Sally Jones
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Hey there Rach! Great question, and you’re totally right to be keeping an eye on your pup’s scratching, especially with all the doggy daycare playtime. Yes, dogs can get lice, but it’s not as common as fleas or ticks. Canine lice are species-specific, meaning they only affect dogs and can’t be passed to humans (phew!). There are two types of dog lice, chewing lice and sucking lice. That said, if your Dachshund is suddenly scratching more, it’s a good idea to rule out lice just to be safe.
Here are a few things to look out for:
- Tiny white or yellowish nits (lice eggs) in the fur
- Excessive scratching or biting at the skin
- Dry, rough coat or hair loss in patches
- Scabs or skin irritation from itching
- Hair thinning or loss
If you suspect lice, your vet can confirm with a quick skin check and recommend treatment. Most commonly, they’ll suggest:
- Topical treatments or medicated shampoos
- Spot-on products like fipronil or selamectin (often used for fleas too!)
- Thorough cleaning of bedding, brushes, and toys
See our guide on dog lice to learn more and see some our recommendations for specific treatment products. Since lice aren’t transferable to humans or other pets like cats, there’s no need to panic — but it’s definitely smart to act quickly to keep your pup comfy and itch-free. Hope your little one feels better soon!
Hi BullyBabe, I totally feel for you and Iris — ear infections can be such a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. I don’t have a bully breed but have done extensive research into dog ear infections. There are several things you can do to help prevent recurring ear infections.
- Make sure you clear water out of your dog’s ears after a bath or after playing in a body of water — dry her ears thoroughly after any water activities.
- Clean your dog’s ears regularly using one of these dog ear cleaning solutions.
- Supplements like fish oil or probiotics can help help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
A diet change may help. I have a colleague who had a lot of success switching his dog to a vegan diet to prevent recurring ear infections. A limited-ingredient dog food or one with a diet with a novel protein (one that your dog hasn’t eaten before, like duck, venison, or rabbit) may do the trick. But it’s best to discuss any diet changes with your veterinarian. I hope this helps!
Turmeric can actually be safe for dogs in moderation, and it may offer some benefits, especially for joint support and inflammation. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with conditions like arthritis or joint pain, and may even assist with digestive issues and immune health. For a younger dog, it could potentially act as a preventative for joint issues, especially if your dog is at risk for conditions like IVDD, which is more common in breeds like Dachshunds. That said, it’s always a good idea to talk to your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet.
Some dogs shouldn’t take turmeric, including:
- On blood-thinner medications
- Upcoming surgery (due to blood-thinning properties)
- Kidney disease
- Gall bladder problems
- Iron deficiency
- Pregnant or nursing
When it comes to dosages, it’s best to start small and gradually increase, as too much turmeric can sometimes upset a dog’s stomach. The most effective form for dogs is usually turmeric combined with black pepper and a bit of healthy fat, like coconut oil, which research has shown to significantly improve the body’s aborbtion. However, always check with your vet to make sure you’re using the right form and quantity for your dog’s size and health needs. Be sure to read my comprehensive guide on turmeric for dogs for a DIY recipe, my OTC supplement recommendations, and more information.
I haven’t used DURVET Triple Wormer, but I know most veterinarians recommend a broad-spectrum dewormer. DURVET only offers protection against 3 types (tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms). A good broad-spectrum dewormer protects against these 3 types plus whipworms. While DURVET is an excellent product, you may want to consider Panacur C or Bayer Elanco Chewable Quad Dewormer.
As long as your dog doesn’t have any health issues, it should be find. However, it’s not recommended to give your pup a dewormer without consulting with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for your dog’s specific needs. Be sure to follow dosing instructions carefully and monitor for any adverse reactions. See my article on the best dewormers for dogs to learn more.
It’s great that you’re thinking about both security and your dog’s presence in your home! Many home security systems now offer pet-friendly motion sensors that are designed to ignore the movement of animals under a certain weight, typically around 40-50 pounds. Systems like Frontpoint, Vivant, and SimpliSafe offer motion detectors that can be adjusted or have pet-sensitive settings, so your dog’s movements won’t trigger alarms. I encourage you to read our article on the best home security systems for pet owners to learn more.
