Care

Responsibly caring for your canine friend is imperative to their health, behavior, sanity, and quality of life. This is why we have devoted so much energy to covering a wide range of topics to help you be prepared for a long and wonderful life together!

Our experts include guides on grooming, puppies, travel, household, adoption, and resources. We aim to encompass all the dimensions of care your pup and you might need.

10 Best Family Guard Dogs That Are Fierce… And Full Of Love

10 Best Family Guard Dogs That Are Fierce… And Full Of Love

At 2 a.m., when the back gate creaked open, Luna, a 90-pound Bullmastiff, was already at the door. Calm but…
Looking for the Best Family Dogs? These Breeds Check Every Box

Looking for the Best Family Dogs? These Breeds Check Every Box

The best family dogs aren’t just cute faces, fuzzy cuddles, and wagging tails. They’re patient playmates, snack-time shadows, and loyal…
Male vs Female Dogs: Who’s Smarter, Calmer, More Loyal?

Male vs Female Dogs: Who’s Smarter, Calmer, More Loyal?

Think a dog’s personality is just about breed? Try living with a drama queen Chihuahua or a golden retriever who…
How Old Is My Dog In Human Years? Dog Years Chart By Size

How Old Is My Dog In Human Years? Dog Years Chart By Size

You've likely heard the adage that 1 year for a dog is equal to 7 human years. Well, we did…
10 Things Many Dog Owners Wish They’d Known Before Adopting

10 Things Many Dog Owners Wish They’d Known Before Adopting

Adopting a dog is exciting, but the reality can be full of surprises. From choosing the right companion to navigating…
13 Easy Ways To Make Dog Walks More Fun (Without Walking Farther)

13 Easy Ways To Make Dog Walks More Fun (Without Walking Farther)

Your dog's daily walk doesn't have to be longer to be more rewarding. From letting them follow their nose to…
The 15 Easiest Dogs To Live With As You Get Older (Ranked By Lifestyle)

The 15 Easiest Dogs To Live With As You Get Older (Ranked By Lifestyle)

The later years of life can be lonely for some people. Finding a furry companion may be just the thing…
Your Dog Is Clean. So Why Does Your House Still Smell Like Dog?

Your Dog Is Clean. So Why Does Your House Still Smell Like Dog?

You might be nose-blind to your own house, but your visitors certainly aren't! From surprisingly smelly everyday habits to overlooked…
Hot Dog Problems: How To Cool Your Pup Down Before They’re Fully Cooked

Hot Dog Problems: How To Cool Your Pup Down Before They’re Fully Cooked

Your dog’s not being dramatic. They're overheating. When they're panting like a busted fan and flopped on the kitchen tile…
Is Your Dog Begging To Pee? Here’s How Long They Can Actually Hold It

Is Your Dog Begging To Pee? Here’s How Long They Can Actually Hold It

Have you ever had your dog stare deep into your soul while you’re stuck in a meeting, silently pleading for…
8 Everyday Sounds Your Dog Hears That You Probably Don’t

8 Everyday Sounds Your Dog Hears That You Probably Don’t

Your house might seem perfectly quiet, but your dog could be hearing an entire world of sounds you never notice.…
Maltese Dog Haircuts: 11 Cute Cuts & How To Choose

Maltese Dog Haircuts: 11 Cute Cuts & How To Choose

Maltese dog haircuts can transform your pup from fluffy cloud to tiny supermodel in a single visit. This guide breaks…
Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers? A Hairy Situation You Shouldn’t Cut Short

Why Do Dogs Have Whiskers? A Hairy Situation You Shouldn’t Cut Short

Have you ever taken your dog to the groomer and noticed that his whiskers were gone after the service? Your…
Senior Dog Care: 7 Signs of Aging & 8 Ways to Help

Senior Dog Care: 7 Signs of Aging & 8 Ways to Help

As your dog gets older, you may notice subtle changes in their daily routine. They might sleep more, slow down…
When Do Dogs Stop Growing? 6 Months, 1 Year & Beyond

When Do Dogs Stop Growing? 6 Months, 1 Year & Beyond

When do dogs stop growing? It depends largely on their size. Small dogs may reach full height within a year,…
How To Potty Train Your Puppy: 7 Steps That Work

How To Potty Train Your Puppy: 7 Steps That Work

Housebreaking a puppy can be stressful, but it's also a great bonding experience for you and your pup. Just remember…
My Dog Just Ate My Sock! What Should I Do Now?

