For Dogs: A Simple Homemade Recipe Read More »

Dog showing it's belly and genitals (Caption: How To Express Dog's Anal Glands)

How To Express Your Dog’s Anal Glands (Plus Causes & Prevention)

It’s not the most pleasant subject to discuss. But hey, you’ve surely dealt with your dog’s puke and potty accidents before, right? And this is for your beloved pup’s comfort after all — and ultimately his health. If your dog suffers from occasional anal gland issues, we’re here to help. Learn how to spot the signs of impacted anal glands, how to express your dog’s anal glands, and what you can do to help prevent frequent blockages. If not taken care of immediately, blocked anal sacs can lead to a severe infection.

How To Express Your Dog’s Anal Glands (Plus Causes & Prevention) Read More »

Dalmatian dog smiling with owner's hands around face

Spot Pet Insurance Review: Should You Consider This New Provider?

Spot Pet Insurance launched in 2019 with impressive coverage and two affordable wellness plans. And the company’s chairman is none other than Cesar Millan from “The Dog Whisperer.” But as a newcomer to an increasingly competitive industry, is Spot worth considering? We take a deep dive into what you can expect from their policies, pricing, claims process, customer service, and more.

Spot Pet Insurance Review: Should You Consider This New Provider? Read More »

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.

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

Lab getting xrayed at vet office (Caption: Dog X-Ray Cost)

How Much Does A Dog X-Ray Cost? And Why Your Dog Might Need One

If your vet has recommended an X-ray for your dog, you’re likely wondering how much it will cost and what to expect with the procedure. X-rays are a fairly low-cost, non-invasive, and painless way for your veterinarian to gather important information to help diagnose your pup’s injury or illness. And in some cases, they can help save your dog’s life.

How Much Does A Dog X-Ray Cost? And Why Your Dog Might Need One Read More »

Retriever pet standing on examination table as a female veterinarian assesses the dogs xrays on a tablet.

Does Pet Insurance Cover X-Rays?

The use of radiography (X-rays) is just as common in veterinary practice as it is in human medicine — and, relatively speaking, just as expensive. Veterinarians regularly use X-rays, as well as other imaging tools (ultrasound, MRI, CT), to diagnose health conditions in our furry friends. Pet insurance may cover X-rays, but it depends on several factors. We’ll explain when X-rays are covered by pet insurance and the reasons your dog may need this crucial diagnostic tool.

Does Pet Insurance Cover X-Rays? Read More »

Man spraying grass in a flowerbed in his yard with weed killer watched by his cute little golden cocker spaniel dog in a high angle view

Is Roundup Safe For Dogs? Should You Use This Popular Weed Killer On Your Lawn?

It’s so challenging as a pet parent to know which household cleaning and lawn-care products are safe to use around our pups. When it comes to lawn and garden care, the health risks for your pets can be quite high and even lethal depending on the products you use. Millions of homeowners and commercial farms use Roundup and other products containing glyphosate. But is Roundup safe for pets? We’ll share the suspected and known health risks, what experts have to say, and much more.

Is Roundup Safe For Dogs? Should You Use This Popular Weed Killer On Your Lawn? Read More »

small dog standing in front of a bowl of natural dog food looking up on wood floor

Best All-Natural Dog Food: Dry, Wet, Fresh, Dehydrated, Freeze-Dried, Raw & More

Dog owners want what’s best for their pet’s health, and for many people that means feeding them an all-natural dog food. The health benefits for dogs eating food without overly-processed ingredients, artificial fillers, and more are the same as for humans. Natural dog food is simply better for your pup. We give you our top picks for the type of dog food you and your pup prefer as well as other premium natural brands to consider.

Best All-Natural Dog Food: Dry, Wet, Fresh, Dehydrated, Freeze-Dried, Raw & More Read More »

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