Another option is to place the sensors in areas that your dog doesn’t frequently access, like higher up on walls or in corners. This way, they can still cover the entire home without being set off by your furry friend’s movements. Be sure to double-check the system’s pet sensitivity settings before you commit.
When it comes to living in an apartment, some dog breeds are much better suited to smaller spaces than others. Generally, smaller dogs or breeds that don’t need a lot of exercise or space tend to do well. Some great options for apartment living include breeds like the French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or a Shih Tzu. These dogs are usually calm and adaptable, and can be great companions for families with kids.
As for the yappiness, breeds like the Basenji or a Greyhound (yes, they’re surprisingly good for apartments!) tend to be quieter. It’s also important to make sure the dog gets enough playtime and mental stimulation, especially in a smaller space. With the right training and exercise, any of these breeds could be a great fit for your apartment-living family!
Hi Rach,
Great question! The main difference between these animals involves their roles and legal rights. A service dog is specifically trained to assist a person with a disability, like guiding someone with visual impairments, alerting to medical conditions like seizures, or providing trained assistance for people suffering from PTSD. Certified service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), meaning they have the right to accompany their handler (owner) in almost all public places.On the other hand, non-certified therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to people in settings like hospitals or schools, but they’re not necessarily trained to perform specific tasks for an individual’s disability. While they’re incredibly helpful, they don’t have the same legal protections as service dogs and aren’t allowed in all public spaces. Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort to their owners, typically with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, but like therapy dogs, they don’t have the same rights to access all public places unless specified by housing or travel regulations.
So, while all these animals play valuable roles, the key difference lies in their training, purpose, and the legal protections they have. See our article on Service Dogs vs. Therapy Dogs vs. ESA Dogs to learn much more about this confusing topic.
It sounds like Charlie definitely has some strong opinions about car rides! It can be really frustrating when they don’t want to cooperate, especially when you know they’d enjoy the destination. One thing you might try is making the car a more inviting space by gradually desensitizing him to it.
You can start by just sitting in the car with him while it’s parked, offering treats, and creating positive associations. Even if you’re not going anywhere, the car can start to feel like a more relaxed, familiar place over time.
Another idea is to get him involved in the process of getting in. Try using a dog car ramp or a favorite blanket to make the car more comfortable for him, especially if he’s hesitant about jumping in. Positive reinforcement can help a lot too — rewarding him with treats or praise for even small steps in the right direction (like walking towards the car) can slowly encourage him to join you. And, of course, patience is key. Sometimes they just need a little time to feel more comfortable with the whole car experience! Hopefully, with a little persistence, Charlie will start to enjoy those rides with you.
It’s definitely possible that your dog’s head shaking could be related to an ear issue, even if you don’t see any obvious redness or swelling. Dogs sometimes shake their heads when they have something in their ears, like dirt or debris, or if they’re experiencing an ear infection, which might not always show visible signs right away. Allergies can also cause ear discomfort, leading to excessive shaking. Do you clean your dog’s ears regularly? If not, that may help. See my article on the best ear cleaning solutions for dogs.
If this behavior continues or gets worse, it’s a good idea to have a vet take a look. They can check for ear infections, ear mites, or even just buildup of wax, which might be bothering him. In the meantime, keep an eye on any other symptoms, like scratching at the ears, a bad smell, or changes in behavior, as those can help with diagnosing the issue. It’s always better to be safe and get a professional opinion!
I hear you—vet visits for non-emergencies can add up fast! Online vet consultation services can be a great option for minor concerns, general advice, or even getting a second opinion without the hefty in-person exam fee. If your pet has a specific issue, like skin problems or mild GI troubles, an online vet can give guidance on treatment options or what to watch for before heading to the clinic. They won’t replace hands-on care, but they can help you decide if a clinic visit is really necessary.
See our reviews of the best online veterinarian services for some of our top recommendations. Many offer chat, text, and video sessions with variable prices and availability. But they are more affordable than an in-person vet visit. I hope this helps!
Hi Rach,
The whole “alpha dog” idea actually comes from outdated research on captive wolves back in the 1940s. Those studies, which looked at unrelated wolves forced to live together, showed a lot of dominance struggles. But later research on wild wolves—like David Mech’s 1999 study—found that real wolf packs are more like families, with parents guiding their young instead of fighting for dominance. Even more importantly, dogs aren’t wolves. Studies show they don’t form strict pack hierarchies at all (Bradshaw et al., 2009). So trying to be the “alpha” doesn’t really make sense for training a pet dog.