My Dog Just Ate My Sock! What Should I Do Now?

If your dog ate a sock, don’t assume it will pass on its own. Learn what to do first, warning…
What Should You Leave On For Your Dog Home Alone? TV, Music, Or Silence

What Should You Leave On For Your Dog Home Alone? TV, Music, Or Silence

Not sure what to leave on for your dog when you’re away? Compare TV, music, white noise, and silence, plus…
How To Stop Your Puppy From Chewing Everything: 6 Practical Tips

How To Stop Your Puppy From Chewing Everything: 6 Practical Tips

Is your puppy chewing everything in sight? Learn why puppies chew and how to redirect destructive chewing with puppy-proofing, appropriate…
The Right Time To Stop Feeding Puppy Food Isn’t What Most Owners Think

The Right Time To Stop Feeding Puppy Food Isn’t What Most Owners Think

Your puppy won’t stay a tiny food-obsessed goblin forever — even if they still act like meals are a competitive…
Playdate or Parvo? When Can Puppies Be Around Other Dogs?

Playdate or Parvo? When Can Puppies Be Around Other Dogs?

You’ve got a wiggly little ball of energy at home, and they’re dying to meet every dog and person they…
Best Shampoo For Yorkies: 6 Top Picks For Puppies, Sensitive Skin, Allergies & More

Best Shampoo For Yorkies: 6 Top Picks For Puppies, Sensitive Skin, Allergies & More

.Looking for the best shampoo for your Yorkie? Sensitive skin is a major concern for many owners — and with…
How To Get Rid Of Dog Smell In Your Home

How To Get Rid Of Dog Smell In Your Home

Let’s face it: Dogs smell. Even the cleanest, best-groomed pup can leave behind a lingering canine scent that settles into…
Pet Prenups Explained: Who Gets The Dog After A Breakup?

Pet Prenups Explained: Who Gets The Dog After A Breakup?

Breakups are hard enough. When a dog is involved, things get even more complicated. Learn how pet prenups work, what…
Do Dog Potty Training Sprays Work? How They Help & Our Top Picks

Do Dog Potty Training Sprays Work? How They Help & Our Top Picks

Potty training sprays can help guide dogs toward the right bathroom spot, but they are not a magic fix. Learn…
From Tangles To Shine: 5 Best Brushes For Yorkies

From Tangles To Shine: 5 Best Brushes For Yorkies

Yorkies are small in size but big on coat care. That long, silky hair is what makes them so eye-catching…
(Are You Cleaning Your Frenchie’s Ears Too Much—Or Not Enough?)

(Are You Cleaning Your Frenchie’s Ears Too Much—Or Not Enough?)

Learn why it's important to keep your French Bulldog's ears clean and healthy to prevent infections. We walk you through…
6 Best Brushes For Labrador Retrievers: Groom Smarter, Not Harder

6 Best Brushes For Labrador Retrievers: Groom Smarter, Not Harder

Labrador Retrievers need a lot of brushing. This big breed has a double coat of soft, thick fur and will…
Puppy Teething Survival Guide: What’s Normal, What’s Not & What Actually Helps

Puppy Teething Survival Guide: What’s Normal, What’s Not & What Actually Helps

That relentless chewing? It’s not bad behavior. It’s biology. As a veterinarian, I’ve seen just how intense the teething phase…
5 Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them in a Way They Actually Understand

5 Ways To Show Your Dog You Love Them in a Way They Actually Understand

Dogs do not measure love the way we do. They feel it in routine, touch, care, play, and the quiet…
The Truth About English Bulldog Shedding (And How To Deal With It)

The Truth About English Bulldog Shedding (And How To Deal With It)

Think English Bulldogs don’t shed because their fur is short? That’s adorable… kind of like thinking your toddler won’t make…
Huffing, Puffing & Panting: What’s Behind Your Dog’s Heavy Breathing?

Huffing, Puffing & Panting: What’s Behind Your Dog’s Heavy Breathing?