Modern research backs positive reinforcement training over dominance-based methods. Studies show that harsh corrections, like leash jerks or alpha rolls, can actually make dogs more fearful or aggressive (Herron et al., 2009). On the flip side, reward-based training builds trust and results in better long-term behavior (Hiby et al., 2004). So next time your relatives tell you to “assert dominance,” you can hit them with the science: treating dogs with patience and positive reinforcement isn’t being soft—it’s actually the best way to train them.
Here are some links to back it up:
Hi Rach,
That’s awesome that your daughter is starting a dog walking business! Yes, professional dog walkers should absolutely have liability insurance—it helps protect them if anything unexpected happens while caring for a client’s dog. Most policies cover injuries to the dogs in their care, injuries caused by the dog (like if they bite someone while on a walk), and property damage claims against them.You’ll also want to look into bonding, which is a type of insurance that protects your customers against any losses caused by the contractor (the walker). Also called employee dishonesty insurance, bonding protects clients from financial losses due to theft or fraud by the pet walker or their employees. Purchasing a pet-sitting bond is an excellent business practice. It helps assure potential clients that you’re trustworthy and you won’t abuse your access to their home or the well-being of a family member.
I recommend Pet Care Insurance, but there are several options out there. If she plans to use an app like Rover or Wag, they provide some coverage, but it’s usually limited, so having her own policy is a smart move. It might also be worth checking if local laws require insurance and bonding for dog walkers in your area.
Check out my guide on dog walking insurance and bonding to learn more. Best of luck with her new business!
Hi Fire Dan, Finding safe and tasty treats for a diabetic dog can be tricky! Since keeping blood sugar stable is the main goal, I’d recommend sticking with low-carb, high-protein options. Some great choices include:
- Lean meats (boiled chicken, turkey, or even freeze-dried meat treats)
- Low-glycemic veggies like green beans, cucumber slices, or zucchini
- Small amounts of berries (like blueberries or raspberries) if your vet says fruit is okay
- Homemade treats using ingredients like pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) or coconut flour
If you prefer store-bought options, look for treats high in lean protein, low in fat and calories, and avoid ones with fillers like corn, wheat, or sugary additives. I’ve heard some diabetic dog owners swear by single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried chicken or salmon. See my reviews of the best treats for diabetic dogs for some specific product recommendations and other tips about giving your diabetic dog treats.
Also, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet before introducing anything new, just to make sure it fits your pup’s specific needs. Hope this helps!
Hi Batdad, First, it’s important to know that these companies only test for intolerances or sensitivities rather than IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergic reactions. Most at-home dog allergy tests use hair strand analysis to determine food or environmental items that could be causing your pup’s symptoms. There’s no scientific evidence that this method is accurate. However, some of these tests (5 Strands and My Pet Health Store) get many positive reviews from customers.
Nutriscan uses saliva analysis that measures antibodies to 24 primary foods, and their testing method showed promising results in two clinical trials. The drawback with Nutriscan is that it’s limited to few foods and no environmental factors and it’s very expensive. I encourage you to read my article on the best at-home dog allergy tests to learn more. I hope this helps!
That’s so exciting – German Shepherds are incredible dogs! Their grooming needs depend a bit on their coat length, but whether they have a short or long coat, all have a thick undercoat. And they shed a lot. A good de-shedding tool and slicker brush are must-haves to manage their double coat, especially during shedding season. If your pup ends up with a longer coat, a metal comb will help prevent tangles and mats, particularly around the ears and hind legs.
German Shepherds need brushing at least three times every week (and daily during your dog’s twice-yearly shedding periods that occur in the spring and fall) to keep their coat healthy and reduce fur tumbleweeds around your home. You’ll also need to bathe your pup every 2-3 months with a mild dog shampoo. I recommend an anti-shedding shampoo for GSDs.
Other essentials: nail clippers or a grinder and ear-cleaning wipes to prevent infections. And don’t forget to brush your GSD’s teeth regularly to avoid dental disease. See our grooming tips for more information. I hope you enjoy your new furry family member!