Is your dog having trouble breathing? Or maybe he's panting more than usual? Veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan helps you understand why…
Butt Ballet: Why Your Dog Is Pirouetting Across The Carpet (and How To Stop The Scooting)

Butt Ballet: Why Your Dog Is Pirouetting Across The Carpet (and How To Stop The Scooting)

From blocked anal glands to itchy skin, there are many reasons your dog might be performing a full-on butt ballet…
Pawsitively Perfect: 10 Tail-Wagging Summer Activities For Dogs

Pawsitively Perfect: 10 Tail-Wagging Summer Activities For Dogs

This summer, let’s flip the script with some amazing and easy summer activities for dogs. The sun’s out, the kids…
Dog Ate a Poinsettia? Here’s What Vets Actually Say About It

Dog Ate a Poinsettia? Here’s What Vets Actually Say About It

Your dog just ate your Christmas poinsettia, and now you’re Googling in full panic mode. You’ve heard poinsettias are poisonous…
Dog Teeth Cleaning: What Actually Matters (And What Most Owners Skip)

Dog Teeth Cleaning: What Actually Matters (And What Most Owners Skip)

Does your dog hate getting their teeth brushed? Check out these 10 different DIY alternatives to using a toothbrush to…
German Shepherd Shedding: Why There’s Fur Everywhere (And What Actually Helps)

German Shepherd Shedding: Why There’s Fur Everywhere (And What Actually Helps)

Trying to figure out how much German Shepherds shed? Learn all about their shedding frequency and management before you welcome…
How Much Do Chihuahuas Shed? More Than Their Size Should Legally Allow

How Much Do Chihuahuas Shed? More Than Their Size Should Legally Allow

Think your tiny Chihuahua can’t possibly shed that much? Yeah, right! Prepare to meet the fur your couch already knows…
Do Maltese Shed? Yes… Just Not How You Expect It

Do Maltese Shed? Yes… Just Not How You Expect It

Thinking that the Maltese might be the perfect dog for your family, but want to make sure they don't shed…
Yorkies Don’t Shed Like You Think — Here’s What Actually Happens

Yorkies Don’t Shed Like You Think — Here’s What Actually Happens

Adopting a Yorkie? You likely might be drawn to them for their limited shedding reputation. But how much do Yorkies…
Pug Shedding Explained: How Much Fur These Little Dogs Really Lose

Pug Shedding Explained: How Much Fur These Little Dogs Really Lose

So how much do Pugs shed? You are likely asking yourself this question if you are considering adopting a Pug.…
Do Labs Shed? Why Labrador Coat Blowout Season Feels So Intense (And What To Do)

Do Labs Shed? Why Labrador Coat Blowout Season Feels So Intense (And What To Do)

Do Labs shed? Oh, only constantly. If you’ve got a Labrador, you’ve got fur on your floors, clothes, pillows, and…
6 Best Dog Shampoos For Pitbulls With Sensitive Skin, Allergies, Odors & More

6 Best Dog Shampoos For Pitbulls With Sensitive Skin, Allergies, Odors & More

There are an estimated 3.6 million Pitbulls in the U.S., not counting the many mixes with that signature smile and…
How To Reduce Dog Shedding Without Going Fur-Crazy

How To Reduce Dog Shedding Without Going Fur-Crazy

You love your dog. But the tumbleweeds of fur under your couch? Not so much. If you're finding hair on…
Why Is My Dog Acting Like a Nervous Teen? 8 Reasons They’re Chewing Their Nails

Why Is My Dog Acting Like a Nervous Teen? 8 Reasons They’re Chewing Their Nails

When dogs start biting their nails it can cause owners to be concerned. Is this behavior normal? Why do dogs…
Age-Appropriate Dog Duties: Teaching Kids To Care, One Job At A Time

Age-Appropriate Dog Duties: Teaching Kids To Care, One Job At A Time

I’ll never forget the day my five-year-old decided he was ready for “real” dog duties and marched our 25-pound Labrador…
How Old Is My Dog? Tips On How To Tell A Dog’s Age

How Old Is My Dog? Tips On How To Tell A Dog’s Age

Your rescue dog came with a name, a leash, and a guess at their age—but how accurate is that guess?…
Is Roundup Safe for Dogs? What Pet Owners Need to Know

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,…
When To Put A Dog Down: 6 Gut-Wrenching Signs It’s Time To Say Goodbye

When To Put A Dog Down: 6 Gut-Wrenching Signs It’s Time To Say Goodbye

Your dog won’t cry, but they will tell you when they’re ready. Maybe they’re still eating. Maybe they wag when…